10 Best Point And Shoot Film Camera 2026 in the United States

The Pentax 17 Compact Film Camera is a solid choice for anyone interested in a point-and-shoot film camera that offers a unique half-frame format, allowing you to take twice as many photos per roll of standard 35mm film. Its 25mm f/3.5 lens with advanced HD coating produces sharp and clear images, while the fixed aperture suits a variety of lighting conditions. The manual ISO range from 50 to 3200 adds flexibility for shooting in different environments, and the ±2 exposure compensation helps fine-tune brightness.

The six-zone focus system is straightforward and effective for quick focusing without the complexity of autofocus. The electronic shutter with speeds up to 4 seconds provides some creative control but is not as fast as professional cameras, which could limit action shots. The camera does not specify a built-in flash, but its compact and lightweight design makes it easy to carry around for everyday use and travel. The included bundle, with Kodak Gold 200 film, a cleaning cloth, and accessories, is convenient for beginners starting with film photography.

This camera is a user-friendly option for casual photographers who appreciate the charm of film and want a portable, simple camera for creative snapshots. However, users looking for faster shutter speeds, more advanced focusing options, or a built-in flash may find this camera somewhat basic.

The Pentax 17 is a unique point-and-shoot film camera designed to capture double the usual number of photos per roll by using a half-frame (17mm x 24mm) format, allowing up to 72 images on a standard 36-exposure roll. Its 25mm f/3.5 lens, equivalent to about 37mm in full-frame terms, offers decent sharpness and image quality thanks to Pentax’s HD coating often found on their higher-end lenses. This aperture f/3.5 is moderate, letting in a fair amount of light but not ideal for very low-light conditions. The camera uses a simple zone-focus system with six distance settings, which means you select a focus mark rather than having autofocus—this works well if you like a hands-on approach but might feel limiting if you want quick, automatic focusing. The camera does not have a built-in flash, which could be a drawback for shooting in dim environments.

The manual film winding lever adds a classic feel that many film enthusiasts appreciate, encouraging a more thoughtful shooting experience. The body is made with lightweight magnesium alloy, making it sturdy yet portable, though it’s a bit larger than typical compact cameras at about 7.7 x 5.4 x 4.1 inches and weighs 1.34 pounds, so it’s not ultra-compact but still easy to carry around. It requires a CR2 battery, which is included.

This camera suits users who enjoy traditional film photography with a vintage vibe and want to maximize their shots per roll, especially for casual social media sharing. Users looking for automatic focus, faster lenses, or built-in flash might find it less convenient.

The KODAK EKTAR H35 Half Frame Film Camera is designed for beginners and casual photographers looking for an easy-to-use, lightweight, and portable camera. Its half-frame format allows you to double the number of photos you can take on a single roll of 35mm film, making it cost-effective and ideal for those who enjoy capturing memories without worrying about running out of film quickly.

The automatic exposure control simplifies the shooting process, allowing users to focus on composition and creativity rather than technical settings. While the focus-free lens ensures that your shots are always in focus, it may not provide the sharpest image quality compared to more advanced lenses. The built-in flash is a convenient feature for low-light conditions, although its power might be limited for larger spaces or distant subjects.

The camera's small size and lightweight design make it highly portable, perfect for daily carry. However, the lack of adjustable aperture and shutter speed settings means it has limited flexibility for more advanced photography techniques. The KODAK EKTAR H35 is best suited for beginners or casual photographers who prioritize ease of use and portability over advanced features and high-end image quality.