Looking to add 35mm my bag, but not sure which...

[Vilk]

...I'd steer away from F3s or older--F and F2 bodies are really long in the tooth now and many won't live up to repeated claims of near-immortality. The point is owning a dependable working camera, not a semi-functional holy relic.

See, my mule doesn't like people laughing--he get's this crazy idea you're laughing at him. Now if you apologize, I might be able to convince him you really didn't mean it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dv8HpOn61Hw

 

[Ralph Javins]

Good morning;

I am not sure what to say concerning CGW's comments about the Nikon F and F2. NikonJohn has been using mainly Nikon F and F2, usually with a motor drive, for many years now. My own Nikon F and F2 cameras are still going, although I admit that I do not have anything later than an F2AS. Finding someone to service a Nikon F or F2 is still an easy task. There are many older Nikon users who feel that the hand assembled Nikon F and F2 are still the best SLR cameras that Nippon Kogaku K. K. ever produced. I like the F2.

Then there are the Minoltas. My SR and SR-T models that have been through a CLA in the last three years are cameras that I depend on. The SR-T 102 is still my favorite in that series. They have not let me down. I admit that my feeling of security is slightly less with the later models with the increasing dependance on electronics; the X-700 (which I love with the MD-1 Motor Drive), X-570, X-370, XD-11, and others in the "X" Series, but I have not had any failures with them, and I have a lot of Minolta camera bodies around here. And, while I do like the Minolta Maxxum/Dynax 9 Auto Focusing Mount 35mm film camera, it and the lenses to go onto it may not be in the price range you suggested.

Others have spoken of the Canon FD mount cameras and their lenses. I do not need to repeat those.

In many ways, with almost any of the bodies in the manually focusing cameras and prime lenses to go on them, you really need to hunt to find a camera system that will not work for you. Try almost any of the recommendations you have here. You will not be disappointed.

 

[2F/2F]

Almost everything by a reputable brand is great in terms of both glass and cameras. Nikon, Canon, Olympus, Pentax, Minolta, just to name most of the main ones. I would make the decision based on compatibility. In other words, when you shoot digital, or when you do some day, what system do you use (or will you use)? If Canon, get an EOS film camera. If Nikon, the possibilities are near endless. If another brand (e.g. Pentax), do some research to find out what will be compatible with older film cameras. (I am not sure what is compatible with these other brands.)

 

[baachitraka]

I owned some nice EF glasses and became curious to shoot film. So, I decided to buy very simple EOS film camera and the choice fell on EOS 650.

This camera just works.

After a while I became interested on mechanical ones. At first on Lecia M3, but it was too expensive for me to experiment. Finally, to Olympus with holy trinity glasses 35, 85 and 135mm zuikos.

Additionally, a boring 50mm zuiko.

 

[swhiser]

Leica R4s and some "BGN" glass from KEH would do it.

 

[Rick A]

Finally, to Olympus with holy trinity glasses 35, 85 and 135mm zuikos.

Additionally, a boring 50mm zuiko.

The 135 Zuiko is not part of the "holy trinity", it's the 100/2.8 silver nose. The absolute best for portraits with miniature format.

 

[baachitraka]

It was a long internal battle between the choices, 85mm or 100mm. Finally 85mm has won after burning a hole in the pocket.

Nevertheless it is just 3 degree difference between 85mm and 100mm in terms of field-of-view, but 100mm is on less expensive side.

Other day, 135mm f/2.8 zuiko was offered for euro 40 in e-bay and cannot afford to deny it.

 

[lesm]

I'm surprised no-one's really spoken up for Pentax. Their Super Takumar and Limited series lenses are very fine indeed and some of the K, M and A series are not far behind. There are still 50mm f1.2 examples around and the 50mm M f1.4 is abundant and cheap. Any Pentax lens of any era will fit any K mount body, up to and including all digital models (with an adapter for the screw mounts, readily available, and of course you won't get full functionality from a digital era lens on a film body). Pro level bodies such as the MX can be had for under $100. True, there isn't much of a range above 300mm, but if that's not a requirement you might find a decent Pentax kit will leave you some change out of your $400.
Another to consider, if you don't need a squillion lenses, is the Topcon RE2. I had one for 20-odd years and it never skipped a beat. The lenses were peerless, the body indestructible. I wish I hadn't sold it.