What’s a Good First Film Camera?

This is a question I get asked pretty frequently.

Sure, there’s no shortage of advice out there, but I want to give you something a little more personal — the kind of guidance I share with friends when they’re ready to dive into film for the first time. The kind that usually ends with them not being able to put their cameras down.

Because that’s how this camera was for me. It got me fired up on film again.

It’s been 5+ years since I bought it, and it’s still the camera I use the most.

Why? Because it’s easy to learn (like a caveman could do it), dependable, and I feel kinda badass when I use it.

If you feel like I’m stalling, maybe I am a little bit… haha. But mostly because I need you to understand the juice before I give you the pie. I don’t want you to just look for the “answer” and run off.

Don’t worry, no more stalling.

If you want to know what I recommend for a first-time film camera, it’s the Canon AE-1 Program.

It’s solid. And here’s why.

The “Program” part of the camera takes the scary stuff out of shooting film. Figuring out your shutter speed? Done. WTF is aperture? No worries, “Program” has got ya covered, babe.

It lets you focus on what I think matters most when you’re starting out — getting the shot. Because when you have success getting the shot, you have fun, and when you have fun you want to do it more. It makes the barrier to entry low but your stoke level high. It’s the perfect combo.

I can stop and take a quick photo or slow down and wait for the shot — all with my literal focus just being the shot.

These are from my very first roll of film I shot with my Canon AE-1 Program.

If you’re ready to snag one for yourself, you can usually find Canon AE-1 Programs on eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or from trusted used camera shops like KEH, Roberts Camera, or — if you’re lucky — your local thrift store. Prices vary, but a well-cared-for body with a 50mm lens is worth every penny.

Once it’s in your hands, here’s my advice: load it up, head outside, and just start shooting. Don’t overthink it. Wander your neighborhood. Chase the light. Waste a couple of frames just to see what happens.

Because the magic of your first film camera isn’t just in the photos — it’s in the way it changes how you see the world.

If you want to read more about why I love shooting film, you can check out my post here.