Cheap AF: Five compact film cameras that won't break the bank

[@exploresouthwest]

I still have my family's old PC35AF and I can't believe how fantastic it still is. Solid all metal construction, the auto exposure is well balanced and the sharpness is stellar. Bit heavy but probably the best performance for an auto compact I've seen.

[@kosmofoto]

It really is heavy - feels about as heavy as an Olympus OM-2.

[@anilmistry]

thanks for the shout out mate! xxx

[@johnharper8676]

I’ve got the FF9 and the AF-C. Honestly, the AF-C is one of my all time favourite cameras. So simple, so cool looking. No pricey batteries which is the best thing about this camera. Got mine for $10 with the flash, and the original metal case. It’s priceless as far as I’m concerned 👍🏼

[@hopipola]

Less than a week after watching this video, I found a PC35AF and bought it. I shoot an expired roll of fujicolor c200 with it and I'm just blown away by the photos it took. Beautiful colors, didn't miss the focus a single time. Now I need your advice to buy my first SLR 😅

[@kosmofoto]

Great to hear, Hamid! What kind of SLR are you looking for?

[@hopipola]

@@kosmofoto Thanks for the response. I would prefer something more compact with the option of aperture priority mode, since I don't have much experience in film photography.

[@RaneMP2016]

Man, its videos like these that grab the attention of people like myself. Never knew any of the P&S existed and went out and found great deals on the AF-C & Pentax PC. The AF-C reminded me of a old Sony digital I had DSC-T1 and had the same front cover design. Now i know where Sony got that design from.

[@londoncameraproject1141]

I took out my Pentax PC35AFM out recently. I wasn't in love with it before (that battery door is really sketch) but I'd heard good things about it so tried it again. That distance meter is pretty helpful and looks cool in the viewfinder. I don't mind the weight which isn't helped when it has two AA batteries on board but 32 frames into a roll of Portra 400 and I'm actually enjoying it. That clack of the flash when it pops up shows you mean business

[@csdsa]

So happy to see the PC35AFM get some love! I did some digging and research trying to find a nice alternative to the mju-II everyone covers - I wasn’t willing to spend that much $ and knew there had to be another camera with comparable (if not better!) specs. I got mine a couple months ago for $50 and brought it with me to Japan - it has been fantastic and soooo fun to use; more importantly the images came out beautifully. I couldn’t believe it! The range, sharpness, the contrast (though I personally prefer less contrast; someday I hope to be able to scan images at home rather than in lab). Just stunning. It’s def underrated and while I wish more people knew about it, I also hope it stays underrated 😂 I hope mine never breaks but if it does I’d be quick to get a replacement

[@larrymccormick3226]

Love your reviews of these great old point and shoots. I have many myself. Just got a Yashica T3D and I found it it a thrift shop for $6. Great camera ! I will get one of those Pentax red buttons too ! It sounds great and worthy to give a fair try ! My favorite so far ,the Nikon L35 AF. Thanks for the wonderful reviews of what are turning out to be my favorite EDC cameras. Pretty tired of digitals really, these are more fun to me ! Larry McCormick

[@kosmofoto]

Thanks Larry. They are really fun aren't they? A full review of the Pentax is coming in the next couple of months.

[@AlexLuyckxPhoto]

Great overview here! Now of course I'll have to start looking for some of the cameras on this list, especially that Minolta, love that shutter sound.

[@kosmofoto]

It is such a great little camera, you'll love it.

[@NeverToBeSeenAgain]

Just to note: the iso selector on the pc35af-m only works if your film doesn't have a DX Code. The original pc35af (manual wind version) did have manual speed selection but it only goes up to iso400. Also, it is quite easy to open the PC35AF-M and silence the beeping.

[@kosmofoto]

Thanks Matthew, i don't have the manual for the PC35AF-M so that's super useful.

[@NeverToBeSeenAgain]

@@kosmofoto no problem. Just to add one more piece of info, the DX Code will read up to 1600. Not sure why the camera can read to 1600 but only manually set to 1000 but oh well!

[@TheDarkplace]

Just stopping by to say that I've had my PC35AFM for over 20yrs. It's brilliant!

[@kosmofoto]

It really is! Super-impressed with the sharpness of that lens.

[@slr7075]

No, no, no! The secret is out now and I was hoping to snatch one of these for cheap!

[@kosmofoto]

Sorry, but I think it's important that not every decent compact need cost £250.

[@marcusdidius4090]

Dear Stephan, canny video as always:) Regards,

[@kosmofoto]

Cheers Marcus - glad you enjoyed it!

[@sgit1]

Informative and entertaining.

[@kosmofoto]

Many thanks, Scott.

[@nikolaicannon5459]

Which one do you personally prefer - minolta af-c or pentax pc35af-m? currently deciding which one to get. on the paper minolta lens is better, but how do they compare in real life?

[@earlisonline]

i own a pc35afm but haven’t had my rolls developed and scanned. definitely excited to see them after seeing that the camera is getting rave reviews

[@Lanesra71]

I want the Minolta but really difficult to track down a decent working one now! And prices have gone up!!

[@pault4955]

Top tip alot of the those Ricoh cameras were sold under the boots brand. You can get the same camera for sometimes half the price for the same camera

[@kosmofoto]

Yes, I had a Boots 401AF which I just sold in my shop. It was an impressive little camera.

[@jockardl]

I still love the Olympus AF-10 and for me its the best Point and Shoot for a reasonably price with the Minolta AF-E (at least in Germany)

[@rayjee1756]

If anyone has a Pentax AutoFocus Sport DX, can anyone help me with the Flash? I was i able to get it to work at random times but I am not even sure how I got it to work, the manual is no help or maybe the flash itself is wonky.

[@klarenzjeong8031]

Olympus Trip AF(1984)

[@kosmofoto]

Yes, a nice camera!

[@sszzrr1]

Well, the Elikon Auto is not considered as a reliable camera to Kosmofoto.

[@youtoldharpotobeatme5023]

A couple of years ago I picked up a PC35AF non M at a thrift store for $5 USD. The lens was super clean, and everything on it functioned perfectly. I put a roll through and then sold it for $100 USD on fleabay. I then developed the roll and immediately realized the huge error I had made. I then went on fleabay and purchased another copy for half of what I sold the original one for. 🤦🏽‍♂️ I'll never part with this thing! It's got an amazing little lens. Super contrasty, and pretty sharp. I use it more than my Olympus XA.