What film camera should you use to capture weddings? 

You've made an amazing choice. The process. The intention. The colours. The nostalgia. It's a unique and rewarding journey.

BUT... Shooting film is quite different from shooting digital.

Film cameras are older.

Film cameras break.

Things can go wrong.

So our suggestion for working wedding pros wanting to dive into film? Do it as an added bonus. Learn what you are doing and be sure of it. Don't make it the main thing until you know you can produce the results.

DISCLAIMER: There are many amazing film cameras out there. However, this list focuses on autofocus cameras only. Speed is essential at weddings and while lots of you might be able to manual focus at weddings, we don't suggest starting out like that... The cameras featured here are models we have used and many top wedding pros used wedding in and wedding out. So while this list may not be exhaustive. It's definitely a great place to start.

So here we go: 

1. Contax G2 (and G1)

We love the Contax G2 and G1 cameras for combining good looks (hail that classic rangefinder look) and good performance. While they many not have the speed and features of even newer film cameras, the stunning looks, good autofocus and range of super sharp lenses make it a great choice for wedding photographers.

Quick facts about the Contax G2 at weddings:

• Known as one of the best rangefinder style cameras out there - combining the precision of a rangefinder with the convenience of autofocus - wins!
• The Carl Zeiss lens range is epic. The popular variants include the 45mm f/2 Planar, the 28mm f/2.8 Biogon, and the 90mm f/2.8 Sonnar. Our pick first your first is the 28mm for epic documentary vibes.
• Durable build quality. This thing is a tank.
• Aperture priority mode works well with great auto exposure.
• The view finder is a little tiny compared to other SLR cameras.
• The TLA200 flash is the one you want for that direct flash look.
• The differences between the G1 and G2 are there but not deal breakers. The G1 is perfect for most. The main differences lie in the faster shutter speed of the G2, shooting up to 1/6000 vs 1/2000 on the G1. And also the G2 has a slightly upgraded autofocus system.
• It's quiet! Bonus at weddings. Still awkward if you're at the front of the ceremony and it rewinds though...

2. Contax 645

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If you are wanting to go straight to the top and go all out, then the Contax 645 is your go. Made famous by some wedding photography greats like Jose Villa, it's highly regarded and yes,  highly priced too. While there are llots of great modern features and great autofocus (spot the theme here), the real standout is the 80mm lens which is highly regarded and credited for that super dreamy film/luxury wedding look. You know the one.

Quick Facts about the Contax 645 at weddings:

• This beauty uses 120/220 roll film which gives a larger negative than 35mm.
• The standout here is the lens. The 80mm f2 is legendary. Known for it's sharp but soft feel - detail and amazing bokeh.
• Interchangeable backs. Some even have digital back on here to make the most of the lens.
• Ergonomic Design. Despite being on the larger size for a camera, especially compared to 35mm point and shoots, the design is reminiscent of a DSLR and fits comfortable in the hand for long wedding days.
• Shutter speed up to 1/4000 to make the most of the f/2 lens.
• Expensive if something goes wrong. Dang.

3. Mamiya 645 (AFDii)

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A cheaper alternative in the 645 medium format range is the Mamiya 645. It's know for it's versatility and amazing image quality. It features an amazing autofocus system - if you get the right model - some older ones are manual focus only. The 645 negatives are larger than 35mm film and normally get you about 15 shots on a standard 120mm film roll. A good balance compared to even larger sizes like 6x6 or 6x7. It has a wide range of lenses available and features a modular design. Not to mention the digital back option which we know some make use of at weddings. All in all, it strikes a great balance between price, quality, and modern technology.

Quick Facts about the Mamiya 645 at weddings:

• You'll want to be careful which model you go for here, there are many options. You'll likely want the AFD versions, which have autofocus.
• The AFD, AFDii and AFDiii are all great options.
• You can purchase seperate film backs and chop and change your rolls mid roll. Want to shoot some BW and then some colour? 
• Reliability. The Mamiya is know for it's build quality and reliability even after all this time.

4. Canon 1V

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The Canon 1V may not be the most beautiful or cool film camera. But it damn well might be the most practical. Discontinued only in 2018 this camera is full of amazing modern features which make it an amazing choice for working photographers who are actually committed to making amazing film photos, not just looking cool or doing it for nostalgias sake.

Quick Facts about the Canon 1V for weddings:

• The 1V was the last model of Canon professional film cameras before it was discontinued on May 30, 2018
• Weather sealed so you can shoot in light ran.
• Amazing 45 point autofocus system
• You can use your RF lenses - yes did you hear that?? Any RF lenses. So imaging this pair with the Canon 50mm 1.2 - what a dream.
• Exposure accuracy is unmatched and you have the metering options on par with many current mirrorless cameras.
• It's whisper quiet in quiet mode. Perfect for intimate moments.

5. Olympus Mju ii (a little fun)

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The Olympus Mju II is a joy of a camera. Pocketable too! It's also known as the Stylus Epic in the United States and shoots 35mm film in a point and shoot style. A cult following for a reason, the 2.8 lens is super sharp and produces amazing quality in a tiny package.

Quick Facts about the Canon 1V for weddings:

• The Mju ii is weather proof so you can take it anywhere
• The 35mm f2.8 is a inner!
• The autofocus just works! 
• The built in flash is tiny but powerful. Great for dance floor photo.
• So easy, the guests themselves can use it!

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Last thoughts:

Shooting film at weddings is a lot of fun and can produce amazing results. We recommend the cameras above but please do be careful when purchasing and know that all of these cameras are no discontinued. Please ensure you buy a well looked after and tested copy of any of these film cameras.

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