The Best Film Cameras for Wedding Photography

What’s the best film cameras for wedding photography? What used to be a super niche industry is now one of the biggest trend for weddings in 2024 and onwards. You’ll see a lot more folks starting to offer film photography as part of their wedding collections.

I started playing with film cameras very early on when photography was still just a hobby for me. I took a black and white film photography class in community college where I learned to develop and scan my own film, as well as just the basics of photography with weekly assignments. I made some of my best friends in those classes and clearly the love of photography remained.

That is until I mis-loaded a roll of film for a project I was very excited about and not a single image came out. I put away the film cameras for about a decade, I felt so burned by that moment. That is until I met my now boyfriend TJ who is explicity a street film photographer. I have since then learned how to properly load a roll of film to ensure I won’t miss out on important shots ever again and this year I’m looking to add film photography for wedding days and engagement sessions to really embrace the level of grit and beauty that only film cameras can offer. Truly nothing compares to the gorgeous tones of film photography.

So I wanted to share some of my favorite cameras and what photos with each set looks like so you can compare the aesthetic from 35mm to medium format to instant cameras. Yeah one does have it’s own aesthetic so if you’re looking to add film photography to your wedding day, it’s important to know what you might get! Go on and check out some of the best film cameras for wedding photography!

35mm Film Cameras

Canon EOS 3

I am SO EXCITED to offer this camera! This is my go-to, hands down. Why? It uses Canon EF lenses which means all of the amazing L series lenses that I’ve accumulated can also be used with this amazing camera. Where I’ve struggled with manual focus on the AE-1 is not a problem at all anymore with this baby. With the way this camera operates, it most closely resembles a DSLR and as such was just a seamless transition into my workflow. I love having control of the bokeh and seeing the colors of Portra 400 really pop on this camera.

Olympus Stylus

This camera is a beauty! It’s a small point and shoot camera with a lot of versatility. This is a go-to for movement, low light situations, and just easy and quick grabs. This one has been my personal go-to for events, travel, and hanging out with friends. This is a great go-to film camera for weddings in low light situations or just to snag some casual candids, the direct flash adds a nice touch of “no fucks given” if you ask me. Honestly, it’s the best camera for “no thoughts, just vibes.”

Canon AE-1

The Canon AE-1 is a classic film camera for weddings for a reason. With interchangeable lenses, it offers more control of the aperture to create a softer focus and dreamy bokeh. This camera works great for more intentional moments of the day, getting ready images, portraits, etc.

Reto 3D camera

This one is a fun little camera, albeit it requires a little more work in post processing to create these dope little images. The Reto 3D Camera takes 3 images simultaneously, that you then put together in their Retrospekt app to create a 3D illusion as shown below.

Medium Format Cameras

Holga 120N Toy camera

This is the best bang for your buck of medium format cameras. You get the joy of shooting in high quality medium format but achieving some really cool and desirable lofi effects. You only get 12 or 16 shots per roll so you have to make each shot count. I’ve seen a huge surge in usage of this fun little camera for wedding days in particular and with good reason: you just can’t replicate the aesthetic like this.

Instant Cameras

Instax Mini

Instax Minis are so cute and my favorite thing is that you can buy all different kinds of different colored film frames. My go-to is usually the all black contact sheet aesthetic, but you can choose whatever strikes your fancy!

Polaroid

I am so glad that polaroids are back, baybeh! You have to love the classic instant gratification of polaroids.

Film Stock

Everyone has their favorites when it comes to film stock but I stick with the classics, and for good reason. Portra film is renowned for being the go-to for professional events and portraits for the beautiful tones that make skin-tones really pop. This is my go-to for getting ready moments and portraits.

Kodak Gold is another gorgeous that offers more vibrant, warmer tones. I think it offers some nice grit and really shines for receptions and dance scenes.

Cinestill is probably not the go-to for wedding days, but it’s a beauty for unexpected night shots.

Wishlist

Being a photographer is hilarious because we’re always looking for more gear that we want. So that being said, here are some cameras I DON’T have… but would desperately love to get my hands on.

Leica M6

She is an icon. She is the moment. Sponsor me, Leica. Please.

Contax T2

Another favorite amongst wedding photographers for it’s convenience and ease of use. It’s probably along the same lines as the Olympic Stylus / Mju II.