While film production faced challenges and almost stopped in the early 2000s, there’s never been any shortage of film cameras. The resurgence of film can be seen all around the world by photographers who appreciate its process, characteristics and unique aesthetic. Though there are apps with filters and digital cameras with film simulators, it doesn’t compare to the real thing. The feeling is hard to replicate digitally which is most likely why you’re here right now and wondering which film camera you should buy. Yay!

Feeling overwhelmed? I’m here to help your decision fatigue. I have over 10 years of experience with film. I’ve worked with many different cameras throughout this time including medium and large format but there’s one that stuck out to me when I first started getting serious and it’s still the same camera I shoot all of my client work with now… the Canon AE-1. It’s easy to learn on, reasonably priced and has that classic vintage look we all want. Let me tell you (and show you) why this is the best film camera for a beginner.

Canon AE-1

I bought my first Canon AE-1 in the summer of 2020. I had shot with larger film cameras before but I preferred the ease of 35mm and I knew I wanted to find one to be my main tool. It took a few months to truly understand manual shooting and a few years to build a body of work I was proud of.

In 2020, I was four years out of college and working as a floral designer while I freelanced as a photographer on the side. I had big dreams of photography being my full-time gig but I wasn’t sure how to make it work. I just knew I loved film photography and wanted to get paid to create. Working with film brought so much excitement to my creative process as if I was a little kid again. I had heard and saw great things about the AE-1 from other photographers so I decided I would give it a try. Truthfully, the price is what pushed me the most. I found one in near mint condition on eBay for $100. I started with cheap film from the drugstore and I was immediately hooked.

Key Features:

Manual and auto exposure modes (the AE-1 Program offers both manual and auto settings while the AE-1 is manual only)
built-in light meter
reliable build
lightweight and travel friendly
easy to find lenses (FD mount)
affordable ($150-$250 depending on condition)

Where to Buy

Even with is popularity, the Canon AE-1 is still relatively easy to find secondhand on eBay, in thrift/antique shops or online camera stores like KEH. While I know many others that have found film cameras much cheaper than I did for $100, it was always a gamble for them. It either had a missing part, wasn’t tested or just didn’t work at all. I knew I didn’t want to have the hassle of buying a cheap one to test myself and potentially have to get fixed so I opted to spend a little more money on one that was listed in mint condition. You can decide if you want to play it safe or press your luck.

How the Canon AE-1 Shaped my Style

Whether it was a small hike nearby or a road trip across the country, having a compact camera that could easily be with me at all times really changed the game. I was able to create art but also capture organic moments of life happening right in front of me. There was no image popping up on a screen directly in front of me to pick apart and reshoot 30 more times. I found that I would take one, maybe two photos of a scene and put the camera down. I became more present. I slowed way down.

The slowness of film is what got me hooked right away. I loved my AE-1 so much that I decided to sell my digital equipment shortly after buying it in 2020 and see what would come of only shooting with this film camera. For the last five years, it has been my go-to. I spent 3 years living on the road alone out of a tiny van and documented my entire journey on film. I’ve carried it on backpacking trips in the North Cascades. I’ve shot hundreds of personal series with it but also campaigns for big clients such as Birkenstock, Parks Project, and Eddie Bauer.

Getting Started with the AE-1

When it doubt, blow it out! If you’re unsure of how to exposure a scene, film is more forgiving when it’s overexposed.
Meter for your shadows unless you want to purposely have an image on the darker side.
Beginner film stocks: Kodak Gold, Fuji Super, Ilford HP5 for B&W
Invest in a good strap! I have this one and I love it so much. Very comfy and very durable!
Don’t be afraid of imperfection. Embrace the light leaks, the underexposed roll or the roll that you forgot to load. It’s all part of the learning process!

A Film Stock I loved as a Beginner

I know, I know. I’m a Portra photographer just like every other but it’s just. so. good. Its dynamic range is worth every penny but when I didn’t have many pennies, my favorite cheap film stock was Kodak Gold 200. Perhaps I was influenced by too many sunny days in California but I loved the warm, nostalgic feel it gave to all of my photos. When I look back on these photos, I am transported right back to the dry desert and I feel the grit on my skin.

Want to REALLY learn more?

Earlier this year, I launched a beginner’s guide to 35mm film photography.

What’s in the guide:

17 downloadable pdf guide (21 pages total)
An overview of: camera gear, film stocks, manual shooting, my creative process, composing a photo, curating a body of work, processing film, storing film and editing film.
3 screencast videos (15 minutes total) of me talking and walking you through my editing process for a range of properly exposed photos, overexposed photos and underexposed photos. You have access to the links to watch and rewatch as much as you need.

What you’ll learn:

My recommended gear for beginners and where to buy
The differences between 5 popular color film stocks + one B&W
How to shoot in manual mode
Tips for composing a good photo and working with natural light
Basic Lightroom tips to enhance your lab scans
Tips for developing your own style and curating a cohesive portfolio
My go-to film lab order and a 15% discount code

If you purchase this guide, you’re supporting my journey and taking steps to learn more. If you found this guide helpful, please consider leaving a review. If there is another topic you’d like to see for a future guide, let me know!

If you’ve made it to the end, thank you! I hope you found this helpful. All of the film you see here was developed and digitally scanned by Negative Lab in Los Angeles. I have been sending my film here for over a year now and I am always pleased with my scans. I cannot express the difference the lab makes! If you’re interested in giving them a try, use ‘WILD15’ for 15% off your first order. For transparency, I do not make any money when you use this code but I do receive a discount off my processing services by spreading the word. Whether you’ve read this post or use my code, every little bit helps keep me doing what I love. For more work and easier updates, follow me on Instagram. Until next time! With love, stay wild ~ Jess

The Best Film Camera for Beginners (and why I still use it as a professional)