10 Fun, Super Affordable 35mm Film Cameras for Beginners

Why Film?

It’s a medium of patience and labor while being the subject of a hot, debated issue of potential price gauging. In this day and age, it has become increasingly difficult to purchase various film stocks, whether that be 35mm or 120 film. Smaller, compact cameras that were once budgetary are now 3x as expensive. We at Moment like to make art more accessible for those who want to get their feet wet in the analog world, so we tested and used a variety of super affordable cameras for beginners. Below is a list of enjoyable and super affordable 35mm film cameras to use if you want something less serious. Take a gander and see what you like between our top 10.

1. ILFORD SPRITE 35-II Camera

The Best Selling

This bad boy is one of the more popular (and super cheap) options for those wanting to jump into analog. The Sprite 35-II will meet the needs of those experimenting with 35mm film and looking for a camera that’s ‘no frills’ simple. It’s a step up from disposable cameras and being reusable; it won’t create extra waste. The camera has a fixed shutter speed (1/120s) with a 31mm, single element f9 fixed-focus wide-angle lens – perfect for capturing well-focused daylight scenes, and also features a built-in flash with a 15-second recycle time for nighttime shooting.

Brand: Ilford

Product Type: Reusable 35mm film camera.

Unique Feature: Fixed-Focus Wide-Angle Lens Optical Viewfinder.

Best For: The perfect camera for... anything. It has higher image quality than most on this list and is a huge best-seller.

2. Kodak EKTAR H35 Half Frame Film Camera

The Best For Poppy Images (Plus MORE Images!)

The super fun H35 Half Frame Camera is ideal for photographers looking to reduce film waste, capture your memories immediately, and be sustainable. And because it's a half-frame, you can have twice as many images per roll; for example, a film roll with 36 exposures can yield around 72 half-frame photos — doubled, baby. It features a built-in flash and a small-and-light body designed to be extra handy when needed. Sporting Kodak's famous name, this is the perfect option for those wanting a fun camera to fit in the fanny pack at your next music festival.

Brand: Kodak

Product Type: Reusable Film Camera

Unique Features: Insanely easy to use and sports bright colors for super poppy images.

Best For: Adventure, travel, and a night out with friends. A lighter option for those wanting bright, vibrant images.

3. Holga 135BC 35mm Bent Corners Film Camera

The Best Toy Camera For Experimental Nostalgia

This plastic sweetheart from Holga is the nostalgic toy camera for people who prefer light leaks, minor soft focus, and retro vignetting to create distinctive film photos. Due to its simple and affordable design, this camera has become one of the most iconic toy cameras on the market. The unique traits that define Holga's reusable camera line would be considered flaws in any other camera. But that's why everyone loves it.

Brand: Holga

Product Type: Reusable 35mm Film Camera

Unique Features: Funky features for light leaks and vignettes; quite the experimental approach.

Best For: A fun option to bring to a party or for those wanting something different or outlandish.

4. Holga 120 N Camera with Hotshoe

The Most Affordable 120 Film Camera... Ever?

I know, I know. I said this article would only be about 35mm cameras, but this camera is too fun not to share for how cheap it is. The Holga 120N is one of the most iconic toy cameras, distinguished by its exceptional image quality, simple design, and basic controls. This capturing tool is most recognized for its standard-length 60mm f/8 plastic lens, which produces a soft, dream-like look. The plastic body and simple construction create inherent vignetting and light leaks, enhancing the fun vibe. It is simple to use but produces insane results. Plus, this might be the cheapest 120 camera on the current market.

Brand: Holga

Product Type: Reusable 120 Film Camera

Unique Features: The fixed 60mm lens for bokeh-licious portraits and style.

Best For: Those wanting a more elevated 120 film camera at a super cheap price.

5. Diana Mini & Flash

The Stylish Starter For Flash Lovers

Get flashy and spunky with the popular Diana Mini camera from Lomography. The Diana Family's little plastic winner is bundled with a Diana F+ Flash to keep your dreamy 35mm squares and half-frame shots in all lighting conditions. With the flick of a little switch, you can move from the retro square format to the fantastic half-frame format, allowing you to take 72 shots on one 35mm film roll. There are Multiple and Long Exposure features, a tripod mount, and a cable release attachment to enhance creative possibilities. Plus, it looks super cute for those who care about product aesthetics.

Brand: Lomography

Product Type: Reusable film camera w/ flash

Best For: Experimental shots and fun vibes for flash lovers.

6. Simple Use Color Negative AQUA 35mm

The Take-Anywhere Waterproof Camera w/ Flash

Preloaded with Color Negative 400, this handy dandy image maker will follow its owner to the ends of the earth and capture their analog adventures in dazzling color — dress it up for underwater exploration because it's 100% waterproof. Reload color film any time, have fun with a fixed 31MM lens focal length, and snap happily with the built-in flash.

Brand: Lomography

Product Type: Reusable Camera

Unique Feature: Rugged, waterproof, and pre-loaded with Color Negative 400 film.

Best For: A simple camera ready to go out of the box for those who like to get wet.

7. B&W Simple Use Camera

Best For Monochrome Lovers

Another banger from Lomography, this black—and—white snapper is preloaded with Lomography Lady Grey ISO 400 film. It's perfect for beginners wanting a monochrome solution to capturing memories. The flash helps you take photos in low-light situations, and you can reload with any film you want to get the best bang for your buck.

Brand: Lomography

Product Type: Reusable B&W Film Camera

Unique Feature: A black-and-white capturing solution for those wanting a moody memory bank.

Best For: Monochrome lovers who value black and white grain, contrast, and emotion.

8. QuickSnap Flash 400

The Ole Reliable

A convenient disposable camera for indoor and outdoor shooting, the QuickSnap Flash 400 from Fujifilm is loaded with a 27-exposure roll of Fujicolor Superia X-TRA 400 color negative film for bright, vivid results in various lighting conditions. This is the go-to camera for party-goers and memory-keepers. Its classic outer green design is recognized everywhere in convenience stores, but why not stock up from our online inventory? The median ISO 400 is ideal for everyday use in most lighting situations, meaning you never have to worry about getting a dull shot — easy, peasy, lemon squeezy.

Brand: Fujifilm

Product Type: Disposable Camera

Unique Features: The 400 ISO in tandem with a built-in flash means a good shot anytime, anywhere.

Best For: Those looking for a vibrant disposable camera with flash and automatic settings.

9. Professional Tri-X 400 Single-Use Camera

The Easy and Disposable, For Monochrome Lovers

This is an easy disposable solution for a 35mm film camera in black and white. This classic monochrome film perpetuates maximum push-ability when desired, while its wide exposure latitude leverages even the most challenging lighting situations. And the distinctive grain structure adds a level of realism as dramatic and profound as you envision.

Brand: Kodak

Product Type: Disposable Camera

Unique Features: For monochrome lovers and those wanting a single-use option to test the black-and-white waters.

Best For: Monochrome lovers and those wanting a single-use option to test the black-and-white waters.

10. Long Weekend Reusable 35mm Film Camera

The Creator-Made Camera With a Gorgeous Design

This creator-made camera is the hottest new item to launch since the Ilfrod Spirte or Ektar H35 film camera. Photographer and personal friend, Willem Verbeeck, created this magical $50 film camera for those who want to document our memories easily and pressure-free. It sports a beautiful design in line with Long Weekend's design philosophy and is stripped down to the essentials without the fluffy features or specs.

Rediscover the tactile magic of film with its focus-free 31mm, F9 optical grade acrylic lens, a manual wind and rewind feature, and a built-in flash that lights up memories with a quick 10-15 second recycle time. Keep track of your shots with the film viewing window and embrace a 70% field view through our sharp viewfinder. Powered by a single AAA alkaline battery, this camera is your trusty companion for every adventure.