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For the rest of your life you could only have one camera.

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Ferns

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between takes

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between takes

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  • Mar 21, 2026
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4x5 speedgraphic without a second thought
 
As much as I actually hate 35mm, I would have to pick a 35mm camera, because the versatility is so great. There are far more lenses and films available for 35mm than any other format.

As for choosing a 35mm camera, the technically practical choice would be my F4. But I would probably go with the OM2n, because it's just so dang nice.
 
I really enjoy using my Bronica EC-TL and Nikkor lenses. I'm hooked on the square image.

-Marc
 
Nikon F or Speed Graphic.
 
It would have to be My Norma with 8X10, 5X7" and 4X5" backs and holders + the 6X6-6X12 zoom holder and the adapter making a 4X5" P&S out of (part of) it. Lenses would be the 47 SA in a focus mount (for P&S) 75 SA 150 Symmar 240 symmar and 300 symmar :smile: . NOW WHAT??? :confused: But it is only one camera :mad: :D
 
My first thought was my FM2 with the 16mm fisheye. I've used that set-up for over 10 years, it's my only 'professional' camera.

Then I started thinking about my other camera; the little Olympus 35RC, and this is actually a tough decision as that little thing gets more use these days - often I pick up the FM2 and think, no it's too big / heavy to take out.

So, I think I'd choose the Olympus 35RC as it's nice and small.
 
This a curious thread, I found it on the search.

I'd pick either a 5x7"/ 8x10", Linhof technika V/ MT or a rollei TLR.
The first LF's can have film available forever (well... plates).
Nice for contacts too. With basic emulsion making knowledge, one would have sensitive material forever, just coat plates by yourself. Add a carbon transfer process and there's a killer quality/durability combo.
135/35mm and 120 film will be availiable for quite sometime. While we got Ilford and Adox, the thing seems to be safe. Both manufacturers seem very commited to film. But.... A rolleiflex is more complex than a view camera...
 
My Zone VI 4x5, hands down. That thing will live long after I've turned into dust, it's as reliable as a mother's love, and encourages me to work in a more careful, contemplative manner. And it's pure heaven to print those negs . . . . :smile:
 
My 8x10 -- I can always use a reducing back to make 4x5, 5x7 and/or 4x10 negatives.

Vaughn

PS...95% of my work is contact printed.
 
Well, I have definitely decided my OM2s with auto bellows Zuiko 80mm macro is the camera I can't live without.......
 
4X5 Speed Graphic Finest camera ever made
 
8x10 view, normal lens, reliable shutter and a long life to explore a fraction of what it can do.
 
My Ritter 8x10 along with the 5x7 and 4x5 reducing backs. I prefer to contact print on Azo/Amidol and just love the prints from the 8x10 negatives. Once I retire and have more time on my hands I'll likely try Platinum and/or Carbon printing, but it will likely be Azo/Lodima developed in Amidol for the next 15 years.
 
Another vote for a Speed Graphic. There is almost nothing it cannot do and may be the most versatile camera ever made. Action, close up, studio, landscape, interchangeable lens, shutters, sheet film, roll film. Rugged. Dependable.
 
Nikon F100 with my Nikkor 20-35mm f2.8

Yes, I know, a zoom lens is cheating; I do own it at least. The glamorous answer is MF or LF, but for me versatility is king. The F100 is small, lightweight, and has a great meter. It's fast enough, and the AF is good, for when I get old and can't focus manually anymore. I love the 20-35mm. I even use it on my Nikkormat sometimes. Bless you Nikon for making the AF Nikkors backward-compatible.
 
I shoot almost everything (and have for years) on a Bronica with a 75mm 2.8 lens. I could get rid of everything else I own (which isn't much) and not miss it at all. The other stuff is just fluff, or cool cameras I've been given to resuscitate. I'm pretty much one camera, one lens, one film, one developer, one paper.
 
Film: Nikon F100 with a selection of primes
Digital: Nikon D700 with the same selection of primes
 
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