Best Film Cameras of 2025

Alan Eaton Avatar
Alan Eaton
Last Updated: Jan 3, 2025

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Film cameras are a classic and timeless way to capture memories. They offer a unique and authentic look that cannot be replicated by digital cameras. Film cameras come in a variety of formats, including 35mm, medium format, and large format, each with their own benefits and drawbacks. While film cameras require more skill and patience to use than their digital counterparts, the results can be truly stunning. Film cameras also offer a sense of nostalgia and a connection to the past that many photographers find appealing. For those looking to experiment with film photography, there are many affordable options available on the market.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

KODAK EKTAR H35 Half Frame Film Camera Cover #TOP 1
KODAK EKTAR H35 Half Frame Film Camera
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Kodak Ektar H35 Camera Bundle Cover #TOP 2
Kodak Ektar H35 Camera Bundle
ftb score rating icon 9.8
KODAK EKTAR H35 Camera Cover #TOP 3
KODAK EKTAR H35 Camera
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Film Cameras

KODAK EKTAR H35 Half Frame Film Camera

RK0104
Sand
KODAK EKTAR H35 Half Frame Film Camera Cover
KODAK EKTAR H35 Half Frame Film Camera, 35mm, Reusable, Focus-Free, Lightweight, Easy-to-Use (Sand) (Film & AAA Battery are not Included)

The KODAK EKTAR H35 Half Frame Film Camera is a perfect choice for beginners and analog hobbyists. With this camera, you can have twice as many images per roll, saving your film. The pocket-size camera is lightweight and easy to use, making it convenient to bring along daily. The built-in flash with four colors allows you to use the camera during days and nights, outdoor and indoor. Its automatic exposure control type and focus-free feature make it easy to shoot. The camera comes in four natural colors: black, brown, sage, and sand.

What We Like
Lightweight
Easy-to-use
Affordable
Good outdoor performance
Effective built-in flash
#TOP 2

Kodak Ektar H35 Camera Bundle

RK0109
Black
Kodak Ektar H35 Camera Bundle Cover
KODAK EKTAR H35 Half Frame Film Camera (Black, Bundle with 24exp Film)

The Kodak Ektar H35 is a half-frame film camera that combines sleek design with functionality. This camera allows you to capture stunning images on 24-exposure film, giving you more opportunities to snap memorable moments. Its lightweight build makes it easy to carry around, perfect for everyday photography or travel. Plus, the classic black color adds a touch of style, making it not just a tool but also a fashionable accessory for any photographer. With the Kodak Ektar H35, you can enjoy the art of film photography with convenience and flair.

What We Like
Lightweight and portable
Stylish black design
24 exposures for more photos
Ideal for everyday use
#TOP 3

KODAK EKTAR H35 Camera

RK0113
Off-white
KODAK EKTAR H35 Camera Cover
KODAK EKTAR H35 Half Frame Film Camera (Off-White, Single)

The KODAK EKTAR H35 is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to explore film photography. With this camera, you can capture twice as many images on a single roll, making it economical and fun. Its lightweight design makes it easy to carry, so you can take it wherever you go. The built-in flash ensures you can shoot in various lighting conditions, whether day or night. Plus, its user-friendly point-and-shoot functionality means that even beginners can enjoy taking great photos without feeling overwhelmed.

What We Like
Double exposure capability
Lightweight and portable
Built-in flash for versatility
Beginner-friendly design
#TOP 4

KODAK EKTAR H35 Half Frame Film Camera

RK0103
Sage
KODAK EKTAR H35 Half Frame Film Camera Cover
KODAK EKTAR H35 Half Frame Film Camera, 35mm, Reusable, Focus-Free, Lightweight, Easy-to-Use (Sage) (Film & AAA Battery are not Included)

The KODAK EKTAR H35 Half Frame Film Camera is a great choice for beginners and analog hobbyists. Its lightweight and easy-to-use design makes it convenient to carry around daily. The camera comes with a built-in flash, which can be adjusted to work both indoors and outdoors. One unique feature of this camera is that it can save film, allowing you to take twice as many images per roll. It is available in four natural colors: black, brown, sage, and sand.

What We Like
Lightweight
Easy-to-use
Nostalgic and aesthetic appeal
Battery-operated flash
Cost-effective alternative to disposables
#TOP 5

KODAK EKTAR H35N Camera

RK0303
Striped Green
KODAK EKTAR H35N Camera Cover
KODAK EKTAR H35N Half Frame Film Camera, 35mm, Reusable, Focus-Free, Bulb Function, Built-in Star Filter, Coated Improved Lens (Film & AAA Battery are not Included) (Striped Green)

The KODAK EKTAR Half Frame offers exciting features for photography enthusiasts. Its built-in star filter allows you to capture stunning images of tiny light sources, creating a beautiful four-beam flare. The coated glass lens enhances image clarity, ensuring your photos are sharp and vibrant. With the long exposure bulb function, you can easily photograph moving objects at night, capturing their trails for dramatic effects. Plus, the tripod hole provides stability for those longer exposure shots, allowing you to achieve professional-quality images with ease.

What We Like
Built-in star filter
Improved image clarity
Long exposure capability
Tripod compatibility
#TOP 6

Kodak Ultra F9 Film Camera

490189
White × Green
Kodak Ultra F9 Film Camera Cover
Kodak Kodak Ultra F9 Film Camera, 1.4 inches (35 mm), White x Green

The Kodak Ultra F9 Film Camera is a lightweight and portable point & shoot film camera that comes with a built-in flash and hand strap. It uses 135 film (35mm Film) and requires only one AAA alkaline battery (not included). It weighs approximately 6.1 oz (170 g) (not including film and battery).

What We Like
Beginner-friendly
Simple operation
Nostalgic feel
#TOP 7

RETO Ultra Wide 35mm Film Camera

RETO_UW_11
Cream
RETO Ultra Wide 35mm Film Camera Cover
RETO Ultra Wide and Slim 35mm Reusable Daylight Film Camera - 22mm Wide Lens, Focus Free, Light Weight, Easy to Use (Cream)

The RETO 35mm Film Camera is designed for both beginners and seasoned photographers. Its 35mm film capability allows you to work with various negatives and slides, making it versatile for different styles. With a 22mm ultra-wide lens, you can capture expansive scenes, perfect for street photography and everyday moments. Weighing only 68.8g, this slim and lightweight camera easily fits in your pocket, so you can take it anywhere. Plus, it's optimized for daylight use, ensuring your snapshots are bright and vivid, ideal for recording life’s colorful experiences.

What We Like
Lightweight and portable
Easy for beginners
Wide-angle lens
Versatile film compatibility
#TOP 8

KODAK EKTAR H35N Half Frame Camera

RK0302
Striped Silver
KODAK EKTAR H35N Half Frame Camera Cover
KODAK EKTAR H35N Half Frame Film Camera, 35mm, Reusable, Focus-Free, Bulb Function, Built-in Star Filter, Coated Improved Lens (Film & AAA Battery are not Included) (Striped Silver)

The KODAK EKTAR Half Frame is designed to enhance your photography experience. Its built-in star filter allows you to capture stunning images of tiny light sources, creating beautiful four-beam flares. The coated glass lens ensures sharp, clear pictures, making your shots more vibrant. With the bulb function, you can easily take long exposure photos, capturing movement trails, especially in low-light settings. Plus, the included tripod hole helps you stabilize your camera, perfect for those long exposure shots. This camera is ideal for photographers looking to explore creative techniques.

What We Like
Star filter for unique effects
Sharp, clear images
Long exposure capability
Tripod compatibility
#TOP 9

KODAK EKTAR H35N Half Frame Camera

RK0300
Striped Green
KODAK EKTAR H35N Half Frame Camera Cover
KODAK EKTAR H35N Half Frame Film Camera Bundle with Kodak Ultramax 400/24EXP 35mm Roll Film (Striped Green, Bundle)

The KODAK EKTAR H35N Camera is designed to enhance your photography experience. It features a built-in star filter that allows you to capture stunning four-beam flares from tiny light sources, perfect for creating eye-catching night shots. The improved glass lens sharpens image clarity, ensuring your photos are crisp and vibrant. Additionally, the bulb function enables long exposure shots, allowing you to beautifully capture moving subjects, especially in low-light conditions. With a tripod hole, you can securely mount your camera for steady shots, making it easier to achieve professional-looking results.

What We Like
Star filter for creative effects
Sharp image clarity
Long exposure capabilities
Tripod compatibility
#TOP 10

Kodak Ultra F9 Film Camera - Your Perfect Point & Shoot Companion

490172
Black x Yellow
Kodak Ultra F9 Film Camera - Your Perfect Point & Shoot Companion Cover
Kodak Ultra F9 Film Camera, 35mm, Black x Yellow

The Kodak Ultra F9 Film Camera is an excellent choice for those who love classic photography. With its 135 Film (35mm Film) Camera feature, you can enjoy the timeless appeal of film photography. The built-in flash provides convenience in low-light settings, ensuring that you can take clear and vivid photos at any time. The camera is lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry around. The set includes a camera body and a hand strap, which adds to the camera's portability. The camera runs on a single AAA alkaline battery (not included), which is readily available in stores. The manual exposure control type and 1x viewfinder magnification allow you to capture stunning and creative shots according to your preference.

What We Like
Well packaged
Compact and durable
Easy to use
Good indoor results with flash
Offers a nostalgic film experience
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the 3 types of film cameras?

There are three main types of film cameras: rangefinders, single lens reflex (SLR), and point-and-shoots. Each type has its own features and is suitable for different purposes.

2. Is film camera still worth it?

Yes, film cameras are still worth it for many photographers. While the initial cost may be higher than a digital camera, the long-term cost is lower as film cameras do not require updates or new software. They are built to last and can produce beautiful photographs for decades.

3. Are film cameras hard to use?

Film photography can be more challenging than digital photography. Understanding the exposure triangle, which includes film speed (ISO), aperture (f-stop), and shutter speed, is essential for creating the perfect exposure. It requires more knowledge and practice, but it can also be a rewarding and fulfilling experience.

4. Why do film photos look better?

Film photos have a unique aesthetic quality that many people find appealing. The grain in film adds texture and character to the photos, resulting in a more pleasing and natural look compared to digital images.

5. Why is 35mm film so expensive?

The cost of 35mm film is influenced by several factors. The availability of manufacturing facilities for film is decreasing, and the equipment needed to produce film is no longer being manufactured. Additionally, environmental costs, particularly related to chemicals used in film production, are rising. These factors contribute to the higher cost of 35mm film.

6. Why does film look better than digital?

One of the reasons film can look better than digital is because it blends light and colors in a more natural way. Digital camera sensors are made up of millions of tiny squares, while film captures light and colors in a more organic manner, resulting in a more pleasing and seamless image.

Editor's Notes

During our film camera research, we found 16 film camera products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 62,725 customer reviews through our big data system to write the film cameras list. We found that most customers choose film cameras with an average price of $51.66.

The film cameras are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of film cameras, including KODAK, RETO. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 82 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.

Written by
Alan Eaton Avatar

Alan Eaton is a seasoned writer whose expertise is in anything related to electronics, such as headphones, monitoring equipment, computer, and so on, built over a 15-year career in the technology industry. Working in the trade during his youth, he accumulated a great deal of knowledge about machinery.