Film camera

Discover our selection of film cameras for all levels: from compact automatic cameras to expert SLRs, including rangefinders, medium format, and large format cameras. New models, verified used equipment, rare finds, and modern reissues. 

Rediscover the joy of film photography with a selection tailored to your desires and your practice..

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Everything you need to know to choose your film camera

Film photography is captivating more and more enthusiasts, from beginners to seasoned photographers. Every shutter click counts, every roll of film tells a story. Unlike digital, the image is chemically captured on film, developed in a lab or at home, offering a unique look that cannot be replicated any other way.

Whether you are looking for a simple compact camera, a versatile SLR or a medium format camera for ultimate quality, the world of film photography remains vast, vibrant and accessible.​

What is a film camera?

A film camera captures the image on photochemical film, not on a digital sensor. Light passes through the lens, exposes the film, which must then be developed to reveal the photos.

Some models are entirely mechanical, while others feature automatic exposure or electronic assistance. The result depends on the type of film used and the care taken during development.

Film photography imposes a slower, more deliberate pace. Each shutter release involves time and cost, but that's precisely what appeals to many photographers today.

The main families of film cameras

• Compact cameras: fully automatic, simple to use. Perfect for beginners or souvenir photos. Examples: Olympus Mju, Canon Prima.
• 35mm SLR (SLR): precise optical viewfinder, interchangeable lenses, complete control over settings. Very versatile for improving your skills. Examples: Canon AE-1, Nikon FM2, Pentax K1000.
• Rangefinder cameras: manual focusing by superimposing images. Often more compact than SLRs. Examples: Leica M6, Canonet QL17.
• Medium format (120/220): larger film area, superior image quality, very pronounced bokeh. Examples: Hasselblad 500, Mamiya RB67, Pentax 67.
• Large format (view camera): large-format sheet film, extremely high optical quality, ideal for portraits or landscape art. Examples: Linhof, Intrepid, Sinar.

Types of film used

• 35mm (135): the most common and accessible format. Easy to find, wide selection of color and black and white films, widely available processing.
• Medium format (120, 220): wider film formats offering superior image quality. Ideal for portraits, landscapes, or artistic work. Medium format cameras offer various image sizes (6x4.5, 6x6, 6x7, 6x9, etc.).
• Sheet film (large format): individual sheets of large dimensions (4x5, 5x7, 8x10 inches…). Demanding but unbeatable in quality and detail.
• Color negative (C-41): easy to develop, natural and versatile rendering.
• Black and white negative: strong creative potential, ideal for learning home development.
• Color slide (E-6): vibrant colors, but requires more precise development.

Why still choose film photography today?

Film photography offers a unique look: natural grain, nuanced colors, and incomparable depth. Every photo is carefully considered, because each shot involves cost and time.

It's also a true school of framing, lighting, and patience. The lack of immediacy forces you to better prepare your shots.

Finally, well-preserved silver gelatin prints stand the test of time without loss of quality, unlike digital files which are sometimes ephemeral.

How to choose the right film camera

• Beginner: a compact automatic camera or a consumer-grade 35mm SLR (Pentax K1000, Canon AE-1) allows you to get started easily without getting lost in complex settings.
• For enthusiasts: an advanced SLR (Nikon F3, Canon F-1) or a rangefinder (Leica M, Canonet) for greater control and better optical quality.
• For the ultimate quality enthusiast: medium format (Hasselblad, Mamiya, Rolleiflex) or large format (Linhof, Sinar) cameras offer incomparable results, at the cost of more technical and heavier equipment.
• Budget: buying used remains the best option. Prices vary considerably depending on the model, condition, and rarity. Some highly sought-after compact cameras can exceed the prices of professional DSLRs.

Where to buy a film camera today

• Second-hand market: the majority of film cameras can be found on specialized websites, second-hand photo shops, flea markets or enthusiast forums.
• New: some models are still in production, notably by Lomography, Leica, Kodak or Ilford for certain compact cameras or reissues.
• Modern reissues: some brands are reviving legendary models, often with a touch of modernity but retaining true analog functionality.

Always check the mechanical and optical condition before purchase, especially for shutters, curtains and focusing systems.

We see many customers who come into the shop with defective devices bought online or at flea markets. We always try to salvage them, but sometimes it's impossible or the cost of repair far exceeds the device's value.

Advantages and disadvantages of film cameras