The Cutest Hipster Cameras

Photography is a popular passion among many hipsters. From snapping pics of friends to places throughout town, many hipster photogs are forever in pursuit of the perfect shot.

However, to capture the best images, you’ll need the right hipster camera.

Forget about using the camera on your smartphone, or even a digital camera. Instead, hipsters prefer vintage or retro cameras, which use traditional, old-school film.

Hipster Cameras

At first glance, many hipster cameras seem outdated, low-tech, and technically limited. However, hipsters have turned these apparent deficiencies into artistic strengths.

With a hipster camera, you can capture images, unlike what’s possible with a modern digital camera.

Today, we’re taking a closer look at popular types of hipster cameras. Whether you’re new to the world of hipster photography or are an experienced vet, you’re sure to find plenty of awesome options:

Diana F+ Camera

Diana F+ Camera

lomography diana f+ camera

The Diana Flash works via a two-pronged plug adapter just like the original. It plugs directly into the Diana F+ camera body.

Diana F+ cameras have been a hipster fave since the 1960s. Originally marketed as a toy, the Diana camera has a plastic body with a simple meniscus lens.

The camera uses two types of film: 120 roll film and 35 mm. At first glance, it probably doesn’t seem like anything special.

Why do hipsters like this simple camera so much?

Its unique design allows it to take “lomographic” photos. Lomography is a style of photography characterized by soft, colorful, and slightly blurry images. Photos have a dreamlike, impressionistic quality.

Keep in mind these cameras aren’t always easy to use, especially if you’re new to using them. They’re prone to light leaks and film advancement issues.

However, no other camera creates photos quite like the Diana.

A variety of different options are available. The standard model is the Diana F+ Medium Format Camera with Flash from Lomography. Another option is the Lomography Diana Mini with Flash, which is a more compact version.

Holga

Holga

holga 120 wide pinhole camera

Add to your Plastic Camera collection with this unique version of the Holga 120N camera. Features built in cable release threaded shutter release button, bubble level, 0.3mm f/135 pinhole, 1/4-20 thread tripod mount and masks for both 6x9 cm and 6x12 cm images. Uses 120 size B&W or color film.

Launched in Hong Kong in 1982, the Holga camera was originally intended as an affordable, general-purpose camera. It’s a medium format camera with a plastic body which uses 120 roll film.

Although the camera isn’t packed with fancy tech, hipsters have turned the camera’s weaknesses into strengths. The camera is imprecise and prone to light leaks.

However, the resulting photographs have a surreal, other-worldly quality.

Aside from hipsters, professional photographers and artists also use Holga cameras. Photojournalist David Burnett won a major prize from the White House News Photographers’ Association for his pic of vice-president Al Gore taken with a Holga. Many photographers credit the camera for inspiring Instagram’s style.

The standard 120N plastic Holga camera features two film masks, three shutter speeds, and a standard tripod mount. Another option is the Holga 120 Wide Pinhole Camera.

Adjust between three formats: wide-angle panorama, pinhole, and medium-format.

Fujifilm Instax Mini 8 Instant Film Camera

Hipsters love cameras that print out physical photos instantly. While Polaroid is the most widely-known type of instant camera, the Fujifilm Instax Mini 8 is another popular option.

It has a slim, light model for maximum portability. Plus, it has a constant firing flash with automatic light adjustment.

The camera has a flashing LED, which indicates the recommended aperture setting. It’s easy to take great pictures during the day and night, indoors or out.

Hipsters love using this camera for portraits. It has a High Key mode, which creates a bright, soft look. Additionally, an improved viewfinder allows for increased clarity when lining up your shots.

Finally, these cameras are available in a variety of hipster-friendly colors, including raspberryyellow, and blue.

Note that these cameras are no longer made by the original manufacturer Fujifilm, although they’re still fairly easy to find from third-party sellers.

Polaroid

Polaroid’s had some interesting developments (no pun intended) in recent years. They’ve introduced a variety of products powered by modern technology but which retain a retro feel.

Their newest offering is the Polaroid Snap Instant Digital Camera. It’s as simple as the original Polaroid but with a high-tech twist.

Polaroid Snap Instant Digital Camera

polaroid snap instant digital camera

The Polaroid Snap instant digital camera captures all the fun and spontaneity of the legacy Polaroid instant camera in an easy, compact package. Simply point and click to print vibrant, high-quality photos that you can share, no computer connections needed.

All you do is point, click, and print. The camera instantly prints two-by-three full-color prints. Even better, it requires no ink, toner, or ribbons.

Aside from physical photos, you also capture digital images you can then upload to your phone or PC.

Of course, hipsters always prefer analog when possible. Share your photos with friends instantly.

Each photo has an adhesive backing. You can stick them to practically any flat surface. It’s the old-school way to post pics!

If you’re looking for the more traditional type of Polaroid, go with the Polaroid Originals OneStep. As Polaroid proudly declares, “The Original is Back.” It uses both i-Type and 600 films.

Polaroid Originals

polaroid originals

Inspired by the original one step camera from 1977, the Polaroid one step 2 is an Analog instant camera for the modern era. It takes a moment and turns it into something you can hold, something you can share, something real. Do not charge the device if you notice any unusual odors, noise or smoke.

Even though they call it the original, it does have some cool modern-day upgrades. You can now charge the camera with a USB cable.

If you’re familiar with the original model, you’ll know how robustly it drained batteries!

Also, today’s Polaroid has Optical Grade Polycarbonate and Acrylic lenses. The pictures still have the classic Polaroid look, but taking clear ones is now much easier.

Jollylook Mini Instant Camera

Jollylook Mini Instant Camera

jollylook mini instant camera

Authentic vintage retro instant film camera in steampunk design, with an appealing, analog steampunk vibe that looks appealing in any setting.

Do you want an old school camera? We’re not talking just analog; we’re talking about as old school as it gets.

The Jollylook is a vintage replica of the earliest cameras invented.

Originally a Kickstarter project, the Jollylook is more than a novelty. It takes awesomely authentic photos with a 110mm lens, viewfinder, and ability to switch between an auto and manual shutter.

It uses Fujifilm Instax Mini film cartridges.

Plus, it’s surprisingly portable. You can fold it down to the size of a small box for easy and secure transportation.

Canon 35mm

Canon 35MM Film Camera

canon 35mm film camera

35mm SLR (Single-Lens-Reflex) camera with electronically controlled AE (Automatic Exposure) and focal plane shutter.

Canon has a hipster-friendly history. As one of the original developers of 35mm film, they were known as a technical powerhouse in the camera industry back in the 1950s.

However, the prices were beyond the average family’s budget.

In 1958, a team of young engineers at Canon urged the company to make cameras they could afford. Soon, Canon revolutionized the camera industry with the development of the 35mm lens-shutter camera.

Its affordability opened it up to the youth market. Photography became youthful and fun.

Today, Canon remains popular among young people. Hipsters especially love the brand due to its commitment to film and its classic, retro design.

Their most popular modern camera is the Canon AE-1. It’s a Single-Lens-Reflex camera with a variety of features to make taking photos easy.

Why do hipsters like film cameras, anyway?

Well, first, it’s not just hipsters. Many professional photographers also prefer film to digital for a few reasons:

  • Film has better resolution than digital
  • Film allows you to print large prints and wall-sized prints
  • Film cameras are usually cheaper than digital
  • Film cameras can create unique looks

Hipster Camera Bags

Once you’ve selected the perfect hipster camera, you’ll need to choose a camera bag. Fortunately, you’ll find plenty of hipster options available.

When searching for a camera bag, consider the following:

  • The bag’s durability
  • The bag’s style

No matter how cool the bag looks, it’s worthless if it won’t protect your camera from harm. Now, not many bags will keep your camera safe from a major drop.

But it should have enough padding to protect against bumps and bangs on a subway or when you’re riding a bike.

This large Bluboon bag is strong and secure. It has a fully-padded inner lining plus separate compartments for camera components.

Bluboon Bag

bluboon bag

This smaller bag has little pieces that make up separate compartments inside the bag, adjustable by velcro. Travel Light. It's great and convenient for your outdoor shooting when you just want to carry a compact case.

Even better, it has a vintage style with genuine leather.

If you ride around town on your bike, check out this backpack from CADeN. It has a unique triangle design, so the top corners can’t get snagged on obstructions.

Plus, it’s waterproof so your camera can stay dry in wet weather (we’re looking at you, Portland, and Seattle hipsters).

Once you’ve found a bag that will protect your camera, it’s time to choose a style. This canvas bag from Evecase has a distinctive but understated hipster style.

If you want something smaller, this leather-braided camera strap from SupaDupa Photo combines function with fashion. The woven leather strap securely holds your camera around your neck.

Supadupa Leather Braided Camera Strap

supadupa leather braided camera strap

Handmade & finished to the highest quality. The leather becomes softer and more supple with use. Over time, the strap will provide an attractive vintage aged look.

Final Word

With a camera in every phone, taking pictures has never been easier. However, if you want to take your snaps to the next level, leave your phone in your pocket.

All the hipster cameras on our list create cool, beautiful, and unique images far superior to what you can do with a smartphone filter.

Plus, these cameras are fun to use. Their imperfections give each camera a unique charm.

You never quite know how a photo will turn out until it’s printed, creating a sense of exploration and adventure in every shot.

Also, learning how to use these cameras is a great starting point for anyone interested in photography. The unique images they capture will help you develop an artistic eye.

Our list is a great starting point for anyone interested in hipster photography. While the cameras above aren’t the most technologically advanced, they can create indelible images you’re sure to treasure.

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