The 35mm camera became very popular in the 1970s, first being used by photojournalists, and rapidly increasing in popularity with the advent of the Nikon 35mm cameras. However, other 35mm cameras were in existence as early as 1935/36, including Russian and Dutch products. Mamiya and Zeiss each had a 35mm camera as early as 1949. Today, journalists have moved on to digital cameras and camcorders.

Other manufacturers, including but not limited to Olympus and Canon, joined the market. As a result, many competing models exist for recommended comparison of features and price. As with all modern gadgets, of course, many features don't get used, in spite of successful marketing efforts. Not buying them will probably save some serious money. A good 35mm camera with a zoom or telephoto lens is capable of some outstanding shots. Of all the 35mm cameras made, the Leica remains one of the quietest and most respected by serious photographers. Often, it is the only camera allowed during golf tournaments, for example, or the only way to photograph wildlife from within a blind.

Before 1970, a film of choice for serious photographers was medium format (or film that comes in roll sizes 120 or 220). It's versatile and produces outstanding photographs. Professionals and many other serious photographers still use it today. Large format film comes only in sheets, not rolls, with 4"x5" being the most popular. A single sheet can be processed, and black-and-white and color shots can be taken at the same time, in the same camera. However, many other technical advantages take precedence over even the film size for studio and landscape photographers.

Other Camera Formats

During the 1960s and 1970s, other film sizes, including Disc and Instamatic (126 and 110) formats caught the fancy of the public for a short while, but were overtaken by 35mm. Polaroid cameras were also popular for a time, in spite of being an expensive and rather cumbersome way to get a fast picture. However, Polaroid Corporation remains in business, and there is still high demand for their cameras, particularly in the commercial market. An especially valuable service is their Digital Child Identification/Amber Alert system. They also sell a digital system for taking passport photos.