8 Best Film Cameras For Street Photography (Buyers Guide & FAQ)

Are you a street photographer looking to venture into film photography? You are not alone.

The number of people returning to film photography has risen steadily over the last few years. And why not? Film photography is a fun and creative way of making photos, different from what we are used to.

Part of the appeal is the excitement and fear of the unknown. You get to rely entirely on your instincts and skill when shooting a film and then wait anxiously till the film is developed to see how your pictures turned out. This whole process is the magic of film photography.

So with so many people jumping on this bandwagon, we have decided to create a list of the best film cameras you can use in street photography.

Are Film Cameras Good For Street Photography?

Yes, they are. Film cameras have a higher resolution than digital cameras, which results in higher quality images. The ISO for street photography is 400-800. Film cameras can work well at this speed and produce sharp photos with no blur.

Film cameras also have a Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) feature, which is essential in street photography, where light contrast can be very high.

Comparison Table:

8 Best Film Cameras For Street Photography Reviews

1. Canon AE-1 35mm Film Camera – Best 35mm camera

When looking for a street photography camera, you want a device that is easy to use and fun to work with. Besides, you are focused on taking the clearest shots, so you don’t want a bulky camera. If these are the features you desire in a camera, the Canon AE-1 35mm is the best for you. But first, let’s look at its features.

Lens and picture quality

A camera is just a tool to help you capture moments, but your expertise and the lens determine the picture quality. The Canon AE-1 gives crisp, clear, and vibrant photos thanks to its 55mm f/1.2 S.S.C and Canon FD 50mm f/1.8 S.C lens.

The lens produces the best pictures when shooting mid-length objects, and getting the sharpness of the focus plane right will bring out images that pop. You will also like your shots more if you add an 80-200mm f/3.9 macro zoom lens.

Lightweight

Street photography is fun, and you will appreciate it better if you have a less-bulky camera to move around with. The Canon AE-1 has a metallic and plastic body, making it easy to handle. Besides, the camera is also smaller than most modern DSLRs, so you need a small bag to pack it and move.

The AE-1 is also simple to handle and take shots because its body is designed to fit your hands perfectly. Although this camera doesn’t have the most magnificent looks, it does a perfect job, and you will love the pictures.

Low power usage

An important feature to consider in a street photography camera is energy consumption. The Canon AE-1 uses little power, and you can track the charge using the battery test button. Thankfully, you can also get battery replacements online to ensure power does not disrupt your workflow.

Fewer auto-functions

The Canon AE-1 allows the photographer to explore it more as they take the best random shots. It has limited shutter speed options, and the manual dial also has about 13 options. The viewfinder is entirely analog because you have to press your eye on the glass to see the frame.

You also must wind the film after inserting it and when the roll is complete. At first, these features might be complex to get used to, but they are fun to have in a street photography camera.

Specifications

User experience

The Canon AE-1 is for experienced photographers who want to take good shots with a more analog camera. Its sturdy material makes it durable. Besides, the camera is lightweight and small, making it easier to work with when taking your street shots.

Why Should You Buy It?

The Canon AE-1 is cheap, yet it takes clear images. Therefore, it is recommended for experienced photographers who want to spend a whole day taking shots and worrying less about battery life. Besides, the camera’s focus ability will give you the best images.

2. Pentax K1000 Manual Focus SLR Film Camera – Best SLR film camera

If you are a photography student, you want an easy-to-use camera with little to no learning curve. The Pentax K1000 is beginner-friendly. In addition, the camera produces clear images, and it does not require a battery to run. Check out the features that make this photography tool famous.

No On/Off switch

Some moments are worth capturing fast, and you can only do so with a fast camera. This Pentax K1000 allows you to take instant images without switching on your device. However, this camera comes with a control button for setting the shutter speed and a lever to wind the film. There is also a button for releasing the shutter.

Low power usage

The Pentax K1000 does not require a battery to function unless you are running the light meter. Besides, an A76 cell battery will be enough to run this, so photographers enjoy a full day of fun and taking pictures because they don’t worry about charging the batteries. You can also shoot at night without electricity.

Focus

The Pentax K1000 has a 0.88x viewfinder that is operated manually. It has a micro prism spot at the center to make your focusing easier for clear images. In addition, you can see a needle when you look through the viewfinder, which helps you know if the image is over or underexposed. To get the pictures clearer and in a more focused mode, you must adjust the needle in the settings.

Lens

The Pentax K1000 comes with an SMC 35mm f/2 lens that produces perfect and sharp images. It has a K-mount system, but you can also work with an M42 mount, although you need a K-mount converter for it to work well. However, most photographers claim that the converters distort the image’s quality, so they use the camera’s original lens.

Specifications

User experience

This camera is suitable for beginners because of its easy-to-use features. It is also lightweight, so you can move around with it and take random pictures all day. In addition, you don’t have to worry about a dying battery because taking the shots does not require power. Therefore, it is perfect for college and high school students beginning their photography career or hobby.

Why Should You Buy It?

The Pentax K1000 is the best camera for street photography because it is easy to use. Photographers can also quickly capture moments because you don’t need to switch the camera on. Also, the device’s light weight makes it possible to take pictures from any angle.

3. Olympus Stylus Zoom 140 QD CG Date 35mm Camera – Best point and shoot camera

Another fantastic camera that will give you a lifetime of amazing street photos is the Stylus Zoom 140 from Olympus. The lens, viewfinder, film compartment, and battery compartment are just as street photographers like them. Check out its features.

Zoom lens

The Stylus Zoom 140 QD zoom lens makes this camera fit for any type of photography. The lens offers a focal length with a range of 38-140mm. If you are looking for sharp images, combine the aspherical lens element with variable apertures from F/5.6-12/6. The 11-point autofocus allows photographers to focus on the objects for a clear picture effortlessly.

Weather-resistant

This Stylus Zoom 140 allows photographers to take shots in any type of weather. The viewfinder is also bright and clear, and the camera gives indicators if there is insufficient light.

Self-timer

You can take selfies using the 12-second self-timer. It also has an LCD that allows you to preview your photographs after capturing them. You can also take photos in the dark using an auto flash and night scene flash. It also has a unique feature, the Red-eye reduction.

Easy to use

Besides the zoom lens, this camera has a macro close-up from as close as 24 inches. The flashlights ensure that the foreground and background are well lit for sharp night photographs. The fill-in flash mode will also give you more natural-looking photos.

Specifications

 User Experience

The Stylus Zoom 140 shoot camera is perfect for street photography because it is weather resistance. Its zoom-in and zoom-out lens allow the photographer to capture all images regardless of their distance. The self-timer and LCD are also perfect for taking your pictures.

Why Should You Buy It?

The Olympus Stylus zoom 140 camera is suitable for nearly all types of photography, and it works perfectly for street photography. Its remarkable features like the numerous flash modes, anti-shake features, and weather resistance are worth spending money on. You will also enjoy taking pictures in different ranges because of the zooming options.

4. Vintage Canon AE-1 Program 35mm SLR Camera – Best overall

The Canon AE-1 35mm SLR is a Canon AE-1’s successor, introduced five years after the AE-1’s production. The camera uses Canon’s FD mount lenses, and its main difference from the predecessor is the addition of AE mode, which automatically sets the shutter speed and aperture. First, let’s look at the other features.

Gorgeous style

The first thing that attracts you to this camera is the aesthetics. It is a perfect photography tool for people who value the picture quality and how the gadget looks. The camera has a vintage style you will love to see and feel. The colors also match perfectly to make the body look as appealing as it can.

Lens

The camera has a Canon FD 50mm f/1.8 lens. The Vintage Canon AE-1 SLR also allows you to play around with image quality because it is compatible with all Canon FD lenses. You can also get the 55mm f/1.2 S.S.C lens for incredible pictures.

Easy to carry

You won’t struggle with your shoot when using the Canon AE-1 SLR because it is easy to carry around. The camera also comes with a wrist or a neck strap, so you can hang it there when finding perfect objects to take photographs for.

Specifications

User experience

The Canon AE-1 SLR is perfect for street photography because it is lightweight. Its 50mm lens takes the perfect photos, and it gives the photographer the option of adding bigger FD lenses for quality pictures. Photographers also like its small size because the gadget fits well in the hands when taking pictures.

Why should you buy it?

You will first be attracted by the vintage Canon AE-1’s gorgeous style. However, a camera’s style is not enough, but luckily, this one has more good things to offer. The camera is easy to carry and shoot with, and you will appreciate its lightweight. Besides, the lens is perfect if you want clear shots.

5. Fujifilm Instax Mini 90 Instant Film Camera – Best instant film camera

If you want an entry-level camera with incredible features for your street photography, try the Fujifilm Instax mini 90. It has a gorgeous design, is easy to operate, and you will enjoy taking shots with it. It also has a rechargeable battery and a fully automatic exposure. So let us check out the other features.

Classic style

If your dream camera should look as good as the pictures, look no further. The Instax mini 90 has a two-tone finish; a silver accent that combines with another color of your choice, either brown or black. It is also a small-size camera, and its lightweight makes it easy to carry around.

Lens

This camera has a 60mm f/12.7 lens with an angle of view that matches a 35mm full-frame lens. The viewfinder will help you frame your images effortlessly. This camera also allows you to be more creative than its predecessors, thanks to its flash modes and lighting options.

Tripod socket

The Instax mini 90 camera lets you take a group photo by setting it on a tripod and posing for the shot. It also has a self-timer, so you can take selfies, and a rechargeable battery, with a charger included. In addition, the photographer can take landscape or portrait pictures, thanks to the dual shutters.

Instant camera

Taking pictures with this Instax Mini 90 is almost instant. The camera doesn’t take long to switch on, and it is ready to take images once it is on. Taking shots is also effortless; press the shutter button down. The flash is essential for indoor shots, and it fires automatically. The second LCD window will tell you when you are almost running out of the film.

Image quality

The image quality on the Instax mini 90 resembles those of other Fujifilm cameras that use the same lens as the mini 9 and mini 70. However, you can select different light options and change the flash modes on the mini 90 for better images. The camera also has EV adjustments that make it easier when shooting a backlit object.

Specifications

User experience

The Instax mini 90 camera allows the photographer to take pictures in bright light, under a shade, and in a room, thanks to the instant flashlights. Moreover, the camera’s lightweight makes it suitable for street photography. Besides, it is a recommended tool for beginners because of its straightforwardness to use.

Why Should You Buy It?

The Instax Mini 90 camera has many incredible features for its price. First, the design is admirable, and the picture quality is worth all your coins. You will also still get clear images whether taking them indoors or outdoors.

6. YASHICA MF-2 Super 35mm Film Camera – Best lightweight film camera

When looking for a camera, an essential factor to consider is a lens, and you want one that will give you quality pictures. The YASHICA MF-2 comes with a fixed 45mm f1.7 Yashion lens that will give you incredible images. This is probably all you would ask for in a camera, but there is more. Let’s find out.

Lens

YASHICA MF-2’s lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.8m. Sometimes, the photographer must move further from the object for a sharper focus. It has a fixed 45mm f1.7 lens that will produce the pictures of your dreams.

Size and weight

The camera’s compact size is perfect for moving around the streets. The camera measures 140x90x75 mm. It is also not bulky because you can effortlessly take pictures with a 750-gram gadget. The weight is also perfect for travelers because it doesn’t take too much space in the bag.

Autofocus

The camera’s autofocus makes it easier to take pictures. However, you must be about 6 feet away from the autofocus to work. You can also take black and white images on it.

10-sec timer

You can take selfies on the YASHICA MF-2 camera thanks to its 10-sec timer option. To get a clear image of yourself, click the timer mode and move a few meters away. It also has a flash mode to allow photographers to take shots in the dark and under a shade.

Specifications

User experience

The YASHICA MF-2 camera is lightweight, making it suitable for photographers who travel a lot. Moreover, it has an auto-focus mode that is hard to find in many analog cameras, making it easier to take clear shots. Besides, you can also take a clear selfie using the timer.

Why Should You Buy It?

This camera is perfect if you want to get clear photos. Most analog cameras don’t have an auto focus, and focusing manually is time-consuming. Its size and weight are also ideal for photographers who travel a lot because you can easily carry them in your bag.

7. Kodak Ultra F9 35mm Film Camera – Best budget

If you fancy analog cameras for street photography, try the Kodak Ultra F9 35mm. It has a switchable on and off the flash and a fixed focus lens, and a built-in exposure counter. Some of its features are;

Sharp lens

The Kodak ultra F9 35mm gives clear street photos thanks to its sharp f/9 lens. This allows the photographer to focus straight on the object and take the best shot. Besides, the camera’s viewfinder contributes to the sharp images. Moreover, it offers a broad view of about 31mm, meaning you can capture a lot.

Lightweight design

Photographers appreciate less bulky cameras, especially if you have to move around with them. The Kodak Ultra F9 camera is less bulky and can perfectly fit in your hands. You will therefore enjoy a full day of taking shots and having fun.

Large aperture

Kodak’s ultra F9 35mm comes with a large aperture that allows the right amount of light to get in. This enables photographers to take clear shots. The camera also has a powerful flash, so you can take pictures in the shade and at night.

Easy to use

Kodak made sure that every Ultra F9 35mm button was reachable. So you wind the device up, click, and take your clear shots. The picture quality is also perfect, and you can take shots with it daily. The body is made of ABS material but is sturdy and durable.

Specifications

User experience

The camera has easy-to-use features like a flash, making it easier to use by amateur street photographers. It also has a built-in flash that makes it a good camera for taking photos at night and in a shad. The picture quality is impressive because of the sharp lens. You will love your shots on Kodak’s Ultra F9 35mm.

Why Should You Buy It?

This camera from Kodak makes photography easy, and kids and adults can use it. Its picture clarity is worth the price, and its lightweight makes photography more fun. In addition, you don’t require electricity or lighting to shoot because the camera has an inbuilt flash.

8. Nikon FM-10 SLR Camera with 35-70mm f – Best For Beginners

The Nikon FM-10 35mm with 35-70mm lens is suitable for beginners who want to learn the art of photography. However, this camera is analog, so it is ideal for students who want to know the old-fashioned way. It uses the Nikon F-mount lens and only requires batteries for the meter. The other unique features of the FM-10 are;

Ideal for learners

The Nikon FM-10 is easy to use and ideal for learners and beginners. The camera doesn’t require you to study the setting for a perfect focus. When you look through the viewfinder and see a green light, it indicates that the exposure is correct. A red light needs you to focus better until it turns green. This is a more straightforward way to teach students photography.

Zoom lens

The Nikon FM-10 comes with a 35-70mm zoom lens to allow you to focus on the object, whether it is far or near. It can also work with any lens with a Nikon F bayonet mount and other Nikon-Mount lenses from its successors.

Simple design

Another reason the Nikon FM-10 is easy to use is due to its simple design. The camera has a single button for changing the shutter speed, making it less complicated. The design is also nice and solid, and it fits perfectly in the photographer’s hands. In addition, the camera is small, so you can move around with it all day.

Low power usage

This camera uses 2 LR44 batteries that don’t run out of charge quickly. Photographers are therefore able to shoot all day without worrying about a dying battery or charger. It is, therefore, an excellent choice for street photography because you don’t have the time to charge a dead battery or a shop to buy new batteries.

Specifications

User experience

Most photography tutors recommend the Nikon FM-10 to their students because it is beginner-friendly and easy to use. However, it is only suitable for students and photography gurus who don’t mind manual gadgets. The shutter does not require batteries, so your camera’s battery doesn’t drain fast. It also accepts any Nikon F-mount lens with an aperture ring, enabling photographers to get clearer shots.

Why Should You Buy It?

If you are a photography student, the Nikon FM-10 is the perfect camera for you. Besides, it uses a very low charge, so you will have all the time taking your shots. Its 35-70mm zoom lens also produces clear and sharp images.

What Should Look For When Buying Best Film Cameras For Street Photography

ISO sensitivity

As a street photographer, you should be willing to work in unfavorable conditions, such as bad weather and low light. In such cases, you would require a camera with a high ISO sensitivity, capable of taking high-quality pictures.

The best ISO for a street photography camera is 400-800. You can push that number to 1600 if the situation warrants it. However, a very high ISO reduces your image quality. Therefore, it is best to stick to the camera’s recommended ISO range.

Brand And Budget

You ought to consider the price and the camera brand you want to buy. Film cameras by themselves are not expensive. But the price goes up pretty fast when you factor in accessories such as film and lenses and the cost of developing the films.

The camera brand also goes a long way into determining how much money you will use in the long run. This is because most camera brands make accessories that are only compatible with their camera, although some have more compatible accessories.

If you buy brands that are not compatible with others, if there comes a time you need a new camera, you would have to buy a whole new set of accessories.

Mechanicals Vs. Automated Cameras

Mechanical cameras are completely manual. But some use batteries or have a certain level of automation, such as a built-in light meter, automatic exposure control, or computerized metering. Manual mechanical cameras are less prone to failure, therefore, more reliable.

For this reason, these cameras sell for much more than their automated counterparts. If you want to purchase a film camera but money is tight, an automated one would be the best option. You can upgrade to the more reliable mechanical ones later when your finances improve.

Camera Type

You can choose between three types of film cameras, i.e., Single-Lens Reflex (SLR) cameras,

compact cameras, and rangefinders. SLRs are the largest of the three. You can interchange the lenses of an SLR. They also have a viewfinder that allows you to see through the lens; therefore, what you see is what you get.

Compact cameras are also known as point-and-shoot. They are simple cameras that do not require a lot of technical know-how to use. They are much smaller and cheaper than their counterparts.

Rangefinders are a middle between compacts and an SLRs. They have a viewfinder you can use to frame an image, but you don’t see the photos through the lens like with an SLR. Therefore what you see on the viewfinder is just an approximation.

Batteries

As mentioned earlier, some film cameras operate on batteries. However, some of these cameras run on batteries that are no longer in production. You, therefore, need to be careful not to sink your money into a camera you will never use because its batteries are no longer available.

Lens

Lenses are an essential part of a film camera. Unfortunately, a wrong lens automatically results in a bad picture, which is why you must ensure you get the right one.

There are two options to choose from, zoom lens and prime lens. Unfortunately, zoom lenses perform poorly in street photography.

On the other hand, prime lenses are ideal for street photography. They are small and lightweight, making them perfect for carrying around as you walk the streets trying to get the perfect shot. They are also less expensive than zoom lenses and offer a wider maximum aperture.

How To Take Sharper Street Photography

You haven’t mastered the art of street photography until you’ve learned how to take sharp pictures. It is not an easy skill to master, as street photography often involves trying to capture quick movement, often in low light conditions. However, if you want to take sharper pictures, here is how to do it:

Use A Small Aperture

With a small aperture, the depth of field is deeper. A deep depth of field makes it easier to take sharper photos. Therefore, you must have good knowledge of the lenses you are using on your camera. This knowledge allows you to stop your lens down to the aperture size that delivers the sharpest picture since it may not be the same with all lenses.

Use The Flash

Most people usually use the flash feature to take pictures at night. But did you know you can also use it during the day?

It may sound counter-productive to shoot pictures with a flash during the day, but the fact is that flash tends to make images sharper.

Stop Moving

Street photography involves a lot of movement, even on your part. This movement is what results in blurry and out-of-focus images.

To take sharper pictures, you need to stop moving. Instead, pick a perfect spot and wait for a scene to unfold. Wait for the ideal light and subject, and then take your shot. You will get better pictures this way than when you are moving.

Increase The Shutter Speed

Perfect moments can pass you very quickly when you shoot in the streets. So you need to capture these moments as fast as they appear and ensure that the image is sharp.

So you need to set a high shutter speed. The ideal shutter speed is 1/250s. At this speed, you are guaranteed sharp pictures with no motion blur.

You can still shoot at a shutter speed of 1/125s, especially at night, but anything below that, and you run the risk of camera shake/motion blur.

Use Prime Lenses

They are ideal for street photography because they offer sharper images compared to zoom lenses.

Most photographers prefer to use 35mm and 50mm lenses. The 35mm allows you to take pictures at close range, capturing the minor details and fast movements on a subject. On the other hand, you can use the 50mm one in areas where you cannot get too close to the subject without ruining the moment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Film Do Street Photographers Use?

Street photographers require films that can capture quick moments fast. The Kodak Tri-X and Ilford HP-5Plus fit this description perfectly.

Both have ISO speeds of 400-1600. They also function well under low light conditions and a wide dynamic range. The wide dynamic range comes in handy in areas where the contrast in lighting is high.

How Long Do Film Cameras Last?

Film cameras do not have an expiration date. Therefore, they can last for years longer than modern digital cameras. This is because they are primarily mechanical and do not have many moving parts that can fail to work.

Unfortunately, the films used in film cameras do not have such a long life span. Most of them start degrading two years after the year of manufacture. The best way to ensure a film lasts longer than two years is to freeze them. Heat is the enemy. Cold temperatures reduce the degradation of film. They can last up to 70 years if stored under the proper cold temperatures.

Are Film Cameras Better Than Digital?

Film cameras are not better than digital cameras. Your photography skill and ability to create good images, whether using film or digital cameras, is what matters.

That said, there are advantages of using film over digital cameras.

A film camera produces better visually appealing images compared to a digital camera. This is because these cameras integrate light and color better than digital cameras.

Using a film camera trains your mind and teaches patience. These cameras use film, so you can only take a limited number of shots. Few shots mean you must wait, recognize and capture the right moment. Developing the films also requires patience.

There is also the fact that the final product from a film camera is tangible, something you do not get with digital cameras.

Do Disposable Cameras Come With Film?

Yes, they do. Disposable cameras are also known as single-use cameras. This is because they have only one roll of film preloaded in the camera.

The film can be blank and white or color. You can take 24-27 shots with a disposable camera. After the film is used and developed, you can discard the camera.

These cameras are made from cheap materials like plastic, cardboard, and paper, which is why they are so affordable.

Can You Convert A Film Camera To Digital?

Yes, it is possible to convert a film camera to a digital one by changing the back of the camera.  There are two ways to do this:

1. Using DIY Conversion Kits

These kits mainly convert SLRs to DSLRs. A  conversion kit can consist of several components such as an image sensor, a camera module, an optical viewfinder, etc. Even if you can do this at home, it would take a lot of time, and you would need to be well acquainted with the process.

2. Using Raspberry Pi Kits

This method requires familiarity with how a Raspberry Pi works. You would also need to use an older camera, preferably without electronics. Although this is an excellent way of using old cameras, it is not perfect, and the final product cannot be used for street photography.

Conclusion

Film photography is here to stay. Film cameras have a lot to offer street photography.  We’ve given you a comprehensive list of the best film cameras and a detailed buyer’s guide.

But if you want the best overall, we’d recommend the Vintage Canon AE-1 Program Camera. This camera has a programmed automatic exposure mode and  Shutter-Priority AE mode. It is lightweight and therefore easy to carry around, takes perfect photos thanks to the 50mm f/1.8 lens, and has a good viewfinder magnification. Not forgetting it also has a great design.