Film-like camera

[InakiR]

Heyoooo:

I'm trying to buy a camera for my girl. I'm very much a digital advocate (I own a D300, D3S and Canon G1 X) but she likes film cameras. I've gotten her one of the new Polaroids and just found a mint condition SX-70. I do want to get her a DSLR or something along those lines that feels like a film camera. I know she hates the gazillion options and setting in the big DSLRs. I was thinking something more like the Fujifilm X10 or so, something with that classic camera feel and manual controls.

Any recommendations?

Thanks!

[StanH]

X10 is a solid option and Canon's new-ish G1 X is also in that realm. It's bigger, but has a bigger sensor so the image quality is very impressive.

You might want to look into the new Olympus OM-D as well. It looks and feels very much like their old OM film bodies, but it's digital.

[InakiR]

I have a G1 X, just got to me yesterday...its awesome but I don't think quite as "filmy" as she would like.

I'll check out the OM-D...I've never used Olympus though.

[Galahad]

I suggest you ask your girlfriend why she wants a film camera, giving her a digital camera when said she wants a film camera is not going to win you rewards from her.

The Polaroid SX-70 camera is one of the best cameras that Polaroid made (Polaroid has been out of business for years), a pack of film (10 shots) for the SX-70 is well over $20 if you can find it.

Film cameras are readily available from Adorama and B&H in both SLR and "point & shoot" types for both 35mm and 120/220 films.

[ChanTran]

Why not giving her a film camera? It's cheaper

[InakiR]

Well she just likes the one-try only of film. Having 1 shot at it, no quick preview, having to really think about the shot. She doesn't like all the myriad of functions of the digital cameras, but of course likes the convenience of not having to scan film, and develop it. She's going to borrow the D3S this weekend and see what she thinks about it.

I think the X10 or OM-D have that simple body, old style controls and viewfinders that she can appreciate to use, and the convenience of digital in a good quality sensor.

[InakiR]

We dont own a darkroom, but if she'd like to get well developed film we'd have to find a good photo shop, and then either find somewhere that can get good quality scans or buy a good quality scanner.

She does have an old Fuji film camera. Its quite cool actually.

[InakiR]

The Polaroid SX-70 camera is one of the best cameras that Polaroid made (Polaroid has been out of business for years), a pack of film (10 shots) for the SX-70 is well over $20 if you can find it.

I found a lovely SX-70, pretty much brand new with the original box and manuals that someone found in their aunt's attic. I'll get it on Friday. Also got some Impossible Project film both color and B&W. I'm excited this is an original one and not a reconditioned one like the ones at Photojojo.

[NJMurphy]

I don't think the OM-D has a viewfinder.

That said, why not let her use your G1-X? Turn off the monitor, use the viewfinder to compose, set it on manual, get a light meter, resist using the review function.

Just like a pocket film camera, only thinner.

Just because a camera has all the gizmos doesn't mean she has to use them.

[StanH]

OM-D has a viewfinder, but it's electronic due to the lack of mirror.