The resurgence of film photography has found its way into the hands of celebrities from Kendall Jenner, to Zendaya, Emma Chamberlain, and countless others. There’s an unmistakable authenticity to life being captured on film (especially on point-and-shoots), which just can’t be recreated with digital capture.
Even Frank Ocean has been dipping his toes into the world of film, whether it be capturing intimate moments within his life, or large lavish events he attends – but what camera has Frank Ocean been using?
None other than the small, but mighty Contax T3 camera of course! Encased in titanium with the finest of Carl Zeiss glass, and all the metering and flash mechanisms you could want in a point-and-shoot, Frank has been seen wielding his Contax at multiple Met Galas in 2017 and 2019. Find out why the Contax T3 camera has become Frank Ocean’s film camera of choice, and what he’s captured with it.
About Frank Ocean’s Camera – The Contax T3
The compact, lightweight, titanium-built Contax T3 has become a beloved premium point-and-shoot in the community. Its quality build, manual aperture control, and beautifully sharp Carl Zeiss Sonnar lens make for a top notch point-and-shoot film camera – all in a small, easy-to-use package.
The camera features exposure compensation, reliable laser-based autofocus, a center-weighted meter, and of course, built-in flash. It’s no wonder Frank Ocean leans towards such a versatile camera.
The Contax T3 comes in as the final successor to Contax’s T line of point-and-shoots (with the T and T2 as predecessors). The T3 is the most premium of the line due to its reconfigured 35mm f/2.8 Carl Zeiss Sonnar lens, much more compact form compared to the T2, and closer focusing distance – only needing minimum 35cm from the lens to focus on a subject.
Since its creation in 2001, the Contax T3 (and T2) have exploded in price due to their popularity and scarcity. If the prices are looking out of reach, you can always check out these Contax alternative point and shoot cameras.
What Film Does Frank Ocean Use?
We aren’t able to confirm what film Frank Ocean uses with his Contax T3, but if we were to make an educated guess – it would be the beloved Kodak Portra 400. Portra 400 is known for its warm tones, versatility, and forgiving exposure levels. It’s a staple in the film photography community, and even other celebrities like Kendall Jenner and Emma Chamberlain rock it.
Want to learn more about Portra 400? Don’t miss our guide on Portra 160 vs. 400 vs. 800, as well as the best Portra 400 alternatives – if price and stock levels are an issue.
Get Kodak Portra 400 Film: Amazon | Moment
Frank Ocean’s Film Photography
See the Met Gala through the eyes of Frank and his Contax T3!
Photos by Frank Ocean via Vogue
What do you think of the Contax T3? Which of Frank’s Met Gala photos are your favorite? Let us know in the comments and tag us in your film pics on Instagram @gridfiti.
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