No question about it the Nikon F100.
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?
'Modern' is relative. I think of a 'modern SLR' as one which has
...or post early 1960s
- an instant return reflex mirror
- automatic lens diaphram control
- thru-the-lens metering
Some other folks would say the distinction for 'modern SLR' is
...or post 1980s
- autofocus lenses
- motor winder built in
- electronic shutter timing control
- matrix metering
- TTL flash metering
Indeed they have. I have several L-series lenses that were all purchased in the early 1990s along with the EOS 1N+power drive booster 1N and Command Back intervalometer, which at the time was a kick in the barramundies for Nikon, that subsequently tried to up the ante with the F90X. Nup. It is the glass that made the kit that made the grade, not the camera body.
Olympus OM-1 is one of the best cameras. Pretty lightweight. Lenses are very good (and compact) too.
Pentax MX comes pretty close to that, my only complaint is that shutter speed dial is somewhat uncomfortable to use.
Nikon FM(...)And do I even have to point out that Nikon glass beats the other two?
To me, "best" means lightweight and with good ergonomics. But above all else, given the situation that almost no new cameras are being made and spare parts will start to become scarce, an important factor is that the camera must be easily repairable/serviceable on my own.
Olympus OM-1 is one of the best cameras. Pretty lightweight. Lenses are very good (and compact) too.
Pentax MX comes pretty close to that, my only complaint is that shutter speed dial is somewhat uncomfortable to use.
Nikon FM is great too, no doubt about it. Far more ergonomic than other two. Its action is far more pleasant. Butter-smooth advance lever, shutter dial with firm clicks which can be operated with just one finger. And do I even have to point out that Nikon glass beats the other two?
Oopsie, there are no semi-automatic or automatic cameras on my listThat's because there was no clear definition of what's "best", so I listed those that are best in my personal opinion. To me, "best" means lightweight and with good ergonomics. But above all else, given the situation that almost no new cameras are being made and spare parts will start to become scarce, an important factor is that the camera must be easily repairable/serviceable on my own.
Service the MX and the dial will be easier to turn. And it's on the proper place, unlike on the OM-1.
That is highly debatable. More variety? Sure. Better than the best of Pentax lenses? I don't think so, and I own both systems.
You make a good point here: Everybody will have their own definition of what's "best". Your criteria (lightweight and good ergonomics) is a good criteria too. If i use this criteria my list would be:
- Pentax ME Super
- Canon EOS 5
and maybe the Nikon FE.
Those three have, for my taste, really good ergonomics.
I serviced it, however it's still not as intuitive as speed dial on FM/FE and their derivatives. It leaves something to wish for. As for OM-1, I always found "move aperture and shutter dials with one hand" pretty comfortable. Each to their own, I guess.Service the MX and the dial will be easier to turn. And it's on the proper place, unlike on the OM-1.
Of course it's debatable, how could it be otherwise? Although for some people (not for me, personally, but still) more variety is a synonym of better quality. 35 mm f/1.4 which exists in Nikkor lineup but is absent from OM and Pentax lenses, is one of such examples. But of course I would never spend ludicrous amount of money on something like that.That is highly debatable. More variety? Sure. Better than the best of Pentax lenses? I don't think so, and I own both systems.
Okay then, how modern is "modern"? Is it the last generation of film SLRs which were released on the verge of two millenia? Models like Maxxum 7, Nikon F80, Pentax MZ-S? Olympus OM-4T which albeit released in 1986 and technologically stems back several more years, was still alive and in production until 2002? Or is "modern" a little older cameras too, let's say F90, Maxxum 800si and similar to those? EOS 650 which you bring as an example, was a first generation AF camera and surely no camera of that era would qualify as "best". And what's wrong with Canon T90? That's a hell of a device, far ahead of its time. But oh no, it lacks autofocus and so it's disqualified.However OP said 'best modern' SLR.
The OM-1 was firs sold in 1972, that's 50 years ago. By any definition that is not modern. Would anyone call a 50 year old car modern? 50 year old guitar? Bike? Radio?
Come one people, lets get real. We're just spouting our personal favorite cameras.
How's about defining modern?
Modern 35mm SLR has robust mature autofocus and metering, full automation, is compatible with current available on the market lens mounts.
I would count the modern SLR era with the release of the EOS 650.
Okay then, how modern is "modern"? Is it the last generation of film SLRs which were released on the verge of two millenia? Models like Maxxum 7, Nikon F80, Pentax MZ-S? Olympus OM-4T which albeit released in 1986 and technologically stems back several more years, was still alive and in production until 2002? Or is "modern" a little older cameras too, let's say F90, Maxxum 800si and similar to those? EOS 650 which you bring as an example, was a first generation AF camera and surely no camera of that era would qualify as "best". And what's wrong with Canon T90? That's a hell of a device, far ahead of its time. But oh no, it lacks autofocus and so it's disqualified.
Okay then, how modern is "modern"? Is it the last generation of film SLRs which were released on the verge of two millenia? Models like Maxxum 7, Nikon F80, Pentax MZ-S? Olympus OM-4T which albeit released in 1986 and technologically stems back several more years, was still alive and in production until 2002? Or is "modern" a little older cameras too, let's say F90, Maxxum 800si and similar to those? EOS 650 which you bring as an example, was a first generation AF camera and surely no camera of that era would qualify as "best". And what's wrong with Canon T90? That's a hell of a device, far ahead of its time. But oh no, it lacks autofocus and so it's disqualified.
The question still is new-ish. I'm sure there's a reason for that, and that the OP is aware of old cameras.
I'm sure OP is looking for a Spotmatic II. The screwmount and stop down metering is fully modern by any standards.
You make a good point.
I'm sure OP is looking for a Spotmatic II. The screwmount and stop down metering is fully modern by any standards.
Thanks Ralph for the call out.
I have no experience with the "N" Nikons, but now I am intrigued.
Best to you!
I'm not recommending T-90 Hardan, I'm trying to figure out what's "best" in people's opinion. My personal choices were given a little bit above.The T-90? You are recommending an old camera that is notorious for shutter failures/EEE error messages?
Then wouldn't it be logical, to assume that latest generation was the best, since all the previous ones became obsolete and were replaced by newer ones?Yep.
Lacking autofocus would disco the camera in my opinion. In the evolution of SLRs autofocus was the next step.
I'm not recommending T-90 Hardan, I'm trying to figure out what's "best" in people's opinion. My personal choices were given a little bit above.
Then wouldn't it be logical, to assume that latest generation was the best, since all the previous ones became obsolete and were replaced by newer ones?
Ditto N80Look for an N75.
It's cheesy plastic so must be terrible right? Well, they're awesome. But since they are plastic and you might have to use alcohol to de sticky them you can get them for $35-50 at places like Goodwill, they do everything any Nikon film camera does, take all lenses the 2000s era Nikon film cameras will (including powering VR) and have fantastic matrix and spot metering.
They're really small and light, too, so slap an af50 on and you can use them like a light weight point and shoot for walkin' around with minimal size and heft.
N80/F80 is such a good camera. It has an advantage over some of the more pro offerings in the fact it has a built in flash that works as a decent fill in.Ditto N80
However OP said 'best modern' SLR.
The OM-1 was firs sold in 1972, that's 50 years ago. By any definition that is not modern. Would anyone call a 50 year old car modern? 50 year old guitar? Bike? Radio?
Come one people, lets get real. We're just spouting our personal favorite cameras.
How's about defining modern?
Modern 35mm SLR has robust mature autofocus and metering, full automation, is compatible with current available on the market lens mounts.
I would count the modern SLR era with the release of the EOS 650.
N80/F80 is such a good camera. It has an advantage over some of the more pro offerings in the fact it has a built in flash that works as a decent fill in.
So everyone will still post their drug camera of choice. Then the OP will one day announce his purchase of the Spotmatic II which will prompt all the posters to jump in an post their thoughts about how he made one of the worst choices of his life and that he will regret it until he finally buys their drug camera of choice. Business as usual here. Just carry on folks, nothing new here.
I'm not recommending T-90 Hardan, I'm trying to figure out what's "best" in people's opinion. My personal choices were given a little bit above.
Then wouldn't it be logical, to assume that latest generation was the best, since all the previous ones became obsolete and were replaced by newer ones?
You wrote, and I quote:
And what's wrong with Canon T90? That's a hell of a device, far ahead of its time.
I pointed out exactly what was wrong with that. Once upon a time it was decent. Now it is a brick in waiting.
And what's with this 'Hardan' business? My first name is Huss, and everyone here is on first name basis, right, er, M?
N80/F80 is such a good camera. It has an advantage over some of the more pro offerings in the fact it has a built in flash that works as a decent fill in.
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