Choosing your first film camera doesn't have to be a complicated and frustrating process. Finding one that best suits your needs is similar to that of a digital camera, but with a few additional considerations. Here are some things to consider when buying a film camera.
Budget
Like with all purchases, your budget should be one of the first things you consider. Film camera prices can range from a few dollars to $5000+. The variance in price is much greater than that of modern digital cameras for many different reasons, such as:
Reliability - Most film cameras are comprised of mechanical components, electronics, or both. How reliable these components hold up over time varies depending on brand, age, use, etc. More reliable and serviceable cameras tend to hold their value, whereas cameras that are not serviceable and have a high failure rate, do not.
Purchase locations - Film cameras are sold on many different markets, but primarily the used market. Facebook, Craigslist, eBay, thrift stores, brick and mortar stores and online camera retailers, like B&H Photo or Adorama, all sell used film cameras. Each location will have pros and cons to purchasing, such as fees, taxes, shipping, return policies and so on.
Availability - Outside of a few brands, like Leica, most film cameras are no longer in production. Popular and more widely produced models, like the Pentax K1000, Canon AE-1 or the Nikon FM series, have great availability on the used market than other more niche models.
For the sake of simplicity, I will break down budget ranges into three categories:
$0-$250
$250-$1000
$1000+
$0-$250 Range
A $0 camera? Is that even possible? Yes! One of the first places to look for a film camera might actually end up costing you nothing. Where is this magical location you ask? For starters, check your parents or grandparents attic or basement. There might just be a camera lying around from yesteryear that is ready to take life again. Check with friends and family to see if they have an old film camera laying around that you could have. Remember, film cameras reigned supreme for over 50 years. Some one you know might have one that you can start out on.
If a freebie is not an option, then consider budgeting up to $250 for a camera. This amount opens up a great deal of quality cameras to choose from. Cameras in this price range will generally be great options to start with as they are widely available, easy to use, and, if worse comes to worse, cheap enough to replace if they break. Cameras in this range were at one time mass produced for beginner photographers, and in some cases, professional use. I would wager most of the available cameras in the used market will fall in this category, so finding one should not be an issue.
$250-$1000
We are now stepping into the prosumer, professional and niche camera price range. Cameras in this range were at one time used by professional photographers to capture world events, sports and more. Cameras like the Nikon F5 or Pentax LX were at one time the de facto "it" cameras for news, journalism and sports/action/wildlife. This range also includes a lot of cult classic or fad cameras, such as the Yashica T4 or Contax T2.
These cameras are usually more feature rich than lower priced options. Since they were designed for heavy professional use, they will typically be more durable and have more "advanced technology" (when compared to other models during the time of production). The more culty point and shoot style cameras were produced with more advanced and sought after lenses from brands like Zeiss. One thing to note is that despite the high demand for these cameras, they are just as prone to failure as cheaper options.
$1000+
We have now entered Leica territory. Cameras such as the Nikon F6 and Leica M3/M4/M5/M6 can be had for a small fortune. These cameras either have the most cutting edge technology (of their time), are still in production, more recently retired and therefore serviceable or have a cult like following. Although these cameras demand a hefty price tag, they are still prone to the same mechanical and electronic issues as their cheaper cousins. Thankfully, they can usually be serviced. Barring any catastrophic failure, these cameras can be considered more reliable than cheaper cameras.
Focusing System
I will be the first to admit that modern autofocus technology has me spoiled. During most of the film era, autofocus was considered a luxury feature. Most cameras prior to the 1990s were manual focusing only. While this may not seem like a huge deal, it is something to consider when picking out your first film camera. If you want the proper analog experience, then manual focusing is the way to go.
Manual Focus Pros:
Lenses are usually cheaper.
More lens options available.
Old lenses have a more vintage look to them.
Manual focusing requires more thought and therefore can provide a more connected shooting experience.
Manual Focus Cons:
Can be harder to capture subjects that are moving quickly.
Older lenses are more susceptible to fungus or haze.
Autofocus film cameras were plentiful in the 1990s and early 2000s. the technology quickly replaced manual focus cameras due to their ease of use.
Autofocus Pros:
Greater ability to capture fast moving subjects.
More modern lenses.
Some lenses can be used with digital cameras.
Autofocus Cons:
Mechanical and electronic components are another point of failure.
Lenses cost more.
Camera Type
Like modern cameras, film cameras come in different body styles. These include:
Interchangeable Single Lens Reflex (SLR) - One of the most popular styles for beginners. These cameras allow you to swap out different lenses depending on what it is you want to shoot. Most cameras will have full manual control, both in terms of focusing and exposure control.
Point and Shoot - These cameras are typically small and compact, making them ideal for daily carry. Most point and shoot film cameras were developed in the 1990s and 2000s, and therefore will have autofocus and automatic shooting modes. These cameras are easy to use, but can have reliability issues due to their age and plastic components.
Range Finder - Range finder cameras are similar to point and shoot cameras in that they are small and compact, but the lenses can be swapped out (depending on the model, of course). These cameras use a type of manual focusing system where the photographer views the scene through a viewfinder and focuses using a separate range finder window. The photographer moves the range finder image over the viewfinder image to focus correctly.
Fixed versus Interchangeable Lens Cameras
I touched on this briefly before, but it is defiantly a factor to consider when purchasing your first film camera. Fixed lens cameras have a lens permanently attached to the camera. This will be the only lens you use with this particular camera. They come in two styles:
Prime - One focal length (28mm, 35mm, 50mm, etc.)
Zoom - You have the ability to zoom in and out at different focal lengths.
Fixed lens cameras are nice all-in-one options for those looking to jump right into film photography. Like with any camera purchase, be sure to know the pros and cons:
Fixed Lens Pros:
All in one camera solution.
Lenses are small and light weight.
Fixed Lens Cons:
The lens you have is the only lens you can use.
Lens quality differs by brand.
If your camera or lens breaks, then you can no longer use the camera.
Interchangeable lens cameras allow the photographer to swap out different lenses depending on what it is they want to shoot. With these cameras you can use both prime and zoom lenses.
Interchangeable Lens Pros:
Ability to use a variety of different primes and zooms.
Wide variety of lenses from different brands.
Interchangeable Lens Cons:
Lenses can be expensive.
Older lenses may have flaws (haze, fungus, mechanical issues).
Added weight.
Which film camera should you choose?
What film camera you choose really is a personal choice. Just like with any camera, it really boils down to which one suits your individual needs. There are a ton of film cameras still on the market today, and anyone of them is a good choice. Just keep these considerations in mind when making your first film camera purchase.
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