I’m just going to go ahead and say it – film is HOT these days! One quick scroll on Instagram and you’re bond to see filmy photo, #portra400 (guilty!) or story of the latest film camera someone is trying out. As someone who has always loved photography, especially film photographer (80’s baby), it’s been so fun to see this resurgence of individuals excited about shooting film again and getting away from the instant gratification of a digital camera. Throughout high school and in my early twenties, I carried around all sorts of film cameras – Polaroids, Holgas, Instax, disposals, film cameras we found at the thrift store and more, but for the past few years I’ve been sticking pretty much one that’s my tried and true – the Contax T2 aka the camera that Kendall Jenner single-handedly made twice as expensive by mentioning it on a late night show.
With the help of the Jenners and other influencers alike, the film industry has exploded once again and used cameras are being scooped up left in right. With many sought after film cameras no longer in production, where are all these cameras being found and purchased from? Well, I’m glad you asked! I wanted to put together a comprehensive guide of my favorite places to buy the best 35mm (and 120 for that) film cameras for others who may have been liked me and were searching high and low for the best places to purchase from to hopefully make that film transition even easier for you then it was for me [ 😉 ]. Here is a running list of the best places to buy 35mm film cameras:
- eBay – Knock on wood, but I’ve had a lot of luck with eBay! Make sure you read the descriptions thoroughly, compare prices and make an offer if you really want it (and can – those darn bidding ones fail me almost every time).
- Essential Photo Supply – I bought my most recently 120 film camera here while in Salt Lake City and had THE best experience. Their team is a wealth of knowledge and so helpful! They have a rotating collection of new and used cameras, including this fun Kodak point and shoot we got for Ace to carry around!
- Tempe Camera – If you grew up in Phoenix, this was your go-to camera store. Their film fridges are always stocked and they have their rotating used film cameras on display – not only in-person, but online too.
- Monument Camera – Monument’s Instagram really caught my eye and since then I’ve been wanting to go into their shop! They also have their used film cameras listed online and I’m sure if you sent them a DM they could help you out with something they posted in-feed.
- Thrift Stores – We all know thrift stores tend to have film cameras like a dime a dozen, but they are truly a gold mine of film cameras from the past. Always check out the glass cases to find those they deem high-end and make sure you don’t spend too much in case it ends up being a dud.
- B & H – THE camera store of the internet – they have it all, even used/vintage film cameras! While their collection is rather small and sometimes may break the bank – you can trust that anything you get from here will work like a charm.
Like all things in photography, camera preferences, photo styles and settings are personal – just because someone else loves a bright and airy look or the latest rage in deadstock film cameras doesn’t mean you have to as well. No matter the camera you pick, I would encourage you to explore, do you research and at the end of the day – just have fun it!
-Chels xo