In an age dominated by digital imagery, this guide is a haven for those drawn to the tactile feel of loading film, the suspense of developing, and the unique character that analog photography imparts to each image. Whether you're a seasoned film photographer or a digital native looking to explore the roots of photography, our guide offers insightful reviews, tips, and recommendations on the best gear and accessories to help you capture stunning analog photographs. Join us as we delve into the world of film photography and celebrate the artistry that has captivated visual storytellers for generations.
Gift Guide for Film Lovers and Analog Enthusiasts
17 unique, cheap film gear for the analog-lovers who need to stock up on extra rolls or accessories.
Image By Hunter Lacey
Image By Hunter Lacey
Image By Hunter Lacey
1. Kodak Portra Professional Series
160 in 35mm and 120, 400 in 35mm and 120, or 800 in 35mm and 120
Kodak Portra is, of course, a classic choice for any film photographer. The different ISOs you can choose from offer other pros and cons. There's 160 ISO film for the film shooter who shoots outside during the day and wants minimal grain. Or maybe you'd love 800 ISO film for the film shooter who shoots indoors and outdoors and doesn't mind a slight graininess. 400 ISO is a perfect middle-ground if you can't decide. All listed ISOs are 35mm and 120 for your 35mm and medium format shooters.
2. Kodak Gold 200 in 35mm and 120
Film shooters worldwide couldn't contain their excitement when Kodak launched Gold 200 in 120 last year. 200 is the more affordable option for shooting color Kodak film in both formats. The film is the same caliber as Portra; the tones are warmer (some people prefer that). The only downside to Gold is that it only comes in 200 ISO.
3. Ilford HP5+ 35mm Film
Few things in photography are more classic than black-and-white film. It harkens back to the medium's origin but is dynamic enough to fit into modern-day photography. Ilford creates some of the best black-and-white film, and HP5+ is a great go-to. With ISO at 400, it can navigate all kinds of lighting situations.
4. H35 EKTAR Half-Frame Camera
This is an excellent choice for any beginner film photographer — the buy-in on this camera isn't much financially, but the reward is significant. I've photographed many rolls on my Ektar Half-Frame and can attest to the quality. Also, with a half-frame camera, you get over 70 exposures on a 35mm roll of film rather than just the standard 36.
5. Instax Mini 12
Paris w/ Instax Mini Film
For the film lover who also loves a bit of instant gratification, we have instant film. The Instax Mini is Fuji's take on the Polaroid camera, and its shape and size make it easily portable for holiday parties, hiking, dinner, or just a walk around the block.
6. Polaroid Now+
Pairs w/ Polaroid 600 Film
The creators of Instant film, Polaroid, have revamped their classic camera into the Now+. The Polaroid mobile app lets you access 5 new lens filters, aperture priority, and tripod mode. You can also try light painting, double exposure, manual mode, and more. It also comes with a tripod mount.
7. Wolfman Black and White Negative 35mm Film
This film, created by the Film Photography Project, is a medium-to-low grain black and white film with an ISO of 100. It has an excellent tonal range and is suitable for any 35mm camera. This is a great option if you are interested in black-and-white photography but want to try a relatively new-to-the-market film.
8. CineStill 400Dynamic Color
This color film has fine grain and a soft palette that will give your subject rich, warm skin tones. Though it is 400 ISO, you can push it to 3200. It is perfect for indoor and outdoor shooting and features a process-surviving anti-static lubricant coating ideal for SLRs and automatic film cameras. You can purchase this film in both 35mm and medium format.
9. KONO Manufaktur ® Sunstroke 200 Color 35mm Film
This film is for the experimental shooter who enjoys some unpredictability in their results. The film features light-leak effects that bring interesting dashes of color across every image. It is a typical color film that can be processed at any lab that processes C41 film.
10. Moment Reusable Travel Film Pouch
We have the reusable travel film pouch for the film shooter who is always on the go. Fill up the pouch with both 35mm and 120 and enjoy days of photographing. The 1L size fits about 15 rolls, and the 2L size fits about 25 rolls. The pouch can also store other shooting accessories if you don't shoot film. You could use it for cables, cords, memory cards, or extra protection around a hard drive.
11. Kodak RETO 35 mm Film Case
This cute film case has a retro look and is the perfect place to store your 35mm film, whether on your desk, in the fridge or in your bag. These cans were widely used in the 70s for film packaging, so they pay homage to the heyday of film photography. It's a perfect option for the nostalgic film shooter.
12. Long Weekend Monterey Sling
Long Weekend, a line of photography-related products and gear by photographer Willem Verbeek, features some of our favorite items in the Moment store. This sling is a miniature take on the famous Santa Fe Shoulder Bag. It is perfect for carrying your camera and other essentials while shooting on the go. The external compartments are perfect for storing extra rolls of film. Even your most plus-sized iPhone can fit into this bag, too.
13. Online Course: Shooting Your Dream Concept: Film Photography with Mike Gray
An online course is a wonderful gift for a film shooter – whether they’re just starting out or far in their journey. Not only will they get a lot out of it, but they’ll enjoy the process, too. Mike Gray gives us an inside look at how to plan and execute your dream shoot on film in this online course. And it’s only $50, quite a low price for a class.
14. Fieldwork Really-Nice Leather Film Pouch
This film pouch is made from "really nice" leather, stitched with "really nice" traditional saddle stitching and "really nice" Japanese flat waxed thread. These film pouches are made-to-order in a family-run home studio in Alberta, Canada. Not only is this a practical gift, it is a meaningful one, as each pouch is one-of-a-kind.
15. Fujifilm Instax Mini Link 2 Smartphone Printer
This tiny printer allows you to print photos from your smartphone! You can do this through the Instax Mini Link app and add details to your prints, like bubbles, petals, neon, spray paint, or glitter. The printer requires Instax Mini film. It would be an excellent gift for anyone who likes to include imagery in their journaling or scrapbooking or for anyone who wants to display photos around their home.
16. Sekonic L-308X-U Flashmate Light Meter
Though there are light meter apps on phones now, there is nothing like using a natural light meter when shooting film. It allows you to stay in the moment (disconnected from your phone) and harkens back to the original tradition of film photography.
17. Lomography Simple Use Metropolis Single-Use Camera
This isn't just any old 35mm camera. This very straightforward point-and-shoot comes with color gels attached to the flash to illuminate your images in pink, blue, yellow, or any combination of those three colors. This teeny pocket looks like a disposable camera but is not; you can continuously load it with film, and it easily fits in your pocket.
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