3 Best Film Rangefinder Cameras 2025 in the United States

The Kodak Ektar H35 Half Frame Film Camera is designed for 35mm film and is perfect for analog hobbyists, especially beginners. Its half-frame format allows you to capture twice as many images per roll, making it an economical choice for film enthusiasts. The camera is lightweight and compact, which makes it easy to carry around and use daily. With a built-in flash, you can shoot both indoors and outdoors, day or night, by simply adjusting a silver ring around the lens.

This feature adds convenience but may not offer the same versatility as more advanced metering systems. The exposure control is automatic, simplifying the process for those new to film photography, though it could limit creative control for more experienced users. The camera's build quality is solid for a beginner model, but it uses a plastic body that may not feel as durable as higher-end alternatives. The camera requires 2 AA batteries, which are easy to replace but add to the running costs.

While it does not include film or batteries, it is priced affordably, making it accessible. Available in five colors, it also offers a stylish option for users. Serious photographers might find it lacking in advanced features such as interchangeable lenses or manual shutter speed controls. This camera is an excellent choice for beginners looking to explore film photography without a significant investment.

The Leica 10370 LeicaM-A Typ 127 is a classic film rangefinder camera that sticks to the roots of traditional photography. It’s easy to use, allowing photographers to focus on the essentials: focusing, aperture, and shutter speed. The camera has an all-metal body with chrome brass top and bottom covers, ensuring durability and a premium feel. The Leica M lens mount supports a wide range of high-quality lenses, perfect for varied shooting needs.

However, this camera does not have autofocus – it relies entirely on manual focus, which might be challenging for some users but rewarding for those who enjoy a hands-on approach to photography. The viewfinder is optical with 0.72x magnification, giving a clear and direct view of the subject. The shutter speed ranges from 1 second to 1/1000 seconds, offering flexibility for different lighting conditions, and includes a bulb mode for long exposures.

The camera lacks modern conveniences like image stabilization, a built-in flash, or a color screen, and it’s not water-resistant, so care must be taken in adverse weather. It operates on 35mm film and doesn’t require batteries, making it simple and traditional. The Leica 10370 is best suited for photography enthusiasts who appreciate the craftsmanship and control of classic analog cameras.

The Leica MP 10301 35mm Rangefinder Camera is a robust and high-quality option for photography enthusiasts who appreciate a traditional film shooting experience. It features a 0.72x viewfinder, which is clear and precise, aiding accurate focusing and composition. The camera body supports a variety of 14 Leica M lenses, ranging from 21mm to 135mm, offering flexibility for different shooting situations. The lenses are known for their high performance, with some offering fast speeds like f/1, which is great for low-light conditions and creating shallow depth of field effects.

The build quality of the Leica MP is impressive, with a solid and durable construction that is typical of Leica products. The camera operates quietly and without vibration, which is ideal for discreet shooting and capturing candid moments. The metering system is automatic, which might be a limitation for those who prefer manual control over exposure settings. The camera uses the standard 35mm film format, which is widely available and loved for its classic photographic quality.

This camera is best suited for dedicated film photographers who value precision, build quality, and the flexibility of interchangeable high-performance lenses.