Sometimes choosing a camera is about what works best for your workflow. Other times, it’s just a crush—and we believe in love at first sight. You fall for a camera, learn its quirks, and keep discovering little things that make it yours.

Every camera has its own rhythm. Some are fun and spontaneous, others slow and deliberate; some fit in your pocket, others demand their own bag. How do you choose yours?

HOW TO PICK YOUR FIRST CAMERA

We’ve divided them into five main types: Point & Shoot, Compact, Rangefinder, Manual SLR, and Medium Format; each with its own personality.

If you find it overwhelming and don’t know where to start, take our not-too-serious test to find your perfect match: keep track of your answers and meet your camera soulmate! At the end, you will find some details on each category, as well as the results you can achieve with them!

(And no, Kendall Jenner having a Contax T2 doesn’t mean you should have one).

✧ THE QUIZ ✧

1. The way you move through a city

It’s 8:00 a.m., you’re heading to work. Your camera’s on the shelf, do you bring it?

A. Always. It fits in my jacket — you never know what you’ll see.
B. Maybe, if I’m walking somewhere interesting.
C. Probably. I like noticing the unnoticed, the quiet details.
D. Not really. I prefer taking it when I have time to shoot properly.
E. Only if I’ve planned something specific. I like to make each frame count.

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2. Your kind of Saturday

Weekend plans! What’s your ideal vibe?

A. No real plan, I like to improvise: friends, sunlight, music…
B. A day trip or hike, something spontaneous and out of the routine.
C. A slow morning, a book, a long walk alone.
D. A day for a project! Organizing, creating, learning something new.
E. Heading somewhere beautiful — a drive, a late lunch, a sunset you actually stop to watch.

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3. Your energy after dark

It’s 10 p.m. — what are you most likely to be doing?

A. Jumping between plans, out with friends — the night just unfolds.
B. At a concert or bar, relaxed but social. Maybe snapping a few portraits in low light?
C. Wandering empty streets, finding reflections and neon lights.
D. Staying at home, with time for editing, organizing or even archiving negatives.
E. Somewhere still — stargazing, or just letting the night breathe

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4. How you like to shoot

When you’re behind a camera (even your phone’s!), what matters most?

A. Energy and emotion — capturing life as it happens.
B. Balance: good light, nice composition, but nothing too technical.
C. Mood and story. Atmosphere over perfection.
D. Control. Understanding light, exposure, focus.
E. Quality and craft. I want the tones, the texture, the “wow” factor.

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5. Your style in film (and life)

Pick the mood that feels most you:

A. Raw, imperfect, full of energy.
B. Modern, simple, a little cinematic.
C. Quiet, thoughtful, timeless.
D. Structured, deliberate, classic.
E. Detailed, lush, and intentional.

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6. If your life were a film, which would it be?

Pick the combo that resonates most with you:

A. Frances Ha, Reality Bites, The Florida Project — lively, unpredictable.
B. Before Sunrise, Amélie, Paterson — poetic, modern.
C. Columbus, Call Me By Your Name, Lost in Translation — emotional, story-driven.
D. Blow-Up, American Psycho, The Royal Tenenbaums — controlled, highly composed.
E. Le Bonheur, A Ghost Story, Portrait of a Lady on Fire — painterly and meditative.

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7. Your relationship with film rolls

You may snap hundreds of phone photos, but with film…

A. It’s an addiction. I’d load another roll right away, I can’t stop!
B. Balance. I shoot often, but film slows me down just enough.
C. I wait for the right scene. Rather have one perfect shot than ten random ones.
D. I like to analyze what I learned before loading a new roll. Taking notes is part of the fun.
E. I take my time, twelve frames can last me weeks.

✧ THE RESULTS ✧

Have you got your answers? Let’s find your match!

NOTE: Cameras come and go, but we update our inventory frequently. The stock may change depending on when you’re reading this. If you’re looking for a specific camera that isn’t currently listed in our catalog, complete this form or reach us via email for extra guidance.

MOSTLY A’s — The Point & Shoot
AKA The Fast & Furious

You live for moments. Your camera is an extension of your pocket — quick, spontaneous, always ready for whatever comes your way. Set it and forget it!

Point & Shoot cameras are simple and user-friendly: small, lightweight, and almost entirely automatic. Just load the roll, point at your subject, and shoot.

They’re great for beginners or casual shooting: if you want to capture your holidays, your nights out, or your friends without worrying about settings, this one’s for you. Do not underestimate them, they can do wonders!

 

You next camera could be: Olympus Mju-II, Yashica T4, Nikon AF.

[PRO TIP] Use the flash! You might not need it every time, but it guarantees enought light and can lift a simple frame into something that pops.

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MOSTLY B’s — The Compact Camera
Convenience without losing the charm

You like things simple, but with a touch of control. You want great results without overthinking settings, and a camera that’s small enough to take everywhere but capable enough to deliver.

Compact cameras hit that sweet spot: they’re discreet but capable, light yet powerful. They sit right between SLR quality and point & shoot convenience. They often have better lenses, faster autofocus, and sometimes let you adjust settings like aperture or exposure compensation.

They do ask for a little more care than a simple point & shoot, but the results are almost always top-notch.

 

You next camera could be: Pentax17, Leica CM Zoom, Contax T2.

[PRO TIP] They’re a bit more delicate than point & shoots, so treat them well — they’ll reward you with SLR-quality results.

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MOSTLY C’s — The Rangefinder
If you know, you know

You’re an observer — calm, patient, always seeing the small stories around you. Rangefinders are fast, quiet, and less intrusive, perfect for blending into your surroundings and capturing scenes as they unfold. They’re loved by travel and street photographers!

Focusing is manual, and framing takes a bit of practice, but once you get used to it, it’s pure magic. Because rangefinders don’t use a mirror like SLRs do, they’re lighter and less prone to camera shake. The trade-off is that you’re not looking directly through the lens, which can make composing slightly less intuitive at first.

 

You next camera could be: Leica M3, Olympus XA, Yashica Electro 35.

[PRO TIP] Once you get used to composing without looking through the lens, your shots will feel more natural and alive.

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MOSTLY D’s — The Manual SLR
Perfect framing. Total control

You enjoy understanding how things work. You like control, precision, and the satisfaction of nailing exposure manually. A Manual SLR is your playground: full control, tons of lenses, reliable, and built to last.

SLRs (Single-Lens Reflex) are for those who like to be in full control. You see exactly what the lens sees, and you set everything manually: aperture, shutter speed, focus. They’re also the most flexible systems, with a huge range of lenses available. If you’re serious about learning photography or simply love that mechanical, hands-on experience, this is your match.

On our website, we further divide our reflex / SLR cameras into manual and autofocus models to help you find exactly what you want.

 

You next camera could be: Nikon FM2, Canon AE-1, Pentax K1000.

[PRO TIP] If you’re just getting started, even a simple SLR will do the job beautifully. Models like the Nikon F80 or Canon 650 might not be the prettiest or most mechanical, but paired with a good lens, they’ll deliver excellent results.

If you’re after something sturdier—a fully mechanical, long-lasting camera you could one day hand down to your grandchildren—this category also has you covered. Classics like the Canon F-1 or Nikon FM2 are always a safe bet if you’re looking for reliability and long-term value.

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MOSTLY E’s — The Medium Format
The Big Step-Up

You believe that good things take time. Medium format is where things slow down—fewer shots, more detail, and a rhythm that invites you to be fully present.

These cameras use 120 film, which produces larger negatives, richer tones, and finer detail. If you really want to see what film photography is capable of, go straight to 120, and you’ll be surprised!

They’re heavier, more delicate, and give you fewer frames per roll, but when everything comes together, the image quality is second to none.

In medium format, the type of framing of each camera is a key factor. In this case, usually the bigger the better, BUT the fewer frames you’ll get:

FORMAT FRAMES

6×45 — 15*

6×6 — 12

6×7 — 10

6×8 — 9

6×9 — 8

*(16 in the lastest models)

 

You next camera could be: Mamiya 645, Hasselblad 500C/M, Pentax 67.

[PRO TIP] There is not a format for one specific purpose but a bit of a rule of thumb.

• 645 works wonderfully for portraits.
• 66 is an all-rounder, originally meant to be cropped in magazines.
• 67 is great for editorial and photo essays.
• 68 is more technical or studio-oriented.
• 69 works well for artists’ essays and landscaping.

 

If you’re going pro, shooting portraits, or simply want to enjoy a slower and more intentional process, medium format might be your next move.

 

A FEW EXTRA POINTERS

If you’re just starting out, you’ll most likely be looking at 35mm cameras, which are easy to handle, affordable, and perfect for everyday use. The film is widely available, and you get a good number of shots per roll. There’s also a huge variety of cameras to choose from!

Ask us at cameras@carmencitafilmlab.com if you need help choosing your first camera, stepping outside of your comfort zone, or upgrading (including your lenses!).

HOW WE CARE FOR OUR CAMERAS

Carmencita Cameras is the natural extension of Carmencita Film Lab. We’ve been developing and scanning film with the highest standards since 2013 and we decided to create Carmencita Cameras to solve one of the most common problem among our photographers: finding reliable equipment in good and pristine condition at a reasonable price.

No bargains. No defects. Only top equiment.

Every piece of equipment we have was previously owned. The majority of the cameras come from photographers or private collectors looking to sell their equipment, but we also carefully choose them at fairs.

All cameras include a careful revision by our staff, CLA and light seals are replaced when needed prior to any sale. We inspect and test them all before they are listed and available for purchase. We put a lot of effort into bringing the cameras in the best conditions so that you can enjoy your new old camera!

THE PERFECT CAMERA

… is the one you will actually use.

The best camera isn’t the most expensive, the sharpest, or the rarest — it’s the one that makes you want to go out and shoot. Whether it’s a pocketable point & shoot or a hefty Hasselblad, what matters most is that it feels right in your hands.

If you’re still unsure where to start, explore our Camera Collection — we’ve grouped them by style to help you find your match.

Now load a roll, head out, and see what story your camera wants to tell.

 

 

Photography without photobooks feels incomplete—like cinema without films or literature without novels. Photobooks aren’t just collections of images; they’re curated journeys, historical documents, and profound reflections on culture and human experience.

At Carmencita Film Lab, we genuinely believe that understanding photography’s richness is intrinsically linked to exploring the vast universe of photobooks. It’s how we learn, how we feel, how we remember.

Whether you’re new to photography or a seasoned professional, exploring photobooks will deepen your appreciation and knowledge of this beautiful art form. Although the world of photobooks is incredibly vast, we wanted to create an approachable introduction. This guide is not definitive—just a few key titles that every photographer should know.

TIMELESS CLASSICS

We deeply believe in the importance of knowing the classics, even if it’s in every creative photographer’s DNA to create something new; without knowing the pillars or foundations our visual culture has grown from, it’s almost foolish to believe you can outpace all previous generations within a lifetime. Learn the basics before you can break them. And often, we realize that our groundbreaking style has already been done.

Black-and-white photography has profoundly shaped visual culture, and it feels almost criminal to limit ourselves to just four essential classics.

Nevertheless, here are a few timeless masterpieces that any photography enthusiast will instantly recognize and cherish. Each book offers a rich, evergreen experience that reveals new nuances upon each revisit.

‘THE AMERICANS’ BY ROBERT FRANK

Arguably one of the most influential photobooks ever created, Frank’s candid portrayal of 1950s America challenged traditional photographic aesthetics and cultural perceptions. Each image is a profound commentary on the complexity and contradictions of American society, resonating powerfully even today.

‘GYPSIES’ BY JOSEF KOUDELKA

Josef Koudelka’s ‘Gypsies’ is a heartfelt exploration of Europe’s Romani communities. His poignant and deeply empathetic images offer a dignified perspective of a marginalized group, capturing human resilience and beauty within stark realities.

‘THE DECISIVE MOMENT’ BY HENRI CARTIER-BRESSON

Cartier-Bresson’s seminal work gave us the concept of ‘the decisive moment’—that perfect instant when composition and timing align effortlessly. This photobook is a masterclass in photographic instinct and visual poetry, offering timeless lessons in observation.

‘GENESIS’ SEBASTIÃO SALGADO

In ‘Genesis,’ Salgado takes us on a breathtaking journey through untouched landscapes and remote cultures. The book is a powerful reminder of our world’s profound beauty and fragility, captured through masterful compositions and striking black-and-white imagery.

CONTEMPORARY ESSENTIALS

Calling these works contemporary may feel odd, given their profound cultural impact, but in the grand timeline of human history, color photography’s mass adoption is still remarkably recent—only around 50-60 years ago. These titles have reshaped our visual understanding, emphasizing color as a protagonist in storytelling.

Fun Fact: Historically, color photography was initially dismissed as “consumer-grade” and inferior by many established photographers, largely due to inaccuracies in color printing processes. It wasn’t until Kodachrome revolutionized color reproduction, allowing photographers to finally see their images as vividly as they envisioned, that color photography gained the artistic respect it deserved.

These books, both classic and contemporary, serve as essential guides to understanding photography’s evolving narrative. Dive into their pages—you’ll find yourself continuously inspired

‘UNCOMMON PLACES’ BY STEPHEN SHORE

Stephen Shore transformed the mundane into something extraordinary, capturing everyday American scenes with meticulous composition and vibrant color. His work invites viewers to reconsider ordinary surroundings through a fresh, thoughtful lens.

‘SLEEPING BY THE MISSISSIPPI’ BY ALEC SOTH

Alec Soth poetically documents life’s quiet, overlooked moments along America’s iconic Mississippi River. His vivid, intimate portraits and evocative landscapes blend seamlessly to create narratives that speak directly to our shared humanity.

 

‘SOUTH SOUTHEAST’ BY STEVE MCCURRY

Steve McCurry’s ‘South Southeast’ is a vibrant tribute to the colors, cultures, and human stories of Asia. Known for his iconic portraiture, McCurry masterfully captures the essence of human connection and the diversity of life through powerful compositions and unforgettable faces.

‘THE SUFFERING OF LIGHT’ BY ALEX WEBB

Alex Webb’s masterful use of color, complex compositions, and layered narratives captures the vividness of life with astonishing clarity. Each photograph pulses with energy, revealing profound human stories through luminous and dynamic scenes.

A LENS OF THEIR OWN

Needless to say, we believe talent is not bound to any gender, skin colour or nationality. When elaborating the first selection, we hesitated about what books to include. Four books is an impossibly small number, so instead of trying to be definitive, we decided to highlight four works that feel especially vital when we think about women behind the lens.

Photography was never as “democratic” as it is today; all the contrary, you often had to be on the wealthy side of the street to “take” photographs and often, it was middle to upper class that could pay someone to have their photo taken. Like many art forms — painting, music, literature —, access to photography was deeply tied to wealth, class, and education; the kind of foundations that allow for creative risk and growth.

Fortunately things have changed (a bit) and the arts are more open than they’ve ever been. Although there is still a big gap from “access” and “making a living of”, we’re seeing a broader range of voices in photography — voices that reinterpret the world in deeply personal ways and allow us to see through their eyes. Photography has never been so colourful and we believe it’s something we should celebrate.

‘DIANE ARBUS: AN APERTURE MONOGRAPH’

A raw, fearless, and unsettling window into American life. Arbus didn’t photograph just people—she photographed truth. Her monograph is a haunting exploration of outsiders, identity, and the power of confronting the uncomfortable. A book that still sparks debate, decades after its release.

‘MIGRANT MOTHER’ BY DOROTHEA LANGE

While not a traditional photobook in structure, any compilation of Lange’s work, especially around her Depression-era images, feels like a social history textbook told through empathy and lens. ‘Migrant Mother’ became iconic, but Lange’s body of work is a testament to how photography can change policy, not just perception.

‘THE BALLAD OF SEXUAL DEPENDENCY’ BY NAN GOLDIN

Unfiltered, vulnerable, and radically intimate—Goldin’s visual diary of love, addiction, and community in 1980s New York is as emotionally powerful as it is visually striking. Not a photobook you just “look at”, it’s one you feel deeply, page by page.

‘ANNIE LEIBOVITZ: PORTRAITS’

Leibovitz redefined modern portraiture. Her compositions are as cinematic as they are iconic, often blending personal connection with technical mastery. This book is a timeline of cultural memory, full of faces that shaped generations, all seen through her lens.

And while we could only focus on a few complete books, some photographers’ influence is so deep, it goes beyond a single publication. Names like Vivian Maier, who gave us a lifetime of street photography discovered posthumously; Sally Mann, who dared to explore childhood, memory and decay with poetic intensity; Cindy Sherman, who used the camera to blur and question the idea of identity itself; and Gerda Taro, who risked her life to document war, leaving a legacy far greater than her tragically short career.

OUR TAKE ON IT

We perfectly know we are a film lab, far from the complexities of what publishing entails. Nevertheless, we see thousands and thousands of images every day and get to appreciate the work of countless photographers.

As analog photographers ourselves, we couldn’t help but dream about supporting photographers in completing the cycle of their projects—transforming their work into printed publications. To condense their vision, give it shape, and ensure it lives on forever as a book or zine.

This very spirit kickstarted ‘Carmencita Editions‘, aiming to start simply, creating publications for photographers we admire who had little or no printed work produced before.

Our goal was to create a symbiosis of each photographer’s work together with our vision and curation, always highlighting the photographers work without intervening too much (therefore the transparent letters on the cover, for example).

You can find all our published editions along books from friends and other folks we admire at carmencitaeditions.com

LAST BUT NOT LEAST

Photobooks offer something truly unique in the photography world—they’re an invaluable tool for developing your own visual criteria and shaping your personal perspective. When you delve into a photobook, you’re not simply flipping through images; you’re exploring an artist’s complete vision, thoughtfully curated into a cohesive narrative. This immersive experience encourages a deeper focus and appreciation that scrolling through digital images often cannot replicate.

Through engaging with photobooks, you learn to appreciate the distinct qualities of printed photographs—texture, color depth, sequencing, and pacing—all elements that breathe life into the images. Valuing the physical print reconnects you with photography’s tangible nature, reminding you why print continues to hold such significance in our digitally saturated age.

Remember: you don’t have to love every photobook. In fact, understanding your own preferences, recognising what resonates with you and what doesn’t, is precisely the point. Your tastes will evolve, and that’s perfectly natural—embrace this journey of discovery!

And while it’s perfectly okay to find certain photobooks not to your liking, always approach them with respect. Each photobook represents countless hours of dedication, creative struggle, and meticulous effort.

LOCAL LOVE

Try to also explore your local scene! Ask your local book or photobook store and, if you can, support and encourage local photographers you love by buying their publications; if they were brave enough to publish (or even braver: self-publish), they deserve some love. We truly believe in the potential to create local synergies and enhance your city with the people who surround you.

If you are curious about their work or their journey in publishing, ask them! We are sure they’ll be more than happy to answer. We believe that even though it can be a painful process sometimes, it is truly worth it when you look a few years further!

That being said, we know some scenes are more prolific than others for multiple reasons, and if you can’t find what you’re looking for at home, here are some of our favourite online stores to take a deep dive into the photobook world.

NOTE: Proceed at your own risk, this is not a budget-friendly passion

BOOK AND SONS

BOOK AND SONS is a quiet tucked in a residential area near Gakugei-Daigaku Station (Tokyo). Specializing in graphic design and typography, it offers a carefully curated selection of books — both Japanese and international — handpicked by the owner. A great spot to stop by while exploring the neighborhood!

LA FÁBRICA

​La Fábrica is a bookstore and cultural space located in the heart of Madrid’s Barrio de las Letras. Since opening its doors in 1997, it has become a go-to spot for lovers of photography, art, and contemporary culture.

RAILOWSKY

Railowsky is an independent bookstore and photo gallery based in Valencia, active since 1985. With a special focus on photography and visual culture, it’s become a long-standing reference in the local scene.

TERRANOVA

Terranova is a bookstore and gallery located in Barcelona. It offers a curated selection of international art books, vintage rarities, self-published zines, and limited-edition artist books. In addition to its bookstore, Terranova features a small gallery space dedicated to monographic exhibitions of artist books and prints.

 

 

This is a special one! This time, we got to test this little big camera before it was released to the market, and we were honestly surprised by the result and not something we expected to see at the end of the year.

From what we could know from Kodak, they had been cooking this behind the scenes since late 2019! But due to obvious everything had to be delayed until today! So we truly appreciate that they put an extra effort into the supply chain only to release the camera once it was available for shops and resellers to order and be able to have it at the stores asap after the release!

We know the world is a bit upsidedown these days and things like this help us believe in a bright future (especially if they have a proper flash built-in!)

 

 

THE CAMERA

 

One exceptional thing about this camera is that it has a Dual Lens System, 99,9% of single-use cameras or point & shoots are based on a single lens element that is pretty basic. We were surprised by it, and you will notice that it offers a bit of a depth of field sometimes.

In our experience, it felt the camera’s best results are achieved when shooting a subject at 1,5 ~ 4 meters distance; there, the camera feels extra sharp and “blurs” a bit the background. Maybe for landscape is not ideal, but we don’t think that’s the main subject this camera will have 🙂

 

TONES

Well, what else to say about TX that hasn’t been written already. A truly classic film, the film of the classics. Indeed, it does not shine at its best in a plastic lens, obviously, but TX is a much more flexible film than TMax, for example, which helps ease the exposure mistakes that can be made by such a simple camera system.

We recommend that you apply a bit of extra contrast to make your pictures pop, depending on how your lab works on it.

Expect images to have grain, black & white films are often more grainy than color films, specially when it’s not super well exposed.

Also important! TX is a very pushable film! So feel free to give it a go and push this film +2 stops to make a 1600 ISO point & shoot!

 

 

 

OUR CONCLUSION

 

Definitely something unexpected for 2021. It is really nice to see upcoming new alternatives for film shooters, especially these types of cameras that help a lot of entry-level users to lose fear from film photography!

The design is wicked cool and the dual-lens system, even if it’s plasticky definitely makes a difference when compared to other single-use cameras. But don’t take our word for it. You should try it for yourself!

 

ENVIRONMENT

That being said, of course, having a plastic body and lens is not ideal if we think about the environment. At the moment there is no alternative for these camera formats and we are surprised to see how much they have grown into popularity in the last 3 years!

We do our best to split the cameras and recycle all the parts separately (electronics/batteries/plastics) so they can be processed individually.

 

 

 

 

 

BONUS: We got featured in @kodakprofessional_europe ! Check their post to see more amazing photographers that got the chance to test the camera!