Good - older - smaller - slr with great lens

Nicholas Lindan · Aug 10, 2010

I have several OM-2n's which I would like if the meters hadn't gone completely out of whack. The metering system, which on an SLR of this type should be relatively simple, is just a bit too complex.

I have several Nikon manual cameras that have proven to be very reliable. For a manual camera with TTL metering I would suggest an F3 or FM2/2n. No problem with service parts, no problem with batteries as they take LR44 alkalines. Motor drives available if you are in need of exercise weights for your neck and shoulders.

A Pentax Spotmatic would fit the bill, but they are getting a bit long in the tooth and will likely need curtains and a re-lube.

photoncatcher · Aug 10, 2010

If you can live with out a built in light meter, why not go for a nice little 35mm RF? Lots to choose from, and I really love my Fed 2, my Zorkis, and my Kiev 4. There are some "quality issues", but if you get a good one(I've been lucky) they are great shooters, and the lenes are stellar. They are also some what quirky in the way they handle, but that just adds to the fun for me. Oh, and the Feds are available in different colors. Mine is blue.

stewmander · Aug 10, 2010

Another vote for the Nikon FE, check out Ken Rockwell's site for some info on the FE line. Its fully manual, feels solid, has a nice match needle meter, and comes in black or chrome (I bought my "panda" FE from RFF). It also works with just about every Nikon lens made (except the G series). I always see pretty OM cameras poping up for sale and am tempted, but I just dont think that they are THAT much smaller than the FE, are they? Is there a size comparison of these smaller SLRs somewhere, ala cameraquest size comparisons of the 70s rangefinders?

(there was a url link here which no longer exists)

naaldvoerder · Aug 10, 2010

Minolta X-500 might be another consideration....

Jaap Jan Helder

BetterSense · Aug 10, 2010

I have several OM-2n's which I would like if the meters hadn't gone completely out of whack

The viewfinder meter on my OM2n is also out of whack, but the automatic exposure system is completely separate from the viewfinder meter, so although the manual mode needle is off and the automatic-mode shutter speed indicator is not accurate, the actual automatic exposures are perfectly accurate, even with slide film. Just thought I'd mention that.

LunoLuno · Aug 10, 2010

Nikon FM3A. It's always assuring that the company still got some stock parts with them, and Nikon recently made an official annoucement about they are elongating its repairing service period. It may not match all your criteria as it's not 'an old camera', though.

holmburgers · Aug 10, 2010

Pentax Spotmatic with a Takumar 50mm 1.4
Canon AE-1 or AE-1P (or anything in the FD line for that matter)

The Spotmatic embodies simplicity! And it has a bridge circuit which makes batteries easy. Totally mechanical except for the light meter. Uses stop down metering so you always know your depth of field.

dnk512 · Aug 10, 2010

Unless you are buying new, buy local. Get the nicest example of any of the models listed in this thread and within your budget.

All can perform and all can fail. In addition, all have lots of lenses for cheap now days. Handle some locally, and choose one you like and has low miles on it.

Personally I found best value on Nikon pre AF stuff.

rhmimac · Aug 10, 2010

I bought a Nikon EM few weeks ago. I love this little camera. It's light,small, has A program (aperture priority automatic exposure control), bulb and M90(1/90) as a back up.
Combined with a 50f1.8 or 50f1.4 it's a nice and simple set up.

rhmimac

totalmotard · Aug 10, 2010

I wrote up a little review on my blog about the Canon AE-1P that I picked up in a thrift store for $12.50. I use my Nikon FE as a basis for comparison. Bottom line: both are great cameras.

Dead Link Removed

filmamigo · Aug 10, 2010

Pentax MX. Any of the Pentax 50's are nifty. Or go for the pancake M 40mm for supersmall stealth.

waynecrider · Aug 10, 2010

Lets see, you have alot in Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Olympus and old Minolta besides Leica, Contax and more. Any of them would be a good choice. You might decide on factors relating to lens availabilities, and price as well as accessories and perhaps size if you have large hands. Also think about the money you would need to spend for a CLA. Prices range all over, plus or minus a hundred dollars.

So I've looked at all the brands over the last year, sometimes intrigued by For Sale ads, and have come to the determination there are more good prime lenses available (keh is a good source) in Canon FD and Nikon and somewhat less in Minolta then good lenses in Pentax or Olympus. And on an alternative note, with the interests in the 4/3rd's or M4/3rd's format, and the soon to be released models due out by other manufacturers including video cameras that will take interchangeable lenses, your going to start seeing lens prices climb for the better lenses depending on the economy. In fact I've been seeing that for awhile now although deals are evident if your quick enough. Overall you might be better off in the C or N camps just because of availability of good optics, price ignored.
Of them all, Minolta to me is sort of the odd child out. The lenses can be very good, just as good as anything out there, but again the good optics are pricey. 50's are 50's and you can always find a reasonably cheap one, but in any camp a 24mm F2.8 or 35mm F2 will cost you. Depends on what you need and what kind of shooting you'll be doing? If it is nature I'd stick with what you have; If landscape,,, well you might consider something in a larger format in which good deals can be found nowadays. If you just need a body and 50mm pick one by features and lens ratings. In fact if all you were going to buy was a 50 I would just skip the idea totally. Whatever you do, realize that money spent on a body will almost never return and buy to own forever. The body will be the cheap part, depending on condition, the good lenses as usual will be your expenditures.

tim k · Aug 10, 2010

Thank you everybody !!!

There seems to be a trend developing here. And some thoughtful replies. Four pages overnight, must have struck a note.

The real issue here is either a gas problem, or a fashion statement, if I could admit it out loud. I just want something solid to drag around with me. And I cant seem to go out with only one camera. And if I'm out with my wood 4x5, the eos just seems wrong.

I'm going to make a list of your suggestions, and start doing some research, see what I can find local. I used to have a Pentax, don't remember the model, but it was new in the 70's - 80's, I liked it. Don't remember why I sold it, I think for a wizbang Minolta something.

Thanks again, appreciate your time.

Focus No. 9 · Aug 10, 2010

You should buy the Pentax...then the Minolta. Then try out the OM. And if your still looking for fashion buy a wholesale lot... at least two or three. Then you will have a a room full of _______________ costing two or three months rent and wonder WTH Did I do? No mercury batteries, sticky gooey foam seals, missing battery covers, film is unavailable and FUNGUS.
signed,
empty pockets.

Cork · Aug 10, 2010

Focus No. 9 said:
You should buy the Pentax...then the Minolta. Then try out the OM. And if your still looking for fashion buy a wholesale lot... at least two or three. Then you will have a a room full of _______________ costing two or three months rent and wonder WTH Did I do? No mercury batteries, sticky gooey foam seals, missing battery covers, film is unavailable and FUNGUS.
signed,
empty pockets.

Love it! I'm fighting hard to stick with one brand, but those darned Olympus and Pentax sirens are calling out to me. Hmm, lenses for my wife's Contax are too darned expensive; maybe I can get her interested in a nice Oly . . .

elcabezagrande · Aug 10, 2010

A second vote for the Yashica FX-3. Simple, stylish, and functional, and with either the T* or Yashica ML lenses and you're good to go. But if you want something nearly indestructible, consider the Ricoh/Sears Singlex TLS. Built like a tank, simple to service, and an almost infinite number of very nice M42 lenses to choose from. And did I mention indestructible? I dropped mine down a flight of stairs onto the concrete basement floor yesterday and it didn't even phase it. Put a nice Super Takumar lens on it and you have a damn fine picture-taker with absolutely no bells and whistles.

benjiboy · Aug 11, 2010

Just an observation- The top and bottom plate of all the Canon A series cameras are laminated plastic, as are the Minolta X series, only the F series Canon SLR s are all metal.

Les Sarile · Aug 11, 2010

The Pentax MX is the smallest manual SLR with the largest viewfinder.
Here's what a Pentax MX looks like next to my EOS3 and Olympus Epic . . .

benjiboy · Aug 11, 2010

Les Sarile said:
The Pentax MX is the smallest manual SLR with the largest viewfinder.
Here's what a Pentax MX looks like next to my EOS3 and Olympus Epic . . .

It strikes me that modern SLR s are so big these days for the same size and weight you could shoot medium format, and take advantage of the several times larger negative area, and get much better quality.

Cork · Aug 11, 2010

benjiboy said:
Just an observation- The top and bottom plate of all the Canon A series cameras are laminated plastic, as are the Minolta X series, only the F series Canon SLR s are all metal.

Minolta X series mean X-700, X-570, X-370, etc. This is not true of the XD-11/7, XE-7/1, XK, etc.

benjiboy · Aug 11, 2010

That's true Cork I'd forgotten about them.

Ulrich Drolshagen · Aug 11, 2010

I vote for OM 1 or 2 too. I love them, they are just perfect. They have a very bright and large viewfinder and that can be a problem if you wear glasses as I unfortunately had to realize just lately.

Ulrich

BetterSense · Aug 11, 2010

It strikes me that modern SLR s are so big these days for the same size and weight you could shoot medium format, and take advantage of the several times larger negative area, and get much better quality.

Indeed; my Agfa Isolette folding camera is more compact and lightweight than most SLRs, especially autofocus SLRs. I never understood why the folding medium format camera never caught on, and kind of disappeared after the 50s-60s. They still are unbeatable for negative size/camera size ratio.

I recently attended a friend's wedding, and the wedding photographer's digi-monstrosity shocked me as to its size. I couldn't help but thinking that considering the curiously oversize SLR format, giant lens, flash bracket, battery powered flash, and flash reflector/mini softbox thing, the overall form factor was probably more unweildy and surely just as heavy as a Speed Graphic press camera...and all this for a camera that shoots a format smaller than a 35mm one, with no need for film transport or spools either. I can't think of any reason for this anti-miniaturization design trend except the psychological idea that larger cameras must be more professional.

tim k · Aug 11, 2010

Les Sarile said:
The Pentax MX is the smallest manual SLR with the largest viewfinder.
Here's what a Pentax MX looks like next to my EOS3 and Olympus Epic . . .

Ah, the picture speaks a thousand words.

anon12345 · Aug 11, 2010

Tim, I think you're ready for a change. You've already gone the SLR route, so maybe it's time to try a rangefinder.

Good - older - smaller - slr with great lens

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