Photography is an essential art form that has been practiced for many years, and many professionals would agree that there’s something special about film, even in today’s digitally-flooded world. If you're interested in exploring film photography, you might be wondering where to begin.
Product protection is always a great place to start, especially when it comes to expensive film cameras. When you subscribe to Mulberry Unlimited, you can get coverage for all your cameras and accessories under the same product protection plan, ensuring you'll never be left on the hook for expensive repair or replacement costs.
What are the best film cameras for beginners?
To help you get going, we’ve rounded up some of the best 35mm cameras to buy as a beginner.
Canon AE-1
The Canon AE-1 is an excellent film camera for beginners because it’s straightforward to use and even has a built-in light meter that provides a guide to help you get the right exposure. It also has interchangeable lenses, so you can experiment with different styles and focal lengths. Available for under $250 on Amazon, this is a great option for those who are just starting out.
Nikon FM10
If you like the idea of a Nikon film camera, the FM10 is easy to use, with a durable metal body that is impressively resistant to wear and tear. Offering a built-in light meter, manual controls, and a bright viewfinder, you’ll find it relatively straightforward to compose a beautiful shot. Like the Canon, this one is a great fit for those on a budget, as it's available on Amazon for just $209.99.
Pentax K1000
The Pentax K1000 is a classic reusable film camera that is well-known and loved by photographers. The sturdy metal body is durable and comfortable to hold for long periods of time. It also comes with a built-in light meter and offers classic manual controls. It's available on Amazon for $212.28.
Minolta X-700
The Minolta X-700 offers both manual and automatic controls, so you can experiment with different shooting modes and still get a great shot even as a complete newbie. If you’re looking for a point-and-shoot film camera, the Minolta Program System technology provides auto exposure control and works great if you’re just getting your feet wet with photography. You’ll find this camera available at a range of prices, but a high-quality refurbished model will cost around $250.
Olympus OM-1
Photographers love this Olympus film camera for its compact, lightweight design and classic function. It also features a built-in light meter, intuitive controls, and a simple design. You can get it on Amazon for $242.
Are SLR lenses interchangeable?
The simple answer is yes—as long as you’re using the same camera brand and mount type. For example, a Canon lens isn’t going to fit your Nikon, but most Nikon lenses should fit perfectly. However, always double-check compatibility before making a purchase.
Conclusion
In today’s digital world, film photography is a unique way to capture special moments and express yourself artistically. However, before you make any new purchases, be sure to subscribe to Mulberry Unlimited so you can get product protection for all of your online purchases. You’ll have peace of mind knowing you can take your film camera with you anywhere, and it’ll always be protected.
