The best vintage cameras in 2022
Older cameras produce unique, unretouched shots, something digital cameras can't. In fact, a photo taken with a 35mm, 120mm or Polaroid has a more unique texture, thanks to its unique grain.
1. Best value for money: Holga 120NAll black, the Holga 120N is an older medium format camera that uses 120mm film. The mask allows you to take 6 x 6 cm and 6 x 4.5 cm photos with an aperture of f/11 in bright sunlight.
The Holga 120N will suit beginners as well as more experienced users. With a 120mm film format, this vintage camera guarantees authentic shots with two different sizes: 12 6 x 6 cm square exposures or 16 6 x 4.5 cm. In the photos you will notice the presence of the typical grain of these devices with incredible textures. The 60mm lens has a shutter speed of 1/100s with 2 aperture levels: sunny: f/11 and semi-shade: f/8.
The 4 depth-of-field settings are perfect for shooting portraits or large group photos. Visually, the device corresponds to the standards of older models. It has a black plastic structure and two fixings, on the side, that allow you to attach the strap, included. On the back is the film slot and the box closing mechanism that hermetically seals the negatives.
2. Best Cheap: Kodak FunSaver – Disposable Camera
This ready-to-use camera introduces children to photography. At 39 exposures, it uses 35mm film and has a handy flash for shooting in the middle of the night.
Are you looking for a cheap device for your child? Buy this Kodak disposable. Uses a roll of 35mm film already installed. Unlike digital cameras, which are prohibited during elementary school outings, your children will be able to use this one and take beautiful photos. Its use is not limited to this. Classic photography enthusiasts can use it on their travels to capture images of unique textures.
The design is minimalist with a black plastic casing splashed with yellow and red typical of Kodak cameras of the time. At the top you have the shutter button and the wheel that allows you to advance the film as you go.
3. Best High-End: Fujifilm Instax Mini 90
Nostalgic for instant photos? You will love the Fujifilm Instax Mini 90! This model has the qualities of a real snapshot thanks to the 62 x 46 mm format and some technical improvements.
The Fujifilm Instax Mini 90 Neo Classic has a retro design that will appeal to the most nostalgic. Its weight, 296 g, and its compact dimensions allow it to be stored in a bag and used during family celebrations or on vacation. Snapshots are beautifully designed and there are 5 settings including night, day and landscape modes.
Vintage camera, yes! It has different features such as double exposure or long exposure so characteristic of analog models. The Instax mini 90 has a fixed focal length of 60mm and an f/12.7 lens aperture. Equipped with an ISO level of 800, the device has a Bluetooth connection and a removable rechargeable battery.
4. A very good option: Lomography Diana F+ 120mm
This camera is a faithful reproduction of the Lomography Diana, which appeared in the 1960s. Working with 120mm film, you'll get the typical vignetting of those years in your shots.
Identical in design to the original, the Diana F+ has a vintage look thanks in part to the presence of the old-fashioned flash. Using 120mm film, this camera has a 75mm focal length lens with 3 available apertures: Cloudy: f/8, Semi-shade: f/11 and Sunny: f/16. In addition, the device allows you to take 12 photos with a format of 5.2 x 5.2 cm, or 16 exposures of 4.2 x 4.2 cm with that typical vignetting at the edges of your shots.
You can remove the lens to take pinhole photos. Then, since the shutter is not linked, you can experiment with your shots with multiple exposures. Finally, you can set the shutter speed to B to reproduce the long exposures of the analog models.