This article is about the best cameras for film photography under 50 dollars. If you’re a beginner to this branch of photography then these are the best choices.
$50 is a nice budget to set aside for taking photos. Anything cheaper and you’re talking toy cameras that are hard to use and don’t always produce the results you want. Point and shoots are the most versatile type of camera available, plus they can make you look like an old pro. If you’re just getting into photography and don’t want to break the bank, there are some great point and shoot cameras for less than $50 today.
Best cheap film camera
Point and shoot film camera remain one of the most popular style of cameras in the photography niche. Taking just one camera with you is convenient for you to capture the moment. All you need to do is open up your camera and click.
I’ve reviewed a lot of cameras over the years, and one thing I’ve learned is that price and features can vary wildly. However, people are still looking for that perfect camera. I have used numerous point and shoot cameras but have recently been using the Kodak EasyShare Sport C123 Camera, which best cheap film camera under 50 comes in at $39.95 without film or memory card. Since it’s inexpensive, it’s hard to see how it can be a real contender in the field; however, it really surprised me at how well it performed.
Point and shoot cameras can be a great option for those who enjoy photography but have little understanding of the technical aspects of it. Point and shoot cameras are similar to digital cameras in that they have an optical lens and usually cost considerably less, the key difference being that point and shoot cameras make use of film instead of small digital media cards. Point and shoot cameras make great “first” cameras for 5 year old kids!
Best point and shoot film camera under $50
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So, looking in the right places… It takes time, and you need to do your research, but purchasing a used camera is your best bet when looking for an affordable film camera under $50.
Here are a few of my favorite places to find good deals on film cameras:
eBay:
eBay is probably the number one place to look for used film cameras. Always make sure the seller has good reviews and indicated the camera has been tested and works properly. You can find a camera cheaper if it hasn’t been tested, but it’s a 50/50 shot on if it will work.
KEH Camera
KEH Camera buys and sells used cameras and is a great place to look for a film camera you know will work as advertised. You will likely pay more than on eBay, but you can find some great deals in the bargain category. With their great return policy and accurate descriptions and ratings, it’s a piece-of-mind buying experience.
Etsy
Etsy is another good place to buy film cameras – however, I’ve noticed that everything on Etsy costs more than on eBay. This is usually because it’s been tested with several rolls and professionally cleaned (the seller should note this if that’s the case).
Amazon
Many individuals and companies list used film cameras on Amazon due to it’s popularity. You can find lots of different options. Make sure you do your research on the seller and ask questions if you’re unsure about the condition of the camera before you buy.
Thrift Shops
This might be my favorite place to snag my treasures. You can get cameras for pennies on the dollar and you are shopping local. The only bummer is that you won’t know if it works until you get it home and put a roll through it.
Social Media
Sometimes photographers are ready to skinny down their collection, and they’ll sell their gear on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter. A bonus to buying from another photographer is you have a pretty good idea that the camera is working and was taken care of. Facebook groups (such as Film Photo Gear) are also great places to keep an eye out for good deals on film gear.
Photographed with the Minolta SRT-101
Related: Shooting Film on a Budget: Money-Saving Tips for Film Photographers
5 Film Cameras Under $50
Now you know where to shop, let’s get to the goods! Here are some great film cameras you can find for under $50 to get you started.
I covered a range of different categories (medium format film cameras, manual SLRs, auto SLRs, point and shoots, and instant film cameras), so you can find an affordable option no matter what type of film camera you’d like to shoot.
I own all of these cameras and still shoot with and love them all.
*A note about pricing: The cameras listed below should be pretty easy to find in good working condition for under $50, but you will definitely see a range of prices depending on the condition of the camera and the marketplace you decide to use.
Medium Format: Holga 120N
Medium format is probably the hardest one to find under $50. On average, they cost a few hundred dollars, but you could easily spend a few thousand.
Admittedly, the Holga 120N (find on Amazon) is a plastic camera with a plastic lens, but that doesn’t mean you have to treat it as such. It’s hands down my favorite camera.
Pros: It’s lightweight, durable, can shoot 12 or 16 frames per roll, fun to travel with, and begs to be played with.
Cons: You can’t set the ISO, and the shutter speed is either a set open/close or manual release, so you really need to pay attention to your lighting conditions when you pick your film stock speed.
Related: 5 Tips for Shooting with a Holga 120N
Manual SLR: Minolta SRT-101
The Minolta SRT-101 (find on eBay or at KEH Camera) is an adorable little camera and an absolute dream to shoot. It’s actually the first 35mm camera I owned (in the digital age).
This is a fully mechanical, manual camera with a light meter. Features include interchangeable manual focus lenses, ISO meter ranging from 6 to 6400, and shutter speeds ranging from bulb to 1/1000 second.
Pros: The Rokkor lenses are a dream – seriously smooth glass. It has everything you need in a camera and could easily be you go-to 35mm camera.
Cons: It’s heavy (not ideal for travel), and it can be hard to nail focus with the manual lenses.
Auto SLR: Canon EOS 3000N
Looking for something you can just pick up and shoot without a lot of set up? An automatic SLR might be just the thing.
With the Canon EOS 3000N (find on eBay), you can shoot completely automatic, partially automatic, or completely manual – the choice is yours. This camera features interchangeable lenses (EF mount which is the same as Canon DSLRs), light meter, and built in flash.
Pros: You can choose whether you want to use automatic or manual settings, and it will work with new/modern lenses with auto-focus.
Cons: Lenses can be expensive since they fit DSLRs, and the camera is not at all that compact with lenses attached.
Related: 5 Great 35mm Film Cameras for Beginners!
Point and Shoot: Canon Sure Shot
The Canon Sure Shot (find on eBay) is such a fun little camera. I picked it up on a whim because I didn’t have a point and shoot.
There is something freeing about just picking up the camera, turning it on, and shooting. It’s even more simplified than my Holga.
There is nothing that makes this camera stand out from the rest, but I am always impressed with the images from this little baby.
Pros: It allows you to shoot freely and even pass the camera over so you’re in more photos, and it has a built in flash.
Cons: You can’t adjust any of your settings; it’s either flash or no flash.
But if you’d like to know more about hacking the DX code on a roll of film to give you a little more control with point and shoot cameras, you can check out this article here.
Instant Film Camera: Polaroid Sun 660
What a fun little camera. The Polaroid Sun 660 (find on eBay) is the first Polaroid I’ve ever owned. I found it at a thrift store and paid less than $5 for it.
When I learned that it worked, I was ecstatic. This bad boy has even been to Paris with me!
This camera takes Polaroid 600 film.
Pros: You can adjust your settings based on how much light you have available, you can shoot with or without flash, and it autofocuses.
Cons: Film is expensive and can be unpredictable (but I say that only adds to the charm).
