35mm Film Cameras, Restored

Yes, if you like slowing down and want a look that is hard to fake: real grain, soft highlight roll-off and colors set by the film stock you choose. Each roll costs money, so you think before you shoot. A refurbished camera also holds its value well if you decide to sell it later.

Two good starts: a manual SLR like the Pentax K1000 or Canon AE-1 Program teaches you exposure and takes swappable lenses. A point-and-shoot like the Olympus Stylus sets focus and exposure for you, so you just frame and press. Our beginner's guide compares seven picks.

On our shelf right now, refurbished point-and-shoots start at about $225 and most cost $240–$500, with the Contax T2 at $2,300. SLRs like the Pentax K1000 and Canon AE-1 run about $380–$550. Leica rangefinder kits run into the thousands. Our price guide explains every category.

Yes. Kodak, Ilford and Fujifilm still make 35mm film, CineStill sells its own stocks, and we stock color, black and white and slide film. When the roll is done, our Brooklyn lab develops and scans it for $18 a roll. Drop it off at 855 Grand Street or mail it in.

We check shutter speeds, light seals, the meter, film wind and focus on every camera before it is listed. 35mm SLRs and rangefinders come with a 6-month warranty; point-and-shoots come with 3 months. You can return a camera within 14 days with no restocking fee.