Praktica’s New 35mm Film Camera

credits: Praktica

Photographers in 2026 have more reusable 35mm film cameras to choose from than they have had in years. Cameras like the Pure35, Lomography’s lineup, and Dubble Film’s SHOW camera have all helped bring film photography back into the spotlight. Now another familiar name has entered the mix with the launch of the Praktica VF212. While the Praktica name will be familiar to many longtime photographers, this new camera has unfortunately very little in common with the company’s classic East German SLRs that were produced from 1949 until 2001.

The VF212 is a simple, lightweight 35mm reusable film camera with a plastic body that weighs 98g. It features a 31mm f/9-11 lens, an optical viewfinder with around 70% frame coverage, and a built-in Xenon flash for low-light shooting. The camera is already available worldwide, and it typically sells for around $20, although kits that include film cost a little more. Despite carrying the Praktica name, the camera is manufactured in China and, again, has no real connection to the original German-made Praktica cameras beyond the branding.

For anyone curious about trying film photography, the VF212 is a relatively inexpensive way to get started. At the same time, it is worth remembering that spending a little more can open up a lot more options. The used market is full of classic 35mm SLRs from brands such as Praktica, Pentax, Canon, Nikon, Minolta, and Olympus, many of which can still be found for well under $100. Those cameras offer interchangeable lenses, full manual controls, and have already proven they can last for decades, making them worth considering if you are planning to spend more time shooting film.