Best Nikon Cameras For Portraits
Nowadays, the question of how to choose the best film cameras is quite popular among photographers. Film photography is coming back and more and more professional shooters prefer taking studio and street photos with the best 35mm film camera. If you want to try this kind of shooting, I recommend you read my review of 16 good film cameras that are popular today.
What Is the Best Film Camera?
Today you can add a film effect to all your photos while color correction in Lightroom. But it doesn't allow taking so "lively" and natural pictures.
The owners of the best vintage cameras can scan shots and print them in huge sizes with minimal quality loss. Got interested?
Best Film Cameras in 2021
Choose a model from one of the largest brands of the 70th: Leica, Hasselblad, Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Makina, Pentax or Fujifilm. They are all user-friendly, quality, durable and don't cost a fortune. Some of these models have a fixed lens and a built-in exposure meter, while other devices have aperture priority or shutter priority.
In this review, I will show you top 16 best film cameras that will never be out of fashion.
1. Leica MP
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Pros+
- Great performance
- Big, high-contrast rangefinder focusing patch
- Silent, noiseless work
- Convenient controls arrangement
Next in the list of the best film cameras is Leica MP. This device has a metal body, which ensures smooth operation even in the most difficult conditions. Leica MP belongs to the category of photo gear that can be used for a long time. I am sure that it will reliably serve for 10-20 years. With features such as Live View and video recording, as well as new ways of focusing, the new Leica M camera fully satisfies the demands of modern photographers. I advise it to those who want to use all the latest technologies in the field of camera design.
Photo by Leica MP
2. Hasselblad XPan
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Pros+
- Easy to use
- Small size
- Allows taking panoramic photos
Cons-
- Not great for other photography types
- Bad image quality in poor lighting
This is definitely the best 35mm camera that was created thanks to the collaboration of Hasselblad and Fuji camera brands. It's a sturdy, well-designed model that automatically winds the film and has two modes: metered and auto. XPan allows taking both individual photos or using the panoramic mode. I adore this function and always use it when I want to capture landscapes or architecture.
However, if you're taking the film to a laboratory, ask them to not cut it so that the panoramas remain complete. Similar to other best film cameras from my list, the XPan's metering mechanism offers terrific performance, allowing you to have automatic exposure practically all the time.
Photo by Hasselblad XPan
3. Leica M6
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Pros+
- Small
- User-friendly
- Reliable
- 100% mechanical except for the light meter
Cons-
- Too expensive
- Bulky
- CLE is expensive
It's one of the best film cameras which can work without a battery. I also like the perfect ergonomics of this device. Buy what could you expect for $5,000?? It has almost an ideal size and weight ratio. The control of buttons is very convenient and the shutter works quietly. It is one of the best 35 mm film cameras that has an excellent viewfinder. So, the shots are clearly visible in any light. You can use this camera for portrait photography and for street shooting. As for me, it's one of the top film cameras, which will help in many situations to get sharp images.
- Read about what cameras professional and famous film photographers use to take moody film portraits, street, landscape, wedding, and fashion photography.
Photo by Leica M6
4. Canon AE-1
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Pros+
- Compact, convenient, and user-friendly
- Comfortable lens mount
- Has a hot shoe
- Highly reliable
- Loading film rolls is easy
Cons-
- Short synchronization exposure
- Difficult to find adapters for other lenses
- Doesn't work without the battery
- Focal plane shutter
- Starts freezing at -5oC
This 35mm film SLR model was incredibly popular after its initial debut back in 1967. The Canon AE-1 was an important milestone in the history of photography gear, as it was among the first inexpensive SLRs that had auto exposure functions. Thanks to the Shutter Priority AutoExposure system, taking photographs became simpler than earlier. The great number of AE-1's features and intuitive controls make it the best Canon film camera of its time. This model should especially please hobbyists, photography students, and vintage equipment collectors. It has a pleasing design and the available range of manual settings that will help you master the art of film photography quicker.
- Read more about 15 best vintage cameras you can buy today and problems you may face using these vintage film cameras.
Photo by Canon AE-1
5. Pentax K1000
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Pros+
- Simple completely mechanical and manual system
- Lightweight
- Reliable and sturdy build
- Works without a battery
- Repairing and purchasing spare parts is easy
Cons-
- Possible shutter issues at small exposures
- Risk of a poorly calibrated light meter
This SLR camera offers simplicity in design and user-friendly controls. Such specs make it one of the best film cameras for beginners, hobbyists, and students. This model offers reliable exposure settings, an accurate TTL exposure meter, and batteries that will last for years. Loading the film is easy and quick, and the shot meter automatically sets to -3.
The photos taken with the K1000 are clear and sharp even at the widest aperture while the lens ring moves smoothly. Judging by my experience, this camera works perfectly even at -25oC, meaning that unlike other good film cameras, you can use K100 to capture beautiful winter landscapes in excellent quality.
Photo by Pentax K1000
6. Plaubel Makina W67
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Pros+
- Lens has a sharp and lustrous optical image
- Small size thanks to the foldable design
- Solid body construction
Cons-
- Expensive to repair
- Dull rangefinder spot on some models
- Compatible only with a single lens
Plaubel Makina W67 is a small model that can easily fit in a pocket or handbag. It's incredibly sturdy and the photos look amazing. This camera has a built-in metering mechanism that automatically changes the light levels. The included double-picture rangefinder allows measuring the distance for nature, street shots, etc. I've never used such a camera before so it took me a couple of minutes before I got used to it. Reading the metering is easy "+/0/-" and the focusing process is straightforward as well. If you're searching for good film cameras that offer portability, solid functionality, and are perfect for traveling, W67 is a good choice.
- Don't know what a rangefinder camera is? Read more about the best rangefinder cameras and where you can use them and what photos you may get.
Photo by Plaubel Makina W67
7. Contax T3
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Pros+
- Beautiful design
- High quality thanks to the folding lens and titanium body
- Bright flash
T3 is a point and shoot film camera that has a smooth, minimalist design that won the hearts of thousands of photographers. The camera's compact size allows taking it with you everywhere and using it immediately without dealing with a dozen different settings. The folding telephoto Zeiss lens and titanium body ensure the high quality of this model. The flash has several settings, including an early version of red-eye effect removal.
The reason why I call T3 the best 35mm camera is its set of automatic mods and a powerful flash, which is important for me since I like to photograph the evening city. Typically, when I use this camera, I set it to "P" mode so that the aperture and shutter speed are set automatically, and I just have to press the release button. If I need a flash, I simply use the auto flash.
- If you are a beginning photographer, I recommend you read about the best beginner cameras you can buy for cheap prices. They are better than film cameras for amateurs.
Photo by Contax T3
8. Nikon FM-10
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Pros+
- Compact
- Convenient and ergonomic design
- Nice and quiet shutter
Cons-
- Plastic construction
This film camera from Nikon is a lightweight universal device. It works perfectly without a battery. This model uses 35 mm film. It also has manual exposure control and a convenient viewfinder with LED display. I really like that I can study the details of the image with manual exposure. This feature works even in the dark. In general, the manual settings of this SLR film camera ensure excellent results regardless of the shooting conditions. The camera itself can be called one of the top devices both for professionals and for beginners.
Photo by Nikon FM-10
9. Leica MA
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Pros+
- Bright viewfinder
- Can work without a battery
- Durable
- Compact ergonomic design
- Almost noiseless shutter
Cons-
- The price is too high
- The limit of sync speed (1/50-second)
- Lacks an integrated meter
Being considered as the best film camera, Leica M-A has many useful features for creative photographers. I liked the possibility of adjusting the shutter speed and aperture directly on the camera. The device allows controlling the shooting process and focusing on the object. From my experience, it's the best 35 mm camera for taking beautiful, detailed portraits. The final images are very lively. Moreover, the classic, laconic design deserves special attention. As for the film, I recommend you buy Kodak Tri-X 400 for reportage shooting.
Photo by Leica MA
10. Nikon F6
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Pros+
- Protected from moisture and dust
- Supports CF card
- Optical viewfinder
Cons-
- Lack of a shutter lock
- Rare CR123A batteries
- CS mode lags a little
Nikon F6 can be called the best SLR film camera from Nikon. This device is very easy to use. All the buttons are in their usual places, and setting the parameters is simple and intuitive. I also like the durability of Nikon F6. In addition, it is protected from moisture and dust, so you shouldn't worry about the device while shooting in difficult weather conditions. People say that Nikon F6 has the best focusing system among all Nikon film cameras. I believe this is true.
This film camera is very responsive in terms of focusing. It has an instant response, a small shutter lag, and a short viewfinder dimming time. But the liquid crystal display on the back of the camera freezes while working in cold temperatures.
Photo by Nikon F6
11. Nikon FM2
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Pros+
- Reliable build
- Entirely mechanical design
- Works without a battery
- Comfortable LED light meter
- Features a large viewfinder with exposure and aperture indicators
Cons-
- LED light meter indicator is poorly visible in direct sunlight
- No autofocus system
- Multiple exposure lever is placed inconveniently
The FM2 is a small single-lens mirror Nikon film camera that has a semi-automatic exposure mode and was released in Japan. It's compact, ergonomic, and has a bright and informative viewfinder. I especially like the overall build quality and the sturdy, nearly indestructible body. The silent and easy shutter release is also a great feature. Overall, FM2 is among the best film cameras thanks to the reliability and accuracy it offers. It's suitable for all photography types, and the broad range of exposure settings gives you unlimited control during shooting.
Photo by Nikon FM2
12. Canonet G III QL17
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Pros+
- Compact size
- High-quality optics
- Good light meter
Cons-
- Small focal range
- Tight release button
- Inconvenient focusing lever on the left
- Limited rangefinder base
Even a beginner can easily learn how to use it. QL17 has a bright viewfinder, precise focus ring, and an accurate rangefinder that allow you to focus on the subject quickly. The light meter is very efficient in setting the exposure correctly, while the camera's small size allows carrying it with you anywhere. Moreover, the quality of the photos I've taken with the QL17 makes it worthy of the best 35mm film cameras from Leica. I enjoy using this model for portraiture. The soft images have a moody effect and make the model's face and eyes look lively and deep.
Photo by Canonet G III QL17
13. Fujifilm GW690
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Pros+
- Sharp lens with a beautiful bokeh
- Fully mechanical construction
- Great viewfinder
Cons-
- Release buttons can't be locked
- Manual exposure is poorly designed
- Makes a lot of noise during shooting
This mid-sized rangefinder camera offers high-quality, smooth images thanks to the integrated lens. It's very easy to handle thanks to two release buttons, one of which is located at the front. The quality of the photos encourages you to bring this film camera everywhere and use it as often as you can. Focusing is done swiftly and accurately. The only drawback is the lack of a lock on the release buttons.
In the beginning, you're likely to take some "black rectangle" photos by accident when dragging the camera out of the bag. Personally, I recommend GW690 to anyone looking for great film cameras suitable for portraiture and street photography. It offers a nice balance between sharpness, contrast, and detail, resulting in lively, eye-catching images.
Photo by Fujifilm GW690
14. Leica M7
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Pros+
- Quick, easy-to-use manual focus
- Exceptional viewfinder
- Very quiet shutter
Cons-
- The red LEDs can be difficult to read in bright light
- High price
- Lacks auto release
Looking for the best 35mm film camera, you can try Leica M7. This device successfully combines the strong points of classic Leica quality and modern electronic features. As a result, you get fast and high-quality photo equipment. Despite its up-to-date functions, it still offers the main concepts of the legendary Leica brand. As for important benefits, I want to mention the convenient viewfinder, high-speed TTL synchronization, and aperture-priority auto-exposure. This camera works very quietly and suits different shooting conditions. It's a nice example of good film cameras that ensure cool results.
Photo by Leica M7
15. Lomography Diana F+
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Pros+
- Very light camera
- Four variable aperture settings
- Pinhole mode
- Cheap
Cons-
- The top line of the shot may be cut off
- 120 mm film is difficult to buy
- No "Rewind" stop button
Diana F + is a medium format camera. It requires a 120 mm film, which is much wider than usual. So, it's the best film camera, if you want to get square shots. One of the main advantages of this model is its minimal weight. The case is made of plastic, so the device is comfortable to hold in hands. The possibility of taking multiple exposure shots is another remarkable feature.
In addition, you can choose between automatic shutter closing and manual. The first one is suitable for taking pictures during the day or with a flash. The manual closing works better if you need a longer shutter speed or for night shooting. I also like its pinhole function. This is the best cheap film camera, which you can get for less than $100.
Photo by Lomography Diana F+
16. Leica M4
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Pros+
- Viewfinder with 0.72 zoom
- Durable construction
Cons-
- Too heavy
- Lacks an integrated timer
Leica M4 is known as the best 35 mm camera. This perfect camera body has a redesigned, plastic-tipped film advance and a frame counter that automatically resets itself. As for the special features, I see a quicker and easier film rewind knob. М4 is great for shooting night street photography. Despite the age of this legendary model, I believe it's one of the top film cameras that are popular nowadays. Wonderful photos that are taken with this film camera can impress even experienced photographers.
Photo by Leica M4
16 Best Film Cameras for Professional Photographers
| Image | Camera | Features | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Leica MP OUR CHOICE |
| Check PRICE → |
 | Leica M7 FOR STREET PHOTOGRAPHY |
| Check PRICE → |
 | Lomography Diana F+ Medium CHEAP |
| Check PRICE → |
 | Leica M4 BEST 35MM |
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 | Leica M6 FOR PROFESSIONALS |
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 | The Canon AE-1 BEST CANON |
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 | Pentax K1000 BEST FOR BEGINNERS |
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 | Plaubel Makina W67 Medium VINTAGE |
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 | Contax T3 |
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.png) | Nikon FM-10 |
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 | Leica MA |
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 | Nikon F6 |
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 | Nikon FM2 |
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 | Canonet G III QL17 |
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 | Fujifilm GW690 |
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 | Hasselblad XPan |
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How to Choose a Good Film Camera
Top film cameras are still very popular to this day, mainly among photography enthusiasts. Using such photo gear is far more interesting than a regular digital camera, and the taken photos aren't just high quality, but also have soul. How to pick a good film camera? Here are some characteristics you should always pay attention to when choosing the best film cameras.
1. Camera Type
MIRROR – they have a movable mirror that allows viewing directly through the lens. Almost all models have built-in metering and automatic modes. Nowadays, you can find lots of cool and budget-friendly Canon cameras for portraits.
RANGEFINDER – the maximum focus distance of all rangefinder lenses is 135mm, which is a small drawback, but that is enough for most tasks: portraiture, weddings, and landscapes.
SCALE FOCUS – these film cameras have integrated optics in the 38-40mm range. Most of them had a manual focusing mechanism. These enthusiast-level models are very small and suitable for all situations. However, while the offered image quality is good, it's not spectacular in any way.
2. Mechanical or Digital
The former allows you to adjust all the settings manually, which will simplify the process of learning modern mirror cameras. However, if you already have a specific digital system or plan to purchase one, it's better to search for digital models made by the same manufacturers.
3. Camera Format
There are small-, medium-, and large format models. Each system works with a different type of film. Additionally, the format heavily affects the size and weight of the camera. While you can fit a rangefinder in your pocket or a medium-sized model in a backpack, a large format camera will require a minivan. You should also keep in mind that the price goes up as you increase the format.
4. Film Format
The most common format is 135, commonly referred to as 35mm. There's also 120, a medium format film that is wider, harder to find, and more expensive (the same is true for cameras compatible with this type). 4x5 and larger are suitable for large format cameras. However, such cameras rarely interest beginners because of their complexity, price, and low working speed. That's why it's better to choose one of the first two formats.
Film Photography Vs Digital Photography
Even nowadays, photographers keep arguing about what is better: film photography or digital photography? The former praise the unique colors and grain of film photos, while the latter state that you can make a digital image look any way you want during photo editing and that people's film admiration is pure nostalgia. After spending quite some time shooting with film, I can confidently say that it does have its fair share of advantages.
Film Photography:
- Pros:
Each shot is meaningful
Contrast and complexly lit scenes are better shot in negative for a realistic look
Film photographers can use rangefinder cameras
Grain, unlike digital noise, doesn't damage the photo, and sometimes adds charm to it
Batteries in film cameras last longer - Cons:
Film rolls, development, and scanning all cost money
The entire process of developing photos is quite time-consuming
Requires a darkroom
To edit a film photo in various programs it needs to be digitized, which leads to loss of quality
Digital Photography:
- Pros:
Quick and convenient to use
SD cards stores more photos than a film roll
You can preview the images immediately
Don't need to digitize the shot to edit it
Lots of digital cameras also support video recording - Cons:
They are usually more expensive
Budget digital models take photos with too much contrast
Damaging the hard drive can lead to losing an entire archive of photos. Film rolls are less prone to such accidents
Ann Young
Hi there, I'm Ann Young - a professional blogger, read more
Best Nikon Cameras For Portraits
Source: https://fixthephoto.com/best-film-cameras.html
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