Ranking the BEST Film Cameras | Tier List

Every popular film camera that I think is worth ranking. Including, Canon AE-1, Olympus OM10, Pentax K1000 and lots of other SLR. Additionally we talk about a lot of different variety of cameras from the RB67, Mamiya 7, Hasselblad 500, Pentax67, Contax t2 and t3, and much more.

How would you go about ranking these? Let me know in the comments!

#filmphotography #filmcamera #35mm

[metalfingersfilm]

*PLEASE GIVE ME YOUR OPINIONS IN THE COMMENTS!*

The tier list isn't a "which camera should you buy" list; but rather going over my experiences and my friends experiences with the cameras, their current short comings, and then an overall grade based on my opinion. Obviously there will be places that cameras can be swapped or I give some forgiveness to some camera over the other camera. I'm definitely biased, as stated when ranking the cameras I've used the most. I think if you watched George's video based on the same perimeters, you'd probably find some stuff to disagree with as well, especially as time/market has changed prices and availability in the last 3 years.

[ssilanes]

Olympus OM10 better than the F2 and F3? I don't understand anything anymore. I can't keep looking.

[virgil.alonso]

22:17 calls the Holga 120 trash but proceeds to share absolute bangers

[lensvana]

I remember buying a Contax T3 for $750, used it, sold it for $800, honestly felt like electronics could die at any moment so was eager to let it go. Current prices are LOL! Enjoyed using the Nikon FE and 50mm 1.8 more. Good light to all

[Narsuitus]

Here is my ranking based on my personal professional experience since the 1960s.

I did not use the "S Tier" because I did not understand its criteria.

Hasselblad, Rolleiflex, Mamiya 7, Canon F1, Olympus OM1, Nikon F5, and Nikon F6 are cameras that I never owned or used but did admire.

A Tier (dependable, durable, my personal favorite)
Nikon F2 (favorite photojournalism and macro SLR camera)
Leica M6 (favorite photojournalism rangefinder camera)
Mamiya 220 (favorite wedding camera)

B Tier (excellent; almost an A Tier, better than a C Tier)
Nikon F4
Nikon F3
Nikon F
Leica M1 (used on microscope)
Mamiya RB67 (favorite portrait camera)
Calumet 4x5 monorail (favorite architectural camera)
Nikonos III (favorite underwater camera)
Fuji GW67 (favorite medium format field camera)
Fuji GSW69 (favorite landscape camera)

C Tier (average; backup; expendable)
Nikon EM
Nikon N70
Nikon N2000
Pentax Spotmatic
Pentax ME
Fujifilm ST705
Contax G1
Nikon L35 compact
Minolta Hi-Matic
Canon Canonet QL17 G-III
Canon Sure Shot compact
Yashica TLR
Graflex 4x5 press
Mamiya 22 TLR
Mamiya C3 TLR
Holga toy camera
Diana toy camera
Mazda/Vivitar toy camera
Argus C3
Ansco Standard Speedex 90mm f/4.5 120 folder (6x6cm)
Ansco Viking 105mm f/6.3 120 folder (6x9cm)
GoPhoto Aqua Pix 35mm Underwater Camera with 30mm fixed lens

D Tier (would not buy; cannot recommend)
Miranda Sensorex (sold it after it broke the third time within 2 years)
Sears 500 MX 35mm SLR (given as a gift)
Polaroid (film unavailable)
Kodak Instamatic 104 (film unavailable)
Leica M10 digital rangefinder (had two bodies with defective sensors)

[giuliomalloni]

BRO, the video on the background is a pain in the ass.

[Adamyup]

Damn no Minolta love for slrs ?No x700 love ? xd11 love ? Smoothest advance lever to ever grace a photographers hands in the xe-7?

[Almost_Blue_]

You used my photos as an example for the Contax G2, so sick!

[furripupau]

You can only truly appreciate the Holga if you understand the advantages of medium format. If you do not understand the Holga, then you do not understand medium format.

[darronfenton]

Being an old timer I have had quite a few 35mm film cameras. I’m surprised you left out the Nikon FM3a. The FM3a is without doubt the best 35mm SLR made by any camera manufacturer ever. I bought mine new in 2001 and still have it. The FM3a is a fully mechanical camera that only needs a couple of button cells to operate the light meter - it still works without batteries. Nikon produced a fully mechanical camera capable of 1/4000 second shutter speed with precision accuracy. I remember the OM-2 which a friend of mine had which was a great camera but the FM3a is the benchmark 35mm SLR film camera. The only other 35mm camera that is on the same level is an M series Leica Rangefinder. I have the Leica MP and that is a work of art. I used Canon as well but every one of them failed and was unable to be repaired. My FM3a is bullet proof.

[nastykats]

Just wow ❤ I was looking for a channel about film photography that would have the maximum internal response, and here it is. Thank you very very much <33

[gordonbrown]

I agree with everything, with the exception of the Rolleiflex. I have the 2.8F with several of its accessories and it's great.

[MultiSciGeek]

Extremely useful list! I'd love to learn more about 35mm SLRs, review more models, delve more in depth, and explain a bit about their history.

[bl]

your comments about the XA2 are valid. I had no concept of how trendy this camera was, before i found one nearly mint for 8 bucks at a random thrift store. It took me a a few rolls to get the correct feel of the limitations of the camera, but at this point i really love it. i have it on me at all times when i leave the house, and the amount of great shots I've gotten with it just because its so pocketable and simple, makes it a truly amazing camera imo.

[emmawickman]

Super helpful! For future videos I recommend having a still background behind images as it’s hard to focus on the main image. Might just be me that thinks so but you never know. Thanks for a great list 😄

[jordanjoestar]

My OM1 is ride or die, and since it just wont die... on we ride!

Goegeous battle tank with shots people sometimes mistake for digital. Its light meter seems to never miss as well.

[bokehgod]

never saw your videos but saw your turnover PV vinyl in the back so I know you make bangers! subscribed!

[stevefoote]

How is the XA2 a point and shoot? Its a rangefinder camera to start with… I guess it makes sense on a list where sound of the camera is a factor. How do you rate cameras you haven’t used and keep a straight face?

[pedrol.]

Very good video, but I miss there the Olympus Om2 and the Nikon FM2

[joshhyyym]

24:19 what do you mean: 'The unique aspect ratio'? 6x9 is the most common aspect ratio it is the same as 135 frame aspect ratio 3:2