If there’s one travel purchase that stood out for me in the past year, it’s my Kodak M35 35mm Film Camera. With a price tag of just $23, this camera became an unexpected favorite, far exceeding my expectations for something so inexpensive. What started as a nostalgic throwback turned into an essential travel companion, and the reasons behind it might surprise you.
The Reintroduction to Film
My journey back into film photography began in 2019, well before I purchased the Kodak M35. At the time, I was getting disposable cameras for casual events like bachelorette parties and weddings. These little cameras were just a fun way to capture memories without worrying about perfect shots. Fast forward to 2020, when I finally developed the last disposable camera sitting in my drawer, the physical prints brought back memories I hadn’t thought about in a while.
At the height of the pandemic, those printed photos felt particularly special—moments of joy, friends, dancing, and togetherness that seemed so far removed from the daily reality of isolation. Something about holding those pictures in my hands just hit differently. I realized that these tangible memories had a depth and charm that digital images, as convenient as they are, couldn’t quite match.
Enter the Kodak M35 – Best Travel Film Camera
Once travel restrictions lifted and I began traveling again in 2021, I returned to my habit of buying disposable cameras for trips. While I loved having the physical photos, there was a growing dissatisfaction with the disposable camera route. For one, using a disposable every time I wanted that film-photo magic was costly. Plus, there’s the environmental impact of tossing cameras after each use.
That’s when I came across the Kodak M35, a reusable film camera priced under $25. It seemed like the perfect compromise: I could still enjoy shooting film without constantly purchasing disposable cameras.
A Different Kind of Travel Photography
If you’re like me, using your phone to take photos on trips can feel like a double-edged sword. While you get instant feedback on your shots, the pressure to capture everything can get exhausting. For instance, I would often find myself snapping multiple shots just to ensure I had one “perfect” image. If I didn’t like how I looked, it could sour the moment.
But with the Kodak M35, there’s no instant review, no retakes. You simply click and move on. It’s a small but significant change in mindset—knowing that you only get 36 exposures per roll forces you to be more selective and live in the moment. I found myself taking just one picture in situations where I would have otherwise taken dozens on my phone. There’s something freeing about trusting the moment, knowing that the photo will either turn out great or it won’t—and either way, you won’t know until much later.
Imperfect Photos, Perfect Memories
I’ve often found that the photos I take with my film camera, especially the “imperfect” ones, become my favorites. With digital photos, there’s an impulse to delete anything that isn’t flawless. But with film, you don’t have the option. The surprise element of not knowing whether the shot turned out perfectly often results in happy accidents—blurry photos, odd angles, or shots where everyone’s eyes are closed end up being the ones that make me smile the most.
The Kodak M35, in particular, produces images that feel authentic. They may not be as sharp or high-definition as what you’d get from a DSLR or even an iPhone, but there’s a charm to them that digital often lacks. These are photos that feel personal, even intimate, capturing the little imperfections that make moments real.
Budget-Friendly and Fun – Best Travel Film Camera
One of the best things about the Kodak M35 is how budget-friendly it is, both in terms of the camera itself and ongoing costs. Film and developing do add up, but with 36 exposures per roll, it’s a better value compared to the 27 shots you get from a disposable camera. Each roll of film and processing costs about $30, but for me, it’s worth it for the joy of getting those physical prints.
Plus, unlike pricier film cameras, the M35 is simple and automatic. It’s point-and-shoot, with no manual settings to worry about. This makes it a great option for casual photographers like me who don’t need a fancy camera to capture a few special moments.
The Perfect Travel Companion
Since purchasing the Kodak M35 last year, it’s joined me on every trip I’ve taken. It was there for my once-in-a-lifetime trip to Wyoming with my dad, where I captured some of the most meaningful photos I’ve ever taken. During a trip to Austin, my sister and I handed it to a bystander for a quick snap, trusting the result to chance. And when I finally developed the film from a weekend getaway to Lake Tahoe with friends, the photos sparked a lively group chat, bringing back all the fun memories we’d shared.
Of course, I still use my phone to take photos—it’s too convenient not to—but the film shots are the ones I get most excited about when they finally arrive. They serve as little time capsules, capturing the essence of a trip in a way that feels more permanent and meaningful than anything I post on Instagram.
Practical Tips for Traveling With a Film Camera
While the Kodak M35 is a fantastic travel camera, it does require a bit of extra care. For starters, it’s not the most durable camera in the world, so I always pack it safely in a separate pouch in my bag to avoid any damage. Additionally, finding places to develop film can be a bit of a challenge, depending on where you’re traveling. Most larger cities have Walgreens, CVS, or Walmart stores that offer film development services, though it can take up to two weeks if the store has to send it out.
If you’re in an area without these options, services like Mpix or The Dark Room allow you to mail in your film for processing. The turnaround time is quick, and you can even get digital copies of your photos in an online album.
Why You Should Consider a Film Camera
The Kodak M35 won’t deliver the kind of high-resolution, professional shots you might get from a more expensive camera, but that’s not the point. It’s about capturing the moments that matter without getting caught up in perfection. Whether it’s a spontaneous selfie or a scenic shot that ends up slightly crooked, these imperfections make the photos more endearing.
If you’re looking for an inexpensive, easy-to-use camera that adds a bit of magic to your travel photography, I can’t recommend the Kodak M35 enough. Just don’t forget to grab some film and AAA batteries before your next adventure.
