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Film photography is alive and well in 2024.
Far from a defunct format, those little rolls are enjoying a huge resurgence in popularity.
The Nons SL660 (pictured) is an instant camera with interchangeable lenses
Look at our list of thebest film camerasand youll see that analog fans have a lot of choice.
With all that in mind, weve put together this overview of film photography in 2024.
Why is film photography popular in 2024?
The Nons SL660 (pictured) is an instant camera with interchangeable lenses
So it is with film photography in 2024.
There is certainly some surface-level appeal to the retro feel and effect associated with film cameras.
Its the same old-school aesthetic value which fuelled the viral popularity of theFujifilm X100VI.
To some extent, its a parallel to the continued popularity of vinyl records.
And the zeitgeist is a powerful one: it persists despite the rising cost of film and processing fees.
Pentax 17
Leading the charge for new film cameras in 2024 is the Pentax 17.
Its a tidily packaged point-and-shoot that leans heavily into its retro charms.
Admittedly, its plastic build and high price wont impress anyone familiar with the bulletproof SLRs of the 1990s.
While the TYCH+ isnt the cheapest way to explore film photography, it is one of the most exciting.
Nons SL660
Theres nothing quite like the Nons SL660.
Its an angular, bulky instant camera that shoots onFujifilms Instax Square film.
That means youll need to get to grips with shutter speed, aperture and exposure parameters.
Focus is manual too, as is the method of ejecting prints.
We found it heavy in testing, and Instax Square film does limit overall image quality.
But for a proper, hands-on analog shooting experience, we think it delivers charm in spades.
That means a reduction in quality versus 35mm rolls, plus a lower yield at 24 exposures.
Its vivid retro look is bang on trend, while its interface is satisfyingly simple.
The only downside is the small size and high relative cost of the 110 format.
Yet we think the Fujifilm Instax mini 99 is also further evidence of film photographys increasing popularity.
But the mini 99 is also one of the most mature Instax cameras weve tested.
Whats next for film photography?
With the resurgence of film photography comes a renewed expectation of whats coming next for the medium.
Probably the greatest anticipation surrounds thePentax Film Project, which gave us the Pentax 17.
In December 2022, parent company Ricoh revealed plans to launch a series of Pentax film cameras.
At first, it was expected that we would see multiple new models released in 2024.
That now appears less likely, but talk of a follow-up to the Pentax 17 continues.
This would fit with what Pentax representatives have said about consulting directly with consumers on the project.
Either way, the bar has been set high with the Pentax 17.
Another project surrounded by expectation isMint’s Rollei 35AF camera.
It pairs a matchbox-sized metal body and 35mm f/2.8 lens with modern flourishes, including autofocus.
Theres no firm word on pricing, but it could retail at north of $600.
A release date hasnt been fixed, but it could be this year.
At present, Pentax is the biggest name to bring a new film camera to the market in 2024.
The Nikon Zf is a full-frame mirrorless camera inspired by the Nikon FM2 film camera
We have seen analog models from other camera makers in recent years, including the budget Kodak Ektar H35.
Leica also maintains the premium M-A and MP in its line-up.
Wed also really like to see a reduction in the cost of film refills and developing fees.
This can only happen if enough people take up analog photography.
The good news is that every new model that hits the market makes this more likely.
