In a previous article, The case against disposable film cameras, we talked about why disposable cameras are not that great. While there are cases wherein disposable cameras come in handy especially for beginners. But honestly, you would still be better off investing your money in something that you can reuse (and maybe even put on display when not in use).
Here are some film cameras that are budget and beginner friendly.
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Kodak Ektar H35 Half Frame
Film is getting pricier every year but with Kodak’s half frame camera, you will be able to take 72 shots with a single 36-frame roll!
Since you’ll be taking 2 shots in one single frame, you will have to rethink how to frame your shots.
The Kodak Ektar H35 comes in 4 different colors – Black, Brown, Sage (my personal favorite), and Sand.
Reto Ultra Wide and Slim
One of my favorite cameras is the Superheadz Wide and Slim (which is also a Vivitar clone). It is such an inexpensive film camera and shot at a wide angle. It has always been a travel companion because it just captured landscape so well – for a plastic film camera.
I don’t see the Superheadz around these days but luckily, Reto launched their own Ultra Wide and Slim film camera. It took on the same form and also comes in a variety of colors. I don’t have this on hand (yet) but I am pretty sure the output is the same as the photo above.
The only downside of this camera is that it doesn’t come with a built in flash – so this is best to use outdoors and in good lighting.
Ilford Sprite 35-II
Ilford, who also has a line of disposable cameras, also came out with their own reusable film camera recently. This is a refreshed version of their classic Ilford Sprite 35 camera.
The camera is simple to operate which is great for beginners. The size is just right (but just not as slim as the Reto W&S) and it comes with a built-in flash so it comes in handy in low light.
Read: First impressions: Ilford Sprite 35-II
Tip: Get the black one – it looks the least plasticky of the other colors they offer.
Lomography Simple Use Reloadable
Say what you will about Lomography but they might be one of the reasons for the revival of film photography.
The Simple Use might not look the best (it literally looks like a disposable camera) but it deserves a spot on this list. This camera comes pre-loaded with film so if you are a beginner, you can start shooting film as soon as you get it. It really comes handy with Lomography’s slogan – Don’t think; just shoot.
It also comes with these flash filters so you can get some color effects. It’s really a good way to get beginners who want to shoot with film but don’t want to get too much into the technical details and still get decent shots.
Dubblefilm Show
Last but not least, the most Instagrammable one on this list – the Dubblefilm Show.
Dubblefilm has been more popular with specialty/experimental films. They got into the film camera manufacturing game because they wanted to provide an alternative to disposable film cameras.
The form factor seems to be similar with the Ilford Sprite 35 but with more fun colors.
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