5 BEST Point And Shoot Film Cameras in 2024

Capture Life's Moments with These Top-Ranked Point-and-Shoot Film Cameras: From the compact and sleek Contax T2 to the sharp and classic Ricoh GR1v, these cameras offer exceptional quality and features that will bring your photos to life.

January 11, 2024
5 BEST Point And Shoot Film Cameras in 2024
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Are you interested in film photography but intimidated by the process? You should try a point and shoot film cameras! They're easy to use with minimal settings and offer a unique, nostalgic film look with lots of character. Plus, they're small and portable, perfect for carrying around in a bag or pocket.

With so many models to choose from, finding the best point and shoot film camera can seem daunting. But don't worry - there are still affordable options available, as well as more advanced models that offer additional features. By comparing important specs like lens quality, autofocus, and aperture, you can find the perfect camera to fit your needs and budget.

Why Use A Point & Shoot Camera?

After years of using bulky and complicated interchangeable lens models, I finally switched to a point and shoot, and I'll never look back.

First off, these bad boys are an easy way to learn film. If you're new to photography and feeling intimidated, a point and shoot camera is a great place to start. They have minimal settings and are super user-friendly, so you can get a feel for shooting film without getting overwhelmed by all the technical aspects.

And let's talk about portability. Point and shoot cameras are incredibly specific. They're small, lightweight, and easy to carry around with you. I love throwing mine in my bag or even just in my pocket when I'm on the go.

But the real game-changer is the film look. Point and shoots are perfect for documentary imaging, delivering images with a ton of character and that nostalgic, 90s film vibe. You'll get that extra bit of grain and grittiness that's so unique to film.

If you're in the market for a point and shoot, look for models with ergonomics titled toward one-handed use. These models tend to have better autofocus, faster shutter speeds, and other features that make them ideal for quick snaps and action shots.

Leica Minilux

I've been using the Leica Minilux for a while now and I gotta say, it's a really sweet camera. It's got this sleek all-metal body, which is perfect for those who are into a minimalist look. But what really impressed me was the sharpness of the lens. Seriously, my pictures came out incredibly crisp, even when I was shooting in low light conditions.

Now, I know some people might be hesitant to spend $800 on a camera, but hear me out. So these cameras are built to last, and the images they produce are just stunning. You can spend a bit more and invest in a camera that will last you a lifetime. Plus, the Leica Minilux is one of those feature-packed point and shoots that feature bigger image sensors, which means you can capture more detail in your photos. Overall, it's definitely worth the investment if you're a serious photographer looking for a high-quality point and shoot.

  • Sensor Size: 35mm film format
  • Battery Life: N/A (uses 1 CR123A battery)
  • Connectivity Options: N/A
  • Lens: 40mm f/2.4 Summarit lens
  • Shutter Speeds: 1/400s to 30s
  • Shooting Modes: Program mode, manual focus mode, macro mode, and flash on/off mode
  • Flash: Built-in flash with red-eye reduction
  • Price: Varies, but typically around $700-$900 (as of May 2023)

Contax T2

If you're into 35mm film photography, you've probably heard of the Contax T2. It's like the king of point and shoot cameras, and not just because it's been spotted on the likes of Kendall Jenner and Tom Holland & Zendaya. The retracting 38mm f/2.8 Carl Zeiss lens is the real deal, and the titanium body can handle some wear and tear.

But what makes it so special is that it's a point and shoot with automated functions, like autofocus and Program AE, plus the ability to manually adjust settings if you're feeling fancy. So you get the best of both worlds, y'all.

But here's the thing: it ain't cheap. And since it's not in production anymore, you're playing roulette with how long it'll last. But if you're willing to take the risk and have some extra cash to spare, it's a solid choice.

Personally, I love the Contax T2. It's a bridge camera between entry-level models and interchangeable lens models. The autofocus is snappy, and the direct light to your eye makes it easy to frame your shots. But, if you're ballin' on a budget, you can spend a bit more and feature bigger image sensors, but you can't beat the T2's compact size and overall aesthetic.

  • Sensor size: 35mm film
  • Lens: Carl Zeiss Sonnar 38mm f/2.8 lens
  • Shutter speeds: 1/500 to 8 seconds, Bulb mode
  • Shooting modes: Program AE, Aperture Priority, Manual Exposure, Landscape, Night Scene, Portrait, Action
  • Focus: Autofocus with manual override
  • Flash: Built-in pop-up flash with red-eye reduction
  • Battery life: CR123A lithium battery, up to 2 years of shelf life
  • Connectivity options: None
  • Dimensions: 4.7 x 2.9 x 1.6 inches
  • Weight: 10.6 ounces
  • Price: varies, usually between $1,500 to $2,500

Contax TVS

If you're like me, and the Contax T2's hefty price tag gives you sticker shock, then you should make sure to check out the Contax TVS series instead! I got my hands on one on eBay and I'm so glad I did.

Camera makers like to tout their top-of-the-line models, but let me tell you, the TVS is no slouch. It's got all the features that make the T2 so sought after, like exposure compensation and exposure lock, but with the added bonus of a zoom lens.

Now, I know what you might be thinking - zoom lenses can be hit or miss, right? But trust me, the TVS's zoom lens is no disappointment. It may not have the same fixed-focus prime lens as the T2, but it's still a high-quality lens that delivers great results. Plus, the zoom gives you some extra versatility in your shooting.

All of these are important factors to consider when choosing a camera, especially if you're looking for an affordable option that still delivers great performance. So go ahead and check out the Contax TVS series, you won't be disappointed!

  • Sensor Size: 35mm Film
  • Lens: Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* 28-56mm f/3.5-6.5
  • Shutter Speeds: 1/6 to 1/500 sec
  • Shooting Modes: Aperture-priority autoexposure, manual exposure, program autoexposure, sports mode, portrait mode, landscape mode
  • Flash: Built-in, pop-up, TTL auto flash
  • Battery Life: One CR123A lithium battery, approximately 50 rolls of 36-exposure film
  • Connectivity: None
  • Price: Varies, but typically ranges from $500 to $1,000 USD.

Ricoh GR1v

If you prefer a point and shoot film camera that offers advanced options, we recommend the Ricoh GR1v. I've used it for a while now, and I have to say, it's one of our midrange picks. It's perfect for the more advanced photographer looking for a high-quality film camera that doesn't break the bank.

One of the things that sets the GR1v apart is its manual ISO setting, Aperture Priority Auto Exposure mode, and different focus options. You can choose from single or multi-point autofocus, manual preset distances, and infinity focus. And don't forget that it retains your settings when you turn it off and on again.

However, you should be aware that the LCD screen may quit on you soon. Additionally, the aperture dial doesn't have a lock, so it tends to move around a bit. But overall, the magnesium-alloy body is sleek and aesthetically flawless.

We also tested its 28mm lens, which is multicoated with aspherical elements, making it incredibly sharp. And the camera preloads a roll immediately upon loading a film cassette, counting down the number of images you have left to shoot. If the camera back door accidentally opens, the exposed images will be preserved as they’re already wound into the film roll.

The Ricoh GR1v is a classic and an extremely capable camera, despite being a bit pricey. If you're looking for a high-quality point and shoot camera with advanced options, this is the one for you.

  • Lens: 28mm f/2.8 Ricoh lens
  • Aperture range: f/2.8 to f/22
  • Shutter speed range: 1/2000 to 8 seconds
  • Minimum focusing distance: 0.3m
  • ISO range: 25-5000
  • Exposure modes: Program, Aperture Priority, Manual
  • Exposure compensation: +/- 2 EV in 1/2 stops
  • Flash: Built-in flash with red-eye reduction
  • Battery: 1x CR2 battery, approximately 4-6 months of normal use
  • Dimensions: 117 x 62 x 23 mm (4.6 x 2.4 x 0.9 in)
  • Weight: 180 g (6.3 oz)
  • Price (used): $600-$1000 (USD)

Yashica T4

If you’re in the market for a point-and-shoot that’s reserved for the most successful, then the Yashica T4 (find on eBay) might just be what you’re looking for!

This camera system offers a Zeiss Tessar T* 35mm f/3.5 lens that’s known for rendering colors in a beautiful and vivid way, and providing images with great contrast. The 3.5 aperture isn’t the fastest, but it still delivers sharp images when used wide open.

If you’re like me and believe that as a camera isn't any good if it doesn't have a great lens, then this camera is definitely worth considering. I recommend getting a good grip for it since the plastic body can be a bit slippery, but it's not too heavy and is easy to carry around.

The Yashica T4 is a classic point-and-shoot camera that doesn't have too many controls. But don’t let that fool you! It’s got automatic exposure, half press the shutter to lock focus, toggle the flash on or off, and it's that simple. The flash on this camera is also amazing! It's perfect for creating a punk or edgy look, which is why fashion photographers have been known to use it.

Don’t forget that you can also buy a new grip for the camera, which can make it more comfortable to use for extended periods. Overall, the Yashica T4 is a great choice for anyone who wants a no-fuss, high-quality point-and-shoot camera system that’s reliable, easy to use, and takes stunning photos.

  • Film format: 35mm
  • Lens: Zeiss Tessar T* 35mm f/3.5
  • Shutter speed range: 1/700 to 2 seconds
  • Shooting modes: Automatic exposure, half press shutter for focus lock, toggle flash on/off
  • Flash: Built-in with red-eye reduction
  • Battery: 1x CR123A
  • Dimensions: 116 x 64 x 38mm
  • Weight: 200g
  • Price: varies, usually between $300-$500