Niche hobbies surged in popularity in 2024. There were the POP MART blind boxes (mainly from the Labubu craze), Jellycats, and even film photography. Compared to the others, film photography can be very daunting. If you’re curious about where to start, here are the best film cameras for beginners.

These cameras are all straightforward point-and-shoot style film cameras. They have everything they need to achieve a vintage look without the hassle (or the price tag) of a vintage film camera or an SLR (single lens reflex) film camera.

They come in 2 varieties: single-use and reusable. The quality of the image is also affected by the film stock used so keep that in mind.

Single-Use

1. Fujifilm QuickSnap Flash 400

The Fujifilm QuickSnap Flash 400 is the most common mass-market film camera. It’s simple and lightweight, which makes it practical for outdoor events. Another plus is that it is often sold in packs of 2.

Photos taken with the QuickSnap give off this effortlessly gritty, vintage look to them. In daylight, the image is very even with a consistent saturation. At night, the flash is flattering and provides a smooth soft light that, with the proper positioning and framing, gives off that nostalgic vibe that people want to achieve with film cameras.

Specifications:

• Camera: Fujifilm QuickSnap Flash 400
• Film Format: 135mm Fujifilm 400 (ISO 400/27°)
• No. of Exposures: 27 in 1 camera
• Optical Lens: 32mm, f/10, 1 element
• Focusing: Focus Free, 1m to infinity
• Shutter Speed: 1/100 sec.
• Flash: Built-in electronic flash
• Exposure Conditions: Outdoors on sunny or slightly overcast days.
  Flash where required.
• Dimensions: 115mm (W) x 54mm (H) x 34mm (D)
• Weight: 90g

Buy now: Amazon

2. Ilford Ilfocolor Rapid Retro Half Frame

Another good option is the Ilford Ilfocolor Rapid Retro Half Frame. It works well in mixed-lighting situations, allowing a lot of creativity with shots. The end result is definitely much warmer in tone and the images have a much higher saturation, especially when compared to the Fujifilm.

Do be careful when taking photos outdoors, especially when the sun is high and the surroundings are highly reflective. It can lead to oversaturation and overexposure.

Specifications: 

• Camera: Ilford Ilfocolor Rapid Retro Half Frame
• Film Format: 35mm colour (pre-loaded)
• No. of exposures: 27 in 1 camera
• Optical Lens: 31mm, f/11, 1 element
• Focusing: Focus Free, 1m to infinity
• Shutter Speed: 1/125 seconds
• Flash: Built-in Flash Push Switch – 15-second recycle time
• Film Transport: Manual wind and rewind
• Power Source: 1 AAA – Alkaline Battery
• View Finder: Field = 70%
• Dimensions: 110mm (W) x 55.3mm (H) x 33.5mm (D)
• Weight: 122g

Buy now: Amazon

Reusable

3. One Shot 35 Half

The One Shot 35 Half is one of the most viral models to come out of the film camera craze. Quality-wise, the photos are clear and good for those with a steady hand.

Available in Brown (S$59.92) and Green, the camera itself is very aesthetic. If you’re ever on vacation, this little thing could help you document your fun memories whilst also being the perfect accessory.

The key to achieving a good shot with this camera is to choose locations with higher exposure. It captures the light beautifully and helps maintain the details in the image. Try your best not to capture images in mixed lighting situations as the harsh shadows could push out the details in the image.

Specifications:

• Camera: One Shot 35 Half
• Film Format: 135mm Film (24x36mm), ISO 200/400/600
• Optical Lens: 50 mm, f/5.6
• Focus: Focus free, 1m to infinity
• Shutter Speed: 1/120 seconds
• Flash: Built-in flash, integrated, 15-second intervals
• Film Transport: Manual wind and rewind
• Power Source: 1 AAA – Alkaline battery
• Dimensions: 119mm (W) x 67mm (H) x 44 (D) mm
• Weight: 122g

Buy now: Amazon

4. Kodak Ultra F9

Kodak cameras are the among most well-regarded and reliable in the world. The Kodak Ultra F9 is one of the many Kodak film camera options that will feature in this list. 

This model comes in four colours: Black and Yellow (S$71.82), White and Green (S$72.43), Baby Pink (S$77.06) and Light Beige (S$77.06).

This model thrives in outdoor, daylight settings. It can retain a lot of colour and details when taking gorgeous landscape photos. However, in low-light settings, it struggles a little and leaves the photos looking slightly drab, desaturated and grainy. Of course, this gritty image quality can be a preference for some people.

Specifications:

• Camera: Kodak Ultra F9
• Film Format: 135 Film (24x36mm), ISO 200/400
• Optical Lens: 31mm, f/9, 1 element
• Focusing: Focus Free, 1m to infinity
• Shutter Speed: 1/120 seconds
• Flash: Build-in Flash Push Switch (120uf.)
• Film Transport: Manual wind and rewind
• View Finder: Field = 70%
• Power Source: 1 AAA – Alkaline Battery
• Dimensions: 119mm (W) x 67mm (H) x 44mm (D)
• Weight: 170g
• Main Plastic Material: ABS

Buy now: Amazon

5. Kodak Ektar H35

The Kodak Ektar comes in 2 versions: the 35 and 35N. The 35N is equipped with a built-in filter that allows for long exposure. This is theoretically a bit more advanced. For beginners, the 35 is an easier starting point. 

It provides a classic vintage look for daylight photo taking. The Kodak Ektar H35 comes in 4 colours: Black (S$65), Off-White (S$65), Sage (S$66.34) and Brown (S$66.99).

The Kodak Ektar H35 retains colour and saturation beautifully, able to capture the true appearance of the image. However, it doesn’t work the best in direct sunlight. When using this model, avoid taking photos around noon to avoid overexposure.

Specifications:

• Camera: Kodak Ektar H35
• Film Format: 35mm (Half Frame)
• Optical Lens: 22mm, f/9.5, 2-Element Optical Grade Acrylic Lens
• Shutter Speed: 1/100 seconds
• Flash: Built-in
• Film Transport: Manual wind and rewind
• Power Source: 1 AAA – Alkaline Battery
• Dimensions: 110mm (W) x 62mm (H) x 39mm (D)
• Weight: 100g
• Main Plastic Material: ABS

Buy now: Amazon

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6. Kodak i60

In terms of aesthetics, the Kodak i60 is the cutest one on this list. It has this minimalist outer shell with a press and pop-up flash and comes in 4 colours: Bud Green (S$75.89), Baby Blue (S$94.86), Yellow, and Purple.

The camera itself has decent prowess.

Pairing the Kodak i60 with the Fujifilm 400 film stock adds a brownish, vintage-style quality to photos whilst maintaining an even saturation. If you use a Kodak Color Plus 200 (35mm), you can play with the exposure and create a vignette around your image (as seen in the second sample).

Specifications:

• Camera: Kodak i60
• Film Format: 135 Film (24x36mm), ISO 200/400/600
• Optical Lens: 31mm, f/10, 1 element
• Focusing: Focus Free, 1m to infinity
• Shutter Speed: 1/125 seconds
• Flash: Press & Pop-up Flash, 15-second recycle time (120uf.)
• Film Transport: Manual wind and rewind
• View Finder: Field = 70%
• Power Source: 1 AA – Alkaline Battery
• Dimensions: 112mm (W) x 64.6mm (H) x 46mm (D)
• Weight: 144.3g

Buy now: Amazon

7. Kodak M35

The Kodak M35 is the final Kodak camera to be featured on this list. In terms of weight, it matches the Kodak Ektar H35, which makes them both the lightest cameras. These 2 are definitely the most convenient for those who mostly take their pictures when they’re out and about or travelling.

This has the most options when it comes to personalisation, offering 8 colours: Mint Green (S$40.55), Yellow (S$40.96), Purple (S$41.25), Red, Blue, Pink, Marble Grey and Olive Green.

In daylight, the Kodak M35 produces colour that is true to real life and retains a lot of detail. It’s perfect for outdoor photography and appears to be able to handle daylight exposures well.

If you want to check out more cameras by Kodak, visit the Kodak website.

Specifications:

• Camera: Kodak M35
• Film Format: 135 Film (24x36mm), ISO 200/400
• Optical Lens: 31mm, f/10, 1 element
• Focusing: Focus Free, 1m to infinity
• Shutter Speed: 1/120 seconds
• Film Transport: Manual wind and rewind
• View Finder: Field = 70%
• Power Source: 1 AAA – Alkaline Battery
• Dimensions: 114mm (W) x 63mm (H) x 35mm (D)
• Weight: 100g
• Main Plastic Material: ABS

Buy now: Amazon

8. Yashica MF-1 Y-Edition

Moving on from Kodak, another reliable brand of film cameras is Yashica. The model I would like to highlight is the Yashica MF-1 Y-Edition. It is a unique and lightweight option that comes in 6 different colours: Turquoise (S$39), Grey (S$39), Red (S$39), Yellow (S$39), Lavender and Prussian Blue.

With the MF-1 Y-Edition, the colours are more vibrant but less saturated. Photos resemble those early TV shows when colour was first introduced. If you want a really affordable option that helps you capture that 50s/60s era vintage, the MF-1 Y-Edition is a good choice for you.

Specifications:

• Camera: Yashica MF-1 Y-Edition
• Film Format: 135 Film (24x35mm) ISO 200/400
• Optical Lens: 31mm, f/11, 1 element
• Focusing: Focus Free, 1m to infinity
• Shutter Speed: 1/120 seconds
• Film Transport: Manual wind and rewind
• Power Source: 1 AA – Alkaline Battery
• Dimensions: 114mm (W) x 61mm (H) x 32mm (D)

Buy now: Amazon

9. RETO Ultra Wide & Slim

Next up is the RETO Ultra Wide & Slim. It has a sleek body that comes in 7 colours: Charcoal (S$43.05), Olive (S$43.50), Teal (S$43.91), Pastel Pink (S$45.69), Murky Blue (S$48.89), Muddy Yellow, and Cream.

As the name suggests, the model is slim. The camera weighs just 68.8g, which is very lightweight and convenient when travelling. This is especially so when you are travelling overseas by plane and are short on luggage space. You could even keep it on your person and capture every part of the journey.

The “Ultra Wide” is a reference to the lens which is capable of capturing landscape shots and outdoor surroundings. It achieves that hazy film look whilst staying true to the details of the image. If your priority in a camera is clarity, you should give the RETO Ultra Wide & Slim a try.

Specifications:

• Camera: RETO Ultra Wide & Slim
• Film Format: 135 Film (24x36mm)
• Optical Lens: 22mm, f/11, 2-element Optical Grade Acrylic Lenses
• Focusing: Focus Free, 1m to infinity
• Shutter Speed: 1/125 seconds
• Film Transport: Manual wind and rewind
• Dimensions: 100mm (W) x 59mm (H) x 28mm (D)
• Weight: 68.8g
• Main Plastic Material: ABS

Buy now: Amazon

10. Ilford Sprite 35-II

If you’re considering the Ilford but are looking for a reusable option, check out the Ilford Sprite 35-II. The camera itself is a classic, designed exactly as I would imagine a film camera. However, compared to most classic cameras, it is made of ABS plastic which is lighter and makes it much more portable.

This model comes in 2 colour options: Black and Silver (S$52) and Full Black (S$72.85).

Images taken with the Sprite 35-II usually come out with high exposure. If done properly, making the image feel like it’s blooming. With this in mind, ensure that the lighting situation is not too stark to prevent the subject of the photo from being drowned by light.

You can find out more about Ilford cameras here.

Specifications:

• Camera: Ilford Sprite 35-II
• Film Format: 135 Film (24x36mm), ISO 200/400/800
• Optical Lens: 31mm, f/9, 1 element
• Focusing: Focus Free, 1m to infinity
• Shutter Speed: 1/120 seconds
• Flash: Built-in Flash Push Switch – 15-second recycle time
• Film Transport: Manual wind and rewind
• Power Source: 1 AAA – Alkaline Battery
• View Finder: Field = 70%
• Dimensions: 119mm (W) x 67mm (H) x 44mm (D)
• Weight: 122g
• Main Plastic Material: ABS

Buy now: Amazon

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