Film Photography Now

What is a mechanical film camera?

A mechanical film camera is an all manual camera that can operate without batteries. Most will have a battery, but that is only to power the light meter.

Why choose a mechanical film camera?

Film cameras are old. The retro looking manual cameras that most film shooters use today can be 50 years old or older. Electronics degrade over time and are difficult or impossible to repair. A mechanical film camera is basically a box of cogs and springs, which can be repaired and will last a lifetime (or two) if looked after. They are the smart choice to buy in 2025.

Which one should I get?

Here are 3 great options for a mechanical SLR in 2025:

(All prices include a 50mm lens)

Pentax K1000

(1976-1997)

These workhorse cameras were the standard issue for art school photography courses for decades. They are simple, rugged, and produce great results. They were also made for over 20 years, so there is often many good examples available to buy online. The 1970s/80s models (they will have ‘Asahi’ on the prism) are better than the later ones. They will either come with a SMC Pentax-M 50 f/2 or f/1.7. Both are great but the f/1.7 is more desirable.

Ideal for beginners.

In the UK expect to pay £150 – £250

Olympus OM-1

(1972-1987)

This iconic camera was praised for its light weight, stunning viewfinder, and amazing lenses. All are still true in 2025. The control layout may put some people off however. The shutter speed is selected with a collar around the lens mount and the aperture ring is located near the front of the lens rather than close to the body of the camera. All the controls on the top of the camera are for the light meter.

Most examples will come with the excellent Olympus OM-System Zuiko MC Auto-S 50mm f/1.8 lens. They come in black or silver (I have a stealthy black one) and the later models will have OM-1n on the top plate, though apart from age and compatibility with certain accessories, are basically the same as the early models.

The best light weight option.

In the UK expect to pay £150 – £250

Nikon FM2

(1982-2001)

The Nikon FM2 was a very advanced camera when it was released. Its titanium honeycomb shutter could go all the way up to 1/4000, a record at the time. They are both rugged and refined, and were the gold standard for manual 35mm cameras until the end of the film age. They got a mild flash sync upgrade in 1983 when they became the FM2n, but remained basically unchanged from then on. The Nikkor Ai-S lenses were so good that many people still use them today with digital cameras.

The viewfinder may annoy some glasses wearers, especially if you have used an Olympus OM-1. They came in silver, black or titanium (the silver ones have aged better, unless you like the brass corners look) and most will come with a Nikon Ai-S Nikkor 50mm f/1.8 or f/1.4. Get the f/1.4 if you can.

The Nikon FM2 was the best for most people then, but is it the best in 2025? Yes, yes it is.

In the UK expect to pay £250 – £500