Canon and Nikon AF alternatives

polkor · Aug 3, 2017

Hello
Iam looking for inexpensive(under 100$) 35 mm cameras with autofocus. It could be : point and shoot, SLR , rangefinder etc.
I would like to find something instead most common,obvious choices like Canon and Nikon . Are there any good cheap AF cameras on the market?
Does anyone have experience with these cameras :

Pentax mz series

Yashica 200-AF

Yashica 230-AF

Minolta Maxxum 7000

Minolta dynax 5

Ricoh FF series

Thank you

drmoss_ca · Aug 3, 2017

The Pentax MZ series have an issue with a plastic gear that wears and can no longer be replaced (the MZ-S seems to be OK though, but is outside your price range). However, the SF1/SFX is very cheap these days and provides a very simple AF experience. It has only one AF point, so it's focus, hold with a half-press of the shutter button and recompose. There is an AE lock button, and exposure modes, P, A, S and M are available. It's a bit on the heavy side and looks ugly, but it works fine. In fact the battery (CR2 off the top of my head) often costs more than a body these days - but you might be lucky enough to find one with the optional larger battery cover that takes 4 AA cells. Best of all, the Pentax lenses are remarkably good, and it will work with manual K-mount lenses as well as the K-AF lenses - it provides focus confirmation with a diode in the finder. It's not a terribly quiet camera and autofocus isn't anything like as fast as a modern camera. It was sold with a 35-70 kit zoom, and a 70-210 was available. These are feel bit flimsy but perform OK.
My wife bought an SF1 around 1990, and I copied her with the SF10 (warning - DX coded ISO only in the SF10). Eventually her SF1 failed, so I bought a couple of SF1n bodies from KEH for about $25 each, and later a PZ-1/Z-1 and an MZ-S just to be able to keep on using the lenses. Standout lenses I have for it include the excellent 100/2.8 Macro and the dreamy 85/1.4.
Examples:
100/2.8 for a portrait
100/2.8 for a macro
85/1.4 wide open
I also have the K-AF 28/2.8, 35/2 and 50/1.4 and I'd say they are at the equal of any of my Nikon or Zuiko lenses.

Paul Howell · Aug 3, 2017

Don't know what prices are like in Korea, one of the best bargains in early AF is the Minolta 9000. First pro level AF, and the only pro level AF bodies that had manual advance with optional motor drive and winder. Takes all 5 pin lens and 8 pin gear driven lens, interchangeable focusing screen, backs including 100 foot bulk back. Most have some LED bleeding on the top readout, does not affect functionality. I got my first 9000 with the motor drive and 3 flash set up for $80.

I have the Minolta 5, nice entry level camera, other options are 600Si and 800SI, the 800si was the top of the line body until the 9SI and 9. The 600 is my travel camera, light, has dials, easy to use, again will any 5 or pin gear driven body. The 800si is heaver, faster shutter speed faster film advance.

Minolta lens are affordable, will work with new Sony A mount systems.

In terms of entry level Pentax, PZ 50, early Pentax F Af lens are very good. Second on SF1, I have one, workhorse, will work with K and M42 screw mount lens in manual mode. The PZ1 and MZ 1 were the closest to a pro level body that Pentax made in AF film. Prices of Pentax glass has gone up now that Pentax makes a full frame digital body.

RichardJack · Aug 3, 2017

Actually Nikon AF film bodies are very affordable. A N/F70, N/F80, or F90 can be found in great shape for $50-70. I think the Canon's are cheap as well. Minolta does have great optics, but IMO you have more room for growth sticking with Canon or Nikon since the current DSLRs can use the same lenses. There are plenty of cheap AF lenses around provided your not looking for something like a 85mm f1.4. There are many great deals on like new equipment coming from Japan being listed on Ebay.

rrusso · Aug 3, 2017

RichardJack said:
There are many great deals on like new equipment coming from Japan being listed on Ebay.

+1

In fact, if possible when I buy used, I only buy from a Japanese seller on eBay. I've found the condition ratings to be very conservative (a la KEH), and it almost seems as though they just plain take better care of their equipment.

Last year I bought a second F4s, virtually pristine condition, for ~180 including shipping. Now, the shipping costs are higher (usually 20-30), but it is very quick - I've never waited more than a week, and usually only about 3-4 days.

One of the F4's I bought had a broken finder. I contacted the seller and received a replacement (excellent condition) finder within a week. The seller didn't even ask for proof of the damage, or want the broken one sent back.

Of course, I'm in the U.S., so I'm not sure what else would be involved with making a purchase from Korea, so it might not be a cost-effective transaction.

Sirius Glass · Aug 3, 2017

RichardJack said:
Actually Nikon AF film bodies are very affordable. A N/F70, N/F80, or F90 can be found in great shape for $50-70. I think the Canon's are cheap as well. Minolta does have great optics, but IMO you have more room for growth sticking with Canon or Nikon since the current DSLRs can use the same lenses. There are plenty of cheap AF lenses around provided your not looking for something like a 85mm f1.4. There are many great deals on like new equipment coming from Japan being listed on Ebay.

Welcome to APUG and I agree with RichardJack. If shipping is not too high you may want to consider Dead Link Removed which has a great return policy and they can repair or adjust a purchased camera.

Ko.Fe. · Aug 3, 2017

Don't know what your beef with Canonikon is. Where are very cheap, yet modern and fresh Canon film Rebel bodies and here is made in China 50 1.8 Canon lens copy sold new. 100$ is possible for both.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/YONGNUO-YN-...335035?hash=item2353a7667b:g:YNEAAOSw2XFUfWrf
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Canon-EOS-R...017472&hash=item3aea56c379:g:mlwAAOSwY4pZZGpJ
Plus cheap zoom kit lens for those Rebel cameras, yet, good quality pictures it gives.

polkor · Aug 3, 2017

Thank you very much for all your responses. I will definitely look at Pentax SF1 or SFX. I see that lenses arent cheap, but this applies to the most of cameras.

Paul Howell said:
Don't know what prices are like in Korea, one of the best bargains in early AF is the Minolta 9000. First pro level AF, and the only pro level AF bodies that had manual advance with optional motor drive and winder. Takes all 5 pin lens and 8 pin gear driven lens, interchangeable focusing screen, backs including 100 foot bulk back. Most have some LED bleeding on the top readout, does not affect functionality. I got my first 9000 with the motor drive and 3 flash set up for $80.

Lots of stuff is not listed online so you have to purchase from shop. Moreover as a foreigner i have to pay premium price hence ordering from Japan might be the only one option. Those Minoltas are tempting too. What can you recommend with similar quality/ price to SF Pentax?

rrusso said:
+1

In fact, if possible when I buy used, I only buy from a Japanese seller on eBay. I've found the condition ratings to be very conservative (a la KEH), and it almost seems as though they just plain take better care of their equipment.

Last year I bought a second F4s, virtually pristine condition, for ~180 including shipping. Now, the shipping costs are higher (usually 20-30), but it is very quick - I've never waited more than a week, and usually only about 3-4 days.

One of the F4's I bought had a broken finder. I contacted the seller and received a replacement (excellent condition) finder within a week. The seller didn't even ask for proof of the damage, or want the broken one sent back.

Of course, I'm in the U.S., so I'm not sure what else would be involved with making a purchase from Korea, so it might not be a cost-effective transaction.

Sirius Glass said:
Welcome to APUG and I agree with RichardJack. If shipping is not too high you may want to consider Dead Link Removed which has a great return policy and they can repair or adjust a purchased camera.

Iam not really familiar with KEH but they dont have lots of quality stuff .Or am i checking wrong? Refering to quality i meant condition wise. To convince my wife to have another camera it has to be near mint quality or excellent +++ . Crazy right?Koreans like only new products and second market is dead.

Ko.Fe. said:
Don't know what your beef with Canonikon is. Where are very cheap, yet modern and fresh Canon film Rebel bodies and here is made in China 50 1.8 Canon lens copy sold new. 100$ is possible for both.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/YONGNUO-YN-...335035?hash=item2353a7667b:g:YNEAAOSw2XFUfWrf
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Canon-EOS-Rebel-2000-EOS-300-35mm-SLR-Film-Camera-Body-with-manual-SN3551905-/253039657849?epid=85017472&hash=item3aea56c379:g:
Plus cheap zoom kit lens for those Rebel cameras, yet, good quality pictures it gives.

I have absolutely nothing against Canon or Nikon. In fact i have both cameras , just i want to try something new and compare quality.

Sirius Glass · Aug 3, 2017

polkor said:
Iam not really familiar with KEH but they dont have lots of quality stuff .Or am i checking wrong? Refering to quality i meant condition wise. To convince my wife to have another camera it has to be near mint quality or excellent +++ . Crazy right?Koreans like only new products and second market is dead.

They are very conservative in their equipment grading and you should be very please with their EX and higher grades. Spend some time at their website. Dead Link Removed I buy Hasselblad lenses from them.

Paul Howell · Aug 4, 2017

Don't know if OP can buy from KEH without paying duties, he lives in South Korea.

Anirudha Ambekar · Aug 4, 2017

Hey OP.
I live in ROK too.
Have you tried Joonggonara - 네이버 카페?
Its Korean Craigslist. If you are patient and smart, you can find good deals. If you do not know any Korean (and don't want to bother a friend), google chrome auto translates the pages for you.
I found a nice Bessa 6x9 folder over there a while ago. I am fishing for a rangefinder currently. Although, a camera with your selection criteria will also work for me.

PS: There's also physical shops for old camera's that you could visit.

mgb74 · Aug 4, 2017

As to the Minolta AFs, the 600si, 700si, and 800si are a LOT of bang for the buck. I'm talking $20-45 for a body. I prefer the older, metal, Minolta lenses that are more substantial in construction, but that's not based on optical performance.

The 600si is a very "traditional" (in operation) AF camera. The 650si is the same body with a data back that can be turned off. They often sell for less. Here's one example that I think is a good deal if as described. And another.

But they use a 2cr5 battery unless you have the battery grip. I buy them online in advance for about $5 each, but can be scarce and expensive if you try to find locally.

one90guy · Aug 4, 2017

I will 2nd the Nikon N80 and N90S, lots of good features and plenty of glass to be had. I final settled for the F4s which has come down in price since I bought mine. Good luck and welcome to APUG.

David

polkor · Aug 5, 2017

Anirudha Ambekar said:
Hey OP.
I live in ROK too.
Have you tried Joonggonara - 네이버 카페?
Its Korean Craigslist. If you are patient and smart, you can find good deals. If you do not know any Korean (and don't want to bother a friend), google chrome auto translates the pages for you.
I found a nice Bessa 6x9 folder over there a while ago. I am fishing for a rangefinder currently. Although, a camera with your selection criteria will also work for me.

PS: There's also physical shops for old camera's that you could visit.

Hi thanks for the info. I will definitely check that site. I am aware of those shops but they try to hustle foreigners with premium prices. Not all shops are evil but , Chungmuro is a prime example.

mgb74 said:
As to the Minolta AFs, the 600si, 700si, and 800si are a LOT of bang for the buck. I'm talking $20-45 for a body. I prefer the older, metal, Minolta lenses that are more substantial in construction, but that's not based on optical performance.

The 600si is a very "traditional" (in operation) AF camera. The 650si is the same body with a data back that can be turned off. They often sell for less. Here's one example that I think is a good deal if as described. And another.

But they use a 2cr5 battery unless you have the battery grip. I buy them online in advance for about $5 each, but can be scarce and expensive if you try to find locally.

Thank you. 600si is a serious contender on my list. I have to decide between pentax sf-1, nikon n80 or minolta 600si.

one90guy said:
I will 2nd the Nikon N80 and N90S, lots of good features and plenty of glass to be had. I final settled for the F4s which has come down in price since I bought mine. Good luck and welcome to APUG.

David

Thank you. I wasn't familiar with N series . Iam tempted by N80.

RalphLambrecht · Aug 5, 2017

Sirius Glass said:
They are very conservative in their equipment grading and you should be very please with their EX and higher grades. Spend some time at their website. Dead Link Removed I buy Hasselblad lenses from them.

+1

vsyrek1945 · Aug 5, 2017

Regarding Nikon N80/F80 and N90/F90 series, be aware that the N80 is the later model; while the N90 series features higher x-sync speed, more robust construction and AA-battery operation as standard, it's heavier and doesn't support later lens models. There's a AA battery grip available for the N80, and it has an FP flash mode for reduced power flash using accessory flash units. I have both and my N80 gets more use.

PS - The Ricoh FF series were all Focus Free or fixed focus cameras.

Paul Howell · Aug 5, 2017

Those Minoltas are tempting too. What can you recommend with similar quality/ price to SF Pentax?

I recommend the 9000, uses AA batteries, option of manual advance, auto winder, or motor drive, dirt cheap. Get 2 in case one craps out. The 800Si vertical grip also uses AA batteries, the 9000 is metal construction the 800 is plastic, I have both, I use the 9000 for sports, motor drive takes 12 AA batteries, 7FPS, and I have the 100 bulk back. The 800 has faster shutter, matrix metering, while the 600 uses dials, light wt, same meter as the 800, good as second body or travel. The 9 was last Minolta pro level camera, more expensive, my prime camera for wildlife and nature.

polkor · Aug 7, 2017

Paul Howell said:
Those Minoltas are tempting too. What can you recommend with similar quality/ price to SF Pentax?

I recommend the 9000, uses AA batteries, option of manual advance, auto winder, or motor drive, dirt cheap. Get 2 in case one craps out. The 800Si vertical grip also uses AA batteries, the 9000 is metal construction the 800 is plastic, I have both, I use the 9000 for sports, motor drive takes 12 AA batteries, 7FPS, and I have the 100 bulk back. The 800 has faster shutter, matrix metering, while the 600 uses dials, light wt, same meter as the 800, good as second body or travel. The 9 was last Minolta pro level camera, more expensive, my prime camera for wildlife and nature.

Thanks a lot! Much appreciated. To close this thread will those minoltas work with MC Rokkor PF lenses ?

Paul Howell · Aug 7, 2017

No, Minolta A mount bodies will not work with MC lens. MD/MC have a shorter film to lens distance, so although there are few adaptors which use a balance lens to correct and are not all that sharp. Same issue with Canon, FD lens will not work with EOS bodies. On the positive side, Minolta and Konica/Minolta gear driven lens are common and not very expensive, some very good glass for not much money. 50 1.7, 28 2.8 35 to 70 F4, 80 to 200 F4, 28 to 100, all under a $100. Kit lens like the 35 to 80 or 100 to 300 under $30.00. But, micro motor driven lens will only work updated Minolta 9 and all Minolta 7s, stick with gear driven lens.

Canon and Nikon AF alternatives

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