10 Gifts for Film Photographers Under $25!

If you need a few last minute gifts to finish up your holiday shopping, here are ten gifts for the film photographer in your life.

And all under $25!

Gifts for Film Photographers Under $25

1. The Kodak M35 35mm Camera

We’re starting off this list with one of my favorites: the Kodak M35 camera. The Kodak M35 is a small, reusable point-and-shoot made of all plastic, and it’s a perfect gift for film camera lovers. It produces soft, low-fi images similar to a disposable camera, and it comes in a ton of cute colors.

There are several similar cameras in this category, like the SHOW camera from dubblefilm and Ilford’s Sprite 35. Any of these would make a great gift, but they cost a bit more than the Kodak M35.

The M35 has been on sale this season for under $25, making it a perfect stocking stuffer.

Find the Kodak M35 35mm camera on Amazon or at B&H Photo.

2. Lens Filters for Creative Effects

Some of the best gifts for film photographers are those accessories you would love to have but are pretty limited use so you might not splurge on them for yourself. A lens filter that creates optical effects is exactly that kind of gift.

The Nisha brand lens filters have a variety of optical effects filters, such as the 9 image prism effect and the multi-image fanfold effect. They also have a splitzer filter to use with double exposures.

I have three of these filters myself, and they are so much fun to use when I want to be a little more creative with my images.

A note about lens filters: Lens filters come in different sizes based on the diameter of the lens you’ll be attaching them to, so if you’re buying this as a gift, just make sure you grab the right size to match the lens.

Find Nisha Optical Effects Filters at B&H Photo.

3. Film Photography Notebook

A huge part of film photography is trying to keep yourself organized and trying to remember how you rated a roll of film, what settings you used for each image, or even what type of film you have in your camera.

With the delay between shooting an image, developing, and seeing your scans, it is not unusual at all to forget the details on any particular image.

That is why the Film Photography Notebook from ShootFilmCo makes such a great gift.

In the perfect pocket size, this notebook is specifically designed to help you take notes on each roll of film you shoot and stay organized.

Find the Film Photography Notebook on Amazon.

4. Instax Mini Film Packs with Decorative Borders

Next on our list of film photography gifts is something for the instant film shooters. The Instax Mini has film with a really fun selection of film borders. You can get borders in rainbow colors, with stars, confetti, or even polka dots. There are so many options!

A favorite is definitely the borders that mimic film contact sheets.

These film packs are such a cute gift. Packs are about $10 a piece, so you can pick up a couple of packs for under $25 and make any film photographer’s day.

Find Instax Mini Film on Amazon.

5. Instax Mini Picture Frame

Along with the film packs, picture frames specifically designed for Instax Mini film are also a wonderful gift for film photographers.

For a clean and minimalist look, try these acrylic tabletop frames. Love the pastel ones.

And for something more fun and playful, try these magnetic ones. They are perfect for the fridge or you can connect a few of them together for a tabletop version.

Find Instax Mini picture frames on Amazon.

6. Film Storage Case

We recently shared a roundup of our favorite film cases, but if you’re looking for a gift at a price point under $25, our top pick is the Kodak 35mm Film Case.

The design is fantastic in a metal, retro style, and they come in classic Kodak color combinations. They are vintage and cool while still being functional. A total win!

Another beautiful gift option is the single roll leather case from Reformed Film Lab.

Find the Kodak 35mm Film Case on Amazon.

7. Film Photography Enamel Pins

Enamel pins are such a fun collectors item, and when they’re film photography themed, it’s even better. You can never have too many, and they are the perfect flare for a camera strap or bag.

Official Exclusive is the go-to spot for film photography enamel pins with hundreds of vintage camera pin designs. They also run great deals when you buy multiple pins.

Find film photography enamel pins at Official Exclusive.

8. Cyanotype Kit

If you know a film photographer who loves to experiment with different art techniques, a cyanotype kit would be an excellent gift.

The cyanotype process is a way to make prints using sun exposure resulting in a beautiful print of your image in blue or green tones.

They can be made with film negatives, making it a great project for any film photographer who wants to try their hand at print making.

You can read more about cyanotypes here.

Find cyanotype kits on Amazon.

9. Gift Card to a Film Lab

With the rising cost of film and developing, a gift card to a film lab would be appreciated by any film photographer in your life. Anything that lets us shoot more film!

Here are a few top notch film labs that offer gift cards. These are all U.S. based labs you mail your film to for developing, so you don’t have to worry about finding a lab local to your area.

Richard Photo Lab
theFINDlab
Reformed Film Lab

10. Film

And, of course, film.

You don’t have to think outside the box when you’re buying a gift for a film photographer. We love film! It’s always a hit.

If you want something a little unique, try films from CineStill, Lomography, or Film Photography Project.

Check out our favorite experimental film stocks here.

But really, any film will be wonderful. You can’t go wrong!

Find film on Amazon or at B&H Photo.

What are your favorite film photography gifts?

Share below in the comments, and happy holidays!

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Kathleen Ellis

Kathleen Ellis (Kathleen Frank) is a fine art and travel film photographer and the founder of Shoot It With Film. Find her other articles here, such as 5 35mm Film Cameras for Beginners and 5 Best Point and Shoot Film Cameras.

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