This Is THE Coolest $50 Film Camera | Long Weekend 35mm Review

Long Weekend's  35mm reusable film camera is a perfect example of straightforward point-and-shoot photography with a stylish touch. Designed with essential features and a user-friendly interface, this compact camera is the brainchild of  Willem Verbeeck, an exceptionally skilled analog photographer in our Moment community. Apart from his iconic red sweatshirt featured in almost  every YouTube video, Willem is a close friend and a source of inspiration for our entire team. We collaborated with him on an online course covering the fundamentals of film photography, providing a unique opportunity to learn from one of the best in the field. Check  his course out here if you’re interested. During our hands-on experience with the camera, we had the privilege of testing it along the coastal mountains of California in the company of Willem himself. The camera is adorable and user-friendly and offers exceptional quality at an affordable price. When compared to similar 35mm point-and-shoots on the market, such as the Kodak H35 and the Ilford Sprite, Long Weekend's camera stands out with a crisper flash and greater color latitude for post-processing. Plus, even better, it’s totally creator-made. 

This little thing does a swell job of mixing vintage vibes with a modern touch. It's crafted from durable, lightweight ABS plastic, rocking the 1 35 Film and ISO 200/400 for that perfect shot. It’s light in the hands, but weighted enough to feel quality assured. Plus, if I drop it on the ground, it won’t break as easily as my Sony.

With a focus-free 31mm, F9 optical grade acrylic lens, manual wind, rewind feature, and a built-in flash ready in 10-15 seconds, it's easier than ever. Keep tabs on your shots with the film viewing window and maximize a 70% field view through our sharp viewfinder.

This bad boy also runs on a single AAA alkaline battery, making it your reliable sidekick for all your adventures. Long Weekend's camera lets you seize the essence of every moment and replay it endlessly.

• Shooting with this camera is all about keeping it chill. There’s no autofocus or exposure settings. All you do is look through the viewfinder, press the shutter, and let film do its thing.
• If you’re shooting indoors or in low light, then flip the flash switch on. It takes about 10–15 seconds to charge. If it’s bright and sunny, you should ne good to go without flash.
• Note: the viewfinder only shows about 70% of your final frame. So give your subject a little breathing room, and just trust the process. Film’s imperfections are supposed to be fun an experimental.

This compact 35mm camera was crafted by a professional photographer who understands the importance of features and specifications.

Despite its small size, it carries a substantial weight, giving it a premium feel. Ideal for extended use throughout the day or as a conveniently pocket-sized companion for activities like mountain hikes or film festivals where traveling light is crucial. The body is constructed with precision from quality materials, featuring a soft grip along the edges to prevent accidental slips. Its vibrant and stylish design makes it the type of camera you'd love to showcase.

Long Weekend's reputation for excellent design is upheld thanks to Joel, Moment's skilled softgoods designer. We love you, Joel!

This is genuinely the first 35mm film camera designed by a photographer, supporting the creative community and created for the sheer enjoyment of capturing moments. It feels like I can use a camera to document memories and how they are meant to be felt without the pressure to impress an Instagram audience. The ease of use is a standout feature; a quick snap, and you're done.

This camera is especially great for first-time film users who want to explore without fearing wasting money on film rolls. With this camera, mistakes are virtually eliminated; it's foolproof. Removing that pressure allows me to rediscover my core passion for everyday documentation.

Opting for a reusable camera is the preferred choice, and that's why renowned film brands like Kodak and Ilford have ventured into creating their own 35mm film cameras. These cameras allow creators more flexibility to experiment with various film stocks, making them perfect for those exploring different options. Unlike disposable cameras, you don't have to discard them after a single use. Also, this reusable camera stands out for its stylish design, setting it apart as an environmentally friendly option.

It's important to note that this camera isn't just a product of a brand; it's entirely creator-made. Crafted and meticulously tailored to Willem’s preferences, drawing from his experience as a professional photographer and documentarian.

Considering this is an affordable, reusable point-and-shoot camera, the images captured during our test were surprisingly sharp. It operates fully automatically, sparing you the need to stress over adjusting settings. If the lighting is too dim, a simple flick of the flash switch does the trick. This camera is designed to be user-friendly, ensuring you won't miss a great shot and keeping the process uncomplicated and enjoyable.

The flash is bright and easy to toggle on and off. A convenient red light indicates when the flash is powered on and ready for action. It’s actually the only setting you need to control on this camera is incredibly straightforward, making it super easy to use.

If you’re just starting out with film photography or looking for a fun, easy-to-use camera you can toss in your bag every day, this one’s definitely worth checking out. It’s perfect for anyone who loves playing around with film or just wants a laid-back way to capture everyday moments. It doesn’t overwhelm you with complicated settings, which makes it awesome for casual hangouts, road trips, or travel. Plus, thanks to its stylish design, it’ll look great whenever you feature it in your next “what’s in my bag” video.

Like most products, it’s not meant to do everything. The Long Weekend 35mm reusable point-and-shoot really shines in its niche as a great “cheap” film camera. It’s not loaded with advanced features or tons of customization for those who want super-sharp images or perfect color control—because that’s not what it’s built for. Similar to a Polaroid, it focuses more on creating a fun, unique look rather than delivering technical perfection. If that’s what you’re after, you’ll have a blast. If you need absolute precision, you might want to look elsewhere.