Beginner needing help finding a camera with certain specifications

[Hayli]

Hi guys, I was pointed to this site to ask a few questions, I haven't shot film very much at all but I would like to buy a camera soon. I just am getting so many different opinions from all across the board and getting confused

I would like a point and shoot style camera or just something that allows me to shoot in auto. I use manual on my digital cameras but when I'm just taking snapshots of family and friends, I prefer just being able to take the photo without thinking too much about it. I would also like there to be an indicator of some sort on the camera that would let me know if film isn't winding properly. I shoot one roll over several months as I try to only take pictures of important moments so if I got it back and there were no photos at all I would be crushed lol.

Other issue I'm having: I've been seeing a lot of people comment not to waste your money on premium point and shoots because they're unreliable. I don't know if there's a difference between premium and regular, so I'm assuming just try to get something with the least amount of electronics in it so it is less susceptible to failing? I'm not sure at all though, like I said I have no education on film cameras so I came here to learn more.

TLDR I'm just looking to get a cheaper point and shoot style film camera, preferably one that will show if the film is winding properly and is reliable. Let me know if you guys have anything similar so I could look on eBay, what you recommend, etc.

 

[splitimageview]

First recommendation: when you finally pick a camera, do a test roll to make sure everything is fully operational. Finish the roll and get it developed right away. And test all the operations: all shutter speeds and aperture settings. 🙂

You’ll get a huge number of suggestions, really depends on what subject matter you want to photograph, your budget, etc. good luck!

 

[AlwaysOnAuto]

When I was starting out with a camera, way back in the dark ages, I borrowed my neighbors SR-T 101 to shoot the races at Riverside Raceway. When I got the film developed I found that I hadn't loaded the camera properly and got a blank strip of film back.
That is when I learned to back wind the rewind knob after loading a new roll, and then, watch it move as the film is advanced. That's the way I can tell if I've loaded it correctly.
It might help if you told us what kind of digital you have. Getting a film camera of the same lineage might help you in the long run.

 

[sojournerphoto]

I would avoid the expensive end anyway - I always think that a Yashica T4,Contac T2/3 or even an Olympus mju ii is something waiting to break that can’t be fixed. They cost too much for that, even though they’re all lovely cameras (noting that one daughter has my old mju ii and the other got binned due to a light leak).

That brings down to a world of much less expensive cameras with all sorts of endearing quirks. I’ve got a Yashica Electro 35 MC, which is scale focus and has a 40mm f2.8 lens with aperture priority only. It cost me £40, though probably a little bit more now.

My other daughter has taken my Olympus Pen EE3 half frame that cost £80 from my local dealer, which literally a point and shoot with no controls apart from the shutter button. It’s quite clever and won’t allow you to take a picture of it’s too dark though - all with no battery.

Both still expose consistently and well. There’s all sorts of simple and quirky stuff out there if you can find a local shop that is interested. Otherwise you’re a bit stuck with eBay and that can be hit and miss.

35MMC website has lots of compact camera reviews

23 pages of point and shoot reviews

Point & Shoot Archives

Here you will find a list of all the point & shoot film camera reviews that have been published on 35mmc. Point & Shoot film cameras are small and mostly pocketable. They are the more basic variety that allow the photographer to concentrate on just framing/composition. A lot of point & shoot...

www.35mmc.com

10 pages of scale focus reviews

Scale Focus Archives

Scale focus film cameras also tend to be quite small, but rather than rely on autofocus, they are manual and require the user to set the focus based on an estimated guess of the subject distance. Many of these cameras are older, but are also a little more simple than the autofocus cameras found...

www.35mmc.com

I would say better to buy something and use it than aim for anything specific. You can get the specific camera later.

Don’t forget, there’s always the Pentax 17 as well - look down the thread on here to see some nice work.

Mike

 

[sojournerphoto]

Here are a couple of pics of the Electro 35MC and one with a Ricoh GRiii for scale.

 

[KoNickon]

I am assuming that when you say "point and shoot" you don't mean scale focus or rangefinder; you mean autofocus, so that's how I'm thinking in my reply.

Also, I think that just about every point and shoot-style camera with automatic film advance will tell you immediately if the film wasn't loaded correctly, and if it later fails to advance mid-roll. So that's not a big hurdle. You probably want built-in flash for when you need it, and a way to shut off the flash when you want. Maybe think also about whether you want a fixed focal length, or some sort of zoom range -- know that the longer the zoom, the slower the lens will be (and so the greater likelihood will be that you will need flash, which can be an annoyance).

I am a big fan of the Yashica T4 (maybe because I have one, and don't need to go out and pay big money for it now). But it is a fine camera, easy to use and gives great images. Fixed 35mm lens, though.

Another great camera is the Pentax 928 -- 28-90mm f2.8-4, so a very useful focal length range and intuitive to operate. The lens is excellent. I don't think those command anything like what the "posh" point and shoots get these days.

I haven't looked at those archives linked above; I'm sure there are some good options there.

 

[Pioneer]

I don't know if it is within your budget but Pentax recently released a new film camera that would fit your needs. Check out the Pentax 17 if you haven't seen it yet. They seem to be pretty popular. BHPhoto.com recently told us they had them back in stock.

 

[Richard G]

That’s enough to go on with. Stay any longer and what we’ve got you might catch.

 

[JeffS7444]

As a class, compact cameras were mostly sold to casual users who were often equally casual about how they cared for the things, so unless you want to go through a cycle of buy-try-return, I'd advise either buying new (not new old-stock) or from a knowledgeable seller who knows how to properly check a camera for correct operation.

Even if it's been sitting undisturbed in it's original factory packaging since the 1990s, odds are pretty high that a new old-stock camera will have problems, because regardless of whether anyone has touched it, the synthetic materials are aging, and not always gracefully. Something as seemingly minor as a plastic gear developing a crack can render the camera unusable.

Reto Ultra Wide & Slim is a surprisingly good cheapie, but handle it gently because it's made of thin plastic. It's a very basic thing with no provision for flash or any sort of manual control, but it's wonderfully lightweight, and given sufficiently sunny conditions, it can deliver better results than you might expect.

 

[besk]

The Nikon L35 AF is a simple auto focus camera with a very good lens. It has a good reputation.

 

[DownUnder]

Consider the Contax G1. It may be THE camera that does everything for you.

G1s are a real gem of a camera, greatly underrated and undervalued, and as cheap as chips in the used gear market nowadays. But those Zeiss G lenses, well. Wow-expensive but worth buying at least one. The 45/2.0 Planar is a classic and sells for a ton of money. The 28/2.8 Biogon (my personal favorite) is cheaper and, to me, just as good. There is a 35/2.0 Planar that you may prefer but given its 'iconic' name and label, it sells for almost as much as the '45.

Download and read the manual. It has a lot of useful info and data. One point you seem to think is important to you is the loading and winding. The G1 does this automatically BUT if you haven't loaded the film properly it will flash a message that it isn't winding. You can then open the camera and reload.

The camera will likely do everything you want in a good P&S. As for the lens, well, if/when the G1 goes belly-up on you (being 100% electronic it may do this sooner or later) you can easily sell the lens for what you paid for it plus, with a bit of luck, the price of the camera as well. Then you can put the 'deceased' G1 body on Ebay to sell as parts.

If this reassures you, I bought my first G1 new in 1997. It is still working. Ditto a used one I got in 2006. Given a little TLC they seem to go forever.

Win-win.

Just my thoughts en passant...

 

[Darthfeeble]

No one asked what you intend to take pictures of, that will have a big impact on what gear to use. SLR cameras ran all the rangefinder cameras out of town for a reason, versatility. There are some pretty decent used ones out there, find you a camera store that has both new and used and handle some to see which fits you the best. Comfort will contribute more to your photography than specifications.

 

[splitimageview]

really depends on what subject matter you want to photograph

No one asked what you intend to take pictures of

😀

 

[Darthfeeble]

😀

I'm old you know.......

 

[Hayli]

When I was starting out with a camera, way back in the dark ages, I borrowed my neighbors SR-T 101 to shoot the races at Riverside Raceway. When I got the film developed I found that I hadn't loaded the camera properly and got a blank strip of film back.
That is when I learned to back wind the rewind knob after loading a new roll, and then, watch it move as the film is advanced. That's the way I can tell if I've loaded it correctly.
It might help if you told us what kind of digital you have. Getting a film camera of the same lineage might help you in the long run.

Oh my gosh, blank rolls are my worst nightmare although I know it's bound to happen at some point. Thank you for the tip on making sure it's loaded correctly, I'll screenshot that for future reference.

I have a Canon T7 for work, a Canon Powershot G5 for fun, and most recently a Fujifilm X30 which I am not a big fan of and thinking about selling. I like the look of it but the photos just don't come out right most of the time

 

[Hayli]

I would avoid the expensive end anyway - I always think that a Yashica T4,Contac T2/3 or even an Olympus mju ii is something waiting to break that can’t be fixed. They cost too much for that, even though they’re all lovely cameras (noting that one daughter has my old mju ii and the other got binned due to a light leak).

That brings down to a world of much less expensive cameras with all sorts of endearing quirks. I’ve got a Yashica Electro 35 MC, which is scale focus and has a 40mm f2.8 lens with aperture priority only. It cost me £40, though probably a little bit more now.

My other daughter has taken my Olympus Pen EE3 half frame that cost £80 from my local dealer, which literally a point and shoot with no controls apart from the shutter button. It’s quite clever and won’t allow you to take a picture of it’s too dark though - all with no battery.

Both still expose consistently and well. There’s all sorts of simple and quirky stuff out there if you can find a local shop that is interested. Otherwise you’re a bit stuck with eBay and that can be hit and miss.

35MMC website has lots of compact camera reviews

23 pages of point and shoot reviews

Point & Shoot Archives

Here you will find a list of all the point & shoot film camera reviews that have been published on 35mmc. Point & Shoot film cameras are small and mostly pocketable. They are the more basic variety that allow the photographer to concentrate on just framing/composition. A lot of point & shoot...

www.35mmc.com

10 pages of scale focus reviews

Scale Focus Archives

Scale focus film cameras also tend to be quite small, but rather than rely on autofocus, they are manual and require the user to set the focus based on an estimated guess of the subject distance. Many of these cameras are older, but are also a little more simple than the autofocus cameras found...

www.35mmc.com

I would say better to buy something and use it than aim for anything specific. You can get the specific camera later.

Don’t forget, there’s always the Pentax 17 as well - look down the thread on here to see some nice work.

Mike

Lovely little camera in the pics you attached! Thank you for all the advice, I've not a clue what I'm doing and definitely needed the direction. I was looking at a few Contax models but like you said, apparently they break easily and are hard to fix, which sounds terrifying to me. The Contax TVS looks so fun, such a shame.

I can't stop looking at the Pentax 17 actually. All afternoon I've been watching videos on it and looking at sample images. I have enough money although it would hurt to spend that much on another camera after my recent failure LOL (spending $500 on a Fujifilm X30, hating it). I'll keep my eye on the Pentax 17 especially since it's new and less susceptible to falling apart. I'll also check out those articles you sent, thanks a bunch!

 

[Hayli]

I am assuming that when you say "point and shoot" you don't mean scale focus or rangefinder; you mean autofocus, so that's how I'm thinking in my reply.

Also, I think that just about every point and shoot-style camera with automatic film advance will tell you immediately if the film wasn't loaded correctly, and if it later fails to advance mid-roll. So that's not a big hurdle. You probably want built-in flash for when you need it, and a way to shut off the flash when you want. Maybe think also about whether you want a fixed focal length, or some sort of zoom range -- know that the longer the zoom, the slower the lens will be (and so the greater likelihood will be that you will need flash, which can be an annoyance).

I am a big fan of the Yashica T4 (maybe because I have one, and don't need to go out and pay big money for it now). But it is a fine camera, easy to use and gives great images. Fixed 35mm lens, though.

Another great camera is the Pentax 928 -- 28-90mm f2.8-4, so a very useful focal length range and intuitive to operate. The lens is excellent. I don't think those command anything like what the "posh" point and shoots get these days.

I haven't looked at those archives linked above; I'm sure there are some good options there.

You are correct, autofocus is preferred and I like fixed lenses a bit better. 35mm is just perfect for the snapshot-type photos I like to take at family events and gatherings.

I did not know that cameras would let me know if the film isn't loaded right, that is great to know. I worry about that more than anything, I don't mind if photos turn out weird-looking, blurry, etc. but getting a blank roll back is just so nerve wracking to me.

I'll look into the Yashica and Pentax you mentioned! Thanks for the help🙂

 

[Hayli]

I don't know if it is within your budget but Pentax recently released a new film camera that would fit your needs. Check out the Pentax 17 if you haven't seen it yet. They seem to be pretty popular. BHPhoto.com recently told us they had them back in stock.

Looking at that one, loving it so far. $500 is a lot but for a new camera that would be more reliable than 20+ yr old models, sounds like a pretty good deal to be honest..

 

[Hayli]

Consider the Contax G1. It may be THE camera that does everything for you.

G1s are a real gem of a camera, greatly underrated and undervalued, and as cheap as chips in the used gear market nowadays. But those Zeiss G lenses, well. Wow-expensive but worth buying at least one. The 45/2.0 Planar is a classic and sells for a ton of money. The 28/2.8 Biogon (my personal favorite) is cheaper and, to me, just as good. There is a 35/2.0 Planar that you may prefer but given its 'iconic' name and label, it sells for almost as much as the '45.

Download and read the manual. It has a lot of useful info and data. One point you seem to think is important to you is the loading and winding. The G1 does this automatically BUT if you haven't loaded the film properly it will flash a message that it isn't winding. You can then open the camera and reload.

The camera will likely do everything you want in a good P&S. As for the lens, well, if/when the G1 goes belly-up on you (being 100% electronic it may do this sooner or later) you can easily sell the lens for what you paid for it plus, with a bit of luck, the price of the camera as well. Then you can put the 'deceased' G1 body on Ebay to sell as parts.

If this reassures you, I bought my first G1 new in 1997. It is still working. Ditto a used one I got in 2006. Given a little TLC they seem to go forever.

Win-win.

Just my thoughts en passant...

Love that it'll flash if you load the film incorrectly. That is very important to me as I can't imagine thinking I'm taking photos for a couple months, send in the film, and then have it be completely blank. Even just thinking about that freaks me out LOL. I'll look into the G1, I really like the style of Contax cameras!

 

[ColeCole]

For a straight-up point and shoot, the Olympus Stylus(fixed lens version) is pretty great. It's gone up in price but you can still find the non-weather sealed(the stylus epic) versions for less than $200. There are plenty of other fixed lens point and shoots out there for more or less money that will probably provide similar results, it's just the one I have the most experience with-- it's one of the few that you can actually slide into a pocket too. Nikon L35af, mentioned above is one, the Pentax pc35af, Canon sure shots, etc. But yes, they're all filled parts that no one is ever going to fix when they break, so if you decide to go this route, you just have to understand that it won't last forever, but it might last as long as you need it to, and if it's cheap, then it's totally worth it. Nobody is going to tell you that buying a spendy point and shoot is a good idea though.