The silver camera uses film that must be developed to obtain photo prints. You thought this process was out of fashion since the arrival of digital cameras? Think again: purists and lovers of vintage objects have given it a second life. If you are interested, here is our guide to the best film cameras of the moment.
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Our selection
"The Fujifilm Instax Wide 300 is an instant silver camera with a 2 focus range lens. We like the square format and the vintage side…"
"The Konstruktor F is a 35mm SLR, a small model to assemble by yourself. It is a good film camera for beginners. Indeed, its viewfinder…"
"A state of the art film camera that promises excellent image quality. It costs a lot of money, but you get what you pay for.…"
"It is one of the brand's renowned film cameras. To its 20.4 megapixel sensor is added a retro and refined design. It is also equipped…"
The Fujifilm Instax Wide 300 is an instant silver camera with a 2 focus range lens. We like the square format and the vintage side of the pictures.
84 £ on AmazonThe Fujifilm Instax Wide 300 is an instant film camera with a quality Fujinon lens. Including various features, including a Wide format, electronic flash, "Fill in" mode to allow shooting in dark places and much more, it is powered by a 1.5V Alkaline battery.
This black film camera also has a 1/64 to 1/200 second shutter release for easy handling. For a focus up to 40-50 cm from the subject, a close-up lens is provided. In addition, a "lightening-darkening" control that gives a touch of creativity to the images with the "high-key" and "low-key" effects is offered.
The Konstruktor F is a 35mm SLR, a small model to assemble by yourself. It is a good film camera for beginners. Indeed, its viewfinder which lacks precision and its plastic lens are not for the pros.
37,66 £ on AmazonCheap and easy to handle, this device is for novices. It is delivered in parts. You will enjoy assembling them. No tedious adjustments to be made for the shots. The speed and aperture are fixed from the start. It initiates to precision, framing and light management during the shooting and offers amazing artistic effects.
With this camera without flash, you have access to two modes: Bulb and Double Exposure. They leave room for creativity since you can only see the photos 48 hours after development. However, it is necessary to know how to control the sharpness directed to the center not to have a really ugly result.
A state of the art film camera that promises excellent image quality. It costs a lot of money, but you get what you pay for. Note that it incorporates a 24 megapixel sensor.
6 368 £ on CdiscountAt first glance, the Leica M 240's 921,000-dot screen definition is tempting. A feature worthy of a high-end model. Add to this the autonomy of its battery which lasts a whole day. It knows a great evolution compared to the burst, 7 images in a row in 2 seconds. It makes sensational photos with low light thanks to a setting that can go up to 6400 ISO.
Despite some sensitivity to underexposure, this model offers beautiful colors. You can make videos with the proposed features and settings that are managed through the Magic Lantern firmware. In addition, it is equipped with lenses with large enough aperture to obtain a rendering with cinema effect. However, you should know that you will not have the right to autofocus.
It is one of the brand's renowned film cameras. To its 20.4 megapixel sensor is added a retro and refined design. It is also equipped with a good autofocus and a more powerful process.
1 079 £ on AmazonThe knobs and buttons are easily accessible to improve the grip. The same goes for the thumb rest, which is so comfortable to use that the absence of a handle is hardly felt. We love the electronic viewfinder although newer models are better. In any case, this one does the trick for this price range.
Especially since the available options and functions are particularly advanced. They are numerous enough to allow photographers to expand their horizons and push their limits. On the other hand, those who are new to photography sometimes have a hard time finding their way around. However, the handling becomes easier once you are familiar with the modes and settings in question. We do not forget its 12-40 mm f/2.8 M. Zuiko ED lens capable of a great feat in terms of speed.
Any specific needs?
The best entry-level film camera
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9/10 |
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8/10 |
| OUR SELECTION |
Fujifilm Instax Wide 300
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Lomography - Konstruktor F
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Leica M Type 240
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Olympus - E-M5 Mark III
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The Fujifilm Instax Wide 300 is an instant silver camera with a 2 focus range lens. We like the square format and the vintage side of the pictures.
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The Konstruktor F is a 35mm SLR, a small model to assemble by yourself. It is a good film camera for beginners. Indeed, its viewfinder which lacks precision and its plastic lens are not for the pros.
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A state of the art film camera that promises excellent image quality. It costs a lot of money, but you get what you pay for. Note that it incorporates a 24 megapixel sensor.
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It is one of the brand's renowned film cameras. To its 20.4 megapixel sensor is added a retro and refined design. It is also equipped with a good autofocus and a more powerful process.
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Focal length
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95 mm
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50 mm
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12-40 mm
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Dimensions
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16.8 x 9.5 x 12.1 cm
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9 x 5 x 9 cm
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13.9 x 8 x 4.2 cm
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13.5 x 5 x 8.5 cm
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Type
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Instantaneous
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DSLR mountable
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Reflex
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Hybrid
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Mode
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Automatic, manual
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Manual
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Manual
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Automatic and manual
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Specifics
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Built-in electronic flash, shooting in dark areas, brighten-shadow effects
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Fixed aperture, two shutter speeds available, tripod compatible
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Multiple focal lengths compatible, Lightroom included, excellent battery, Full HD video
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DCI and 4K UHD video recording, ISO 25600, touch screen, 5-axis image stabilization
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Mechanical and manual cameras compatible with 135 mm or "35 mm format" film recording 24 x 36 mm images are the most traditional. On the other hand, the 120 mm format is more common and is adapted to "medium format" cameras. As for the 110 format, it is rarer and much smaller.
A film camera includes an internal light meter that measures the light through the lens. While the older models measure the light and indicate the right couple of aperture/speed with a needle or diodes, the more recent ones offer more interesting automatisms.
To have a good film rendering, the exposure compensation of a film camera is essential. It allows to shift the exposure by one or two EV more or less. Whether it is in shutter priority or aperture priority, it is essential for automatic modes.
There
are several lenses depending on the brand of your choice. In general, a lens with a maximum aperture of 2.8 is better than a lens opening at 1.4. Handling an aperture ring is nicer on the lens and a shutter speed dial than buttons and wheels on an LCD screen.
As the name implies, the depth-of-field tester makes it easy to see the depth of field. Appearing as a lever or push button, it is an accessory found on manual focus cameras that closes the aperture at the selected aperture. The size of the image can be expanded or reduced depending on the camera.
Adjusting a film camera
When using a film camera, it is essential to correctly adjust the film by matching the ISO sensitivity of the film and the adjustment wheel. This way, the camera's cell will measure the light and indicate the proper settings according to the ISO sensitivity to properly expose the images. To rewind the film, simply pull back on the dial and turn the dial counterclockwise until you hear a small "click".
The different formats
There are 3 main formats: the standard 135 format generally used to record 24 x 36 mm images (reference format for digital), the 120 format adapted to "medium format" cameras for a more detailed final image rendering with a film length of 64 cm and the 110 format, much smaller generally sold by a single manufacturer.
The importance of ISO sensitivity
In film, the value of the sensitivity of film is generally between 25 and 3200 ISO. While an ISO 100 film is recommended for outdoor shots, an ISO 3200 film is more suitable for night photography. The lower the ISO, the less sensitive the film is to light and the finer the grain.
According to their capacity and their specificity, there are several types of film cameras. Before rushing towards the favorites, it is important to know the different types and thus determine which one corresponds the most to your expectations.
Equipped with a small body, the compact film camera is more intended for occasional use. In general, it is completely automated and the aiming is done on a liquid crystal screen. It is composed of a fixed camera, equipped with a rather powerful zoom that folds on itself to avoid losing its compactness. Smaller and lighter, it is more economical in terms of budget.
This type of camera is generally not suitable for photographic activities. Their role tends more towards the recording of photo memories during an exceptional event. It has other weaknesses such as the size of the sensors remaining globally small, the lens not being interchangeable and the contrasts often being little marked.
More powerful, this type of film camera offers a larger storage space. It is also compatible with many ranges of lenses.
Basically, it is a body on which a wide range of lenses can be attached. Its greatest advantage is that its image, its reflex viewfinder and its responsiveness are of high quality.
The first disadvantage of the SLR camera is its generally higher price, but this depends mainly on the lens. Its size also makes it a rather bulky model. In most cases, its LCD screen is not used as a viewfinder, but only for viewing images and menus.
It is more recommended to choose a model with a depth of field tester in the case of manual focusing.
In photography, the silver process is a technique which allows to obtain a photograph by following a photochemical process including mainly 3 elements: the exposure of a film sensitive to the light, its development and its printing on paper. Briefly, silver refers to film cameras.
The digital camera (DPC) is a photographic camera equipped with a liquid crystal display or viewfinder that allows it to take and view pictures. Unlike film cameras, it collects light on an electronic photographic sensor and records the images on a memory card.
The choice depends on the preferences of the users. In case the photographer in question leans more towards the artistic side of photography, the film camera is a better choice, because film allows to see photography as an art.
A retro object
The first asset of a film camera is its vintage look. Aesthetic and pleasant to handle, we can say that it has much more charm than a contemporary digital camera. All its environment transports you as if by magic in the past: the insertion of the film, the noise of the trigger, the rewinding of the film, the development of the images...
An artistic reflection
With a film camera, there is no room for error. Since film is limited to 24 or 36 exposures, you have to think carefully about the framing and the parameters before pressing the shutter button. This will allow you to be more attentive and to enjoy the shooting.
An exciting development
Photos taken with a film camera are more unique and mysterious since you have to wait until later to see the result. Indeed, with a digital camera, you can instantly look at the result and start over if you don't like it. With a film camera, you feel the excitement every time you develop your film. Then, you are often surprised when you discover the results.
A unique photographic rendering
A film photo is totally different and incomparable from the digital one, whether it is on the level of the grain or the colors. Once taken, it cannot be modified or deleted, which makes it more real and warmer. It always seems to tell a memory.
A light journey
With a film camera, you no longer need to carry batteries and a bulky charger. It runs on a small battery that can last longer. A film camera weighs quite a bit, but it fits easily into a bag.
In our opinion, the best brands of silver cameras in 2022 are :
Beginning in 1934 as a pioneering photographic film producer in Japan, Fujifilm has leveraged its imaging and information technologies to become a global presence known for innovation in healthcare, graphic arts, optical devices, highly functional materials and other high-tech fields.
Eastman Kodak Company is an American public company that manufactures a variety of products related to its historical base in analog photography. It has been an icon of photography and still remains among the best today.This brand is globally recognized for its quality and performance.
Lomography is an Austrian brand that became fashionable in 2011 and is still used by fans of this type of original cameras. Lomography cameras offer images that combine imperfection and aesthetics.This combination gives a certain image quality that only those who know the camera can appreciate the quality. This brand is very reliable.
Olympus Corporation is a Japanese manufacturer of optical and reprographic products. It was established in 1919. This company is committed to giving better quality products while preserving the environment. This commitment has allowed it to be ranked among the best brands.
The brand was first known for its televisions, currently, it is also known for its silver cameras which is one of its flagship products. This brand is among the best quality and is at the top of the comparisons. We can say that it is reliable.
The diagram below will help you to get an idea of the typical prices for each price range (entry-level, mid-range and high-end).
However, more expensive does not necessarily mean better.
We therefore advise you to always consult our ranking before deciding, rather than blindly relying on price ranges.
Choosing film
Color or black and white negative film is the most common, but there are also slides that record light in positive. Negative film is more recommended for beginners and those who opt for manual focus. It is important to make sure that the film is loaded properly and snaps into place correctly with the notches.
Measuring light for better exposure
A
camera is usually equipped with a photo cell that measures the light and indicates the most appropriate aperture and/or shutter speed ratios. Some cameras are not equipped with one. This is why free applications are recommended. They will determine the ideal exposure time.
ISO sensitivity
To
get the best result, the ISO sensitivity is also important. The sensitivity of silver cameras generally ranges from 25 to 3200 ISO. Even if the "grain" is generally less aesthetic, the grainier the film, the easier it will be to shoot in difficult conditions.
Remedy film expiration
In
the event that film has an expiration date, putting it in cold storage is the best way to remedy this. However, don't forget to take them out of the fridge before using it to avoid condensation.
Check battery functionality
Despite
the fact that film cameras are generally manual, most of them include a battery that allows the photo cell or light meter to function. It is essential to check that this battery is functional before you start photographing.
Film opens doors for the photographer, because it allows you to see photography as an Art. The more you get to know these cameras, the more you will understand what is going on in the process. Also, pictures taken by these cameras are often very beautiful to look at.
Silver photography is a photographic technique allowing the obtaining of a photograph by a photochemical process including the exposure of a film sensitive to the light then its development and, eventually, its printing on paper
.
On
the market since 2004, Nikon F6 exceeds all expectations of serious amateurs and professionals with a level of sophistication unmatched in the film SLR market
.
The
rendering of a camera also depends on its lens, you have to check that the optics are correct and clear and that the rings (diaphragm, focus) are smooth and not too seized
.
The
film you are going to load should always be on the top position of your insert. So you place the empty roll at the bottom, then your film at the top.
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