Ranking the BEST Film Cameras | Tier List 

*PLEASE GIVE ME YOUR OPINIONS IN THE COMMENTS!* __________________________________________________________ The tier list isn't a "which camera should you buy" list; but rather going over my experiences and my friends experiences with the cameras, their current short comings, and then an overall grade based on my opinion. Obviously there will be places that cameras can be swapped or I give some forgiveness to some camera over the other camera. I'm definitely biased, as stated when ranking the cameras I've used the most. I think if you watched George's video based on the same perimeters, you'd probably find some stuff to disagree with as well, especially as time/market has changed prices and availability in the last 3 years.

I remember buying a Contax T3 for $750, used it, sold it for $800, honestly felt like electronics could die at any moment so was eager to let it go. Current prices are LOL! Enjoyed using the Nikon FE and 50mm 1.8 more. Good light to all

Extremely useful list! I'd love to learn more about 35mm SLRs, review more models, delve more in depth, and explain a bit about their history.

One of the benefits of an interchangeable lens range finder camera is that because it doesn't have the SLR mechanism the distance between the mount and negative is very short. This allows you to adapt lenses from SLR camera mounts onto the camera, greatly expanding the choice of lenses. This is also a benefit of mirrorless cameras. Among the SLRs, the FD mount has the shortest distance between the lens & negative so I can adapt F-mount & m42 mount lenses onto the camera which is why I own the canon F-1.

Great video!! I absolutely love my Olympus Pen EE-3. Soooooo small and pocketable but it takes fantastic photos. Such a fun point and shoot that feels like a more durable disposable camera haha.

22:17 calls the Holga 120 trash but proceeds to share absolute bangers

never saw your videos but saw your turnover PV vinyl in the back so I know you make bangers! subscribed!

Being an old timer I have had quite a few 35mm film cameras. I’m surprised you left out the Nikon FM3a. The FM3a is without doubt the best 35mm SLR made by any camera manufacturer ever. I bought mine new in 2001 and still have it. The FM3a is a fully mechanical camera that only needs a couple of button cells to operate the light meter - it still works without batteries. Nikon produced a fully mechanical camera capable of 1/4000 second shutter speed with precision accuracy. I remember the OM-2 which a friend of mine had which was a great camera but the FM3a is the benchmark 35mm SLR film camera. The only other 35mm camera that is on the same level is an M series Leica Rangefinder. I have the Leica MP and that is a work of art. I used Canon as well but every one of them failed and was unable to be repaired. My FM3a is bullet proof.

Thanks for sharing, very interesting! Are the photos you used selected randomly or were each of these taken with the camera in question?

I started shooting medium format after picking up a Yashicaflex C as an impulse buy while abroad, and honestly I think it's a great way to start shooting in medium format due to how cheap it is. I managed to find mine for 11,000 yen (Roughly $75), though it's a bit pricier on ebay. The photos I've taken so far have turned out pretty good. They aren't the sharpest or anything but I'm sure it's better than anything a Holga can take. It's also pretty sturdy and it's light enough that I take it with me when I go camping. Overally a great deal. TLRs definitely do take getting used to though, but once you get used to them they're pretty fun to use and they make for great conversation starters.

You used my photos as an example for the Contax G2, so sick!

your comments about the XA2 are valid. I had no concept of how trendy this camera was, before i found one nearly mint for 8 bucks at a random thrift store. It took me a a few rolls to get the correct feel of the limitations of the camera, but at this point i really love it. i have it on me at all times when i leave the house, and the amount of great shots I've gotten with it just because its so pocketable and simple, makes it a truly amazing camera imo.

I agree with everything, with the exception of the Rolleiflex. I have the 2.8F with several of its accessories and it's great.

how about canon FTb ?? i can get it in 110 bucks, is it worth it or i can get another camera more better in the same range price ??

Here is my ranking based on my personal professional experience since the 1960s. I did not use the "S Tier" because I did not understand its criteria. Hasselblad, Rolleiflex, Mamiya 7, Canon F1, Olympus OM1, Nikon F5, and Nikon F6 are cameras that I never owned or used but did admire. A Tier (dependable, durable, my personal favorite) Nikon F2 (favorite photojournalism and macro SLR camera) Leica M6 (favorite photojournalism rangefinder camera) Mamiya 220 (favorite wedding camera) B Tier (excellent; almost an A Tier, better than a C Tier) Nikon F4 Nikon F3 Nikon F Leica M1 (used on microscope) Mamiya RB67 (favorite portrait camera) Calumet 4x5 monorail (favorite architectural camera) Nikonos III (favorite underwater camera) Fuji GW67 (favorite medium format field camera) Fuji GSW69 (favorite landscape camera) C Tier (average; backup; expendable) Nikon EM Nikon N70 Nikon N2000 Pentax Spotmatic Pentax ME Fujifilm ST705 Contax G1 Nikon L35 compact Minolta Hi-Matic Canon Canonet QL17 G-III Canon Sure Shot compact Yashica TLR Graflex 4x5 press Mamiya 22 TLR Mamiya C3 TLR Holga toy camera Diana toy camera Mazda/Vivitar toy camera Argus C3 Ansco Standard Speedex 90mm f/4.5 120 folder (6x6cm) Ansco Viking 105mm f/6.3 120 folder (6x9cm) GoPhoto Aqua Pix 35mm Underwater Camera with 30mm fixed lens D Tier (would not buy; cannot recommend) Miranda Sensorex (sold it after it broke the third time within 2 years) Sears 500 MX 35mm SLR (given as a gift) Polaroid (film unavailable) Kodak Instamatic 104 (film unavailable) Leica M10 digital rangefinder (had two bodies with defective sensors)

Thoroughly enjoyed this

Super helpful! For future videos I recommend having a still background behind images as it’s hard to focus on the main image. Might just be me that thinks so but you never know. Thanks for a great list 😄

Cool and interesting video. Thanks. A popfilter for the mic would be great ✌🏼

Just wondering are there any film cameras around that are no more than $200 in new condition (that also has a timer)?

A very well made pair of rangefinder medium format cameras from Fuji was the GF670, a folding camera, and a wide version that is not folding. Voigtlander also made an identical version of these as the Bessa iii. When these cameras came out in the late 2000s, they were a very good deal for a new medium format camera. It has both 6x6 and 6x7 in one camera. As you are focusing, the square in the viewfinder adjusts to compensate for parallax. That is something that not even Leica does. The lens is very sharp and can take some really fantastic images. It has Aperture Priority and Exposure Compensation as well. The shutter is the quietest I have ever heard, even quieter than Rolleiflex TLR, which is next to nothing. And it is very portable for a medium format camera, almost up there with Mamiya 6 and 7. The problem with it nowadays is that they are very expensive. Last time I looked the Fujis were between 2 and 3 thousand, and the Voigtlanders even more. I actually got one of the regular GF670s back in 2009 when they were new and cheaper. I was looking for a Mamiya 6 at the time, but couldn’t find one with all three lenses, so I settled for GF670. It’s a shame they stopped making these fantastic cameras. Yes it is only one focal length, but I don’t even think about that when I use it. If it wasn’t for the very hefty price these now go for, I would put them at the top of your list for medium format, both for great quality, portability, versatility and ease of use. To me the only drawback of the camera is that it is an electronic camera that is dependent upon the battery. If the battery dies, the camera dies.

You missed one great MF camera, the Fuji GF670. Razor sharp lens, compact and it allows you to choose between 6x6 and 6x7. I would definitely get this since it’s basically al mix of the Mamiya 6 and Mamiya 7. Great vid!

personally thought the fuji 6×9 would have ranked a little bit higher but im biased super sharp lens lol great video !

I just bought an Olympus mju II for two dollars at a thrift shop. I couldn't be happier that I bought a working film camera with a roll of film! I only had to buy a battery and it seems like it works!

what do you recommend for good p&s that doesn't break the bank? I've seen t4's at an alright price. I've just heard the plastic can fall apart

I share almost everything. I would have given an extra vote to the Pentax 645. The viewfinder, contrary to what you describe, is exceptionally bright and all Pentax lenses are very good especially compared to the price.

Great video. I would love to try some of the A/S tier cameras, but for now I am trying to make my grandpa's Zorki & FED cameras work :D

You never mentioned the Konica Big Mini. Other than the flex connection from the body to the back wearing out, the build is good and it has great optics. A point you did not cover regarding the Mamiya RB67 is the film backs are available in a range of aspect ratios. Most common is the 6x7, but there also is 6x4.5 and a motorized film advancing 6x8. I have three 6x8 backs and they work great. When paired with the Mamiya K/L 65mm f/4.0 lens, the RB is great for tripod mounted landscape photography. Despite the weight, this is my tote about camera.

I got an XA2 recently and have had a much more positive experience with it. Focusing can be a little dodgy with it but it's been sharp as they come for the most part

I have a Mamiya c330 professional S and a Mamiya 645 - imo I'd swap the position of the c330 and the 645. The bellows on the c330 is a game changer, super bright waist level view finder and amazing glass in the lenses. Maybe it's due to getting the c330 first and getting used to the ergonomics, that I actually find the 645 a bit clunky. Anyway great video!

Great video, thank you, can you please do a budget video? These prices are insane now

How would you rate the Minox GT-E ?

That pentax k1000 should be rated as s! Love that camera!

AE-1/AE-1P is goated.

If you mostly do studio work, I believe the best medium format camera is... the behemoth Fuji GX680: bigger than the Mamiya RB/RZ, with some camera movements support (like a 4x5).

Now, this is the best example of a D tier tier list.

How is the XA2 a point and shoot? Its a rangefinder camera to start with… I guess it makes sense on a list where sound of the camera is a factor. How do you rate cameras you haven’t used and keep a straight face?

I was surprised that the Bronica ETR 645 series of cameras wasn't on the list. I've had one for many years and have nearly all the lenses available for it. Most lists consider it #2 to only the Mamiya in the 645 category.

what music do you use in the background?

My OM1 is ride or die, and since it just wont die... on we ride! Goegeous battle tank with shots people sometimes mistake for digital. Its light meter seems to never miss as well.

Irrespective of any disagreements (pity no OM2 instead of the 10; best viewfinder ever along with the Leicaflex SL, and Rolleiflex in D (that’s a Jail sentence earned there!) because of shape yet the juggernaut 330C above it?) it was great to see so many excellent shots from other photographers. Except, that grainy flashing background was horrendously distracting. In fact, just plain horrendous. What were you thinking ?😮😮😮

Bronica deserve to be in this list. The GS-1 has amazing glass and great accessories to hand hold. I'd put it up against the Rb67 any day. Plus it can use flash at all speeds.

You can't have a best 35mm list without the Nikon FM3a. The camera consistently scores higher points in every category in its format. Even the price is justifiable.

If your RZ67 electronically fails, you can use the RB lens on the camera and it'll still work!

Looking for a nice nikon film cam. I was looking at lomography apparat...but I'm going to spend 150.....I might as well get something with.....all manual controls etc. Thinking on the nikon fm or fm2.

The only camera currently in my possession, (which I am about to rescue from storage, if its still there, because i’ve suddenly decided that taking pictures with my phone bores me to tears and losing all of the trappings of the world I grew up in makes me sad,) is my Dad’s old K1000 that I used for that one black and white photography elective in college. Given that I got it for free, is there anything you can tell me about that camera that can give me a more B or A feeling about shooting it to continue my enthusiasm? I don’t really know much about it yet other than it made this list.

BRO, the video on the background is a pain in the ass.

I would put the Texas Leica in B tier. The 8 shots shouldn't be viewed as a negative. The super wide perspective makes us more of a special purpose camera, but those two points shouldn't drop it any further than B.

Man you've used so many cameras that I would love to shoot with one day especially that tc-1. I have an olympus om1 and while it's not in good condition, it feels so fun to use. I also have a Canon f1 and I think that feels better than the nikon f3.

I keep seeing the Pentax k1000 pop up and people being disappointed in it and always neglect the spotmatic. It’s cheaper and better lens choices make it the better choice.

I get that you demoted the rolleiflex for being expensive but it makes me sad that it's so low in the ranking. It takes a while to get used to shooting a TLR but some of my favorite personal street photos are from a rolleiflex. It is smaller and quieter than a hasselblad with the same 80mm f2.8 zeiss planar. It also has the unique feature of automatic film loading using a mechanical film thickness sensor which is really neat and makes loading fast and easy. Also, The nikon f2 and f3 are great choices but also the fm/fe/fm2/fe2/fm3a are some of the best 35mm slrs in existence and for sure beat the ae-1, k1000, x700, om10 etc

thoughts on eos filn cam

You can only truly appreciate the Holga if you understand the advantages of medium format. If you do not understand the Holga, then you do not understand medium format.

Olympus OM10 better than the F2 and F3? I don't understand anything anymore. I can't keep looking.

One camera I never seen in lists like this is the Practika Mtl3 it was my first ever 35mm camera and I love it! But a very good interesting video dude!

XA2 is a good camera but most people dont know how to zone focus.

I have used a Yashica T4, a Contax T2 and a Contax T3. Of the three the Contax T3 hands down produced the best results. It's so good. For that alone I would never put it in the D Tier list. I get that the price is a huge downer (got mine for 350 euros a decade ago), but for quality alone it should be in the A-Tier. The Yashica T4 is a better buy than the Contax T2 as I found the images to be similar in quality and the price is much better on the Yashica T4.

hi , some thoughts - Nikons F4 , F5 , F6 with Autofocus lenses are really good. Same for Canon 1V with red ring lenses. Pro film cameras , which are now somewhat affordable and still in good shape.

No mention of the Canon Elan 7e?

I am considering buying a Canon F-1 and would like to know what tier you think the Canon F-1 should be and your objective assessment of it. I'm always watching your videos. Thank you

I love my K-1000 but you are 100% correct that the price and "instagram tax" is far too high. An LX or MX is so much better of a camera for not much more money.

I also find it interesting that you rank cameras you haven’t used

i challenge you to experiment with a Holga! They can produce beautiful, unique images. And they’re super inexpensive :)

ROFL that thumbnail got me. Knew you couldn’t think those gems were D tier

a wild list. Rollei in C tier? sir.

Not sure how the pentax645 is less usable than even the mamiya 7 and not a better option with its multiple metering than the mamiya 645....

Another outstanding point & shoot camera is the 1st generation Nikon L35AF with ISO1000, 2-stop back light button, 46mm threaded lens barrel, and super sharp 5 element lens.

The olympus om10 being above everything else on the S tier, as a film camera repairman, that is cracking me up XDDDD

music at 19:00?

Hi, I liked the video in general, would like to see you maybe do a more in-depth tierlist of cameras you have experience with, would be cool to have criticisms based on actual handling rather than "a bit expensive" although I do see why you formatted the video like that. Also, one thing that is completely not your fault is that the grainy background you used when giving example pics totally tanks youtubes bitrate and makes the pics looks compressed and artifact-y. Thanks RU-vid...

I love my Fuji 690 "texas leica" and i never had to get used to the 6x9 aspect ratio, because its almost identical to the aspect ratio of 35mm film, plus the ability to shoot insanely wide 35mm panoramas is really fun and different. Great lens and huge negatives for cheap price, I would put it A tier personally

I paid $70 for my K1000 a few years ago at an antique store. I'm the 2nd owner. It came with the original manual.

You chose the Canon AE-1 over the A-1? The A-1 was a much more versatile camera since it was a true multi-mode and was capable of using a 5fps motordrive.

Makina 67, Hassie xpan, Nikon FM3a are pretty high tier for me. Big fan also of the canon eos 1v & Minolta CLE! :)

I have a minolta and i love it

been enjoying my yashica electro 35gx nice and small

Awesome video! The contax T3 and T2 do not share a lens tho. T3 has a 35mm. Imo the biggest difference is the fact that there is a macro mode. The minimum focus distance of the T2 always frustrated me.

Good humor. Please repost this list on April 1.

Sorry, I don’t understand the ranking system you show here. Is this a standard? A little explanation would have helped. Thanks.

Shame there haven't been more Canon cameras featured in the video. Any opinions on the F-1n SLR and P rangefinder?

Damn no Minolta love for slrs ?No x700 love ? xd11 love ? Smoothest advance lever to ever grace a photographers hands in the xe-7?

what means the u/ in the bottom of the photos?

Love this video! But I can't understand how the 500cm goes to A tier solely for cost being just under $2000, while the Mamiya 7 gets a pass for insane pricing and goes straight to S.

I think a good alternative if you’re going to be doing a similar tier list in the future is considering systems, not specific cameras. Also in terms of common cameras, canonets and yashica electros are everywhere. And no Minolta on the list??? I understand that some of the cameras here are either very common or prominent, but I feel like some of the cameras here really aren’t more than desired, and arent really considered by anyone who doesn’t already have opinions on all these cameras. For instance contax rangefinders. Especially when you don’t even mention the span which is genuinely significant in the photographic world and not just bling.The medium format section is great though.

I love the OM-10 too, but there's a huge glaring problem and it's that they're wholly unreliable. Plastic parts and cheaper build quality makes it unpredictable. I wish mine would work well, but no matter what I do to it , it fails in some way sooner or later. Belongs in B imo.

idk about his experience with the Pentax 645 but mine is pretty good and bright

You’re missing two cameras that I think really deserve to be on the list which are the Olympus Pen F and the Nikon FM2.

I own, or have owned, many of these cameras. And the Holga is every bit as good. Since you brought up value though...I get much more value out of my Holga than I do out of my Leica M6.

While agreeing with many of your comments I would take issue with your preference for the RB over the RZ. The electronic shutter in the latter I have found to be very reliable whereas the mechanical shutter needs regular maintenance with a question mark about the slow speeds which can give problems like most mechanical between lens shutters if heavily used at those speeds. There is also the question of weight which favours the RZ, the fact that the extension tubes link electronically to the shutter, the availability of TTL metering and that many of the lenses are of later and superior design.

the pentax 67 can and should be used with the miror luckup on most of the time even on a tripod if not use a 1/500/s speed. Than it makes all the differences and the mirror luckup boton is very easy to acces. I personely shot and assist more than 5000 120 rolls in studio ans landcape its a beast... And all the photographer that i assisted working witt the 67 they all started shooting using the mirror lockup after their experiece. when you scan at 4000dpi and above you are abble to apreciate the natural mouvement of the pentax 67 if not used you will see the mirror mouvement record on the film especialy in the eye of your subject ... this systhem also have some leafshuuter lens that can change everything ans shoot flashsync at 1/500, there is also the extensions tubes... this camera does it all ... sorry about my English :)

I think all your prices are off. The Contax 645, I got a kit with the 80mm f/2 in 2008 for about $1K. Now, they are going for $4K-$6K. I'm looking now to get a second body. The 80mm is the sharpest yet dreamiest lens I've every used. The Contax has been my baby for almost 15 years. I got the rz67 for ~$1.3K last summer and I've been using that more, but nothing will ever replace the Contax 645 and that 80mm f/2.0. I have 2 Mamiya 645 bodies and I almost never use them because the Contax is so much better.

You can do mirror lock in RB67 and then only the leaf shutter will operate which will eliminate shutter slap. Still not good for street but at least a solution for landscape.

I never thought I’d be saying this, but this year I’ve gone from 0 Holga cameras to several and looking for a few more different models. It’s not trash. It’s trashy. I have several “nice” - “great” cameras that need repair otherwise they are literally trash. And a Holga lens can be fitted to a Nikon F mount body. Find it at B&H. Does slapping one of those on an F2 or F3 move them down a few tiers? If money is burning a hole in your wallet then consider the Lomographic lens in either brass, black brass, or aluminum (black). How many hundreds of dollars do you think they sell for? If you look into it you might say a fool and his money are soon parted. And maybe so. Maybe not. To each their own. I’ve been reading every comment here for the past few hours. Quite a range of opinions. They are like body orifices: everyone has a few. 😂

Great video, the Fuji 690 great sharp lens i use a few times a year , Fuji GA645 what a travel camera its the one i pick up all the time even do i have a love hate about it, you can miss focus and don't have that manual control that most love, after that said its still a class camera i am going to Malta and i am bringing a Mamiya 6 automat 2 folding camera plus the Fuji ga645, the mamiya folds up so small its mad it has no lugs for a strap so i put a 6mm tripod ring on the bottom and attach a hand strap

You didn't talk about the Nikon L35AF, I thought it was one of the best point and shoots?

Pentax K1000 is great, but I feel like Spotmatic should be on here for affordability/bang-for-buck as well as access to all the great M42 lenses. Also its looks are simple and elegant, and the camera just works. Great learner camera and as you grow the camera never really hits limitations. Love the tier list regardless.

Mate, ditch the XA2 and grab the og XA. The XA doesn’t pretend to be a point and shoot, it knows it’s a rangefinder, and it’s use flow is a naturally slower one; but you never doubt the focus.

RZ67 in C because of its electronics and Contax T2 and G2 in A… lol

6x9 is the same aspect as 35mm so I’m not sure why you’d find it confusing. Also the T3 in category D is crazy, price alone should not account for its position, B at worse. Otherwise if mostly agree.

Only ONE Minolta?? I am shook!

Somehow overlooked another S tier camera. The Canon F-1.