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In your opinion, what are the best modern 35mm film SLRs ever built?


Okay, a mix of Minolta and Leica design, but it looks like they were mostly made in Portugal, not Germany. They had to cut costs after losing so much with their Leicaflex models. The Leicaflex cost more to make than what they could sell them for.

I've had some duds with Nikon lenses; never had a dud Leica lens, so even if specific examples from Nikon may be "as good" they're not as consistent. I also prefer the feel and build quality of Leica lenses. They've always been accepted as the industry standard, not just by me - almost everyone in the know. Of course nothing is perfect, but Leica lenses tend to be more perfect than others of the same period.

Anyway, the OP asked about options so I gave my opinion. I really like my SL2 and the Leica glass that it works with. Also love my M2, but he asked about SLRs.
 
I'm sure it's been mentioned - but I am not going to check thru 27 pages to find out - I would vote for the Nikon F4. Built like a tank, great meter, very accurate autofocus, heavy enough to remind you that it means business. All the modern features, but still dial oriented. Uses AA batteries, which is a convenience plus. Of all of my 35mm cameras, Leica included, the F4 produces the most consistently great frames. In fact it's bumped my Mamiya 645 out of regular rotation, as the image quality (with the right film and processing) is so close, and the F4 more convenient to use.
 
manfrominternet said:
What 35mm film SLR camera systems do you think are the best to get into right now?
Which system do you think has the 'best' lenses?
Click to expand...

Though the Contax RTS II with its Zeiss lenses is my personal favourite I don't think it's generally the best for all photographers. The RTS II's operation is a bit special: I do like it but many others don't.

As for the body, I would recommend the Canon New F-1: for its many-sidedness and its massive construction. I love that.
It's a pity that Canon FD lenses seem to be a bit lightweight and less durable than Zeiss C/Y lenses.

So maybe a Nikon FM2 might be the best combination of both worlds.
 

Some people that shoot architecture like to use tilt-shift lenses. A limited number of 35 mm systems feature these kinds of lenses.
 
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