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10 Best Film Cameras 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Hasselblad 907X Anniversary Edition Kit

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,188
Camera Type

Most important from
1 reviews

Camera Type
Easy to operate and a joy to use, making it accessible even for those new to medium format cameras.

The Hasselblad 907X Anniversary Edition Kit is a premium film camera that stands out with its medium format 50MP CMOS sensor, ensuring high-quality, detailed images. It captures both 16-bit RAW images and full-resolution JPEGs, providing flexibility for photographers who value image quality. The dynamic range of up to 14 stops allows for capturing scenes with a wide range of light and shadow details, making it ideal for professional use.

The camera's compatibility with the XCD 30mm f/3.5 lens offers versatility and excellent performance for various shooting scenarios. The inclusion of an optical viewfinder and control grip enhances user experience by providing more intuitive controls and comfortable handling. Additionally, the kit comes with various accessories, such as lens shades, protective pouches, and multiple cables, which add value.

However, the camera’s relatively heavy weight (6.3 pounds) and larger dimensions (11.22 x 11.22 x 4.92 inches) might make it less portable and convenient for on-the-go shooting. The automatic exposure control may not appeal to photographers who prefer manual settings for greater creative control. While it is a limited edition, adding a unique touch, the high price point could be a barrier for casual users. This camera is best suited for professional photographers and serious hobbyists who prioritize image quality and build robustness over portability and cost.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,188
Camera Type

Most important from
1 reviews

Camera Type
Easy to operate and a joy to use, making it accessible even for those new to medium format cameras.
#2

Leica MP 0.72 Silver Compact 35mm Rangefinder Camera Body with 0.72x Viewfinder Magnification

Rating
8.2
Camera Type
Build Quality
Viewfinder Type

Most important from
1 reviews

Camera Type
It may seem crazy to own a film camera in the digital age, but the Leica MP 0.72 is too beautiful to let go.
Build Quality
The Leica MP 0.72 is beautifully and impeccably made, handling like a dream with its mechanical marvel.
Viewfinder Type
The view through the rangefinder window is thrilling, and the smooth shutter advance adds to the tactile experience.

The Leica MP 0.72 Silver Compact 35mm Rangefinder Camera is a high-quality option for photography enthusiasts who appreciate the tactile experience of film. Its compact 35mm format makes it a versatile choice for various photography styles, and the manual exposure control offers precise control over your shots, which is ideal for those who enjoy experimenting with different settings. The camera's build quality is solid, thanks to Leica's reputation for durable and reliable construction. The 0.72x viewfinder magnification provides a clear and bright view, making it easier to compose your shots accurately.

Additionally, the camera is compatible with a wide range of Leica M lenses, allowing for flexibility in focal lengths and lens types, from 21mm to 135mm, including high-performance lenses with fast apertures like f/1. This compatibility is a significant advantage for photographers who already own or plan to invest in Leica lenses. One of the standout features is the camera's quiet and vibration-free operation, which is crucial for candid and street photography.

However, the Leica MP 0.72 is entirely manual, which might be a drawback for beginners or those accustomed to automatic settings. The high-quality build and premium features come at a price, making it a considerable investment. Weighing 1.3 pounds and featuring a compact design, it is portable but still requires a level of care in handling. The camera also comes with a neck strap and a battery, adding some convenience. The camera's classic design and robust features make it an excellent choice for traditionalists and serious hobbyists who value the art of manual photography.

Rating
8.2
Camera Type
Build Quality
Viewfinder Type

Most important from
1 reviews

Camera Type
It may seem crazy to own a film camera in the digital age, but the Leica MP 0.72 is too beautiful to let go.
Build Quality
The Leica MP 0.72 is beautifully and impeccably made, handling like a dream with its mechanical marvel.
Viewfinder Type
The view through the rangefinder window is thrilling, and the smooth shutter advance adds to the tactile experience.
#3

Leica 10371 M-A (Typ 127) Camera (Silver)

The Leica 10371 M-A (Typ 127) Camera is a high-quality, fully mechanical film camera that appeals to traditional photography enthusiasts. One of its standout features is its build quality, with an enclosed all-metal body and chrome brass top and bottom covers, ensuring durability and a nostalgic feel. The camera uses 35mm film format, which is widely available and offers a classic photographic experience. It is compatible with Leica M-mount lenses, giving users a range of high-quality lens options to choose from, though it does not come with a built-in flash.

The exposure control is manual, allowing photographers to have complete control over aperture and shutter speed, making it ideal for artistic and experimental photography. However, it may not be the best choice for beginners due to the lack of automatic features and the necessity to understand manual settings. The viewfinder is optical with a magnification of 0.72, providing a clear and traditional shooting experience. The camera's shutter speed ranges from 1 second to 1/1000th of a second, with a bulb mode for long exposures, which is great for low-light conditions and creative shots.

The Leica 10371 M-A does not have digital features like a color screen or movie mode, focusing purely on the art of still photography. Its lack of water resistance and absence of built-in flash could be seen as drawbacks, depending on the user's needs. This camera is best suited for professional photographers, photography students, and enthusiasts who appreciate the fundamentals of traditional film photography.

Buying Guide for the Best Film Cameras

Choosing the right film camera can be a rewarding experience, especially if you appreciate the art and nostalgia of analog photography. When selecting a film camera, it's important to consider several key specifications that will impact your photography experience. Understanding these specs will help you find a camera that fits your needs and preferences, whether you're a beginner or an experienced photographer.
Camera TypeFilm cameras come in various types, including point-and-shoot, SLR (single-lens reflex), and rangefinder cameras. Point-and-shoot cameras are compact and easy to use, making them ideal for beginners or casual photographers. SLR cameras offer more control over settings and interchangeable lenses, which is great for those who want to experiment with different photography styles. Rangefinder cameras are known for their precision and are often favored by street photographers. Choose a camera type based on your level of experience and the kind of photography you want to pursue.
Film FormatFilm format refers to the size of the film that the camera uses. The most common formats are 35mm, medium format, and large format. 35mm film is widely available and versatile, making it a popular choice for most photographers. Medium format film offers higher resolution and better image quality, which is ideal for professional work or fine art photography. Large format film provides the highest quality but requires more specialized equipment and is less portable. Consider the availability of film and your desired image quality when choosing a film format.
Lens CompatibilityLens compatibility is crucial if you plan to use different lenses for various photography styles. Some film cameras have fixed lenses, while others allow you to interchange lenses. SLR cameras typically offer the most flexibility with interchangeable lenses, while point-and-shoot cameras usually have fixed lenses. If you want to experiment with different focal lengths and effects, choose a camera with interchangeable lenses. Otherwise, a fixed-lens camera might be sufficient for general photography.
Exposure ControlExposure control determines how much light reaches the film, affecting the brightness and quality of your photos. Cameras can have manual, automatic, or semi-automatic exposure control. Manual control allows you to adjust settings like shutter speed and aperture, giving you full creative control. Automatic exposure is convenient for beginners, as the camera adjusts settings for you. Semi-automatic modes offer a balance, letting you control some settings while the camera handles others. Choose the level of exposure control based on your comfort with adjusting camera settings and your desire for creative control.
Build QualityBuild quality refers to the materials and construction of the camera. A well-built camera is more durable and can withstand regular use and various shooting conditions. Metal-bodied cameras are generally more robust than plastic ones, but they can be heavier. Consider how and where you plan to use the camera. If you need a rugged camera for outdoor adventures, prioritize build quality. For casual or indoor use, a lighter, less durable camera might be sufficient.
Viewfinder TypeThe viewfinder is the part of the camera you look through to compose your shot. There are optical viewfinders, electronic viewfinders, and LCD screens. Optical viewfinders, found in SLR and rangefinder cameras, provide a clear, real-time view of the scene. Electronic viewfinders and LCD screens, more common in modern cameras, can offer additional information like exposure settings but may have a slight lag. Choose a viewfinder type based on your preference for real-time viewing and additional information.
Metering SystemThe metering system measures the light in a scene to help determine the correct exposure settings. Common metering modes include center-weighted, spot, and matrix metering. Center-weighted metering averages the light in the center of the frame, spot metering measures a small area, and matrix metering evaluates the entire scene. If you often shoot in varied lighting conditions, a camera with multiple metering modes can be beneficial. For more controlled environments, a simpler metering system might suffice.

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