10 Medium Format Film Cameras to Start Your 120 Film Journey | The Best Medium Format Film Cameras for Beginners and Professionals

If youā€™ve been shooting with 35 mm film for a while, you might find yourself starting to hear whispers about medium format photography. It sounds intimidating at first, but once you try out a medium format camera, I promise your life will be changed forever. Since the 120 negatives are physically larger than 35 mm, you get a lot more detail, tonal range and finer grain. Itā€™s better for enlargements, so if youā€™re planning on making prints or showing in a gallery, youā€™ll really start to notice the difference. 120 film can be more expensive than 35 mm, but it also makes you a more decisive shooter and youā€™ll cherish your photos because of the amount of thought that went into them. Personally, there is nothing more exciting to me than getting my film back from the processing lab. If youā€™ve been considering diving into medium format photography, this list will hopefully help you figure out where and how to start your 120 journey! Help keep 120 film alive, we need you!

1. Holga 120 GCFN

(By using the affiliate links and/or codes in this blog post it supports Myles Katherine Photography. We may get a small kick back by you doing so.)

Of course Iā€™m going to start off with my favorite camera on earth, the Holga GCFN. I still remember my very first roll of film and how enamored I was with the photos. I was in college at the time, developing my own film and creating my own prints in the darkroom. There was something special about the way the medium format photos printed and the beauty of the tones, grain, and detail. Even shooting with a camera like the Holga, a plastic toy camera, it was still noticeably different to my 35 mm film photos. I also loved the square format and the unpredictability of the photos. The photos always turned out differently than I imagined, but that was what I loved about it. There is something so special about the Holga and it really allows you to create photographs that are entirely unique to anything youā€™ve ever seen. You can read my full blog post about the Holga here or watch my YouTube video here. Itā€™s great for beginners because itā€™s so affordable. Itā€™s not a huge investment and itā€™s easy to travel with due to its light weight and plastic body. Plus, theyā€™re just super cute and if you end up not even using it, it still looks cute up on a shelf and is always a conversation starter!

WHERE TO BUY

Amazon

B&H Photo

eBay (for more fun color options)

2. Diana F+

The Diana F+ is incredibly similar to the Holga GCFN because itā€™s also considered a toy camera. While I find them to be a little more finicky to use than the Holga GCFN, but there are a few reasons I still pick mine up to use it from time to time. Years ago, I was lucky enough to pick up a Diana f+ kit that came with a ton of different lenses like a fisheye. They donā€™t make the kits anymore, but sometimes they pop up on eBay from time to time. Also, the Diana F+ does have a slightly different look to the photos than the Holga, and some people prefer it. I recommend trying them both out to see which one you like better! There is also a 110 version, 35 mm version, and mini version of the camera. It can be hard to find these versions sometimes, but they do exist! The Diana is known for itā€™s teal and black body, which might even be a bit cuter than the Holga. I have a full review and YouTube video about this camera too if youā€™d like to see sample photos and find out more!

WHERE TO BUY

B&H Photo

AMAZON

Etsy

eBay

3. Kodak Brownie Haweye

I have so many box cameras at my house itā€™s not even funny. As the photographer in my family, whenever someone stumbles upon old cameras in their attics or basements, they end up with me. For some reason, I was always intimidated by box cameras. I assumed there was no way I could make them work because they are so old. But they are extremely simple to understand and use., including the Kodak Brownie Hawkeye. The only difference is that they take 620 film instead of 120. They are actually the same size but the spool is just slightly different. I recommend buying pre-spooled 620 film on B&H Photo because itā€™s a pain to unspool 120 film and re-spool it onto a 620 spool. If youā€™d like to save some money though, buying 620 spools and re-spooling yourself is the best option, but this is really for advanced photographers because you need a darkroom bag or complete darkness to avoid exposing the film to light. Itā€™s much easier to just buy 620 film and throw it in the camera! I love how vintage the photos look. Itā€™s like theyā€™re straight out of a museum. You have to hold the camera extremely still while taking the photo because the shutter speed is only about 1/30th of a second, and I recommend shooting in bright light for the best outcome. Read more about this camera on my blog here, or watch my YouTube video with sample photos in Hawaii here!

WHERE TO BUY

Etsy

eBay

Amazon

4. Kodak Duaflex 620

After trying out the Kodak Brownie Hawkeye, I wasnā€™t as afraid of using 620 box cameras anymore, so I decided to give the Kodak Duaflex 620 a try while I was in Portugal and I became obsessed! The photos were a bit sharper than the Kodak Brownie Hawkeye. I do think my lens on my Kodak Brownie Hawkeye is a bit fogged though so that may have been one of the issues. I found the Duaflex to be a little more consistent though. However, this made the images look not quite as vintage, and more high quality. If youā€™re going for the 1950s vintage photograph look, you might prefer the foggier, less sharp images produced by the Kodak Brownie Hawkeye. They are both fun to try out though so if you stumble upon either of them in a thrift store, pick it up! Read my full blog post about this camera here, or watch my YouTube video here!

WHERE TO BUY

Etsy

eBay

KEH Camera

5. Lubitel 166+

I havenā€™t tried out a Lubitel 166+ yet but itā€™s on my list to pick one up as soon as I can! They arenā€™t super expensive, especially if you find one on eBay, and they have such a fun look to them. It takes stunning portraits and landscape photographs and you have much more control than the Kodak Brownie Hawkeye or Kodak Duaflex. It also has a much better aperture range from f/4.5 to f/22, meaning it works better in low light and youā€™re more likely to get a sharp photo. The Kodak Brownie Hawkeye and Kodak Duaflex only have a range of about f/11 to f/16, so itā€™s a huge difference. And youā€™ll definitely notice it when it comes to up close portraits. I canā€™t wait to try out this camera. Iā€™ll definitely be posting a review at some point!

WHERE TO BUY

Etsy

eBay

KEH Camera

6. Mamiya 645

The Mamiya 645AF was my first ā€œprofessionalā€ medium format camera. I actually ended up selling it so I could upgrade to the Contax 645, but I still miss it to this day. There was something truly special about the way the photographs looked, especially the way it handled double exposures. Itā€™s quite a bit more expensive than the previous cameras on this list, but if youā€™re ready for a bump-up, this is really the next level if youā€™re heading into more serious medium format photography. If I ever have the budget to purchase one just to have on my shelf and try out from time to time, you better believe Iā€™ll be picking one up. There are various versions of this camera but I prefer the Mamiya 645AF which includes autofocus. However, the autofocus on mine never really worked so Iā€™d end up shooting in manual most of the time. I still like to have that feature whenever I can though, because it allows you to shoot much more quickly, especially if youā€™re working a wedding or something similar. I have a full blog post and YouTube video about this camera too if youā€™d like to find out more! In terms of lenses, I recommend the 80 mm f/2.8 Sekor lens. Itā€™s a bit of a cult classic!

WHERE TO BUY

KEH Camera

eBay

Etsy

Amazon

7. Pentax 645

The Pentax 645 is widely popular and similar to the Mamiya 645. Itā€™s said that itā€™s easier to use than the Mamiya and feels more comfortable to handle. The Mamiya 645 is large and bulky and doesnā€™t have the most comfortable grip. I havenā€™t tried the Pentax 645 yet, but itā€™s another one that is on my list. Itā€™s bettter for fast shooting, while the Mamiya might make more sense for slower, planned images and studio photography. Itā€™s not the cheapest camera in the world, but itā€™s also a pro-level medium format camera and takes stunning photographs. Iā€™m personally looking into the Pentax 645N camera because it has autofocus, a built-in multiple exposure, and aperture priority, but there are quite a few versions of this camera as well.

WHERE TO BUY

KEH Camera

eBay

Etsy

Amazon

8. Fujifilm GA645

Iā€™ve wanted the Fujifilm GA645 camera for YEARS, and when my sister-in-law purchased one for herself, I was so jealous. For a professional medium format camera, itā€™s super compact and is great for travel. My sister-in-law works for Nike and has taken it on multiple trips through China, Italy, and Costa Rice and the images are always amazing. Iā€™ve had the chance to snap a few shots with it and Iā€™m always surprised by how simple it is to use. Itā€™s essentially a medium format point-and-shoot. Honestly, a dream concept of mine. The only reason I havenā€™t purchased one yet is because it doesnā€™t have a multiple exposure feature, when is a necessity for me. It has auto film loading and advancing, so itā€™s must simpler to switch film rolls than any of the other cameras Iā€™ve mentioned, but that often means youā€™re not able to trick it into multiple exposure. I may end up with one of these at some point, because itā€™s such a perfect concept for a medium format camera, but it is a bummer that it doesnā€™t fully cover my needs when it comes to multiple exposure. I donā€™t have a photo of the camera, so I decided to share one of the images I took while using my sister-in-lawā€™s camera!

WHERE TO BUY

KEH Camera

eBay

Etsy

9. Bronica ETR Series

The Bronica ETR series cameras are also a little bulky, similar to the Mamiya 645 and Pentax 645. Itā€™s known to be great for studio photography because of itā€™s flash sync capabilities. A pro for me is that itā€™s easy to create multiple exposures with some of the Bronica cameras. The only downside is that they are fully manual, meaning you have to set the shutter speed and aperture. This can be somewhat time consuming, but it does allow for more control over your images. It also doesnā€™t have autofocus, so you really need to know what youā€™re doing with these cameras. However, if youā€™re looking for a challenge and want to prove to yourself that you fully understand photography and want to have full control over your photos, this is a great choice. The Bronica series also has amazing lenses to choose from like the Zenzanon 75ā€Æmm f/2.8. Itā€™s an incredible portrait lens and will blow your mind.

WHERE TO BUY

eBay

Etsy

KEH Camera

10. Hasselblad 500C/M

If you know anything about medium format photography, youā€™ve heard about this camera. Itā€™s a pro-level camera with tack sharp photos and a uniquely built body. Itā€™s perfect for fine art photography and if youā€™re hoping to create images that can be enlarged beautifully and hung in a gallery. The photographs are simply stunning. My sister-in-law also has one of these and Iā€™ve scanned her film for her in the past and Iā€™m always in awe of the photos. There is truly nothing like medium format photography and the Hasselblad 500C/M really shows that. Itā€™s a beast of a camera and youā€™ll likely hear about it often the more you get into medium format photography. The reason I love it is because of the square format images, which are similar to the Holga or Diana F+. I prefer square images (6 x 6 cm) over the rectangular, standard 6 x 4.5 cm that many of the other professional medium format cameras shoot. Itā€™s really all about preference, but to me, the square format is mesmerizing. Again though, this camera is fully manual so itā€™s really meant for professionals.

WHERE TO BUY

KEH Camera

eBay

Etsy

11. Contax 645

As a bonus, I have to include the Contax 645. This is the pro-level medium format camera that I use and Iā€™m obsessed. Itā€™s much easier to use than cameras like the Hasselblad 500C/M because it has aperture priority and autofocus, so itā€™s better for weddings and quick shooting. Iā€™m not a slow, nuanced shooter, though I wish I could be! I shoot fast, on the go, and impatiently. In the photography world they call it ā€œdecisive momentā€ shooting, but I know deep down that mostly Iā€™m just impatient. But itā€™s ok! We all shoot differently and itā€™s part of why my work is the way it is. Iā€™m learning to embrace it! Itā€™s not cheap and is easily the most expensive film camera Iā€™ve ever bought. Itā€™s huge and bulky and heavy, but the photos are absolutely to die for. You can read my full review about this camera here! And of course, I have a YouTube video about it too here. :)

WHERE TO BUY

KEH Camera

eBay

FINAL THOUGHTS

I hope this list has helped you narrow down your favorites when it comes to medium format cameras, and maybe even inspired you to take the leap and try it out! Itā€™s not as scary as it seems, I promise! Youā€™ll be in love with the photos and youā€™ll never go back. Plus, 120 film needs help! Unfortunately, itā€™s just not popular and if people donā€™t start buying more 120 film, there is a possibility it will cease to exist. This would be absolutely devastating and I hope I donā€™t live to see that day. But thatā€™s why it needs your help! If you arenā€™t sure which film to buy, you can check out my posts, The Best 120 Film Stocks and Where to Buy Them, 120 Film on a Budget, or The 5 Best and Most Affordable Black and White 35 mm and 120 Film Stocks with Reviews & Sample Photos.

Help keep 120 film alive!

If you found this post helpful in any way, Iā€™d love it if you considered signing up for my Patreon! For as little as $1 a month, youā€™ll get early access to all of my YouTube videos, plus tons of photos that I donā€™t post anywhere else. Depending on which tier you choose, you could also receive seasonal prints and/or discounts! I always use all of the proceeds towards cameras, film & processing.

If you have any questions, Iā€™m always happy to help! You can contact me here, or leave a comment below! Thanks so much for stopping by! You can also check out my B&H Photo storefront & Amazon Storefront for more camera/film recommendations. :) Have a magical day!

<3 Myles Katherine

Canon R6 Mark III Review Using the Canon RF 28-70mm f/2.8 IS STM Lens with Sample Photos | Is it Worth the Cost & Hype?

(By using the affiliate links and/or codes in this blog post it supports Myles Katherine Photography. We may get a small kick back by you doing so.)

Iā€™m SO excited to review this camera. Iā€™ve been keeping an eye on the R5 and R6 lines by Canon for a while now. The Canon R6 Mark III was just released in November 2025 and I had the opportunity to try it out recently. And Iā€™m not kidding when I say, this is my current dream camera. It was everything I was hoping for and is now on my list as the camera I plan to purchase this year to replace my EOS R. Iā€™ve had the Canon EOS R, which was Canonā€™s very first mirrorless camera, since 2020 (I have a full blog post about this camera here). Iā€™ve been using it as my secondary camera at photo shoots and weddings, with the Canon 5D Mark IV as my main camera. There are a lot of things about the EOS R that just made it unreliable to use as my main camera, but it had some redeeming qualities that made me still kept it in my back pocket. Mainly, the photos were incredibly sharp and it had amazing low-light functionality. But it felt fragile in my hand, the controls didnā€™t feel intuitive, and there were features that kept activating when I didnā€™t want them to. I didnā€™t have time to fumble around with a camera at a wedding, so the 5D Mark IV was my go-to. After testing the Canon R6 Mark III recently though, I finally feel like thereā€™s a Canon camera that edges out my 5D Mark IV. I can say without a doubt that when I do buy this camera, itā€™s going to be my main camera, with the 5D Mark IV as my backup. Thatā€™s kind of crazy to say, because for years the 5D Mark IV was considered top of the line in itā€™s price range for professional photographers. Iā€™m also just ready for something more modern that competes with everything else out there by other brands.

STANDOUT FEATURES OF THE R6 MARK III

As the third iteration of the R6 cameras from Canon, they have definitely worked out some of the kinks. Canon hasnā€™t always been able to keep up with some of the other main camera brands when it comes to autofocus and video specifically. Canon made sense for photographers, but not really videographers. I think that is finally shifting though because the autofocus and image stabilization on the R6 Mark III is the best Iā€™ve experienced so far with a Canon camera. Iā€™ve somehow never owned a digital camera with image stabilization and I already miss it. Once you have image stabilization, you just canā€™t go back. All of my cameras and lenses feel outdated now, which is a bummer, but itā€™s also giving me the drive and inspiration to get rid of some old gear and spring for the R6 Mark III. While itā€™s not the most affordable camera in the world, you get a LOT for the price. To me, yes, itā€™s pricey, but if youā€™re a professional photographer, youā€™ll make back that money tenfold. Itā€™s currently priced at $2799, but it sort of hovers in that mid-range of not-affordable but not-absurdly-expensive. Itā€™s approachable to aspiring and professional photographers, but maybe not to the average consumer. If youā€™re hoping to grow your business or start your business, the R6 Mark III will bring a professionality to your work that can catapult you above other photographers who maybe arenā€™t willing to invest that much into their gear. But Iā€™m telling you, your gear is the most important part of your business.

Other standout features include a 32.5 MP sensor (much better than the R6 Mark IIā€™s 24 MP sensor), up to 7K video at 60 fps (insane!), super fast continuous shooting up to 40 fps (great for sports and wildlife photography), a super sturdy weather sealed body, dual card slots, a multiple exposure option, an articulating screen (great for vloggers and video), and so many other things. From the R6 Mark II, the image stabilization was improved upon (from about 8 IBIS stops to 8.5 stops, along with some other stabilization improvements), the battery life was improved (the R6 Mark III uses a new style of battery, the LP-E6P) and a different secondary card slot that uses a CF express Type B card which is faster in terms of write speed, especially for large RAW files and those 7K video files. It still has a UHS-II SD card slot though too, so donā€™t worry!

For me though, the image stabillization, 7K video and autofocus are what excite me most because Iā€™ve never had a camera with such amazing video quality AND picture quality. What I love most about Canon is the stunning photo capabilities and natural beauty of the images. But Iā€™ve always had to sacrifice on video functionality, which has made me feel like I could only ever be a ā€œphotographerā€ and never a true videographer. But the R6 Mark III would really expand my capabilities as a photographer/videographer hybrid shooter, which means more work for my business.

IMAGE QUALITY

Obviously, the 32.5 MP sensor makes a huge difference, especially if youā€™re looking for high quality images for your clients. This means it captures more detail and allows you to create larger prints that are still super sharp. It also gives you the ability to make tighter crops, so if youā€™re a sports or wildlife photographer, this could be an important feature. For me though, I just want the most beautiful images with the sharpest detail and highest quality. The R6 Mark III is such a huge jump from the previous versions of the R6 and a small jump for me from my EOS R. I think the reason I loved the images from my EOS R so much is because the 30.3 MP resolution created such sharp and detailed images no matter what lens I threw on there. It never made sense for me to go with the previous versions of the R6 because the MP were 20.1 MP with the first version of the camera and 24.2 MP with the R6 Mark II. It would have been a step down photography-wise, even if they were technically better video-wise. Going through the photos from my time with the R6 Mark III, the photos reminded me of a blend of my 5D Mark IV and my EOS R. They have a slight mirrorless look to them, which are super sharp but can sometimes come across more ā€œdigitalā€, but they still had those lovely color tones and natural beauty that Canon is known for. Iā€™ve tried quite a few digital camera brands over the years, and I still find Canon photos to be the most beautiful right out of the box.

(By using the affiliate links and/or codes in this blog post it supports Myles Katherine Photography. We may get a small kick back by you doing so.)

WOULD I BUY THE CANON R6 MARK III?

Ohhh yes, and I plan to! Itā€™s the camera on my list for the year. I just need to sell a bit of gear first! But itā€™s the camera Iā€™ve been waiting for. The R5 line was always a bit too expensive and the R6 line didnā€™t make the cut for me until now. After using the R6 Mark III for a few weeks, itā€™s been hard going back to my EOS R and 5D Mark IV because they donā€™t have image stabilization and the video quality doesnā€™t compete at all. Iā€™m anxiously awaiting the day the Canon R6 Mark III arrives on my doorstep. I also only have one RF lens at the moment, so Iā€™m also considering lenses at the moment. For the images in this post, I used the Canon RF 28-70mm f/2.8 IS STM lens and loved it. Itā€™s much more affordable than some of Canonā€™s fancier RF zoom lenses. I always use a zoom lens as my main lens, and I currently shoot with the Canon 28-70 f/2 USM lens. Itā€™s a HUGE lens, but itā€™s incredible. Itā€™s a bit too big for the EOS R though, which is a pretty small camera, but I think it would work with the R6 Mark III, which has a larger, sturdier body. You can read more about that lens and see sample photos here!

IS THE CANON R6 MARK III WORTH THE HYPE AND COST?

I think so! While I was only shooting with the R6 Mark III for a few weeks, I loved every second of it. Iā€™m so ready to upgrade from my EOS R and I finally feel like the camera that I need is here, waiting for me. Do I think itā€™s a little overpriced? Maybe? But not really? Youā€™re getting SO much for the price. Years ago, a camera like this would have cost $5000-7000. Or more! Especially with the incredible autofocus and 7K video. Youā€™re getting some truly amazing features and the possibilities are unlimited. You could be a professional photographer OR videographer with this camera and it really is a true hybrid. Iā€™ve been waiting for this camera to come out and it lived up to my hype.

WOULD I RECOMMEND THE CANON 28-70MM F/2.8 IS STM LENS TO USE WITH THE R6 MARK III?

I had such a blast with the Canon RF 28-70mm f/2.8 IS STM lens. Itā€™s amazingly small and lightweight, which is something Iā€™m always looking for in a camera set-up. Iā€™m honestly so sick and tired of giant digital camera set-ups that weigh a million pounds. I can hardly wait for the day that point-and-shoot cameras can compete with the pro cameras out there, and honestly, I think weā€™re just about to that day! When I was walking around with the R6 Mark III and the 28-70mm f/2.8, it didnā€™t feel like I was carrying around a $4000 camera set-up. And to me, this is a good thing. My body didnā€™t hate me the next day, I didnā€™t feel like a target, I didnā€™t feel like people were staring at me, and it just felt like the perfect travel camera. Yet it still looks large and professional enough to be shoot a wedding without your clients wondering how in the world youā€™re getting good photos with such a tiny camera. I even compared my photos that I took with my super fancy Canon 28-70mm f/2 USM lens and there wasnā€™t a huge difference. The main thing youā€™re getting with the f/2 lens is that extra wide aperture that can really bring a zing to portraits and adds an extra surreality to your photos if youā€™re shooting wide open. I love lenses with a crazy wide aperture because I feel that they allow me to be more creative and stand out from other photographers. It just gives me a little something extra.

I havenā€™t decided yet if this is the lens for me, but it competes with the Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8 L II lens that I used to shoot with, but weighs half as much. I do love my Canon RF 28-70mm f/2.0, I just wish it wasnā€™t so dang HUGE and HEAVY. But the photos are stunning and make it all worth it to me. The RF 28-70mm f/2.8 would be a perfect backup for the f/2 lens though and would be my choice to use when Iā€™m traveling or just spending a day with family or walking around town. The f/2 lens is just too large and heavy to use on a daily basis. For the price, the RF 28-70mm f/2.8 is a great deal that I feel might be underpriced. Especially considering how expensive the 24-70mm f/2.8 L II lens is and I find the images comparable. But the RF lenses are known for being sharp and amazing, and they definitely live up to it. Itā€™s obvious that Canon is fading out the EF lenses, so itā€™s probably time for me to invest in another RF lens and the 28-70mm f/2.8 might end up being the one that makes the most sense for me. Weā€™ll see!

WHERE TO BUY

I always recommend B&H Photo because they have standard, competitive prices, but with crazy fast shipping and excellent customer service!


CANON R6 MARK III

B&H Photo

CANON RF 28-70MM F/2.8 IS STM LENS

B&H Photo

I hope this post helps you decide if the Canon R6 Mark III is for you! Itā€™s definitely the camera for me. Iā€™ve included a ton of sample photos below. There are no filters on these images, but I have made minor adjustments to exposures, shadows, highlights, and color temperature to fit my personal style. There is no sharpness or clarity enhancements, curve adjustments, or color grading. If you have more specific questions about the editing, please feel free to ask!

If you found this post helpful in any way, Iā€™d love it if you considered signing up for my Patreon! For as little as $1 a month, youā€™ll get early access to all of my YouTube videos, plus tons of photos that I donā€™t post anywhere else. Depending on which tier you choose, you could also receive seasonal prints and/or discounts! I always use all of the proceeds towards cameras, film & processing.

If you have any questions, Iā€™m always happy to help! You can contact me here, or leave a comment below! Thanks so much for stopping by! You can also check out my B&H Photo storefront & Amazon Storefront for more camera/film recommendations. :) Have a magical day!

<3 Myles Katherine

15 Unique Gifts for Photographers in 2026 | Holiday Gift Guide and Ideas for Photography Lovers

I canā€™t believe itā€™s already here - itā€™s Gift Guide time! The holidays are swiftly approaching (help!) and I donā€™t know about you, but I always have a seriously difficult time trying to figure out what to buy everyone in my life. But there is one thing I do know, and thatā€™s what I would love to have gifted to me as a photographer. So, Iā€™m hoping that imparting some of my wisdom in the photography world will help you make the perfect gift choice for the photography lover in your life! All of these gift ideas are meant for photographers but can definitely apply to videographers and artists alike. Just because they consider themselves to belong in one specific category of art doesnā€™t mean they couldnā€™t use the creative tools on this list to enhance their artwork. So, without further ado, here are 15 Unique Gifts for Photographers in 2026!

(By using the affiliate links and/or codes in this blog post it supports Myles Katherine Photography. We may get a small kick back by you doing so.)

1. HOLGA GCFN OR DIANA F+

I will always put a Holga or a Diana F+ in a gift guide, because I think a toy camera is a perfect way to challenge the artist in your life in a cute and creative way. These cameras are funky, adorable, affordable, colorful and so much fun to use. They usually range from about $40-70 depending on which model you buy, but I always recommend the Holga GCFN. Just remember to pick up some 120 film to go with it! I recommend Kodak Portra 400 or Kodak Gold 200 to start with. :) I have a full blog post all about the Holga GCFN here or the Diana F+ here if you want to read more about them! There is also a cute little 35 mm Holga BC camera if you know the photographer in your life prefers 35 mm. I have a full video and blog post about this camera too if youā€™d like to find out more!

WHERE TO BUY

HOLGA GCFN ON AMAZOn

HOLGA GCFN ON B&H PHOTO

DIANA F+ ON AMAZON

2. HANDMADE CAMERA STRAP (ETSY)

There was one Christmas when my mom bought me a handmade camera strap with cats on it, and it has become my all-time favorite strap. I keep it on my Nikon FE2 camera and it just makes me smile every time I pick up my camera. Itā€™s also just a great idea to support an artist on Etsy by buying one of their handmade camera straps like this one. Think of something your photographer friend likes, whether itā€™s cats, dogs, avocados, etc, and see if you can find one on Etsy! If youā€™re looking for something a little more fancy, you can find personalized leather camera straps on Etsy too.

WHERE TO BUY

EtSY LEATHER CAMeRA STRAPS

ETSY HANDMADE CAMERA STRAP

3. HARLOWE CREATIVE ACCESSORIES

I recently learned about this company while I was in NYC at the BILD Expo with B&H Photo. This company makes so many fun and creative accessories to help inspire photographers. Personally, Iā€™d go for the Harlowe Gobo and Lens FX Creator Kit (unique filters for creating interesting photos) or the Harlowe Mini II Bi-Color LED Light Standard Kit (a portable lighting kit that is super small and can go anywhere with you).

WHERE TO BUY

B&H Photo - Harlowe Gobo and Lens FX Creator Kit

B&H Photo - Harlowe Mini II Bi-Color LED Light Standard Kit

4. LIGHT PAINTING WAND

There are so many uses for a light wand. You could create shapes while using a slow shutter speed, or you can use it in the studio to create colorful lighting scenarios. Instead of buying an expensive studio light with gels to change the color, you can just use a light wand like this one that has endless color options! Itā€™s also nice when you have a light thatā€™s handheld because you can really control how close the light is to your subject. It gives you more options for creating unique lighting situations as opposed to a giant stationary studio light that you canā€™t really move around.

WHERE TO BUY

Amazon

B&H Photo

5. FILM SCANNER

Itā€™s on my list this year to get myself a new 35 mm film scanner. I currently use an Epson Perfection V750 (the V850 is the latest version), which is great for scanning 120 film, but Iā€™d love to have a designated 35 mm film scanner like this one. Itā€™s way faster and easier to manage, and takes up less space on my desk. Plus, this Kodak one lets you scan 35 mm, 120, and 110 film and slides so you can restore those old film photos your parents might have taken back in the day! Honestly, scanning film is one of my all-time favorite things to do, which probably makes me a nerd, but itā€™s so exciting to see how my photos turned out after getting them back from the processing lab. Plus, youā€™ll save a TON of money scanning your own film instead of paying the lab to scan them for you!

WHERE TO BUY

Amazon

B&H Photo

6. POLAROID GO OR POLAROID NOW & FILM

I actually just picked up a Polaroid Now camera and I love it. I just wrote a full blog post about it too! Itā€™s super simple to use and works a little better than my vintage Polaroid 600 cameras. It also has more modern features too, like a built-in multiple exposure feature and bluetooth connectivity. Plus, it takes both 600 film and i-Type film (which is a little cheaper). Not to mention, itā€™s incredibly cute sitting up on your shelf. Every photographer should have a polaroid camera, itā€™s just a right of passage!

WHERE TO BUY

Polaroid Now ON AMAZON

POLAROID NOW I-TYPE FILM ON AMAZON

Polaroid Go ON AMAZON

POLAROID GO FILM ON AMAZON

POLAROID NOW GIFT SET ON POLAROID.COM

POLAROID GO GIFT SET ON POLAROID.COM

7. NEEWER RING LIGHT

I bring a ring light with me everywhere if Iā€™m traveling for work. Itā€™s a heck of a lot easier than carrying around a studio lighting kit, and is the perfect fill light if youā€™re working in a space that isnā€™t quite bright enough. Plus, itā€™s great for capturing makeup and glam looks, and creates a nice even lighting over your subject. Iā€™ll often throw a white sheet over it to diffuse the lighting even more, especially for video. But itā€™s nice because you can also change the color temperature and brightness! Not to mention, they are super affordable! I promise you, every content creator out there uses a ring light because they are also just flattering for everyone and they even create a lovely reflective ring shape in the eyes!

WHERE TO BUY

Amazon

B&H PHOTO

8. INSTANT FILM PRINTER - INSTAX MINI LINK

These days, we take so many photos on our iPhones but we never print them! This little printer is perfect because you can create little mini polaroids with photos from your iPhone. Itā€™s perfect because the prints are great for giving to friends and family and look so cute in a scrapbook or hanging on the fridge. I print polaroids all the time because itā€™s just a nice way to keep the memories alive instead of letting your photos disappear on your hard drive. I love printing a photo out and sticking it in a Christmas card or birthday card to send to a friend. :)

WHERE TO BUY

Amazon

B&H PHOTO

9. 35 MM & 120 FILM ROLLS

If the photographer in your life shoots film, then 35 mm is your safest best. But if you know for a fact that theyā€™re into 120 film (medium format), then definitely help them out and buy a few rolls! Film is expensive for photographers to buy constantly but is a great gift! A roll of 35 mm film costs anywhere from $5-20, and 120 film is usually $8-20. You canā€™t go wrong with Kodak Portra 400 in 35 mm or 120, or Kodak Gold 200 in 35 mm or 120. You can also read more on my blog! I have a post about 5 Unique Films To Make Your Photos More Interesting or The Best Color Film For 35 mm Cameras.

WHERE TO BUY

Kodak Portra 400 35 mm film ON B&H PHOTO

Kodak Portra 400 120 film on B&H Photo

KODAK GOLD 200 35 MM FILM ON AMAZON

KODAK GOLD 200 120 FILM ON B&H PHOTO

10. LEATHER OR VEGAN LEATHER CAMERA BAG

I just got a new camera bag last Christmas and it was a game changer. Iā€™d been using the same ratty camera bag for over a decade, to the point that the zipper was broken and the fabric was tearing apart! There are finally some nice looking camera bags out there now. I personally love the brand Ona, but there are tons of other brands out there too, especially on Amazon. Here are a bunch that Iā€™d recommend!

ONA THE CAPRI II CAMERA BAG IN ANTIQUE COGNAC LEATHER ON B&H PHOTO

VEGAN LEATHER CAMERA BACKPACK ON AMAZON

GILLIS LONDON GILLIS LONDON TRAFALGAR CAMERA BACKPACK

CWATCUN CANVAS CAMERA BACKPACK

CWATCUN CAMERA BAG, RETRO CAMERA CROSSBODY CASE

JAEP CAMERA BACKPACK - WEATHER RESISTANT WAXED MEMORY CANVAS

LARGE CAPACITY PHOTOGRAPHY CANVAS CAMERA BACKPACK

VINTAGE CANVAS DSLR/SLR CAMERA BAG

11. VINTAGE CAMERA

Etsy is sort of a secret when it comes to shopping for vintage cameras. Instead of scouring through thrift stores to find a working camera, you can just browse through Etsy and find a seller that specializes in vintage cameras. I just bought a Ricoh 500GX on Etsy and Iā€™m obsessed with it. You can check out my blog post about 10 Film Cameras I Recommend for Beginners if youā€™re looking for ideas. But the Canon AE-1 , Pentax K1000, Nikon FE or Nikon FE2 are great options! I always shop for vintage cameras on Etsy, KEH Camera, and eBay.

WHERE TO BUY

VINTAGE CANON AE-1 PROGRAM CAMERA ON KEH CAMERA

PENTAX K1000 ON KEH CAMERA

VINTAGE NIKON FE ON KEH CAMERA

VINTAGE NIKON FE2 ON EBAY

12. LIGHTROOM OR PHOTOSHOP SUBSCRIPTION

If the photographer in your life is just starting out, they probably havenā€™t officially invested in an editing program yet. Or if they have, Iā€™m sure theyā€™d appreciate a few extra months on their subscription that they wouldnā€™t have to pay for! Lightroom and Photoshop are sort of the standard for photo-editing, and are incredibly user-friendly and fun to experiment with. Iā€™ve been using Lightroom and Photoshop together throughout my entire photography career for all of my editing!

WHERE TO BUY

LIGHTROOM ON Amazon

LIGHTROOM ON B&H Photo

PHOTOSHOP ON AMAZON

PHOTOSHOP ON B&H PHOTO

LIGHTROOM AND PHOTOSHOP PACKAGE ON AMAZON

13. PORTABLE LED PANEL

If you are looking for the perfect gift for a videographer, a portable LED panel is a great option. Iā€™m not even a videographer and Iā€™d love to have one of these! Sometimes the lighting just sucks and you need a little help. If the photographer in your life is a traveler, this one on Amazon is a great option because it includes a carrying case and lightweight stands. Or, if they tend to be in particularly rugged conditions, Iā€™d recommend this kit from B&H Photo.

WHERE TO BUY

Amazon

B&H Photo

14. BACKBLAZE SUBSCRIPTION

Iā€™ve convinced pretty much everyone in my life to purchase Backblaze. Itā€™s essentially a cloud back-up service, but it backs up your entire computer and all of your hard drives. So, I never have to worry if my clientā€™s photos are going to disappear if my house burns down. And youā€™re able to access your files from anywhere. For example, if you accidentally forget to drag a folder onto your computer for editing, you can just download it from your backblaze account and keep editing! Iā€™ve already convinced everyone in my family to use Backblaze because I know how devastating it can be to lose photos.

WHERE TO BUY

Get a free 14-day trial on Backblaze!

15. NEW CAMERA!

And of course, who wouldnā€™t want a new camera! Depending on which brand they prefer, here are a few great options that are new this year from each brand under $2000! I also have a full blog post with more detailed camera descriptions if youā€™d like to read more - Top 10 Most Desired Digital Cameras of 2026 Under $2500 | The Best Mirrorless Cameras on the Market.

WHERE TO BUY

Canon EOS R8 Mirrorless Camera with RF 24-50mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM Lens

CANON R6 MARK II

Nikon Z5 II WITH 24-50MM F/4-6.3 LENS

Sony A6700 WITH 18-135MM LENS

Fujifilm X100VI

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

I hope this list helps you come up with a few gift ideas for the photographer or creative in your life. Or if youā€™re a photographer yourself, I hope this list reminds you to invest in your business and believe in yourself! Iā€™ve been a full-time photographer since 2012 and it all started with my first Canon 5D Mark II. It truly only takes one amazing camera and one amazing artist to create a successful business.

If youā€™re looking for even more gift ideas, you can check out my previous gift guides here and here!

If you found this post helpful or inspiring, Iā€™d love it if you considered signing up for my Patreon! For as little as $1 a month, youā€™ll get early access to all of my YouTube videos, plus tons of photos that I donā€™t post anywhere else. Depending on which tier you choose, you could also receive seasonal prints and/or discounts! I always use all of the proceeds towards cameras, film & processing. Find out more here!

If you have any questions, Iā€™m always happy to help! You can contact me here, or leave a comment below! Thanks so much for stopping by! You can also check out my B&H storefront and Amazon storefront for more camera/film recommendations. :) Have a magical day!

<3 Myles Katherine

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