What Film Cameras Are Celebrities Shooting With?
Film photography isn’t just back - it’s visible everywhere. From red carpets to behind-the-scenes set moments, more actors, musicians and creatives are being spotted with 35mm film cameras in hand.
One of them? Jacob Elordi. But he’s far from alone.
At Vintage Camera Hut, we’ve seen a clear surge in demand for the same types of analog cameras celebrities are carrying - compact 35mm models, premium point-and-shoots and classic SLR systems that deliver timeless, editorial results.
So what cameras are trending right now - and which are actually worth buying?
The Compact 35mm Revival
The Olympus Trip 35 continues to be one of the most searched and best-selling 35mm film cameras globally. Originally released in 1967, it’s known for:
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Sharp Zuiko 40mm f/2.8 lens
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Automatic exposure (no batteries required to shoot)
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Lightweight, travel-ready design
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Effortless everyday usability
It’s the kind of camera frequently spotted in celebrity street-style shots: discreet, unfussy, and capable of beautifully sharp results.
Best for: Beginners, travel, everyday photography
Why it’s trending: Simplicity + strong image quality + vintage aesthetic
Premium Compact Icons:
Few cameras have achieved cult status like the Contax T2. Regularly associated with actors, musicians and fashion insiders, it’s become a luxury staple thanks to:
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Carl Zeiss 38mm f/2.8 lens
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Titanium body
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Fast autofocus
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Compact, pocketable design
While often linked to celebrities including Elordi, the T2’s popularity goes far beyond one name - it represents the wider demand for premium compact film cameras.
Best for: Creatives who want portability + premium optics
Best value alternative: Olympus Mju II or Canon Sure Shot models
Best Film Cameras For Beginners
If you're inspired by the celebrity film trend but don’t want luxury pricing, these are smarter starting points:
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Olympus OM10 – Classic 35mm SLR with manual control option
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Canon AE-1 – One of the most reliable beginner SLR cameras
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Pentax K1000 – Fully manual, perfect for learning exposure
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Olympus Trip 35 – Simple, automatic and dependable
These cameras offer the same analogue character: grain, colour depth, slower shooting - without the inflated resale pricing of hype models.
Why Celebrities Are Shooting Film Again
The resurgence isn’t about nostalgia alone. Film offers:
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Natural grain and depth digital can’t replicate
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Slower, more intentional shooting
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Mechanical, tactile experience
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Editorial aesthetic straight out of camera
It fits the mood of modern creative culture - considered, authentic and imperfect in the best way.
The Film Trend We’re Seeing at Vintage Camera Hut
As the UK’s largest film camera shop, we’ve seen consistent growth in demand for:
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Beginner-friendly 35mm film cameras
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Premium compact point-and-shoot models
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Custom leather-skin editions
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Fully serviced, ready-to-shoot vintage cameras
Celebrity visibility plays a role - but what sustains the trend is the experience of shooting film itself.