It’s no secret that more and more people are turning to analog devices in a bid to remove digital distractions from their lives. As phones and computers become more capable and AI weeds its way into every facet of our lives, there’s a serenity in doing something without a screen or an internet connection.
For those who love photography, that means making use of old-school, analog cameras. Toss a roll of film in the back and fire away, with a process that never has to be touched by a digital hand.
I’ve rounded up five of the best you can buy right now, with something for every type of shooter and every budget.
Lomo MC-A
Something of a surprise addition to the market late last year, the Lomography Lomo MC-A had all of the specs to make it a must-have for modern shooters. Capable of offering fully automatic, right through to fully manual shooting, this is a proper jack-of-all-trades camera.
You’ll find a comfortable 32mm f/2.8 lens on the front, which looks great for all sorts of shooting scenarios. It’s also powered by a single battery, meaning you won’t need a stockpile to keep this one running.
During my time with the camera, I found it to be a competent little unit. It felt solidly built – not unbreakable, but certainly hardy enough to withstand the rigors of daily life – and offers enough variation to be whatever you want it to be at any given moment.
Priced at $549, it’s competitive against the current crop.
Pentax 17
Before the Lomo, we had the Pentax 17. That was the first new, modern film camera in a long time, and came with quite a lot of unique quirks.
Up first was the half-frame design, which shoots vertically across half of a traditional 35mm frame. That doubles your shot count – great if you’re trying to keep the cost of film in check – but also gives a portrait orientation which is far more familiar for younger users who’ve grown up in the digital age.
It comes with a 25mm f/3.5 lens on the front, but doesn’t offer any autofocus capabilities. Instead, you’ll have to use zone focusing, with six indicators shown on the lens barrel and in the viewfinder, thanks to some clever glasswork.
Personally, I think the Pentax 17 got a bit of a bad rap when it came out. Different though it may be, the design is relatively foolproof, and offers a lot of benefits for all shooters. The lens is exceptional, too, which is a big plus for this one.
Priced at $499.95, it’s one which I think will be looked back on fondly.
Leica M6
If you love photography, the name Leica will already be very familiar to you. The brand is credited with kickstarting the 35mm film format we know and love today, and has been in the hands of iconic photographers, celebrities and royalty ever since.
The modern Leica M6 is pretty much the perfect form for this camera, complete with the iconic rangefinder and a simple array of controls for different functions and settings.
Paired with any one of the myriad of M-Mount lenses on the market, you’ll enjoy an impeccable shooting experience which distils the essence of photography down to its most basic form. The indelible Leica Look will be present and correct, and you’ll love every second of using it.
Priced at $7,000 (plus another $3,000 at least for a Leica-branded lens), it’s not cheap. But it is fantastic, and that ensures it has a place here.
Polaroid Flip
While all kinds of film cameras are hot right now, instant film cameras from the likes of Polaroid and Instax are having a particular spell of popularity. Going a step beyond the 35mm cameras, these print out the one and only physical copy of the image right there in front of you.
I’ve tested a lot of cameras in this sphere, and there’s pretty much something for everyone. Still, if I had to just pick one, I think the Polaroid Flip is my top choice. It’s well priced, and takes the classic Polaroid film, which is simply unmatched for retro charm.
The lens is brilliantly sharp, and it uses the classic Sonar autofocus system, which is cooler than any other focusing method you’ll find on a camera.
Priced at $219.99, this is a perfect camera for those looking to capture physical memories and moments as they happen.
Holga 120GCFN
Here’s a rogue choice to round things out. Holga has a bit of a love-it-or-hate-it relationship with the film photography community. Some love the soft look and minimal controls, allowing them to focus more on the art of composition and stay in the moment.
Others see a near-total lack of sharpness and control, packed into a box which has more leaks than a colander. In some respects, both sides are as valid as one another, but it’s still the cheapest way to get into medium format photography.
Priced at just $59.99, it’s worth trying, even if only once.