The Legendary: Canon AE-1 / AE-1 Program

If you’re just getting into film photography and don’t know where to start, we almost always recommend the Canon AE-1 or the Canon AE-1 Program.
These two cameras are nearly identical. The AE-1 Program simply adds a few extra automatic shooting options that some people like. Either way, you’re getting one of the most beloved film cameras ever made.

The AE-1 is built like a tank and has that iconic vintage SLR look that people instantly recognize. It’s also one of the easiest cameras to repair and maintain, which means if you ever have a little mishap we can help get it back up and running so it can keep clicking away for years.

Fun fact: the shutter sound on your iPhone camera is actually the sound of the Canon AE-1’s shutter click. That legendary sound has been living in our pockets for decades.

With a massive selection of Canon FD lenses available, this is a camera that truly grows with you as you get deeper into photography.There’s a reason the AE-1 was the GOAT back in its day, and honestly, it still is.

The Photography School GOAT: Pentax K1000

The Pentax K1000 is a true icon.
Every year we send thousands of these cameras out to photography students across the country. It’s also the camera we most often donate to the charities we support.

Why?

Because the K1000 is dead simple and incredibly reliable. It’s the kind of camera that just works.
There are no fancy features, no complicated knobs, and no distractions. Just you, your film, and the fundamentals of photography.
With its fully manual controls you’ll quickly learn how shutter speed, aperture, and light all work together. And once you understand those basics, every camera suddenly makes a lot more sense.
Like the AE-1, it’s built extremely solid and is relatively easy to service if needed. This camera has taught generations of photographers how to shoot film.

Most Overlooked: Nikon FG

For some reason the Canon AE-1 and Pentax K1000 get all the attention, but the Nikon FG deserves way more love than it gets.

Built in the same era as those cameras, Nikon definitely wasn’t sleeping on this one. The FG is an absolute dream to use. It has many of the same automatic shooting modes as the AE-1 Program, making it incredibly easy for beginners to pick up and start shooting.

Where the FG really shines is the Nikon lens ecosystem. Nikon has always produced some of the best lenses in photography, and while they can be a little pricier, the image quality is fantastic. This means the FG is a camera you can start with today and grow into for years as you explore new lenses and styles of photography.

Most Fun: Minolta X-700

The Minolta X-700 was an absolute superstar when it was released (and it’s still one of the easiest film cameras to use today). If you’re coming from smartphone photography, this camera will feel surprisingly familiar.At its core, all you need to do is:

Load your film.
Focus your lens.
Press the shutter.
That’s it.

The camera takes care of the exposure, giving you beautiful SLR-quality images with a simplicity that feels almost like a point-and-shoot. It’s easy, it’s fun, and it’s one of the best ways to start your film photography journey.

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