If you’re asking yourself what is the best film camera to start off with, here are my top five most affordable point-and-shoot 35mm film cameras. Whether you’re just starting or looking for a budget-friendly and beginner-friendly option to find the best nostalgic charm of film photography, these cameras are perfect for capturing those moments. Keep in mind, that I use these for both personal and wedding photography work. You can find any of these cameras for under $35! Some of my favorite spots to find cameras are thrift stores, estate sales, Facebook marketplace, and eBay.

In this blog, you’ll see some of my favorite camera film brands! Here are just a few of my favorite camera brands to shoot film; Pentax, Samsung, Minolta, Nikon, Canon, and Olympus. And trust me, there’s a bunch more I’ve shot with.

Let’s dive in!

1. Pentax Zoom 70R

The Pentax Zoom 70R is a fantastic choice for those new to film photography or once again, looking for the best quality camera for the best price. Its versatile zoom lens and easy-to-use features make it a must-have for capturing just about anything you can think of. At #1 on this list, it’s also #1 in my heart. By chance, my mom was the one who bought this for me (she saw how much I loved my other film camera at the time). I’ve had it for a few years now and it’ll be my #1 recommendation for film cameras.

2. Samsung Maxima Zoom XL

Next up, the Samsung Maxima Zoom XL is a perfect pick for anyone seeking affordability without sacrificing quality. Its small compact design and pretty decent zoom range make it a super favorite for both personal and client-based work. You’ll more than likely see me carrying this around if you’re one of my wedding or engagement couples. My favorite thing about this camera is that it’s the smallest out of all the ones listed here. If you’re familiar with film cameras, it’s the same length as the Olympus XA, only a little bit on the wider side. It’s just about the perfect pocket-sized camera.

3. Samsung Maxima Zoom 77i

The Samsung Maxima Zoom 77i is another excellent option from Samsung’s lineup. This camera offers similar benefits to the XL version but in a slightly different design. Unfortunately, it is on the bulkier side, but for the quality of the photo, I would carry it around without complaining. Its user-friendly features and sharp image quality make it super reliable. Even with tape on the bottom of my battery door, it seems to be holding up just fine.

4. Minolta Freedom Dual C

The Minolta Freedom Dual C stands out with its dual focal length capability, giving you more creative flexibility. It’s an ideal choice for those really looking to spend less money on an affordable amazing quality 35mm film camera. Looking at it you would think this camera doesn’t offer the best images. I’m honestly not a fan of dull gray cameras like this, but just wait until you take photos with it (that’s why it’s on this list).

5. Nikon Zoom Touch 470AF

Last but certainly not least, the Nikon Zoom Touch 470AF is a powerhouse in the world of affordable film cameras. Personally, Nikon has been my #1 camera brand since I started photography, so I knew this camera would give me some beautiful film photos. This camera is known for its exceptional autofocus and zoom capabilities, ensuring your photos are crispy and well-composed. Its sleek design and small aesthetic body make it one of my favorites to look at.

So that’s it! You now know my top five affordable 35mm film cameras. They all offer a blend of quality, beginner friendliness, and budget-friendly prices. They’re perfect for capturing the little moments that mean the most. Use them for clients or for yourself, I can assure you that you’ll get some amazing photos out of one of these.