Why are Film Point-and-Shoots So Popular?

Photography, like anything, has its trends that rise and fall, seemingly at random. Except it never is at random, and the latest trend of film point-and-shoot cameras has seen a surge in the last few years.

If, just a few years ago, your parent or grandparent offered you their old film point-and-shoot camera from the early 90s, you might take it to see what it can do, but you wouldn't think much of it. I collect cameras from all eras, sometimes to use, sometimes to display, so I would likely have gladly taken a Contax T3, but it's nothing to get excited about. Or is it?

The Contax T3 looks like the small, gray plastic brick you are likely used to seeing stuffed into garage boxes and for sale for pennies at a yard sale. But thanks to the likes of Kendall Jenner, Frank Ocean, and other painfully cool influencers, the Contax T3 (and T2) have seen a rise to prominence. A mint condition T3 will now likely set you back $2,400 or more. Don't get me wrong, for a 90s film point-and-shoot, it has a strong spec, particularly with the Carl Zeiss Sonnar T* 35mm on the front. But those in the upper echelons of society have adopted the aesthetic and found enjoyment in shooting with the simple body. It certainly has a "look" and point and shoots can be fun by virtue of their simplicity.

Have you used a film point-and-shoot? Do you like them?