While many of us appreciate the art of film photography, we have to admit the prices we pay to maintain this hobby are getting more expensive. From the high costs of scanning our negatives to restocking our monthly film rolls, it only makes sense to find ways to save money on film photography.
Instead of spending an exorbitant amount on a vintage film camera, consider using digital and reusable film cameras instead. They are ideal for a budget, and produce equally satisfying photos. Here is a list of places you can buy affordable digital cameras and reusable cameras.
Table of Contents
Before deciding on which camera fits you best, you first need to know the difference between digital and reusable film cameras. Digital cameras don’t require the use of film, and the photos can instantly be transferred to a memory card. The quality of the photos will still give you that vintage look, but they are less grainy and lack the warm tones film photos have.
Regarding film cameras, the pictures you take will be manually captured on a film roll, in which you have to develop it to produce the pictures. The process is more tedious than digital cameras, but some of us would find the process and quality of the photos more rewarding.
The more affordable option for film cameras would be reusable cameras. While these cameras are made of plastic, they last longer than disposable ones which come preloaded with film, but can only be used once. The quality of the photos is comparable to those really expensive cameras too.
If you are a beginner with no experience, we recommend you get digital cameras like the Casio Exilim EX-Z77 or the Nikon Coolpix L25, as they are compact and easy to use. Most of these vintage digital cameras have less than 10 megapixels, giving that nostalgic Y2K look.
If you are someone who enjoys the process of producing film photos or simply prefer your photos to be grainy, we suggest you start off with the Kodak Ektar H35 or the Ilford Sprite 35-II. These cameras will give you traditional 35mm-framed photos, and are simple point-and-shoots. You can read more about how to get your first film camera.
As a word of advice, we recommend going down physically to a shop as you can test the camera before buying it. Remember to do quality checks such as ensuring the shutter is working, film can be loaded, and viewfinders are not cracked.
For online purchases, check that the website you’re browsing is trustworthy and read reviews from buyers on apps like Carousell as those will give you a good gauge of the cameras sold.
| Camera Shop | Good For | Opening hours |
| Digicam Depository | Digicams under $50 | 2-9pm Mon-Fri, 12-9pm Sat-Sun |
| 8storeytree | Kodak H35 film cameras at $62 | 11am-4pm Mon-Fri, Closed on Sat-Sun |
| Whampoa Colour Centre | Cheap film rolls & disposable cameras under $20 | 11am-7.30pm Mon-Sat, Closed on Sun |
| Triple D Minilab Centre | Unique film rolls such as Cinestill available | 10.30am-7pm Mon-Sat, Closed on Sun |
| Hands On Film | Custom disposable camera made from upcycled single-use cameras | 11am-7pm, Daily |
| Retronalogue | Olympus & Pentax cameras from $75 | *Appointment-based visits |
| Shutter Up Film | Waterproof cased film cameras at $28 | *Website-based |
| Filmthrills | Minolta film cameras under $100 | *Instagram-based |
| Katong Camera | Rare vintage digicams at affordable prices | *Carousell-based |
Image credit: @digicam.depository via Instagram
Digicam Depository has been making a name for themselves recently, offering over 200 compact-sized digital cameras in their inventory. Located amidst the hipster thrift stores at Haji Lane, this cosy store is a start-up by a Singaporean couple where they do quality checks and fix malfunctioning cameras.
Most cameras here are pre-loved, with prices starting from $50. Your options won’t be limited as you can browse through brands such as OIympus, Sony, Nikon, and Vivicam.
Image credit: The Digicam Depository via Google Maps
Every purchase of a camera comes with a 14-day warranty, memory card, and charger. Just in case your camera isn’t working, you can simply bring it back to them within that 2-week window.
Image credit: @8storeytree via Instagram
8storeytree has been around since 2007, and they have everything you need from affordable 35mm film cameras to aesthetic accessories. Located at Balestier Road, you can find cameras from brands like Kodak, Yashica, and Ilford.
Image credit: 8storeytree
A reusable camera would cost between $40 and $70, with the popular Kodak Ektar H35 35mm cameras ($62) being stocked here. You will discover film rolls and even vintage vinyls as you roam around in this vibey space.
Image credit: 8storeytree
If you don’t have the time to visit their store, you can browse through the catalogue on their website. Every product listed has ample photos and information given, where accessories relevant to your purchase will even be suggested to you before checkout.
Whampoa Colour Centre is a film processing shop that has served Singaporean film enthusiasts for generations since the 80s. Situated within a walking distance from Shaw Plaza, this shop is also a popular photo-taking spot as it looks like it came out of a Wong Kar Wai film.
Image credit: Whampoa Colour Centre via Google Maps
Although they specialise in film developing, you can find reusable and disposable cameras here for less than $20. The price for film rolls here are cheaper than most other places, with Kodak Colorplus 200 being available at $13/roll and Kodak Gold at $14/roll.
Image credit: @sick3six via Instagram
In terms of experience, you won’t have to worry if you’re a beginner as the friendly uncle here will guide you in buying and using film cameras.
Image credit: remi k via Google Maps
While Bugis is known for its famous Bugis Street filled with food stalls and souvenir shops, there are also hidden gems such as Triple D MiniLab Centre, nestled at Burlington Square. Apart from film developing services, the photo lab also sells reusable and disposable film cameras.
Image credit: Triple D Minilab Centre via Google Maps
You will mostly find single-use cameras here such as the Kodak Funsaver which has a manual film advance and comes with a 27 exposure film roll built-in. The shop also sells reusable Kodak M35 cameras, but they are slightly more expensive.
Image credit: Triple D Minilab Centre via Google Maps
Their shelves are stocked with traditional film rolls from Kodak and Fujifilm, as well as lesser known brands like Cinestill and Candido if you want something different. There’s even a machine here for you to edit photos and print them out. Just don’t forget to bring your thumbdrive.
You can find out more about their products and services on their website.
Image credit: Torn Marom via Google Maps
For the camera collectors out there, you won’t want to miss out on Hands On Film. As you step into the store, you will see rows of vintage cameras stacked on top of each other amidst chic neon lights, and old camera advertorial posters.
Image credit: Daryl via Google Maps
The store sells beginner-friendly disposable cameras from Kodak and FujiFilm, and also rare collaboration models such as Pokemon and Mickey mouse-themed cameras. These rare cameras are hard to find these days as they are mostly dead stock.
Image credit: @handsonfilm via Instagram
You’ll want to get your hands on the shop’s very own custom-designed disposable camera made from upcycled single-use cameras. The camera comes preloaded with their Summer 400 film, a pouch and stickers, so it’s very much a collector’s item.
Image credit: @retronalogue via Instagram
Located at People’s Park Centre in the heart of Chinatown, Retronalogue is another hidden gem that not many of us know about. They sell pre-loved cameras from brands such as Pentax and Olympus, at a price range of $75-$100. Most of these cameras aren’t like your typical reusable plastic cameras as they are made from much better materials.
Image credit: Retronalogue
You don’t have to worry about the quality of their cameras, as each one is personally tested and cleaned by them. They also offer camera repair services and film scanning services, starting from $8 for a developed roll.
However, do note that this store is appointment-based, so check out their website and Carousell page before making a trip down.
Address: 101 Upper Cross Street, People’s Park Centre, #04-50, Singapore 058357
Opening hours: By appointments only
Image credit: @shutterup.film via Instagram
Shutter Up Film started out as a business on IG, and is now a website-based store selling disposable film cameras from Kodak and Fujifilm. You can get a Kodak M35 reusable camera for $31.90 here.
Their best-selling camera is their own Shutter Up 35mm Film Camera ($28), a manual camera enclosed in a water-proofed case that can also be bought in bundled sets with film rolls included. If you like custom things, their Decoden DIY Kit ($49) comes with 10-15 charms you can decorate your camera with. There are 2 charm colours to choose from, and for the cameras a total of 14 colours and patterns available.
Image credit: @shutterup.film via Instagram
Other than cameras, the shop also sells cute enamel pins, sticker sets, and bead straps that are film camera-themed. These accessories are all custom made by Shutter Up Film.
Image credit: @filmthrills_ via Instagram
Filmthrills is an Instagram-based store that lists film cameras for sale under different sets. Each set has 9-10 cameras you can choose from, with the price going from $80-$190. The cameras sold here are pre-loved, ranging from Minoltas to Fuji Zoom cameras.
For each purchase, you will get a 3-month warranty where you can do a 1-to-1 exchange for another camera of equal value if the one you ordered is faulty.
Their IG page is a place to get valuable information about vintage cameras as well, with guides on the types of film rolls, batteries, cameras, and places to get film developed listed in their story highlights.
Image credit: @katongcamera via Instagram
Last but not least, Katong Camera is another Carousell-based seller who has sold over 800 film and digital cameras. You will find digicams with a price range of $70-$100, such as the Ricoh Myport Zoom 90P ($80) and the Olympus Stylus 770SW ($100).
Image credit: @katongcamera via Instagram
More information on curated camera listings can be found on their Instagram page.
It’s often hard to find information on places to buy vintage cameras in Singapore and decide if they are trustworthy in terms of quality. Instead of depending on Reddit or sifting through Google reviews, we have done the work for you in compiling the places on this list. So, head down to one of these shops, there’s no better time to kickstart a new hobby than now.
For more photography-related articles:
Cover image adapted from: @manbawang, @handsonfilm, @katongcamera via Instagram
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