So you know already I use film cameras when I travel. At the beginning I didn’t want to spend extra time on editing the photos, but quickly I realised there’s something about traveling with a film camera that changes the way you see the world. Every frame matters a little more and every moment feels a little more precious. And honestly? The excitement of getting your photos back weeks later is half the magic. If you’re thinking about bringing a film camera on your next trip, you’ll want something that’s compact, reliable, and can handle whatever adventures you throw at it. Here are three of my absolute favourite and affordable travel film cameras which I also use in my wedding photography work: the Nikon L35AF, Olympus XA4, and Nikon F80.
Nikon L35AF: The Ultimate Point-and-Shoot
Released in 1983, the Nikon L35AF is one of the earliest autofocus compact cameras, and it remains a cult favourite today. Small enough to fit in a jacket pocket, it’s a perfect travel companion. The standout feature is its 35mm f/2.8 lens, which is sharp, contrasty, and beautiful, even by today’s standards. Its rugged build can withstand a bit of rough handling (perfect for chaotic travel days), and the simple controls make it an excellent choice for both beginners and seasoned film shooters. The Nikon L35AF is often praised for its vibrant colours and reliable metering, helping you nail the exposure even in tricky lighting. I really like its retro design and reliable focus. I bought mine off eBay for £55, a great price for such a reliable point and shoot film camera.
all photos taken on Portra 160
Olympus XA4: Tiny but Mighty
If space is at a premium (and let’s be real, it always is when you’re travelling ), the Olympus XA4 might just steal your heart. It’s part of the legendary XA series, and it’s about the size of a bar of soap. It has a wide 28mm lens, ideal for capturing sweeping landscapes or bustling city streets, but also selfies! With its clamshell design protecting the lens and a whisper-quiet shutter, it’s practically made for candid travel photography. Plus, it focuses super close (down to 30cm), which is rare for such a tiny camera. It takes a bit of time to get used to its zone metering system, but once it’s mastered the camera captures very sharp images. The XA4 is super discreet, with a near-silent shutter, so you can catch candid moments without anyone even noticing. There are a few versions of XA , the original XA is a rangefinder and all other versions have 35mm lens so make sure you know the difference. I found mine for £22 on eBay – a real bargain!
Kodak Gold 200
Nikon F80: Serious Power in a Light Package
For travelers who want the full SLR experience, the Nikon F80 (known as the N80 in the U.S.) is a fantastic budget option. This 35mm autofocus SLR brings the comfort and flexibility of a professional system without the heavy bulk. It accepts all Nikon F-mount lenses, opening up a world of possibilities whether you’re shooting landscapes or intimate street portraits. It also features advanced metering, fast autofocus, and multiple exposure modes – perfect if you want a bit more control over your photography. Paired with a lightweight prime lens, the F80 strikes a beautiful balance between versatility and portability. You can find a second one for less than £100. I got mine over 10 years ago, it travelled with me to South America & Thailand and still works great.
first morning in Buenos Aires, some expired film
Perfect film cameras for every situation
Film isn’t just for travel. It’s also seeing a beautiful resurgence in wedding photography. More and more couples are turning to film photographers to capture their big day with authenticity, softness, and an organic quality that digital can’t match. As a film wedding photographer in the UK, I have the privilege of preserving those emotional moments in a way that feels nostalgic and I use all the 3 cameras I listed above ( but mostly, F80 ) to document my clients’ memories. So you can see these cameras are a really great choice for any situation.
Nikon F80
Which travel film camera would you choose? Let me know in the comments!