Even those of you just starting out in film probably know that 35mm is the most common film format, and the most easily found film today. You can get it almost anywhere: at your local drugstore, on Amazon, at big box stores, and on numerous websites. What you may not know is that there are many types of 35mm cameras, each designed for different purposes and preferences. Here is a list of some common types:

SLR (Single Lens Reflex) Cameras:

• Manual SLRs: These cameras allow full manual control over settings like aperture, shutter speed, and focus.
• Automatic SLRs: These cameras offer automatic exposure modes in addition to manual controls.

Rangefinder Cameras:

• These cameras use a separate viewfinder and rangefinder mechanism for focusing, providing a different shooting experience compared to SLRs. Perhaps the most iconic 35mm rangefinder is the original Leica.

Point-and-Shoot Cameras:

• Fully Automatic: These cameras are designed for ease of use, often with automatic focus and exposure settings. Users typically only need to point and shoot.
• Zoom Cameras: Some point-and-shoot cameras come with zoom lenses, offering versatility in framing.

Viewfinder Cameras

• This category of camera was popular early in the development of the “modern” camera. They were common to non-folding cameras before the development of the rangefinder camera and the SLR. They have even persisted into the modern era with disposable cameras and Lomography plastic cameras. Viewfinder cameras take all types of roll film including the readily available 35mm and 120, as well as more exotic older formats like 126, 127, and 828.

Half-Frame Cameras:

• These cameras capture half the number of frames as a standard 35mm camera on the same length of film. They were popular in the 1960s and 1970s.

Disposable Cameras:

• These are single-use cameras preloaded with film. After all the exposures are used, the entire camera is typically sent to a lab for processing. These are almost always Viewfinder Cameras (see above).

Stereo Cameras/Panoramic Cameras:

• Stereo 35mm cameras have two lenses which capture two images on 35mm film to create a “3D” effect. To see this effect, one must use a 3D viewer
• Panoramic cameras capture wide-angle shots, often wider than the standard 35mm frame, but can still use 35mm film.

Our store typically offers multiple brands and models of all of these types of cameras. Just look under Film Cameras on the menu bar.