Gone are the days of collecting developed photographs from printing stores and adding them to our albums. These days, we snap away on our smartphones, pick the shots that we like, and instantly upload them to Facebook and Instagram. Unglams can simply be deleted with the tap of a button.
Still, there’s a growing breed of Singaporeans kicking it old-school by using film cameras, where you actually have to develop physical snapshots to see how they look like. There’s even a vintage camera museum in Bugis!
If you’re thinking of buying your first film cam or wish to expand your collection, check out these camera stores that specialise in analogue cameras. Owners of these little shops are passionate about their craft, so you’ll be able to learn more about vintage cams while you’re there!
Image credit: @blackmarketcamera
Don’t dismiss its slightly old-looking exterior. Known to be one of Singapore’s most established camera stores around, Black Market Camera has just about EVERYTHING for your photography needs – whether you’re a newbie to the scene or a pro.
You can find these Twin-Lens Reflex Cameras at Black Market Camera. Image credit: @blackmarketcamera
Boasting an impressive selection of pre-loved compact film cameras in mint condition, they have popular brands like Nikon, Konica, and Ricoh. If you’re a first-timer, you might feel lost amidst the extensive selection, but don’t be afraid to ask the owner for recommendations.
Image credit: @blackmarketcamera
Beyond vintage cameras, they also stock up on new high-tech devices like drones for that perfect birds eye shot. Some of their camera accessory selections include Capture Cuffs and Leashes from brands like Peak Design, along with backpacks and trendy slings for toting your gear around.
Address: 3 Coleman Street Peninsula Shopping Centre, #03-30/31/32, Singapore 179804
Opening Hours: 12:30PM-8PM, Daily
Telephone: 6336 6349
Website
Image credit: @mypixellife
To get to Thirtysix, you’ll first have to step into another vintage alcove – old-school style barber The Panic Room SG. With a seemingly endless collection of analogue cameras – from polaroids to holgas and lomos, and even superheadz – this toy camera boutique is also the official distributor of MiNT, a refurbisher of vintage polaroid cameras from Hong Kong.
8storytree’s I-1 Analog Instant Camera ($480) comes with a ring flash, wish makes it great for portraiture. Image credit: @8storeytree
One of Thirtysix’s cool products is this reinvented version of the original Polaroid camera – the I-1 Analog Instant Camera. Unlike the basic Polaroid, this device can be connected to your iPhone – allowing you to experiment with features such as double exposure, and giving you full control over aperture and shutter speed.
You can also pick up camera film in a variety of tones. @8storeytree
Address: 311 Geylang Rd, Singapore 389350
Opening Hours: Mon, Wed – Sat: 11AM-9PM | Sun: 10:30AM-6:30PM | Closed on Tue
Telephone: 8333 4136
Website
This interchangeable lens film camera is from the Leica M series. Image credit: Chiif Cameras
If you’re new to film photography, Chiif Cameras is a good place to start. Passionate owner Chii Fei Ho will walk you through the process of choosing a camera, giving you objective advice so you can pick one that suits your needs best.
They are also the official Cosina Voigtlander distributor in both Singapore and Malaysia. Cosina Voigtlander is best known for producing rangefinder film cameras like Bessa, and a series of lenses for the Leica M-mount.
Mr Chii hard at work. Image credit: @sim4nee
Besides the wide range of vintage film cameras, you can also look forward to having your films and pictures developed and printed meticulously by the owner himself. He’s an ardent photographer too, so you can get inspired by his beautiful pictures here.
Address: 5 Coleman Street, #02-25 Excelsior Shopping Centre, Singapore 179805
Opening Hours: Thu: 12:30PM-7PM | Fri: 12:30PM-8PM | Sat: 1:30PM-7PM | Closed on Mon – Wed & Sun
Telephone: 9489 3145
Website
Image credit: Brian Lingo
If you’re looking for brand new classic film cameras, Power Photo Store is the place to be. Their exclusive cameras are all in tip-top condition and reasonably priced too – perfect for those who’re on a budget or just want a simple film camera to jumpstart your analog photography.
Image credit: @brianlingo
Apart from the usual film cameras, a noteworthy item they have is the Epoque Underwater Camera ($285), a waterproof film cam that has a depth rating of 45m. Simply pop in 2 AA batteries, some film, and you’re good to go!
Mamiya U Auto Focus for $288. Image credit: @brianlingo
Alternatively, if you’d rather shop the new-school way, you can always find the owner on Carousell: @brianlingo.
On top of his seemingly endless range of vintage film cameras, owner Brian also specialises in watch repairs and maintenance as well – including services like battery strap and glass replacement, and both quartz and automatic watch servicing.
Address: 810 Geylang Rd, #01-42 City Plaza, Singapore 409286
Opening Hours: Mon – Sun: 11:30AM-8:30PM | Closed on Sat
Telephone: 6746 5161
Website
Image credit: Jon She
Boutique photography bookstore Riceball Photography is the ultimate haven for photography buffs and camera enthusiasts. Not only do they have a huge array of photography books, you’ll also find yourself a great selection of hard-to-find antique camera accessories that are inexpensive as well.
A plethora of film cameras from the Leica-M series. Image credit: Riceball Photography
They pride themselves in their selection of books focused specifically on the needs of photographers – like simple guides to shooting with DSLRs and digital cams, tutorial books for specific camera models and even photography-related history books!
An extensive range of camera lenses. Image credit: Riceball Photography
You can look forward to very personalised service here. The staff are knowledgeable about their products and won’t have any qualms about answering your queries – whether you’re just there to browse or make a purchase. So budding photographers, fire away with all your burning photography-related questions!
Address: 3 Coleman Street #01-04, Singapore 179804
Opening Hours: 11AM-8:30PM, Daily
Telephone: 6337 6255
Website
Alternatively, if you don’t have the time to visit any of the stores mentioned above, you can always get your classic film cameras online. These Carousellers based in Singapore hold a wide range of vintage cameras for you to choose from:
Image Credit: @filmco
Step into a different era with this Carouseller, with listings for plenty of vintage SLR film cameras and camera lenses.
Image Credit: @kans.vintage.cams
Kans sells both functioning and nonfunctioning vintage cameras, so if you’re a camera collector, you’ll enjoy browsing through their listings.
Image Credit: @cameraassembly
Camera Assembly houses a plethora of retro film cameras, camera lenses and accessories – almost everything you’ll need to kickstart your film photography hobby. On top of that, they offer repair services as well.
Image credit: @kandinsky0227
If your camera is sick, head down to Camera Hospital to get new life breathed into your broken baby. Owner Steven Lee, is an avid camera collector himself and he’s been repairing all makes of cameras for close to 4 decades now.
Image credit: @jenndpelaez
While his storefront is lined with vintage Leicas, Nikons, and Rolleiflexes, these babies are not for sale – Steven solely specialises in the cleaning and repairing of cameras, with sensor cleaning services at $30 and complete cleaning of camera lens and body for $180. Reparation services are charged on a case-by-case basis.
Steven will also be happy to give you photography tips for free, so don’t be shy – strike up a chat with him while you’re there.
Address: 91 Bencoolen Street, #01-67 Sunshine Plaza, Singapore 189652
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri: 1PM-7PM | Sat: 1PM-6PM | Closed on Sun
Telephone: 9237 3212
Website
It’s no doubt that digital cameras are more convenient to use, and produce super striking pictures. But there are still those among us who aren’t interested in doing things the “easy” way. If you’ve always been keen on exploring the wonders of old school film photography, pop by one of these stores to get the start you need.
Image credit: @blackmarketcamera
Gone are the days of collecting developed photographs from printing stores and adding them to our albums. These days, we snap away on our smartphones, pick the shots that we like, and instantly upload them to Facebook and Instagram. Unglams can simply be deleted with the tap of a button.
Still, there’s a growing breed of Singaporeans kicking it old-school by using film cameras – where you actually have to develop physical snapshots to see how they look like.
If you’re thinking of buying your first film cam or wish to expand your collection, check out these camera stores that specialise in analogue cameras. Owners of these little shops are passionate about their craft, so you’ll be able to learn more about vintage cams while you’re there!
Image credit: @blackmarketcamera
Don’t dismiss its slightly old-looking exterior. Known to be one of Singapore’s most established camera stores around, Black Market Camera has just about EVERYTHING for your photography needs – whether you’re a newbie to the scene or a pro.
You can find these Twin-Lens Reflex Cameras at Black Market Camera. Image credit: @blackmarketcamera
Boasting an impressive selection of pre-loved compact film cameras in mint condition, they have popular brands like Nikon, Konica, and Ricoh. If you’re a first-timer, you might feel lost amidst the extensive selection, but don’t be afraid to ask the owner for recommendations.
Image credit: @blackmarketcamera
Beyond vintage cameras, they also stock up on new high-tech devices like drones for that perfect birds eye shot. Some of their camera accessory selections include Capture Cuffs and Leashes from brands like Peak Design, along with backpacks and trendy slings for toting your gear around.
Address: 3 Coleman Street Peninsula Shopping Centre, #03-30/31/32, Singapore 179804
Opening Hours: 12:30PM-8PM, Daily
Telephone: 6336 6349
Website
Image credit: @mypixellife
To get to Thirtysix, you’ll first have to step into another vintage alcove – old-school style barber The Panic Room SG. With a seemingly endless collection of analogue cameras – from polaroids to holgas and lomos, and even superheadz – this toy camera boutique is also the official distributor of MiNT, a refurbisher of vintage polaroid cameras from Hong Kong.
8storytree’s I-1 Analog Instant Camera ($480) comes with a ring flash, wish makes it great for portraiture. Image credit: @8storeytree
One of Thirtysix’s cool products is this reinvented version of the original Polaroid camera – the I-1 Analog Instant Camera. Unlike the basic Polaroid, this device can be connected to your iPhone – allowing you to experiment with features such as double exposure, and giving you full control over aperture and shutter speed.
You can also pick up camera film in a variety of tones. @8storeytree
Address: 311 Geylang Rd, Singapore 389350
Opening Hours: Mon, Wed – Sat: 11AM-9PM | Sun: 10:30AM-6:30PM | Closed on Tue
Telephone: 8333 4136
Website
This interchangeable lens film camera is from the Leica M series. Image credit: Chiif Cameras
If you’re new to film photography, Chiif Cameras is a good place to start. Passionate owner Chii Fei Ho will walk you through the process of choosing a camera, giving you objective advice so you can pick one that suits your needs best.
They are also the official Cosina Voigtlander distributor in both Singapore and Malaysia. Cosina Voigtlander is best known for producing rangefinder film cameras like Bessa, and a series of lenses for the Leica M-mount.
Mr Chii hard at work. Image credit: @sim4nee
Besides the wide range of vintage film cameras, you can also look forward to having your films and pictures developed and printed meticulously by the owner himself. He’s an ardent photographer too, so you can get inspired by his beautiful pictures here.
Address: 5 Coleman Street, #02-25 Excelsior Shopping Centre, Singapore 179805
Opening Hours: Thu: 12:30PM-7PM | Fri: 12:30PM-8PM | Sat: 1:30PM-7PM | Closed on Mon – Wed & Sun
Telephone: 9489 3145
Website
Image credit: Brian Lingo
If you’re looking for brand new classic film cameras, Power Photo Store is the place to be. Their exclusive cameras are all in tip-top condition and reasonably priced too – perfect for those who’re on a budget or just want a simple film camera to jumpstart your analog photography.
Image credit: @brianlingo
Apart from the usual film cameras, a noteworthy item they have is the Epoque Underwater Camera ($285), a waterproof film cam that has a depth rating of 45m. Simply pop in 2 AA batteries, some film, and you’re good to go!
Mamiya U Auto Focus for $288. Image credit: @brianlingo
Alternatively, if you’d rather shop the new-school way, you can always find the owner on Carousell: @brianlingo.
On top of his seemingly endless range of vintage film cameras, owner Brian also specialises in watch repairs and maintenance as well – including services like battery strap and glass replacement, and both quartz and automatic watch servicing.
Address: 810 Geylang Rd, #01-42 City Plaza, Singapore 409286
Opening Hours: Mon – Sun: 11:30AM-8:30PM | Closed on Sat
Telephone: 6746 5161
Website
Image credit: Jon She
Boutique photography bookstore Riceball Photography is the ultimate haven for photography buffs and camera enthusiasts. Not only do they have a huge array of photography books, you’ll also find yourself a great selection of hard-to-find antique camera accessories that are inexpensive as well.
A plethora of film cameras from the Leica-M series. Image credit: Riceball Photography
They pride themselves in their selection of books focused specifically on the needs of photographers – like simple guides to shooting with DSLRs and digital cams, tutorial books for specific camera models and even photography-related history books!
An extensive range of camera lenses. Image credit: Riceball Photography
You can look forward to very personalised service here. The staff are knowledgeable about their products and won’t have any qualms about answering your queries – whether you’re just there to browse or make a purchase. So budding photographers, fire away with all your burning photography-related questions!
Address: 3 Coleman Street #01-04, Singapore 179804
Opening Hours: 11AM-8:30PM, Daily
Telephone: 6337 6255
Website
Alternatively, if you don’t have the time to visit any of the stores mentioned above, you can always get your classic film cameras online. These Carousellers based in Singapore hold a wide range of vintage cameras for you to choose from:
Image Credit: @filmco
Step into a different era with this Carouseller, with listings for plenty of vintage SLR film cameras and camera lenses.
Image Credit: @kans.vintage.cams
Kans sells both functioning and nonfunctioning vintage cameras, so if you’re a camera collector, you’ll enjoy browsing through their listings.
Image Credit: @cameraassembly
Camera Assembly houses a plethora of retro film cameras, camera lenses and accessories – almost everything you’ll need to kickstart your film photography hobby. On top of that, they offer repair services as well.
Image credit: @kandinsky0227
If your camera is sick, head down to Camera Hospital to get new life breathed into your broken baby. Owner Steven Lee, is an avid camera collector himself and he’s been repairing all makes of cameras for close to 4 decades now.
Image credit: @jenndpelaez
While his storefront is lined with vintage Leicas, Nikons, and Rolleiflexes, these babies are not for sale – Steven solely specialises in the cleaning and repairing of cameras, with sensor cleaning services at $30 and complete cleaning of camera lens and body for $180. Reparation services are charged on a case-by-case basis.
Steven will also be happy to give you photography tips for free, so don’t be shy – strike up a chat with him while you’re there.
Address: 91 Bencoolen Street, #01-67 Sunshine Plaza, Singapore 189652
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri: 1PM-7PM | Sat: 1PM-6PM | Closed on Sun
Telephone: 9237 3212
Website
It’s no doubt that digital cameras are more convenient to use, and produce super striking pictures. But there are still those among us who aren’t interested in doing things the “easy” way.
If you’ve always been keen on exploring the wonders of old-school film photography, pop by one of these stores to get the start you need.
Check out more places to shop at in Singapore:
Cover image credit: @blackmarketcamera
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