10 great film cameras that will set you back less than $700

There are so many options out there if you're looking to get into film photography that it might be hard to choose what option is best. We asked for recommendations on facebook last week for film cameras for people wanting to dip their toe into the world of film, and these were some of the great recommendations we got.

All of these can be acquired on ebay or gumtree and none should set you back more than $700.

1) Olympus OM-1: This nifty little camera was introduced in 1972, and designed by Olympus guru Yoshihisa Maitani. An all mechanical SLR, it's tight, dense and solid with a beautiful shape. Simple to use, and with a viewfinder still widely regarded as one of the best ever in an SLR, the OM-1 is perfect for beginners. $50-150.

2) Canon A-1: Historically important as the first SLR to offer an electronically controlled programmed autoexposure mode, Canon's A-1 is an extremely advanced camera for its time. Rolled out between 1978 and 1985, this camera is extremely easy to use thanks to its accommodating features which include a microprocessor to automatically select compromise exposure. $200-400.

3) Pentax 645N/645NII: An autofocus medium-format SLR, the Pentax 645N is a great camera for newbies. Adding autofocus, matrix metering, exposure compensation and more to its earlier 645 model, Pentax created a camera that just works. It's easy to use and reliable, with the NII adding mirror lock-up. $500~

4) Nikon FA: The most sophisticated classic compact Nikon SLRs, the Nikon FA provides extra electronics and functions at the cost of a chunkier model. However, its extra weight afforded users the first multi-segmented exposure light meter in history. The most advanced manual-focus Nikon camera designed, the FA makes it a solid pick for beginners. $300-600.

5) Pentax MX: This 35mm SLR was Pentax's flagship camera until its successor the Pentax LX but is still a solid introductory camera. Barring the light metering system, the camera is wholly mechanical and does not feature autofocus or auto-exposure but its mechanical features are sublime; this is a great camera for beginners to practice with. $250-350.

6) Minolta SR-T 101: One of the most popular cameras of all time (Minolta made millions of them), the 101 is a mechanical camera that is simple, dependable. Featuring a big and sharp viewfinder as well as a Contrast Light Compensating meter this is a fantastic option for first-timers. $50-100.

7) Nikon F4: Introduced in 1988, the F4 was the next generation of Nikon's F series professional cameras. Nikon's first autofocus camera came with modern matrix light metering and motor drive, innovating photography. Tight, precise and built well, this camera is a wonderful, solid machine that can get the job done. $400-700.

8) Nikon F100: The F100 was released in 1999 and is probably one of the best 35mm cameras ever made. Since its inception, camera development has revolved around digital photography and so the F100 stands out as a purchase of the the 20th Century. Automatic bracketing modes and DX film speed sensing are a stand-out feature for this one. $250-400.

9) Olympus XA: Released in the 80s, the Olympus XA is a fine camera that is simple and portable. Lacking a protruding lens, the XA's optics are concealed with a clamshell, making photography easy and on-the-move. Available in multiple variants, the XA and the XA2 are the most popular and most suitable for newbies. $250-350.

10) Pentax ME: A classic 70s 35mm SLR, the ME features automatic electronic exposure control and a relatively small body. Despite this it features a large viewfinder and is very basic making it a very good choice for beginners. $60-200.

Let us know in the comments if there are others you would recommend.