You do not need to spend hundreds of pounds to start shooting film. Some of the most enjoyable cameras we sell cost less than a decent pair of trainers, and many of them are more reliable than the fashionable models that cost three times as much.
This guide is built from what we actually have on the shelves at Camera Collector, with real price ranges from our tested stock in October 2026. Every camera we sell is checked before listing, which matters even more at this price, because a cheap camera that does not work is not a bargain.
What £100 gets you
At under £100 you can buy a fully mechanical SLR with a character lens, a reliable autofocus compact, or a quirky point-and-shoot for fun. What you usually cannot get at this price are the cult names such as the Olympus mju II, Olympus XA2 or Canon AE-1 Program, whose prices have been pushed up by demand. The good news is that many less famous cameras take pictures that are just as good.
The best film cameras under £100
1. Zenit E with Helios 44 lens (about £75)
The best-value way to own a fully mechanical SLR. It needs no battery, it is built like a tank, and it usually comes with the famous Helios 44 58mm lens, known for its swirly background blur. It is heavy and basic, but it teaches exposure properly and the lens alone is worth having. Read our Zenit E review or shop Zenit cameras.
2. Autofocus 35mm compacts from Pentax, Canon and Konica (about £30–£70)
Late-1980s and 1990s autofocus compacts such as the Pentax Espio and Zoom models, Canon Sure Shot and Prima models, and Konica compacts are the easiest film cameras to use. Load the film, point and shoot, and the camera handles focus, exposure, film advance and flash. They are ideal for holidays, parties and anyone who wants film results without learning manual settings. Browse Pentax, Canon and Konica, or all compact cameras.
3. Minolta and Yashica cameras (about £25–£90)
Minolta and Yashica made huge numbers of good-quality cameras, from compacts to SLRs, and many still sell for sensible money. Yashica compacts and rangefinders have a strong following for their lenses, while Minolta SLRs give access to a wide range of affordable lenses. Shop Minolta and Yashica.
4. Olympus Trip 35 (about £50–£110)
A classic pocket camera with a sharp 40mm lens and automatic exposure powered by a selenium cell, so it needs no battery. It is simple, reliable and charming. Stock comes and goes quickly, so check our Olympus range.
5. Fun point-and-shoots from Kodak, Halina, Hanimex and Fuji (about £10–£35)
If you want a camera for a festival, a wedding table or a first try at film, simple fixed-focus compacts are cheap and cheerful. Image quality is modest, but they give the classic disposable-camera look with a reusable body. Browse Kodak, Halina and Hanimex.
6. Praktica cameras (about £12–£65)
East German Praktica cameras are some of the most affordable in our stock. Older Praktica SLRs use the M42 screw mount, which opens up a huge range of inexpensive lenses. Shop Praktica.
7. Autofocus film SLRs such as the Canon EOS 500N (from about £20 body only)
One of the best-kept secrets in film photography. Autofocus film SLRs from the 1990s are often cheaper than manual classics, yet they offer program, aperture and shutter priority, and fast autofocus with modern Canon EF lenses. They are not as glamorous, but they are very capable. Look in our SLR film cameras.
What to check on a cheap film camera
- Is it tested? At this price, an untested camera is a gamble. Ours are checked before listing.
- Battery: check what battery it needs and that the compartment is free of corrosion.
- Lens: look for haze, fungus and scratches. See how to spot camera fungus.
- Light seals: old foam seals can cause light leaks on SLRs and older compacts.
Our vintage camera condition checklist covers everything in more detail.
Want to spend a little more?
If your budget stretches further, the cult classics come into range. See our guide to the best film cameras under £200, or read the film camera gift guide if you are buying for someone else.
First order? Use code WELCOME10 for £10 off your first order over £50.