Author
James Barkman
Over the last decade or so there’s been an ever growing interest in analog photography. In fact, it’s been nothing short of an insurgence. If you don’t or haven’t shot film, chances are you know someone who does (and they probably won’t shut up about it). Tired of hearing your nerdy photographer friend blab about the wonders of film? Say no more, the answers are here! (Well, some of them, anyway.)
Previously, I laid out Field Mag's top picks for the 10 best film cameras of all time. Below I’ll get even more specific and break down the 10 best 35mm point and shoot film cameras for photographers of all abilities, with technical details and practical insights earned the hard way as a professional photographer. But before that, let’s dig into the what, why, and how of 35mm film photography.
It’s no secret that I’m an analog enthusiast, for better or for worse. I’ve been known to haul clunky and impractical camera gear to the top of a mountain just to take an often blurry and/or light leaked photo. But why? Film photography is expensive, risky, and time consuming—not to mention literally going extinct. In short, because it’s fun!
In long, it’s complicated. And the appeal is different for everyone. Nostalgia plays a part. But it’s the timeless, authentic aesthetic that draws most in. The imperfections in an analog image are strangely appealing—the way different film stocks perceive and react to light and shadow, creating uniquely rich and deep colors that a digital camera’s sensor or VSCO preset can only try to replicate.
For me, it’s also the inherent risk that makes film photography more rewarding. This goes for climbing mountains as well as it does for shooting film. And then there’s scarcity and price. Film is not cheap, nor readily available, and that surely isn’t going to change anytime soon. Perhaps there’s something special about an image that’s literally worth something—maybe it encourages a little more thought and time put into each frame.
If you’re a Boomer, you probably see analog photography as a ridiculous step backwards after living through the transition to digital photography. If you’re a Millennial, maybe you remember slideshow nights of family vacations to Disneyland. If you’re Gen Z, you either don’t know what a film camera is or you know more about them than the rest of us. Regardless of age we all share a common desire to document and share moments from our lives. Film photography isn’t for everyone and certainly not the most practical medium in which to do so, but for many it helps them be more intentional about seeking and capturing life’s fleeting moments, and that’s priceless.
As for how to do said documenting, I personally love point and shoot cameras— always accessible and ready for action. And I’m not the only one. I’ve owned a wide variety of 35mm point and shoot film cameras throughout my life and career as an adventure photographer. The following are 10 of my favorites— dubbed the 10 best point and shoot film cameras.
Admittedly, this article barely scratches the surface of the world of 35mm point and shoot cameras. Every film camera deserves a several-page article to truly break down its form and function. But hopefully the following gives a good enough glimpse into a few of the beloved models that have and stood the test of time.
10 Best Point & Shoot Film Cameras for Beginner, Intermediate, and Professional Photographers
Read on for our top picks for the best point & shoot cameras for 35mm film photography.
Contax T2
Skill Level: Beginner to intermediate
Year of Release: 1990
If you are at all interested in 35mm film photography, you’re surely aware of the Contax T2. Many consider it the king of 35mm point and shoot cameras. Others a beautiful fashion accessory. So what’s all the hubbub about anyway? Beyond the fact that everyone from NBA star Devin Booker to Kendall Jenner and Tom Holland & Zendaya have been seen toting T2s in recent years, the most direct answer is of course the glass. (Indirectly, it’s the compact camera’s cult status among photographers and celebrities alike.) The retracting 38mm f/2.8 Carl Zeiss lens holds up to the hype and the sturdy body seemingly forged from a solid block of titanium makes it durable enough for everyday carry in a range of environments.
One of the reasons for its enormous popularity is its automated functions (Autofocus and Program AE) while still offering the ability to manually adjust settings such as the focus and aperture if you so desire. Essentially the Contax T2 is ideal for those who want the functionality of a bigger camera, but in point and shoot form. (Step to the Contax G2 if you’re looking for even more functionality in an equally beautiful camera.)
The obvious caveat of an extremely expensive 35mm camera that’s no longer in production is the fact that it will eventually fail. It’s not a matter of if, but of when. The question is until it does, is it worth the high-stakes gamble?
Whether you love the Contax T2 or think it’s overrated, there’s no doubt that it performs phenomenally, looks beautiful, and is fairly reliable and durable. But its price has skyrocketed in recent years, making this a tasty, but hard pill to swallow for those not flush with disposable income.
Lens: Carl Zeiss T* Sonnar 38mm
Aperture: f/2.8 to f/16
Shutter: 8 seconds to 1/500th
Average Price Online (Dec 2021): $1100
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Ricoh GR1v
Skill Level: Intermediate to advanced
Year of Release: 2001
Ricoh is no stranger to the camera game, and they make one hell of a point and shoot film camera. The Ricoh GR1v offers a few options that cater to the more advanced photographer such as manual ISO setting (in addition to DX coding 25-5000), Aperture Priority Auto Exposure mode, and different focus options to choose from: single or multi-point autofocus, manual preset distances (1m, 2m, 3m, and 5m), and infinity. Also, the GR1v retains your settings when turning on and off, which is a nice bonus.
Beware of the LCD screen, however—if it hasn’t quit on you yet, it might soon. Also, keep an eye out for the aperture dial as it doesn’t have a lock and tends to move unwanted.
The 28mm lens is multicoated with aspherical elements, and is incredibly and unbelievably sharp, and the magnesium-alloy body is sleek and aesthetically flawless.
One thing I found unique to the GR1v is how the camera preloads a roll immediately upon loading a film cassette and counts down the number of images you have left to shoot. In the event of the camera back door accidentally opening (we’re all guilty of it), the exposed images will be preserved as they’re already wound into the film roll.
Earlier iterations of this camera are the Ricoh GR1 and Ricoh GR1s, with the GR1v being the last and final model of Ricoh’s 35mm point and shoot models.
Although a bit pricey, the Ricoh GR1v is a classic and an extremely capable camera.
Example Photo Essay made with Ricoh GR1v: Climbing Mount Huntington in Alaska by James Barkman
Lens: Ricoh GR 28mm
Aperture: f/3.5
Shutter: 2 seconds to 1/500th
Average Price Online (Dec 2021): $800
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Yashica T4
Skill Level: Beginner
Year of Release: 1990
The cult-favorite Yashica T4 has grown to enormous popularity as of recent years, and for obvious reasons. Possessing nearly everything you could ask or need in a P&S, the Yashica T4 (also known as the Kyocera Slim T and Super T4 at times) has just three different buttons for flash, timer, and shutter which will leave you worrying less about your settings and more about the moments you want to capture. Perfect for outdoor action and adventure photography. The highly coveted Yashica T4 Super D even boasts a “weatherproof” design.
Introduced in 1990 as a “premium compact” camera, the Yashica T4 is often seen as a more simple, less luxurious alternative to the Contax T2. It features a similar Zeiss lens capable of focusing up to 30cm and is housed in a rather dull plastic body (instead of titanium), making it less conspicuous and much lighter, yet still highly effective. Though also like the T2, the T4 has become a mainstream “accessory” and is no longer the easy Goodwill bargain bin find it once was. It’s also worth noting many T4s are beginning to reach the end of their lifespan—it’s not uncommon for a T4 to work well one day and simply die the next. So be warned!
Despite being closely related to the Yashica T3 and Yashica T5, the T4 has risen in popularity alone.
That said, the no-nonsense features of the T4 make it a great camera for both the beginner and expert alike who want to simply point and shoot and not be bogged down by finicky buttons and knobs.
Lens: 35mm Carl Zeiss Tessar T* (multicoated)
Aperture: f/3.5
Shutter: 1 second to 1/700th
Average Price Online (Dec 2021): $450
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Minolta TC-1
Skill Level: Intermediate to advanced
Year of Release: 1996
Another titanium, sturdy feeling camera, many would liken the TC-1 as a close cousin of the Contax T2.
The viewfinder is crispy and full of useful information that makes this rig feel closer to a “real camera” than a point and shoot at times. Notorious for its crisp and contrasty images, once again this lens is a product of brilliant Japanese technology (bless them).
The size of the TC-1 is remarkably small and there is little to hate about it, although the manual aperture settings make this a little more hands-on and less “point and shooty”. However, the combo of manual aperture and options to set a fixed manual focus make this rig quite popular with street photogs who tend to “point and shoot” in the truest sense.
Auto DX coding with a manual override option allows you to shoot film speeds higher than 3200 and exposure compensation up to +4 stops.
One thing to note is that there is no mode for auto exposure, but rather an aperture priority mode in which the exposure is manually set by the aperture, making this less of a point and shoot and more of a “real” camera in compact form.
Overall the functionality and steep price tag of this camera make it a favorite for more experienced photogs.
Lens: Minolta G-Rokkor 28mm
Aperture: f/3.5
Shutter: 4 seconds to 1/750th
Average Price Online (Dec 2021): $1000
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Leica Mini II
Skill Level: Intermediate
Year of Release: 1991
Much like the Yashica T4, the Leica Mini II’s plastic body helps it to appear as more of a budget option and therefore slide under the radar a little more than some of its competition. Not gonna lie, it feels a little chintzy and if it wasn’t for the obvious and iconic “Leica” label on the front, you might never know the power this P&S holds. I really love how responsive the autofocus is when you push the shutter button halfway, and unlike other point-and-shoot models, you aren’t in danger of shooting a premature photo when you’re simply trying to grab focus. Although the Mini II has a built-in UV filter, it doesn’t have a retractable lens cover so don’t scratch it!
What the Mini II brings to the table is its Leica lens. Not as sharp as some of the Zeiss glass you find in other point and shoots, but sharp enough to take satisfying film photos. You can even take a 5 second long exposure!
The Leica Mini II is a successor to the Leica Mini, and a predecessor to the Leica Mini III. Unlike the Mini I, the Mini II has the ability to prefocus, and the Mini III has a wider lens and lower aperture, but seems to be challenging to find.
I’ve found the Mini II to be a simple but quality Point and Shoot that is underrated and therefore more affordable.
Example Photo Essay made with Leica Mini II: From Around the World by Lomography
Lens: 35mm
Aperture: f/3.5
Average Price Online (Dec 2021): $450
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Nikon 35Ti
Skill Level: Intermediate
Year of Release: 1993
When the Nikon 35Ti was released in 1993, Nikon essentially marketed it as possessing the power of a Nikon SLR in compact form. Common with any point and shoot that has stood the test of time, the 35Ti’s lens is unbelievably sharp and the coating helps with flares when shooting into the sun. This well-designed titanium camera offers data imprinting (time/date stamp), exposure compensation, and the ability to manual focus. There is a panorama option as well which you don’t see in a P&S too often.
A nice touch is the shutter speed, exposure comp, and flash indicator that are displayed inside the viewfinder. Autofocus is notoriously fast, and the three shooting modes—A for Aperture Priority, P for Program mode, and T for long exposures aka “bulb” mode, are simple and straightforward.
A complaint that some people have is how the shutter tops out at 1/250th when in A (aperture priority) mode, which is admittedly pretty annoying.
Unique to the 35Ti is the analog display on the top of the camera body that reads aperture, exposure compensation, and exposure number. Most of the leading compact cameras come with LCD displays, but Nikon intentionally designed the 35Ti to have more of an analog feel. The sibling of the 35Ti is the Nikon 28Ti, which is essentially the same camera but with a 28mm lens. The 28Ti has evolved into more of a collector item, so expect higher prices.
Bottom line— the Nikon 35Ti looks, feels, and performs elegantly and is appreciated by more experienced film photographers. Nikon knocked it out of the park with this one.
Example Photo Essay made with Nikon 35Ti: Exploring California's Iconic Big Sur by Austen Sweetin
Lens: Nikkor 35mm
Aperture: f/2.8
Shutter: 1 minute to 1/500th
Average Price Online (Dec 2021): $750
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Konica Big Mini F
Skill Level: Beginner
Year of Release: 1990
Konica made an effort to design the Big Mini for one hand (right hand) shooting. On the spectrum of point and shoot to compact camera, the big mini definitely falls on the point and shoot side of things, which is not necessarily a bad thing. It’s no bells and whistles construction and minimal design is a little less intimidating than other point and shoots.
The lens opens up to an impressive f/2.8, and is known to produce contrasty and sharp images. Thanks to the infrared autofocus, the low light focusing capabilities are known to have a leg up on other point and shoots. The front shell is made out of aluminum, and the rest of the body is plastic. The viewfinder is simple with no displays outside of the frame lines, and the lens can focus to an impressive 35cm.
Hopefully you don’t chew your nails as many complain about the shallow buttons that might require a fingernail to operate.
The lens is not protected when closed, so smudging and scratching pose a threat. Also, it doesn’t come equipped with a lens coating so flaring can be a bit of a bummer (or a perk if you ask Instagram).
There are a few other Big Mini predecessors, with the initial design originally released in 1990, but the Big Mini F is last (and undoubtedly best) in the lineup of its relatives. Perfect for beginner photographers and loved by pros, the Konica Big Mini is a slightly more simple P&S with a powerful lens that tends to avoid the spotlight.
Lens: 35mm
Aperture: f/2.8
Shutter: 4 seconds to 1/4500th
Average Price Online (Dec 2021): $250
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Olympus Stylus MJU-ii
Skill Level: Beginner to intermediate
Year of Release: 1997
The Olympus Stylus MJU-ii puts the “compact” in “compact film camera”. This is undoubtedly one of the most minimal point and shoots out there (seriously, you might lose it in your couch), and it’s not hard to see why it has such a dedicated following. Desirable features include but are not limited to: DX coding up to 3200 ISO, an impressively sharp lens that is protected by a slider door, a very capable flash (with red eye reduction), and the camera is weatherproof. (Please don’t read as waterproof!)
The camera is powered on and off by opening or closing the slider door, which is an oddly satisfying experience. Three buttons make operations simple; a shutter button, a button for flash modes, and a self timer button. It’s definitely capable of being taken out of a pocket, opened, operated, and returned to said pocket with one hand. I.e. it’s well approved for run-and-gun adventure shooting.
The MJU-ii model is a successor to earlier models such as the XA and the MJU, also fantastic point and shoot cameras, but the MJU-ii easily takes the cake as the superior camera.
Cons? The viewfinder is about as small as they come, and the flash is set to auto every time the camera is switched on and off (it’s known to be a little trigger happy in auto mode). So if you don’t want flash, you have to dig your little finger nail into the button like 3x to switch to no-flash mode every single time you turn it on. (Can you tell this writer has experience with this annoying feature?)
As with all point and shoots, they aren’t getting any younger and while the MJU-ii might not be the most unreliable P&S, it certainly isn’t the most dependable. Its electronics are known to fail unpredictably, and the same goes for the rest of the Olympus Stylus family, which is vast.
Also, prices continue to rise and show no signs of stopping on pretty much all Stylus cameras, so think twice before spending dropping in on a mint version from eBay.
The Olympus Stylus MJU-ii is far from the most advanced point and shoot camera but considering the size, it does its job and does it well. Slip this in your pocket and take it everywhere, just don’t forget it’s there.
Lens: Olympus 35mm
Aperture: f/2.8
Average Price Online (Dec 2021): $350
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Nikon L35AF
Skill Level: Beginner
Year of Release: 1983
Overwhelmed at the prices for 35mm point and shoots, especially when you factor in the cost of film and processing/developing? Let’s talk about the Nikon L35AF. If you’ve never shot film before and want to test the waters, this is a fantastic option. The L35AF seems to have been released as a direct response to Canon’s AF35M, during the era in which every camera company was competing against the other.
The L35AF covers the essentials. It has reliable Auto Focus, a pop up flash, a 10 second self timer, and a +2 Exposure Compensation lever (use this when your subject is backlit). It runs on two AA batteries, meaning you won’t have to hunt down obscure speciality batteries like CR123 like you will need for every other camera on this list
Aside from the fact that its size renders the Nikon L35AF more of a jacket pocket P&S size and less of a pants pocket size, this is another true “point and shoot film camera,” and the user need only focus on composition as the camera does the thinking.
A great feature is the ability to add filters! The metering system sees through the filters and will adjust accordingly. So despite being an incredibly simple camera, the L35AF offers the option for more experienced film photographers to dabble with screw on filters such as colored filters for B&W film.
The common consensus is a pleasant surprise at the impressive photos this affordable camera offers. With the L35AF, there’s a lot to love and very little to hate.
Example Photo Essay made with Nikon L35AF: Film Photos From San Diego's Dream Beach by Luis Ortega
Lens: 35mm
Aperture: f/2.8
Average Price Online (Dec 2021): $200
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Canon Sure Shot WP-1
Skill Level: Beginner to intermediate
Year of Release: 1994
First of all, let's clear up some confusion with the name. The Sure Shot WP-1 is also known as the A-1, Prima AS-1, or my personal favorite: the Autoboy D5. Confusing, I know.
When it comes to waterproof 35mm cameras, there isn’t much in the lineup to choose from, especially in point and shoot form. At the time of its release, the WP-1 was designed to compete with other underwater 35mm cameras like the Minolta Weathermatic.
The WP-1 is simple—really simple, and doesn’t have features such as exposure compensation, ISO settings, etc. There are essentially four different shooting modes on the dial; auto, macro, forced flash, and flash off modes.
The flash is automatic but can be turned off, there’s a date and time LCD display, and there’s a loophole to attach a lanyard or strap to. There is an option to shoot panoramas as well!
Although it is waterproof (up to 5m) it works as any point and shoot would above the water line! Don’t expect this to produce the same visual results as some of the other point and shoots, but there’s no doubt it’s a fun and handy P&S to have.
Lens: 32mm
Aperture: f/3.5
Shutter: 1/60th to 1/250th
Average Price Online (Dec 2021): $150
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Published 12-20-2021
