Wanna Shoot Film on the Cheap?

The Film Classics

Shoot film? On the cheap? Well, it use to be a lot easier just a few years ago. Before people realized this whole digital thing has it’s uses,….but it’s really just a bunch of B.S. The best thing I’ve found about digital? “Polaroids” are a lot easier. And the built in iPhone, (and other smartphones), “negative” viewer is so much better than a loupe!

So, you’ve decided to take the plunge. But, it’s kind of “scary”. And you’re not quite ready to spend more than a few shekels on equipment when this might end up just being a lark. First, I’ll say this; Every camera I’ve listed ain’t much money. Second, you’ll be able to get back your full investment. Maybe even make money if you hold onto it long enough. I bought a Contax T2 in 2005. Paid under $200. I recently sold it for almost $800! (as opposed to my Nikon D2x, that I lost over $4000 on  😭)

Canon AE-1 (or A1)

OK. Back in the day, Nikon was for professionals. And the Canon AE-1 was for “hobbyists”. Despite any trash talk, this was one of the best and most reliable cameras ever made. And I’m a Nikon guy! I do understand why people love this camera. Sharp lenses, simple, easy to fix,….and can be had for a song and a dance. Including the FD lenses. Both Canon TTL Speedlights, and generic thyristor flashes work very well on this baby. Some consider it to be the “best” manual film SLR ever made. Even over Canon’s F-1. If you want to get even “cheaper”, try the overlooked Canon Pellix used by Jonathan Leder.  😲  Canon AE-1

Pentax K1000

The Pentax K1000 is a fully mechanical, fully manual 35mm SLR and a cult favorite of many. And for good reason. Other than needing a battery for the meter, you can operate this puppy with or without batteries. (just no meter) And lenses are sharp, plentiful, cheap and come in a wide spectrum of focal lengths. Pentax K1000

Leica Z2X

I don’t know why people hate this camera. (Leicaphiles?) Build quality is about on par with an Olympus Stylus. And, like the Stylus “zoom”, the picture quality is very good. Color is good and sharpness is superb. On par with a Yashica T4 or Contax T2? No. But probably about the same as their zoom versions. (I know,…Apples and Oranges) A plus would be the camera is very light and compact, fitting nicely into a jacket pocket. If you “need” a Leica, but are not ready for an M, give this beauty a try. (I notice plenty of image examples on Instagram at #leicaz2x) Leica Zoom Z2X

Olympus OM-1 (OM-2)

The OM-1 and OM-2 were probably the most underrated SLRs of all time. I will concede they are usually Olympus shooters, but they are so adamant, it’s only logical to take a closer look. The OM’s are almost the smallest SLRs ever made. At 136 x 50 x 83mm, it even beats the Nikon EM in some dimensions at 135 × 54 × 86 mm. For weight reference, the Olympus OM-2 is 520g and the Nikon EM is 460g. So, they can’t claim the smallest. But considering the plethora of extra features over the Nikon, it ain’t by much. Find Olympus OM Series

Yashica Electro 35 GSN/GTN

The Electro 35 G was introduced in 1968 with largely cosmetic changes. The range of usable film speeds was extended a little, up to 500 ASA. The lens was labelled a “Color Yashinon” to reassure the buying public that it was color corrected at a time when the use of color film was growing quickly. The Electro 35 GT was released in 1969 with a body painted black instead of the satin chrome finish. The GSN and GTN are the newer ones, just as inexpensive. You’ll love it. Yashica Electro 35 GSN

Minolta CLE

If you have dreams of a Leica, but not the budget, fear not. The Minolta CLE is as close as you can get, at a fraction of the cost. In fact, Minolta produced Leica’s CL camera,…and many say Minolta’s version is better! Personally, I don’t love Minolta. (the brand) But, the lenses, (Rokkor), are very, very good. And this puppy takes Leica, Voightlander and Zeiss lenses. And the Minolta X-700 and the Minolta XG-2 are exceptionally great manual cameras with great glass should you prefer an SLR. And very cheap these days. Ren Hang used an X-700, and his work was tremendous.

Konica C35

The Konica C35 is really a highly underrated outlier. I actually give a slight edge to the Konica S3, but that’s mostly because I like much bigger cameras. As far as images go, this 38mm fixed lens camera takes awesome pics in all it’s versions. The FD with the 38mm f/1.8 lens is probably the best of the lot. But the EF with the 38mm f/2.8 and built-in pop up flash is quite good. And they both sport really large and bright viewfinders, with easily visible frame lines. They also made a “C35” AF model. But,…skip that one. I’ve seen prices from $20 to $250. But most are around $50-$75 or so. Unless you find one at Goodwill. Then $5 is not unheard of. Other than a fixed lens on on the FD,… you might well think you’re shooting a Leica CL.

The cool thing about lists is if you don’t like my very subjective list, there are lots more to choose from. Including my own “Best” list.  (as opposed to this “frugal” list) Either way,…jump in. What have you got to lose? 😁