Film is about recording moments. Moments that have passed, even as the shutter clicks. It’s no wonder photography is bound so deeply to nostalgia, sending us down memory lane to simpler times. But the hobby — the art — is deeper still; the equipment you use says just as much about your craft as your subjects or the developed, framed end product.
Products in the Guide
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Nikon F2
Our Favorite SLR
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Nikon FE
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Pentax K1000
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Canon AE-1
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Canon A2/A2e
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Yashica T4
Our Favorite Point and Shoot
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Konica Hexar AF
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Nikon L35AF
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Olympus XA2
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Plaubel Makina W67
Our Favorite Rangefinder
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Fuji GW690III
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Leica M6
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Mamiya 7 II
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Rollei 35 S
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Contax G1/G2
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Mamiza RZ67
Our Favorite Medium Format Camera
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Pentax 67
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Yashica Mat 124G
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Zenza Bronica ETRS
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Kiev 88
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Pentacon Six TL
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Hasselblad 500C/M
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Contax 645
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Rolleiflex 2.8D
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Polaroid SX-70
Our Favorite Instant Camera
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Graflex Speed Graphic 4×5
Our Favorite Large Format
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Horseman 4×5
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Linhof 4×5 Master Technika
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For many, that sense of history is best captured and enjoyed through a vintage camera context, and believe us, there’s no shortage of those on the market. So here’s our help: a list of 26 cult vintage shooters that’ll help you find your creative eye, set you apart from the shutterbug crowd and still produce photos that’ll make your (less talented) friends and family envious.
Vintage Cameras 101
Where to Buy
eBay: No-brainer. It’s the biggest, it’s the best, but it can also be a bit daunting. Start your search here.
KEH: Buy, sell, trade, repair — when it comes to vintage cameras, KEH does it all.
Buying Tips
1. Do your research. Read this post, where our camera boffin has done the legwork for you. Read other sites. Read forums. Make sure you find some common prices before taking the plunge.
2. Skip the pawn shops. And Craigslist, unless you’re a pro.
3. Run some diagnostics. Typical problem areas that you’ll want to make sure are working: light meter, shutter, film advance, viewfinder, light seals (though imperfect ones might make for interesting shots), controls, lens.
4. Don’t forget the film: You’re going to need some film.
To learn more about our testing methodology and how we evaluate products, head here.