• Discover Types of Film Cameras

• Consider Your Film Camera Needs

• Choose the Right Camera Accessories

• Find Film Cameras on eBay

• Buy Film Cameras With Confidence

Discover Types of Film Cameras

Discover Types of Film Cameras

Film cameras vary greatly in their design and function. Key factors to weigh into your decision are the size of film you want to use, the level of control you want, and the kind of image you hope to produce.

Find flexibility in 35mm SLR cameras
SLR cameras are the classic film cameras used by professionals or serious enthusiasts, providing maximum flexibility and power. SLR, or Single Lens Reflex, simply means you see the same scene or image through the viewfinder as the camera sees through the lens. 35mm SLR cameras allow you to change lenses for different effects and enable you to choose from a diverse selection of flashes and timers. SLR cameras are ideal for more serious hobbyists and pros, because they offer more artistic challenges as well as rewards. Options include Nikon cameras, Minolta cameras, FujiFilm cameras, and Canon cameras.

Get started with 35mm point-and-shoot cameras
Made for the beginning photographer, point-and-shoot 35mm cameras are fully automatic. With point-and-shoot cameras, you never worry about measuring light or adjusting the lens. Because these cameras are inexpensive and compact, they’re ideal for people who want to capture special moments at parties, on vacations, or graduations. Popular options include Canon cameras, Minolta cameras, Olympus cameras, and Samsung cameras.

Explore 35mm rangefinder cameras
The 35mm rangefinder camera is typically more advanced than point-and-shoot cameras and smaller than SLR cameras. Rangefinder cameras allow you to judge focusing distance. You focus by adjusting both the rangefinder and the lens with the same control, usually a ring on the lens. In older rangefinder camera models, these two functions are separate. Ideal for aficionados or professionals, rangefinder cameras such as Leica cameras, Rollei cameras, and Linhof cameras can cost anywhere from several hundred to several thousand dollars.

Explore medium-format film cameras
Ideal for outdoor photography and portraits, medium-format film cameras produce much larger images than 35mm cameras, allowing for clearer enlargements with better color. These cameras accept 120 film or 220 film, producing attractive, high-resolution images with virtually no graininess. Interchangeable film backs within medium format film cameras enable photographers to change film quickly in the middle of live events, such as weddings, sports games, or fashion shows. Good-quality medium format film cameras include Hasselblad cameras, Bronica cameras, and Mamiya cameras.

Look into large-format film cameras
Large-format film cameras are often the cameras of choice for exacting hobbyists and for commercial or industrial photographers who need to reproduce images with a greater attention to clarity and precision. Large-format cameras use big film, typically 4x5 film or larger. The most common film sizes are 4x5 film and 8x10 film. The principle behind large-format film cameras is that larger film results in higher-quality photos.

Large-format cameras also produce superior enlargements that look crisper and have better color tone. If you wanted to get an 8x10 print from 35mm film, you’d have to enlarge the negative eight times, and you’d lose focus and clarity. With a large-format camera, you’d only have to blow up the 4x5 negative twice, or you could simply shoot with 8x10 film.

Popular brands of large-format cameras include Horseman cameras, Linhof cameras, and Arca-Swiss cameras.

Discover convenient instant cameras
Instant cameras, such as Polaroid cameras, develop images and print photos in a matter of seconds. Equipped with either a fixed or autofocus lens, instant cameras can also adapt to either indoor or outdoor light. They add fun and flair to parties, and are reasonably priced.

Consider Your Film Camera Needs

Consider Your Film Camera Needs

Before you choose your film camera, take stock of a few key considerations.

Set your film camera budget

Ask yourself how much you want to spend. For aspiring photographers, there are now great deals available on high-end 35mm SLR cameras and medium-format cameras that allow you to upgrade your capabilities substantially without having to invest in a (often more expensive) digital SLR camera. 

Look at film camera use

If you’ll use your camera sporadically, say at birthday parties, sporting events, or corporate get-togethers, your needs will be very different from those of a professional wildlife photographer who needs their film camera most every day, and uses it primarily outdoors. You’ll also want to consider how often you’ll want to make enlargements of your photos, which can benefit greatly from medium-format cameras and large-format cameras.

Decide how much control you need

Ask yourself how much control you want over the functions of the camera. If you’d like the option to swap out lenses or timers, consider a higher-end film camera that gives you that option. On the other hand, if you enjoy photography most when it’s automated for you, consider a 35mm point-and-shoot camera. Keep in mind that many of the medium-format camera and large-format camera models offer advanced quality, but much less automation than SLR cameras.

Choose the Right Camera Accessories

Choose the Right Camera Accessories

Once you’ve decided which film camera is right for you, think about the types of accessories you’ll need to get the most from your film camera. Think about the way you’ll use your film camera—where, when, and how—to determine what accessories are right for you.

Camera lenses

Choose a camera lens appropriate for your camera type and your expected usage:

• SLR camera lenses  

• Rangefinder camera lenses  

• Close-up or macro lenses  

• Lens caps, hoods, and cases

Camera bags and cases

Transporting your film camera is easy when you have the right bag or case, which will also protect your new investment:

• Camera bags and cases  

• Carts and hand trucks

Camera tripods and stands

When you want the perfect posed shot, the right film camera support can be invaluable:

• Monopods 

• Tripods  

• Camera stands

Other camera essentials

You’ll also need other film camera staples:

• Camera batteries  

• Film   

• Flashes

Find Film Cameras on eBay

Find Film Cameras on eBay

Once you know what type of film camera you want, go to the Cameras & Photo portal, click Film Cameras, and start searching for items on eBay.

• Categories: The Categories list on the left side of each page will help you narrow down your listings by item type. You'll find links for 35mm SLRs, 35mm Point and Shoot, Instant Print, and more. As you dig deeper into the site you'll also be able to narrow down your choice by brand.   

• Keyword Search: Search eBay title listings for specific words. For example, if you want to find a rangefinder, type “rangefinder” into the Search box. Click "Search title and description" to expand your results. Visit eBay's Search Tips page for more tips on searching with keywords.

If you can't find exactly what you want, try shopping eBay Stores, tell the eBay Community what you want by creating a post on Want It Now, or save a search on My eBay and eBay will email you when a match becomes available.

Buy Film Cameras With Confidence

Buy Film Cameras With Confidence

Before making your purchase, make sure you know exactly what you're buying, research your seller, and understand how eBay and PayPal protect you.

Know your purchase

Carefully read the details in item listings.

• Figure delivery costs into your final price. If you spend a lot of money, make sure the seller will insure the item when it ships.

• If you want more information, ask by clicking the "Ask seller a question" link under the seller's profile.

• Always make sure to complete your transaction on eBay (with a bid, Buy It Now, or Best Offer). Transactions conducted outside of eBay are not covered by eBay protection programs.

• Never pay for your eBay item using instant cash wire transfer services through Western Union or MoneyGram. These payment methods are unsafe when paying someone you do not know.

Know your seller

Research your seller so you feel positive and secure about every transaction.

• What is the seller's Feedback rating? How many transactions have they completed? What percentage of positive responses do they have?

• What do buyers say in their Feedback? Did the seller receive praise?

• Most top eBay sellers operate like retail stores and have return policies. Do they offer a money-back guarantee? What are the terms and conditions?

Buyer protection

In the unlikely event that a problem arises during your transaction, eBay and PayPal are there for you.

• Pay safely with PayPal: PayPal enables you to pay without the seller ever seeing your bank account or credit card numbers. In fact, PayPal protects buyers 100% against unauthorized payments from their accounts. Plus, with PayPal Buyer Protection, your purchase can be covered up to $1,000.

• eBay Security & Resolution Center: Visit the Security & Resolution Center to learn how to protect your account and use eBay's quick and efficient resolution tools.