Tom’s Guide Verdict
Film photography fans, look no further than the Kodak Ultra F9 35mm.
At just $49, its very cheap, and film costs arent high either.
But it has a small viewfinder and low-light performance is restricted by the fixed f/9 aperture lens.
(Image credit: Nikita Achanta / Future)
Ill be holding on to it for a long time as its one of thebest cheap camerasaround.
The Ultra F9 is a 35mm film format camera thats extremely easy to use and affordable.
Not only is the camera itself inexpensive, costing just $49, but so is 35mm film.
However, it comes with a few quirks.
For the complete breakdown, read my full Kodak Ultra F9 35mm review.
It comes in two colorways, black and yellow or green and white.
As I mentioned earlier, it comes in two colorways.
I tested the yellow and black model which looks great.
Exposure is set automatically and the shutter speed is limited to 1/120s.
Basically, all you’re gonna wanna do is look through the viewfinder and shoot.
However, it comes with a built-in flash to aid in dimly lit environments.
The camera has a very straightforward control scheme so it wont take you long to get used to it.
On the back of the camera is where the film compartment is located.
Once youve inserted the roll, youre ready to start shooting.
This is easily done and youll hear aclickwhen its ready.
Youll find the shutter button on the top plate, and this gives good tactile feedback when pressed.
Also on the top plate is the rewind crank for loading and unloading the film.
There isnt much else going on in terms of physical controls.
The photo of the cat is perhaps my favorite.
The car isn’t in focus and the image is a little noisy.
Developing film costs $20 / 17 on average which, in the long run, can become expensive.
You could always develop film yourself which will be cheaper but that requires skill and investment.
I used a Duracell AAA battery which lasted me an entire roll of film (24 exposures).
It looks premium too, with a faux-leather-like design.
But at just $49, you really cant go wrong with the UItra F9 35mm.
(Image credit: Nikita Achanta / Future)
(Image credit: Nikita Achanta / Future)
(Image credit: Nikita Achanta / Future)
(Image credit: Nikita Achanta / Future)
(Image credit: Nikita Achanta / Future)
