How to Choose Your First Film Camera!

"What should I base my choice on?" Explained simply!

Hello there!
Are you enjoying your cameras?

Recently, film cameras have been enjoying a revival in popularity, especially among younger generations.

Quite a few more people have taken up film cameras, drawn by the distinctive texture that smartphones and digital cameras can't offer and by the "joy of waiting," since you can't see the finished photo the moment you press the shutter.

However, when you try to choose a film camera for the first time,

"There are too many types"
"I can't tell what's different"
"I don't know which ones are for beginners"

many people probably feel that way.

In fact, film cameras were released in great numbers by many manufacturers over several decades, so the choices are truly abundant.

That is why what matters first is not understanding every spec, but thinking about "how you want to enjoy photography."

In this article, we explain the key points for choosing a film camera in an easy-to-understand way, for those buying one for the first time!

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If You're New to Film Cameras, We Recommend 35mm Film

Even when we just say "film camera," there are many different kinds.

Besides the common 35mm film camera, depending on the image area and the film used, there are also:

• Half-frame cameras
• Medium format cameras
• Twin-lens reflex cameras
• Large format cameras
• APS film cameras

and others.

They are all appealing, but the one we recommend as your first camera is a 35mm film camera.

Film is still easy to obtain today, and many shops offer development and digitizing, so the environment is well set up for getting started.

There is also a wide variety, so it is easy to find a camera that suits you, which is another big plus.

If you start with a 35mm film camera, you can experience the joy of shooting on film without strain.

It's Okay to Choose by "Looks"

To start with the conclusion: there is no problem choosing a film camera by its "looks."

In fact, it is a very important point.

A film camera is a tool for which the "joy of owning it" is even greater than with a digital camera.

For example:

• A classic camera with a strong metallic feel
• A small, cute compact camera
  
• A 1990s-style AF compact camera
• A rangefinder that looks like it came out of a black-and-white movie

Each camera has quite a different atmosphere.

There are plenty of excellent cameras if you look at performance alone, but "does it make you want to carry it around?" is even more important.

No matter how high-performing it is, if you don't feel like using it, it will naturally get used less and less.

Conversely, a camera that makes you think "this camera is cool" or "I love how this looks" naturally makes you want to take it out.

A film camera is also a tool for enjoying the time spent using it, so first try valuing a look you can fall in love with.

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Size and Weight Change Your Shooting Style Quite a Lot

Next in importance are size and weight.

Film cameras can broadly be divided into:

• Compact type, where the lens cannot be changed
• SLR type, where the lens can be changed
  

Those are the two types.

[Compact Type]

Compact cameras are lightweight and easy to carry, making them well suited to travel and everyday snapshots.

They don't weigh you down even in a pocket, and they pair superbly with travel and everyday snapshots.

Many models need no complicated operation: load the film and just press the shutter, so even beginners can shoot easily.

There are also many inexpensive models, so if you are new to cameras, trying film with a compact camera first is one option.

However, for better or worse,

• The lens cannot be changed
• There are few settings you can adjust
• Many models are automated

are also characteristics.

[SLR Type]

SLRs are relatively large and heavy, but they have advantages such as:

• You can make detailed settings
• You can use high-performance lenses
• The viewfinder is easy to see
• There is a wide range of customization

.

Also, many were released at the time as flagship models (top-of-the-line) for professional photographers, so they are solidly built and can be used for a long time.

For those who want to "take their time shooting" or "enjoy operating the camera," we recommend an SLR.

However, since you need to get both a camera body and a lens, the initial cost will inevitably tend to be higher than with a compact type.

If you want to use it casually in daily life, we recommend a compact type;
if you want to shoot more seriously or enjoy operating a machine, we recommend an SLR type.

How you choose changes depending on whether you want to enjoy photography at a leisurely pace or carry it around casually.

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The Feel Changes Depending on AF or MF

Words that often come up when choosing a film camera are:

• AF (autofocus)
• MF (manual focus)

Those are the terms.

These words describe the method of focusing.

AF is a function that focuses automatically.

Even beginners are unlikely to fail, and you can shoot at a good pace.

In particular,

• Travel
• Casual shooting
• Everyday snapshots
• Photos with friends

it is quite comfortable for these.

Leaving the focusing to the camera reduces the risk of failed shots.

On the other hand, with MF you turn the focus ring yourself to focus.

It may feel difficult until you get used to it, but

• Focusing
• Deciding the composition
• Waiting for the right timing

the appeal of MF is that you can enjoy this shooting flow, in more depth.

If it feels difficult, setting a larger aperture value widens the range in focus and makes focusing easier.

For those who want to "enjoy the slow process of shooting itself," we recommend MF cameras.

Before buying, make sure to check whether the camera (and lens) supports AF or can only be used with MF.

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The Top Shutter Speed Is Surprisingly Important Too

It is easy to overlook, but the maximum shutter speed is also an important point.

For example:

• Max. 1/500 sec
• Max. 1/4000 sec

With these two models, the scenes you can shoot differ.

In particular, if you want to use a bright lens such as f/1.4 or f/2 to blur the background heavily, a fast shutter is handy. With a slow shutter speed, you can easily end up overexposed in bright places.

Being able to choose a faster shutter lets you handle that many more situations.

"I want to take photos with a softly blurred background"

If that's you, keeping this point in mind a little will make choosing easier.

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A Viewfinder That's Easy to See Matters

Most film cameras are used while looking through the viewfinder.

That is why how easy the viewfinder is to see is important.

With MF cameras in particular,

• Does it look bright?
• Is it easy to focus?
• Is it fine even if you wear glasses?

These make a big difference to how comfortable shooting is.

Even with the same model, preferences differ from person to person: "I like this viewfinder" or "this one is a bit hard to see."

If possible, we recommend actually picking it up and looking through it.

"Does it feel good to look through?" matters quite a lot for long-term use.

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Many People Choose by the "Lens They Want to Use"

In photography, the look changes greatly not only with the body but with the lens.

For example:

• Color rendition
• Bokeh character
• Flare character
• Soft rendering
• Sharp rendering

The mood of a photo varies widely depending on the lens used.

For this reason,

"I want to use this lens, so I'll choose this camera"

is how many people think.

Also, since the lenses you can use differ by manufacturer,

• Nikon F mount
• Canon FD mount
  
• OLYMPUS OM mount

and so on, the lens lineup and how easy it is to obtain lenses also become important.

If you want to add lenses later to expand the fun, or already own lenses, keep this point in mind.

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It's Fine to Use One Because "a Famous Person Used It"

Part of the appeal of film cameras is that you can enjoy them along with their history and background.

For this reason,

• Famous photographers
• Famous film directors
• Musicians
• Actors and idols

Some people get interested through "who used it."

"I want to take photos like this person"

Starting out of that kind of admiration is also one of the ways to enjoy film cameras.

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Looking at Sample Photos Reveals Your Own Taste

To know how a camera actually renders, looking at sample photos is quite important.

Color depends on the film used, but the subjects and compositions that are easy to shoot and the sense of resolution are strongly influenced by the camera and lens.

For example:

• μ[mju:]-II → a nostalgic, emotional snapshot feel
• Nikon F3 → the classic professional camera
• CONTAX RX → the appeal of Zeiss rendering
• Canon New F-1 → substantial and serious
• OLYMPUS OM-1 → small with a beautiful design

The mood of the photos differs for each of them.

By looking at lots of sample photos on social media, blogs, YouTube and so on, you gradually come to understand your own preferences, such as "so this is the kind of photo I like."

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The Shutter Sound and Handling Feel Are Part of the "Film Character" Too

With film cameras, "does it feel good to use?" is also extremely important.

• The feel of the metal
  
• Dial operation
• Film advance operation
• Shutter sound
• Sense of weight and size

The very sensation of operating a machine is part of the appeal.

This is something you can't tell from a spec sheet alone.

That is why if possible, we recommend choosing by actually handling the camera.

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Half-Frame Cameras Are a Popular Option Too

Recently, half-frame cameras have also grown quite popular.

A half-frame camera records on the film at half the area of a typical 35mm film camera. The film used is likewise 35mm film.

A normal 36-exposure roll yields about 72 shots, so you can shoot a lot while keeping running costs down.

The unique style, centered on vertical compositions, is another attraction.

Many have small bodies, and they suit people who want to "casually record everyday life."

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There Is No "Right Answer" in Choosing a Film Camera

There is no absolutely correct answer in choosing a film camera.

Because of that, it is best to pay attention to things like these:

• Looks
• Handling feel
• Size
• Ease of use
  
• Portability
  
• The lens's angle of view and rendering

Above all, what matters most is valuing the points that you find "fun."

You don't need to try to pick the perfect camera from the start.

As you keep using it,

"I want to try MF too"
"I want a lighter camera"
"I want to use a lens with more bokeh"

your own preferences gradually become clear.

Please find a camera that is truly your own and enjoy the world of film cameras!

If you can't decide which model to choose, please feel free to visit our store!

All the cameras and lenses we sell can be tried before you buy!

Our experienced staff will help you choose a camera, taking each customer's wishes to heart!