I’ve been collecting cameras for (ahem) well over half a century. But unlike many of my fellow film camera fanatics, I actually use these things to

Classic Camera Reviews

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2021-05-26 13:00:06

I’ve been collecting cameras for (ahem) well over half a century. But unlike many of my fellow film camera fanatics, I actually use these things to make pictures, which is a lot more fun. That’s why all the cameras on my 10 Favorites list below are prime, high-performance user-collectibles capable of outstanding image quality that can give those digital upstarts a run for the money. Yes, shooting film is a lot less convenient, and more expensive than shooting digital, but if you enjoy being a contrarian, iconoclast or outlier, being a Film Dinosaur is a great way to go.

Aside from film, and a good film lab, anyone who shoots with old cameras, even very well made and reliable ones, needs a good camera repair outfit to keep them in good fettle. I can highly recommend Pro Camera in Charlottesville VA, headed up by ancient camera guru Bill Moretz, and United Camera Repair in Rock, Island IL.

Finally, if you have a favorite user-collectible that’s not on this list please tell us about it and make your case. You never know, but there could be a follow-up article. And speaking of follow-up articles, if you enjoy film photographry, check out My 10 Favorite Film Stocks of All Time. You also might be interested in my picks for The Top 20 Greatest Cameras of All Time.