For a product to make my list, they must be reasonably priced and readily available, and if ordered in the next few days, they should arrive just in time. All of the products shared here have been tested and approved by me or another of my writers. On with the list!

1. A Film Camera: I’ve owned hundreds of film cameras, and yet I’d still be thrilled to unwrap another on Christmas morning. I bet the camera-liker in your life would feel the same way.

There’s no shortage of places to buy film cameras these days, but I always recommend buying a camera from a reputable shop so that you know the camera has been tested, cleaned, is fully functional and guaranteed. I run a camera shop myself (purchases made there help support this site, if that means anything to you). But other great shops exist, too. Brooklyn Film Camera, Blue Moon Camera, and Retrospekt are all friends of the site, and I recommend them happily!

If you don’t know what sort of camera your friend or loved one might like, try a point-and-shoot. They’re inexpensive, make excellent images, and have a very low barrier to entry (no learning curve – just point and shoot!).

2. A Nice Camera Strap: A comfortable and stylish camera strap can make a world of difference during long photo sessions. Look for one with padded shoulders, adjustable length, and a quick-release mechanism for convenience.

• • Peak Design quick disconnect straps – super comfortable and well-loved by pro photographers.
  • Artisan & Artist – high-style straps made of Japanese kimono silk.
  • Hawkesmill in England – hefty and durable straps made of leather.

3. Lens Cleaning Kit: Every photographer knows the struggle of keeping lenses clean and free from smudges. A high-quality lens cleaning kit, complete with a microfiber cloth, cleaning solution, and a brush, is a practical and thoughtful gift that will help them maintain crystal-clear shots. I’ve been using this one for years.

4. Photography Coffee Table Books: Above all else, photographers love photos. We love to make them, and we love to look at them. There are a number of amazing photo books that I’ve collected over the years. Here are just a few that are simply stunning.

• • Polaroid Now: The History and Future of Polaroid Photography
  • Accidentally Wes Anderson
  • A History of Photography in 50 Cameras
  • Old School Photography by Kai Wong

5. Photography Workshop or Course: Investing in education is always a valuable gift. Many photography workshops and online courses cater to various skill levels and interests. Choose a course that aligns with their specific interests, whether it’s portrait photography, landscape photography, or mastering the art of post-processing. Masterclass is a good place to start, generally.

6. A Stylish Camera Bag : Help your photographer friend stay organized with a camera bag. Look for options with customizable dividers for added flexibility. My personal favorites follow.

• • Moment Fanny Sling – compact, cute, and colorful.
  • Ruggard Thunderhead 75 – big, robust, serious.
  • ONA Bowery Leather Bag – Harry Potter aesthetic.
  • Long Weekend Monterey Sling in Cosmic Purple – Dorky Dad at Disney World vibes.

7. RETO Kodak Film Case: If your photo nerd is a film photographer, chances are high that they’ve got rolls of film flopping or lying around everywhere. Help them get organized with a retro-styled Kodak film case. They’re made of metal, available for 35mm and medium format film, and look lovely on a shelf or desk. Priced at $24.99.

8. Photo Editing Software Subscription: Subscription services for popular photo editing software like Adobe Lightroom or Capture One can be a thoughtful and practical gift. These tools provide powerful editing capabilities, allowing photographers to enhance and refine their images with professional-grade features. Receiving a free subscription to a pro-level photo editing suite might be the push that someone needs to really take their photography to the next level.

9. Kodak M35 Reusable Film Camera: The Kodak M35 is a cheap, compact, and super cute 35mm film camera, which all makes it perfect for first time film photographers or people who are new to the hobby. They come in a number of cute colors, work with any type of 35mm film, and are dead simple to use. Currently priced at just $17, these are an amazing value and a perfect gift.

10. An Instant Camera: My wife has bought me an instant camera for three of the last ten Christmases. I still have all three. I love them and shoot them often, and even though instant photography is not my primary medium, I absolutely adore it.

If the photo nerd on your list loves retro stuff, get them an old Polaroid camera (my shop sells them). If they’re into new gadgets, get the latest brand new Polaroid or a Fujifilm Instax camera. If you’re having trouble choosing, here’s a buyer’s guide specifically dealing with instant cameras. Just don’t forget to buy some film!

Did you notice that my list of ten gifts stretched to almost thirty items? You’re welcome!

F Stop Cameras

A classic camera shop specializing in cameras and lenses, film, collectible cameras, medium format, 35mm, and some digital. The retail side of Casual Photophile.

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[Some of the links in this article will direct users to our affiliates at B&H Photo, Amazon, and eBay. By purchasing anything using these links, Casual Photophile may receive a small commission at no additional charge to you. This helps Casual Photophile produce the content we produce. Many thanks for your support.]

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But for new and would-be medium format photographers, the ever-shifting landscape of the hobby can be a bit daunting. Of the hundreds of available medium format cameras, how can we possible know which is the one to buy?

We answered this very question in a pair of articles, the first published way back in 2016 and another in 2019. Five years on, they could do for an update. So, here’s the update.

I’ve meticulously selected five of the best medium format cameras that one can buy today, each with its own unique reason for being. Since we’re just starting out, the cameras are arranged by type, which will help would-be users who may not know what they want. I’ve also tried to keep the cameras on this list limited to those with reasonable prices. (I break this rule only once.)

Enjoy!

For old school sophistication, buy a Minolta TLR

Twin Lens Reflex (TLR) cameras; one glance and we know we’re holding an old world piece of machinery. They’re as much jewelry as they are highly functional photographic tools, and I mean that in the best way possible — TLRs are gorgeous, and can make gorgeous photos.

TLRs have two major features which differentiate them from most other cameras. First, they shoot square images. Second, they have two lenses, one which acts as a focusing screen viewfinder through which the photographer looks to frame the shot, and a second lens which is used to actually expose the film.

The viewfinder of a TLR is typically located on the top of the camera. The photographer peers down into it while holding the camera at waist-level. Since there’s no penta-prism as we find in most SLR cameras, the image in the viewfinder can be a bit disorienting for new shooters. But stick with it and we’re able to enjoy a unique and engaging perspective.

The most popular TLRs in the world are the famed Rolleiflex and Rolleicord TLRs. However, these camera are quite expensive today, loved for their extremely high build quality and classic characterful lenses. For new shooters looking to try a TLR, I have two recommendations.

If you’re looking for a classic TLR with a capable lens, high build quality, bright and accurate focusing screen, and easy-to-learn all-manual controls, buy the Minolta Autocord. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Minolta made about a dozen different Autocord models, some with light meters and some without.

Avoid buying the Autocord L and the Autocord LMX, since these models used a selenium light meter (which in modern times will almost certainly be dead). If you require a camera with a built-in light meter, seek out the Autocord CDS II or CDS III, the only Autocords with built-in battery-powered CdS meters (these meters don’t die from age, like the selenium ones do).

An all-manual meter-less Autocord can be purchased today for under $250, and if we’re patient and careful, it’s possible to find one for under $100. I can’t overstate the value proposition of a camera this good at a price this low.

Read my full review of the Autocord here, and then shop for one on eBay.

Minolta Autocord for sale | eBay

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HONORABLE MENTION : Much of what I wrote about Minolta’s TLRs can be equally applied to Yashica’s TLRs. Yashica made a number of incredibly reliable, capable TLR cameras, some of which are all-manual and some of which come with light meters. Indeed, an article on this very site has gone into great detail to spotlight the Yashica TLR as a perfect first medium format film camera.

The most popular Yashica TLR is the Yashicamat 124 G, a truly gorgeous and capable camera. By the specs and the results, the Yashica and Minolta TLRs are essentially equal. I picked the Minolta because they’re less popular, and therefore less expensive today.

For those who love SLRs, Buy the Pentax 645

The Pentax 645 is quintessential Pentax. It’s affordable, easy to use and delivers quality images. It was marketed toward amateur photographers shooting their first weddings and those just breaking into the professional world. Which means it’ll be more than good enough for the brand new medium format photographer.

It offers center-weighted metering with full auto Program mode, plus semi-auto Aperture and Shutter Priority modes, as well as full manual mode. ISO ranges in 1/3 stops from 6 – 6,400 with shutter speeds of 15 seconds to 1/1,000th of a second, plus bulb mode for long exposures. Its motor drive is capable of 1.5 frames per second, which allows us to blow through a whole roll in just twenty seconds (kind of absurd).

The viewfinder has a lovely LED display. In manual mode it shows how many stops we are from a perfect exposure, which it indicates with an encouraging “Ok!” If we use the exposure compensation, a very tiny plus sign will light up when compensation is engaged. Nice touches.

It’s a relatively small and light camera, for medium format, and benefits from a truly astonishing line-up of interchangeable lenses.

All of these features combine to create a camera which, essentially, can do anything any new medium format film shooter could ever ask of a camera.

The Pentax 645 has undergone two facelifts over time: the 645N in 1996 and the 645NII in 2001. The 645N was a complete overhaul which added a more sophisticated interface, auto-focus, and matrix metering. The later 645NII added mirror-lock up. Both the N and NII are much more professional-oriented cameras, but that comes at a price. They cost double or triple the cost of an original 645.

For budget-conscious film photographers looking for a solid medium format SLR camera, the original Pentax 645 is it. Importantly, it also leaves enough money left over to buy the most important ingredient for growth – lots and lots of film.

Read all about the Pentax 645 in our article here, and then buy one on eBay here.

Pentax 645 for sale | eBay

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HONORABLE MENTION : The Mamiya 645 series of cameras can be very similar to the Pentax 645. The oldest version of the Mamiya is a full-manual camera, but later models offer various degrees of semi-auto and full-auto shooting modes. Prices on these start at the same level as the Pentax, but climb significantly with the spec sheet. The Mamiya was not my first choice because the Pentax is typically cheaper.

For effortless photography, buy the Fujifilm GA645

The Fujifilm GA645 is a very special, and very modern camera. Made in 1995, it is essentially a point-and-shoot medium format film camera that makes shooting medium format as easy as… well, pointing and shooting.

Focus is automatic. Film advance and rewind are automatic. Exposure is automatic, semi-automatic, or full manual. It’s compact and portable, making it a great choice for travelers or street photographers. It even has a built-in flash. Shooting this thing is like shooting the most capable point-and-shoot film camera ever made. It’s the Canon Sure Shot of medium format!

The 60mm f/4 Fujinon Super EBC lens creates stunning images. A variant called the GA645W is fitted with a wider 45mm f/5.6 lens, though this camera tends to be more expensive than the original GA645.

The only major issue with the Fuji is that it’s relatively expensive. Indeed, it’s the most expensive camera on this list. However, there really are no other alternatives for people seeking a fully-automated point-and-shoot medium format film camera, and this one is a true wonder of modern photographic engineering. As Aldo Gucci once said, quality is remembered long after price is forgotten.

Buy your own Fuji GA645 on eBay.

Fujifilm GA645 for sale | eBay

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For medium format on a budget, buy an old folder

Contrary to oft-repeated opinion, it is in fact possible to buy a compact, high quality medium format film camera with a stunning lens for under $150. And I don’t mean a Holga (don’t buy a Holga). We just need to know what to look for.

Medium format folding cameras are the best kept open secret in the medium format world. Collectors and “the olds” have known about them for decades, and we can often find these photographic saints spreading the good word of folding cameras as far as their Facebook groups’ organic reach will allow.

Medium format folding cameras are essentially simple, light tight machines with shutter and lens assemblies mounted to the front of a collapsible bellows. The lens, shutter, and bellows are typically protected by a folding door, which can fold open to extend the whole business into the position needed to make a photo.

When closed, they are incredibly compact (I once used one during a vacation in Disney World). When opened for use, they can make incredible images in a variety of image formats (6 x 6, 6 x 7, and 6 x 9 are most popular).

The downside to these cameras is that they’re all manual and often lacking in any sort of focusing aids. This means that we’ll need to understand light or carry a light meter, set our aperture and shutter speed manually, and even focus by eye using the scale focus method (estimate distance to subject, set that number on the lens, and hope for the best). For this reason alone, medium format folders are not necessarily a great choice for beginner photographers. But for those who know what they’re doing in the 35mm space, the price is low enough to justify the risk.

Medium format folding cameras were made by plenty of companies – Zeiss, Agfa, Kodak, and more. Which means that their are plenty to choose from. The big peril in buying a folding camera is that we need to make sure we’re buying one that’s fully functional.

As a result of their age and their rather delicate design, folding medium format camera can be a bit fragile. When looking to buy one, make sure that the bellows are free of leaks and pinholes, ensure that the lens elements are free of haze and fungus, and confirm that the shutter and aperture function as they should.

The models that I would seek out are the Agfa Isolette, Super Fujica 6, or the Zeiss Ikonta.

medium format folding camera for sale | eBay

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For the biggest possible negative, buy a Fuji Panorama G617

I admit, this final addition to my list is a bit tongue-in-cheek. Nobody should buy this camera as their first medium format camera, and it shouldn’t be on this list. But it’s been so long since I was able to write about the G617, and I really want to do so.

Because there’s simply no other camera like the Fuji Panorama G617.

The biggest selling point for the G617 is hinted at in the name; the enormous image area. Measuring a truly massive 6 x 17 centimeters (2.25 x 6.5 inches) in a 3:1 aspect ratio, the G617 is capable of exposing unbelievably large swathes of film. First produced in 1983, it was intended to be a specialty tool for landscape and architectural photographers who were looking to expose gigantic negatives in a relatively portable camera.

It features a fixed Fujinon 105mm F/8 lens providing a diagonal angle of view of 80.3º (the approximate equivalent angle of view of a 25.8mm lens in the 35mm format). The lens’ aperture spans from a maximum aperture of F/8 to a minimum of F/45, and this sits behind a Made-in-Japan Seiko No. 0 inter-lens leaf shutter capable of speeds from 1 second to as fast as 1/500th of a second, with additional Bulb mode for long exposures and flash sync at all speeds.

Focusing is handled via the scale focus system, film advance is achieved via a thumb-powered advance lever on the top plate, and aperture and shutter speed are all adjusted via rings or levers on the lens. Multiple exposures are possible by resetting the shutter with the lens-mounted lever and firing it again via the release on the lens without advancing the film between shots.

Essentially, that’s all there is to the Fuji G617. It’s just a gorgeous specialty camera made for creating super-wide, extremely massive images on medium format film. And if you want to see what it can do, check out my review here.

Fujifilm G617 for sale | eBay

Get the best deals for Fujifilm G617 at eBay.com. We have a great online selection at the lowest prices with Fast & Free shipping on many items!

www.fstopcameras.co

A classic camera shop specializing in cameras and lenses, film, collectible cameras, medium format, 35mm, and some digital. The retail side of Casual Photophile.

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[Some of the links in this article will direct users to our affiliates at B&H Photo, Amazon, and eBay. By purchasing anything using these links, Casual Photophile may receive a small commission at no additional charge to you. This helps Casual Photophile produce the content we produce. Many thanks for your support.]

The post These are the Best Medium Format Film Cameras for Beginners appeared first on Casual Photophile.

So? Who cares? Has Casual Photophile turned into a personal blog/travel influencer machine? Not quite. I won’t peddle travel hacks or tell the best time of day to see the Mona Lisa (in my opinion, don’t). Nope, I’m here to drag you along for the ride as I reflect on the existential question all photographers ask themselves before a trip – “What camera should I bring?”

One thing you need to know about me before we embark on this adventure is that I’m a self-proclaimed film girlie. My first “serious” venture into photography was a high school darkroom class and while I’m a technical person who works with computers daily, I have never clicked with digital photography (horrible pun not intended). I have no rational justification for it. I just don’t like digital. It’s not as fun as shooting film.

Another thing you need to know about me is: I am but a lowly hobbyist photographer – if it’s not fun, I’m not doing it. Add all of this together and the answer to the original question, which camera should I bring, is obvious. Of course I’m taking a film camera with me on a once-in-a-lifetime trip, right?

Wrong.

I know, it’s crazy and makes absolutely no sense but, I left out some other key info: I’m the cheapest person I know and I’m also a certified X-ray technologist.

If you’re in the film community I’m sure you’ve seen at least one Reddit thread or Instagram story asking “My film was scanned in the airport – is it trashed?” These discussions are riddled with contradicting responses.

“If it’s less than 800 ISO you’re fine.”

“My film was x-rayed 25 times and now those photos are on the cover of Rolling Stone.”

“Why didn’t you just ask for a hand-check?”

I’ve even seen a few responders go as far as suggesting we all haul along powdered chemicals and develop our film at our destination. Insanity.

I’m not going to get into all the caveats regarding film and X-rays. Kodak and others have well-documented the issues seen with the new CT scanners in airports (which are x-ray tubes that spin in circles but deliver a much higher dosage of radiation). As an X-ray tech and the cheapest person I know – all I can tell you is this: I’m not putting a single roll through an X-ray, ever. It’s too expensive. There’s a chance the film will be fine, but there’s also a chance it won’t be. One roll of film can cost as much as $18 nowadays. Not to mention, the photos on the roll itself on a trip like this are priceless memories. I’m not risking it.

I love photography, but again I’m a hobbyist. I just want to take an amazing vacation and document the memories along the way. I don’t want to be anxious in the security line and spend my precious PTO arguing with a foreign agent that my film absolutely must be hand-checked because *mY qUaLiFiCaTiOnS*. I also don’t want to carry around a heavy digital camera worth a thousand, or even hundreds of dollars through cities I’m not familiar with. None of that sounds fun.

So what’s a girl to do? I say, bring on the digicams.

Digicams! They’re small, cheap, and unassuming. Now, I know what you’re thinking – “You trusted once-in-a-lifetime memories to a tiny sensor that’s 10+ years old?”
Yes. Yes, I did. And I don’t regret it.

In the winter, when I was deep in my “I don’t know what camera to bring” crisis, I stumbled across one of KingJvpes videos in which he and a friend walked around town and pitted a Ricoh GR III head-to-head against an old Canon S95. I initially thought all the same things you’re probably thinking – “These kids today. Why not just use your cell phone if you’re going to use a camera with such a crappy, old sensor?” But as I watched, my main takeaway wasn’t that the photos were indistinguishable between the two cameras – they were obviously very easy to tell apart. But I did realize that the old Canon S95 really held up much better than I thought it would and it was only $100.

As I did more research by endlessly scrolling through photo examples on Flickr, I found that the older pre-2010s digicams with their CCD sensors produced photos that had a unique look to them that I really liked. They felt a bit more “vintage” to my eye. I’d heard people in the photography community say that digicams “are the new film” and give a “film look.” I personally don’t think that’s true, but I do feel they provide a certain nostalgic look to photos that younger Millennials and Gen-Z would attribute to their childhood eras. It’s definitely a look that resonates with me more than the super crisp amazing digital sensors that are out there today.

So, off I went down the rabbit hole of DP Review’s camera feature search (kudos to onemonthtwocameras on Youtube for that gem) and filtered for cameras that had all the features I was looking for: RAW capabilities, “larger” 1/1.7 inch, 10-megapixel CCD sensor, and an optical zoom. I came away with two options that I was personally interested in: the Canon S90 and the Panasonic Lumix LX5. I cross-referenced prices on eBay and other used retailers and they were each around $100 at the time so, against my frugal heart, I bought them both and planned to sell whichever one I liked the least.

After testing for a few months before my vacation, I ultimately decided to bring both cameras along. Each camera had different ergonomics and I couldn’t decide which files I favored more. They’re both so small and light, they took up less space and weight in my bag than one of my 35mm SLRs would have anyway. In the event one of them got lost or broken, I’d have a backup. It was an easy decision.

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In Japan, Digicams are the New Film - Guest Post by Johnny Yokoyama

I’d like to introduce a new photography trend. Welcome to the exciting world of “Digicams.” Wait! Don’t roll your eyes just yet!

I had the time of my life. I kept one of the digicams on me at all times during the trip. They easily stashed into my little travel purse. I never felt weighed down by my camera or felt the need to leave it back at the accommodation. I didn’t worry that someone was eyeing me up as a potential target for carrying a bunch of expensive camera gear. I never thought twice about plunking my bag up on the belt to be x-rayed a million times. I was carefree and living my best life. The digicams did exactly what I needed a camera to do for this trip – get out of the way and let me take photos.

Since I carried a camera with me everywhere, I got a lot of great shot opportunities that I might not have had if I’d opted to bring along a bigger camera. The RAW capabilities and manual settings made shooting feel more like actual photography than simply using my cell phone, which for me is not an enjoyable photographic experience. I’m very happy with the decision to use digicams for this trip and I’m confident that the 10-megapixel files will have plenty of detail to print the photos into a memory book.

With that said, I want to reiterate that this trip wasn’t an African safari, Paris fashion week, or a destination wedding that I was being paid to shoot. It wasn’t even a photography-focused leisure trip. I didn’t take the most ground-breaking, iconic photos ever. But what I did do is have an amazing time traveling and get to sneak in some fun, low-stress photography whenever it was convenient.

So, if you’re a frugal-to-a-fault hobbyist photographer with a love of film and all things vintage but don’t want to deal with the hassle of flying with film (or heavier, bulkier cameras) and you’re taking a trip that isn’t photography focused, I encourage you to give digicams a try. They’re great little companions. Lastly, thanks for making it to the end of this long-winded article – why are you still here? Just bring whatever camera you want. Don’t let anyone tell you what to do. Happy shooting!

Buy your own Digicam on eBay here

Buy a camera from our shop at F Stop Cameras

Digicams (Digital Point and Shoot) — F Stop Cameras

A camera shop specializing in vintage cameras; 35mm, medium and large format, film and digital. 

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[Some of the links in this article will direct users to our affiliates at B&H Photo, Amazon, and eBay. By purchasing anything using these links, Casual Photophile may receive a small commission at no additional charge to you. This helps Casual Photophile produce the content we produce. Many thanks for your support.]

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Here is some of the knowledge I’ve acquired over the years that has helped me add to my ever-growing collection of film cameras.

Where to find them

One of the positives to come from the film renaissance is the ability of the average hobbyist to obtain a film camera has greatly expanded. The past decade has seen a resurgence in the number of retail and online camera shops selling refurbished and tested cameras of all types. These wonderful shops have joined the old standards of local thrift shops and eBay, and each offers today’s camera buyer their own unique positives and liabilities. Here’s the break down.

Pros and Cons of Dedicated Camera Shops

• Low risk : Reputable camera shops sell tested or refurbished cameras that are guaranteed to work, and sometimes come with a warranty.
• Super convenient (like shopping for a new summer outfit).
• Decent choice : Depending on the site and what you’re looking for, online shops may or may not have something that tickles your fancy).
• Premium price : Buying from a shop comes with a higher cost. Shops take the time and money to test and/or fix the cameras up to guarantee their performance, thus the risk is low.

Pros and Cons of eBay

• Medium risk : Cameras are often sold untested, however some sellers take returns, and with eBay backing the transaction you’re usually protected.
• Somewhat convenient (also like shopping for a summer fit, except you have to shop around a lot and each seller may have a different buying method like buy it now, bids, offers, different conditions of the product, more or less accessories, etc., so it can take a bit of digging to narrow down the options)
• All the choices : Aside from the rarest of the rare, eBay is like the Google search engine of film cameras. I almost never have an issue finding someone that’s selling a camera I’m interested in.
• Market Price : eBay often costs less than a dedicated camera shop. Sometimes even some deals can be made to go below market value.

Thrift and Antique Stores

• High Risk : Most cameras we find thrifting are untested, collecting dust, and likely need a bit of elbow grease to get them up to snuff.
• Inconvenient : Aside from Goodwill having a website you can shop from, sorry in advance to your wallet, thrifting usually involves physically going to second hand stores and antique shops. But that’s beauty of it!
• Limited Choices : Thrifting is like hunting. You do it for the thrill and you go out not expecting to come back with anything. But when you score you SCORE. And it’s the adventure that brings you back. (I’ve never hunted a day in my life but this seems like a good analogy.)
• Bargain Deals : Most of the time these stores haven’t tested a thing which results in the risk level being so high. However it’s also why you could score big while spending so little.

Research, Research, Research

This is arguably the most important piece of advice, no matter where you choose to shop. You have to do your research.

Sites like the one you’re reading right now, old timey forums, and even the wonderful world of YouTube are your best friends. The beauty of shopping for film cameras is that they’ve all been reviewed in some capacity at some point in time. Which means you can find out about a camera’s strengths, weaknesses and the occasional quirk. This will save you from making avoidable mistakes like investing in a camera that has known reliability issues. It can also help you find a hidden gem.

For instance, I recently acquired a Canon T70. Before researching it, I didn’t really consider picking one up, but the design kept calling my name. The majority of my findings pointed to the fact these cameras have held up well overtime, can be found for relatively inexpensive and are part of a line up of Canon cameras that are some of the last to be compatible with their FD lenses. I scooped it up for just shy of $40 and it’s proven much of that research to be correct!

On the flip side, when you don’t research before hand you can end up with a paperweight. I found a Canon A35F, in remarkable condition via Goodwill. After I purchased it I did some digging and found this really to be an in-between model that was viewed as rushed to market and flawed in design, quickly replaced by a more capable and thoughtful model.

I crossed my fingers anyway, but despite my hopes and dreams, the camera was a lemon. The flash fired inconsistently, the film advance lever fires the shutter sometimes, the shutter doesn’t always open and sometimes just gets stuck. On the outside it’s beautiful and on the inside it’s a nightmare. It’s since been relegated to shelf decor.

Which brings me to the crux of the thing that is thrifting. It’s a gamble, no matter how you slice it. You’re entering a larger than life casino and you need to only put up what you can afford to lose. There is some low risk routes, as mentioned, but sometimes it just comes down to luck. You have a chance at coming out on top. However, be smart, do your research and if it’s too good to be true it almost certainly is.

The hunt for film cameras has some bonus perks. I have run into scenarios that involve getting some unexpected expired film along with the camera. I’m often introduced to accessories I hadn’t thought about before, but suddenly have the opportunity to try. From telephoto or macro lenses, a variety of filters, and countless camera bags that all have a unique character to them. It adds to the experience of it all, and sometimes those bonuses can turn a camera that doesn’t turn out to be so great into a purchase of value.

Don’t forget to have fun!

Whatever avenue you choose to find your first or next film camera, have fun with it. These cameras are often decades old and come in all shapes, sizes, and conditions. The story of your experience, getting your hands around the camera itself, can add to the journey you’re about to go on with it. Being able to experience film cameras from different eras that have seen many things is another element that makes shooting film so special to me. It’s a beautiful hobby and profession that connects people in a way that can be hard to put into words. I suppose that’s where pictures come in.

Film Camera for Sale | eBay

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F Stop Cameras - an Online Camera Shop

A classic camera shop specializing in cameras and lenses, film, collectible cameras, medium format, 35mm, and some digital. The retail side of Casual Photophile.

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Now, picture a family of six. Two adults in their thirties, and four children, one in a stroller who yells if the parents stop moving, one excited about going into second grade, one in preschool, and a kindergartner. One of the six is lugging an old Canon Rebel DSLR, but it isn’t either of the grown-ups, nor is it the soon-to-be-second grader, who is itching to become an adult already even though her mouth is half baby teeth. The one with the DSLR is the kindergartner.

Springtime in Shelburne Falls means one thing: the bridge of flowers. Every April, local amateur and not-so-amateur florists cover an old walking bridge in flowers, transforming it into the centerpiece of a cozy downtown. It’s on that bridge that the Kindergartner carries his camera, which his father (me) has hung around his neck. He uses it to take photos of every last flower on a bridge of hundreds, much to his stroller-bound sister’s chagrin.

I don’t have nerves of steel. I probably run a household with too many rules, too many safety rails, and plenty of helicoptering. Often, when I’m working in my office upstairs and I hear the children laughing, I mishear it as crying. (In my defense, one of their favorite games includes pretending their stuffed animals are crying.) So how was it not only possible but actually easy for me to lend my “grown-up” camera to the family kindergartner?

In this article, I’ll explore why the DSLR is great for a kid even as young as five years old, how to reduce the risks of damage to the device, and what all of this has taught me about parenting.

Why a DSLR?

DSLRs can be serious, expensive cameras. Why, then, would I risk such a precious gadget by putting it into the tiny hands of my kid?

Well, not all DSLRs are expensive. When I bought it years ago, my Canon Rebel XSi cost somewhere in the $300 to $400 range. If you were to buy one now, you’d have to get it used, and you’d pay less than $100. I don’t think I would have made the same decision if I owned a Hasselblad. But I’ve always been on the novice side of the amateur spectrum, and it would take a lot more development of my photography skills for me to justify owning a truly professional camera. That said, after my experience lending my son my inexpensive DSLR, I’d now make the same decision with a more expensive camera.

Okay, cost and risk aside, why give my kid a DSLR? Why not let him just shoot photos with my phone, an easy-to-use device that’s so well-protected you’d think it was a bomb because I’m so clumsy that I drop it on a daily basis? Surely that would give the child an idea of photo-taking.

Well, many parents will tell you that, to a kid, phone = games. That was my experience, anyway. My kids would ask me to use my phone to take pictures. I’d hand it to them, and after a few minutes (tops), they would be asking if they could play Wordscapes.

But there are other reasons, too. Taking pictures with a phone is just bland. Is there anything less satisfying than tapping that phone screen and getting little to no feedback on whether or not you took a photo? They’re awkward to hold, they’re easy to drop, you don’t have a strap to wrap them around your neck. While that all sounds like the complaints an adult would have, I suspect from my son’s behavior when trying to use my phone’s camera that it just isn’t as enjoyable an experience.

I’ve also had the following experience with each and every one of my four kids (how’s that for a sample size?):

1. The child asks if they can take pictures with my phone.
2. I give them my phone.
3. The child runs away excitedly with the phone to go find a cool rock to photograph.
4. The child returns within thirty seconds, drowning in tears because when they tried to take a photo they swiped instead of tapped, and now they’re in slo-mo, or video mode, or panorama mode, and they can’t escape the Sisyphean hell that is endlessly turning until the panorama photo is complete. If they don’t return with tear-streaked face, that can only mean that they’ve swiped completely out of the photo app and they’re here to ask if they can play Wordscapes instead.

I’m not going to completely shut down the idea of a child using a phone to dabble in photography. Honestly, learning how to tap instead of swipe seems like a good fine motor skill to teach. And there are probably some terrific technical solutions. There’s so much good software working behind the scenes that, with a phone, kids can take photos without thinking about aperture, shutter speed, and tricky things like that.

So, in a pinch, I’ll let my kids use my phone as long as they sign a document stating that I warned them they would get frustrated, and that any tears hereafter are not the fault of Dad.

In a 2019 article about choosing your kid’s first camera, James wrote about why the point and shoot camera was a good fit for his young kids. That wasn’t the case for me.

After the positive experience I had lending my son my Canon Rebel on that trip to Shelburne, I bought him a point and shoot the following Christmas. He doesn’t use it. It actually really took the air out of his interest in photography. I can’t say for certain what it is, but I suspect that, while people often comment that kids don’t notice the quality of things (like cheaper animation in movies, junk food versus healthy food, etc.), I think my son could tell that his photos just didn’t look as good on that point and shoot as they did on the DSLR.

The DSLR Embodies Process over Product

My kids aren’t like me when I was a twenty-year-old creative writing major, having an existential crisis over a comma. They don’t know the rules, and even if you told them the rules, they probably wouldn’t care about the rules. At least, that’s how it is with my son. And what did that lead to? Experimentation. But there’s very little experimentation to be done on a phone or a point-and-shoot, both of which detrimentally simplify the photography process.

In elementary art lessons, teachers talk a lot these days about process over product. Meaning that, when a kindergartner sits down with some painting materials, you want them to focus on seeing how the materials work, practicing with them, rather than focusing so much on whether their corner sun looks perfect. As my wife, a former Boston public school art teacher will attest, that curiosity for materials and love of process often goes away, and while her kindergartners were able to keep art fun, her fourth graders were frustrated when they couldn’t get their art looking exactly the way that they wanted.

That’s something that’s easy to overlook about a DSLR. They’re neat. They have buttons all over the dang place. To a kid, the symbols accompanying the buttons and menus of a DSLR might as well be hieroglyphics—just as incomprehensible, just as fascinating. The tripod is its own mechanical wonder of snaps and extendy bits and stuff your dad says be to careful with unless you want to get pinched. These are tools that kids love quickly, and that are easier to teach a kid to take care of. I swear, kids can tell when something is cheap.

And here’s the most surprising thing about my Shelburne Falls trip. When we returned to our Airbnb, I took out my MacBook and got everything ready.

“Hey, Buddy!” I said, “Let’s take a look at your pictures!”

I transferred the photos that my son had taken that day, imported them into Lightroom, and created him his own library within which he could view and edit his photos any time he liked. After a few minutes setting all of this up, I realized that my son was off playing with his siblings, and even as I pulled him away for a moment (“Your photos, man! Don’t you want to see?”), it became clear that he didn’t really care how his pictures came out. He didn’t exactly say “booooring” but he might as well have.

For him, the fun wasn’t looking at the photos. The fun was taking the photos. As so often happens, we learn more from our kids than they learn from us.

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Compared to the entry-level full frame mirror-less cameras of Nikon’s nearest competitors, the Canon EOS RP, the Sony a7II, and the Panasonic Lumix S5, The Nikon Z5 beats them all in both technical specifications and, importantly, price. And while the differences in the spec sheets are in some places marginal, there is a clear winner in the end.

So let’s compare the Nikon Z5 with the very similar cameras mentioned previously, with specific focus on what makes the Z5 the one to buy.

Specifications of the Nikon Z5

• Image Sensor: 24.3 MP FX BSI Sensor, 5.9µ pixel size
• Sensor Size: 35.9 × 23.9mm
• Resolution: 6016 x 4016
• Native ISO Sensitivity: 100-51,200
• In-Body Image Stabilization: 5-Axis
• Processor: EXPEED 6
• Dust Reduction: Yes
• Weather Sealing: Yes
• Body Material: Magnesium Alloy
• Shutter Speeds: 1/8000 – 30 seconds
• Shutter Durability: 200,000 cycles, self-diagnostic shutter
• Storage: 2× SD UHS-II
• Viewfinder: 3.69 Million Dot OLED Electronic Viewfinder
• Viewfinder Coverage: 100%
• Viewfinder Magnification: 0.8×
• Continuous Shooting Speed: 4.5 FPS
• Built-in Flash: No
• Autofocus System: Hybrid PDAF, 273 Focus Points
• AF Sensitivity Range: -2 to +19 EV (-3.5 to +19 EV with low-light AF)
• LCD Screen: Touch-enabled 3.2″ Tilting LCD with 1.040 Million Dots
• Movie Mode: 4K UHD @ 30 FPS, 1.7x crop
• HDMI Output: 8-bit 4:2:0, no N-Log
• Silent Photography Mode: Yes
• Intervalometer: Yes
• Focus Stacking: Yes
• In-Camera HDR Capability: Yes
• WiFi / Bluetooth: Yes
• Battery Type: EN-EN15c
• Battery Life: 470 shots (CIPA)
• USB Standard: Type-C 3.1
• Weight and Dimensions: 590 g (Body Only); 134 × 100.5 × 69.5 mm
• Price: $996

Experienced photo nerds will likely browse that spec sheet and settle on the last line of data – the price. It’s surprisingly low.

That we can get a camera this good for $996 is simply astonishing. And while $996 is a lot of money, no doubt, I can see by the specs that the camera we get for that money could satisfy the image-making requirements of most photographers for a long time to come. With a spec sheet that good, there’s very little reason to upgrade.

Nikon Z5 Mirrorless Camera

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The Nikon Z5 Compared to the Canon EOS RP

Canon has their own entry-level full frame mirror-less camera, called the Canon EOS RP. And it’s a very good camera. But when we really dive into its spec sheet we start to see that it falls just short of the Nikon in a few key areas. Here’s a list.

Nikon’s Z5 has in-body 5-axis sensor-shift image stabilization which works in both stills photography and video modes. The Canon EOS RP does not have in-body image stabilization whatsoever. Instead, Canon offers lenses with built-in optical image stabilization (IS lenses). These lenses are bigger and more expensive than those without IS. When shooting video (but not in stills photography), the Canon uses software-based digital image stabilization. This sounds neat, but it also slightly degrades image quality.

Nikon’s Z5 can shoot 4K video at 30 fps, where Canon’s EOS RP records 4K only at 24fps. While this isn’t a massive win for the Nikon, it’s still a win. Both cameras, incidentally, record 4K at a 1.7 crop factor, which is a big reason to consider upgrading to a higher level camera – but now we’re getting away from entry-level pricing.

The Nikon’s electronic viewfinder has higher magnification than Canon’s, 0.8x compared to 0.7x, and the Nikon’s is made up of 3.69 million dots where Canon’s is 2.36 million. Another win for Nikon.

The Canon only has a single SD card slot compared to the Nikon’s two slots. This is important for anyone who wants to use this camera professionally, as it’s critical to have redundant backups of images that can’t be replaced. Think, weddings, engagement photos, senior portraits – working photographer stuff.

Nikon’s camera costs $5 less than Canon’s. Okay, that really shouldn’t factor. But again, that’s a free cup of coffee or two if we choose the Nikon.

The Canon EOS RP does actually edge out the Nikon in a few lines of the spec sheet. Its LCD display can flip entirely around to a front-facing configuration where the Nikon’s only tilts up and down, and the Canon’s image sensor offers a couple of additional megapixels (Canon’s EOS RP sensor records 26.2MP compared to Nikon’s 24.3MP). Canon’s burst mode fires at 5 FPS compared to Nikon’s 4.5 FPS.

For me, the data points dominated by the Nikon are more critical than those claimed by the Canon. And that’s why I chose the Z5.

The Nikon Z5 Compared to the Sony a7II

The camera that I used professionally before switching to the Nikon Z5 was, in fact, the Sony a7II. And I couldn’t be happier with the decision to switch. While Sony’s camera is excellent, the Nikon is just better. Here’s where we see that on the spec sheet.

Nikon’s camera does 4K video and Sony’s does not. It only shoots as high as 1080p. That’s worse than the Canon and an easy win for Nikon.

Nikon’s electronic viewfinder is better than Sony’s, too. Sony’s EVF has the same resolution as the Canon EOS RP, at 2.36m dots compared to the Nikon’s 3.69m.

The Nikon, as already mentioned, has two SD card slots. The Sony, like the Canon, has one.

Possibly a subjective assessment here, but after years of shooting the a7II I’m comfortable reporting that the ergonomics of the Sony are cramped and painful, especially for extended shoots. The Nikon is an ergonomic dream. Its grip, balance, size, and weight are all perfect, and its button layout is intuitive and clean.

The Sony’s finish and durability aren’t as high quality as the Nikon’s. My Sony’s rubber thumb grip peeled away after a year, and the SD card slot door has always been flimsy and weak.

But most damning of all for Sony’s machine is the price. The Sony a7II has a list price of $1,398. That’s $400 more than the Nikon Z5. So, you pay more for… less?

The Nikon Z5 Compared to the Panasonic Lumix S5

Of all the competition on this list, it’s the Panasonic Lumix S5 that comes closest to toppling the Nikon Z5. But that really shouldn’t be surprising, considering that the Lumix S5 has a list price of $1,997 (nearly double the cost of the Nikon). And even though Panasonic seems to run a perpetual sale on the S5, that sale price still never drops below $1,497 ($500 more than the Nikon).

This higher price point realistically places the Lumix S5 as competition for Nikon’s up-specced Nikon Z6, rather than the entry-level Z5. But I include it in this comparison to better illustrate the point that we get a lot for our money with the Nikon Z5. It even competes with cameras above its class.

When we compare the Nikon Z5 to the Panasonic Lumix S5, the only appreciable difference is that the Lumix can shoot 4K video at 60FPS. If we’re happy with 4K video at 30FPS, the Nikon does that for $500 less.

Sample Images Made with the Nikon Z5

(Just imagine what a good photographer could do with one!)

Final Thoughts

Truth be told, all of the cameras mentioned in this article are amazing machines. As I said to my friend when he asked which full frame mirror-less camera he should buy; nobody makes a bad full frame mirror-less camera. The Canon EOS RP, the Sony a7II, the Panasonic S5, and the Nikon Z5 are all world-class, and any of them would do anything that the everyday photo nerd requires. But if I had to pick one, it’s the Nikon.

If only by a narrow margin, the Nikon Z5 is truly the best value camera on the market right now. It’s more feature-dense than the entry-level full frame mirror-less camera from Canon, and a much better camera (and value) than the Sony a7II. The only camera that could beat it is the Panasonic Lumix S5, but that camera’s priced so high that I find it unfair to measure it against the Z5.

The best endorsement that I can give a product is to use that product myself. The Nikon Z5 is the camera that I chose. And I chose it because, simply put, it’s the best value full frame mirror-less interchangeable lens camera available today.

Nikon Z5 Mirrorless Camera

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