Most practical 35mm film camera 2016

DREW WILEY · Dec 8, 2016

The FM3a is more like a Swiss watch with a little calendar dial on it too - In other words, one or two added bells n' whistles that I never use. I prefer
the even simpler FM2n. Otherwise, you can use either without a battery. All the battery does is power the TTL light meter. Everything else is totally
mechanical, like all real cameras should be.

flavio81 · Dec 8, 2016

Cholentpot said:
Weight is no factor for me. I'm shlepping around a BronicaZ these days...

I understand, because I like to carry a RB67 on long walks. What i mean is that if the EOS 5 does everything I need, no reason to carry the heavier EOS 3.

In the same way i wouldn't carry, for example, a Nikon F5 with a 80-200/2.8 lens; because for that amount of weight i'd rather be carrying a medium format system.

macfred · Dec 8, 2016

John Wiegerink said:
Absolutely first rate!

It is !!

Konica IIIMFX - Rangefinder 1956 by Andreas, on Flickr

---

untitled by Andreas, on Flickr

sheepness by Andreas, on Flickr

Pleasure Grounds - I can see for miles ... by Andreas, on Flickr

Theo Sulphate · Dec 8, 2016

macfred said:
by Andreas

I really like that photo. Nice work!

4season · Dec 8, 2016

Lomo LC-A and it's variants (LC-A+, LC-A 120 et al) put a smile on my face! Small, lightweight, mostly plastic, it won't slow you down. The old Leica C1 has better optics but retains some of that Lomo-ish look IMO and is also worth a try.

Cholentpot · Dec 8, 2016

flavio81 said:
I understand, because I like to carry a RB67 on long walks. What i mean is that if the EOS 5 does everything I need, no reason to carry the heavier EOS 3.

In the same way i wouldn't carry, for example, a Nikon F5 with a 80-200/2.8 lens; because for that amount of weight i'd rather be carrying a medium format system.

Gotcha.

nolanr66 · Dec 8, 2016

For me a camera must have a diopter eyepiece available, mechanical with light meter and repairs available if needed. I only shoot 35mm B/W. That seems to consume the funds I have for photography. I print 4x6 for the albums and an occasional 8x10 for framing. No other print sizes.

Given that I selected the Nikon FM2n as it's the most practical camera for me. I have always been intrigued with the Leica M6 and now the MP but they are out of my price range and the cost of them is not what I would call practical. Still I wish I owned one.

DREW WILEY · Dec 8, 2016

I have nothing against subminiature cameras like an RZ67. It might make a nice snapshooting device tucked away in my 8x10 pack behind my real
gear. But despite my inclination to format size when that happens to be my priority, I also have an alter-ego that loves the distinct grain and off the
cuff spontaneity of the combination of 35mm and high speed films. Sometimes you just want a good hamburger rather than a thick expensive steak.
But Holga, nope, that's like eating Jack in the Box rather than In N Out.

Theo Sulphate · Dec 8, 2016

DREW WILEY said:
I have nothing against subminiature cameras like an RZ67. It might make a nice snapshooting device tucked away in my 8x10 pack behind my real gear. ...

You could compromise and go down to miniature format 4x5.

Chan Tran · Dec 8, 2016

I would say a simple Nikon F3HP. If price isn't an issue then a brand new Leica MP.

alanrockwood · Dec 8, 2016

Choice number 1: Canon Rebel T2 (or whatever it's called in other countries) - the last of the Canon Rebel film cameras, and the most capable.

Choice number 2: Canon Rebel Ti (or whatever it's called in other countries).

Choice number 3: Canon Rebel 2000 (or whatever it's called in other countries) - the most popular SLR film camera in history, if I'm not mistaken.

For a little more money, Canon EOS 7 in various incarnations.

Sentimental favorite: Exakta, VX iia with 58mm Zeiss Auto Biotar - arguably the pinnacle of the Exakta line. Pretty much every conceivable company made lenses and accessories for this maverick SLR.

Huss · Dec 8, 2016

Theo Sulphate said:
You could compromise and go down to miniature format 4x5.

That's just crazy talk.

mshchem · Dec 8, 2016

DREW WILEY said:
The FM3a is more like a Swiss watch with a little calendar dial on it too - In other words, one or two added bells n' whistles that I never use. I prefer
the even simpler FM2n. Otherwise, you can use either without a battery. All the battery does is power the TTL light meter. Everything else is totally
mechanical, like all real cameras should be.

Totally agree. I have a couple well preserved Nikon F and F2's. I never worry about the battery. My favorite all around camera are Fuji 6x9 rangefinders again no battery. And if Stealth is important Leica M (except the M7 )
Best Mike

John_Nikon_F · Dec 8, 2016

I'd say whatever is in good working order and has a decent selection of lenses. That way, I can avoid posting a "my favorite cameras" list.

-J

removed account4 · Dec 8, 2016

this

4season said:
Lomo LC-A and it's variants (LC-A+, LC-A 120 et al) put a smile on my face! Small, lightweight, mostly plastic, it won't slow you down. The old Leica C1 has better optics but retains some of that Lomo-ish look IMO and is also worth a try.

and this
agfa optima35
if you can find one
its a RF / zone focus
huge/bright RF been using my sons
that i gave him, given to me by my FIL
works great !
no shelf queen, works like a charm.
small too

mshchem · Dec 8, 2016

narsuitus said:
Based on dependability, features, simplicity, and lens quality, the Leica M6 rangefinder and the Nikon F2 SLR are practical 35mm film cameras capable of taking a few hundred roles of films in stride.

Leica M6 & Nikon F2 by Narsuitus, on Flickr

PERFECTION, I like the non-meter prism. I have same setup including a genuine AR-1 Nikon brand shutter release button. I can't believe it but I sold my Leicas, someone offered me a lot of money when I needed it. Chrome M2 w f1.4 and Black chrome M6ttl w 50 f 2.
Best Mike

DREW WILEY · Dec 9, 2016

Well that Fuji 6x9 has certainly cut into my own 35mm use. Might need it tomorrow if it turns out to be a rainy day walk again. But it's moderately
wide angle, while with the Nikon I gravitate toward moderately long; in fact, the 85/1.4 A1s is nearly the only lens I use on my Nikons. So it really
depends on my mood and what the subject matter is. I'm more of a view camera user anyway. But it's fun switching things up from time to time; and that helps get the creative juices get going if they've become stagnant.

benjiboy · Dec 9, 2016

I would go for a Canon F1, or a Nikon F or F2 providing it was in good working order.

Tom Taylor · Dec 9, 2016

Nikon F6.

Thomas

Andrew O'Neill · Dec 9, 2016

Nikon F3

Sirius Glass · Dec 9, 2016

Nikon F-100

nosmok · Dec 10, 2016

Any Agfa or Ansco 35mm (Karat, Super Memar) with the 50mm f/2 Solagon on it. Shutter speed to 1/500, no batteries to replace or corrode, Compur shutter is easily fixable by any competent repair person, and that Solagon is the s**t-- some say it's the best 50mm ever made, and I can't argue. Not as pocketable as an LTM Leica, but if I could have only 1 camera and lens for my whole life I'd probably pick this.

rpavich · Dec 10, 2016

blockend said:
...So what I'm really asking is what camera would you choose if you could only have one today, considering repair support, reliability and cost.

Nikon FM2.
I have my dream camera; a Leica M6 with a nice Summarit 2/50, a Nikkomat, a Minolta or two, a Yashica TLR... but I shoot the FM2 almost exclusively.

To me, it's just about perfect and if I could only choose one, that would be it.

mynewcolour · Dec 10, 2016

There is a trend for tough mechanical cameras here. You sensible lot.

But in 2016 film cameras are cheap and plentiful so suggest 'practical' doesn't necessitate a camera that will survive the zombie apocalypse.

R.Gould · Dec 10, 2016

2 for me, first a Canon model 7 rangefinder, I can use all my screwmount leica lenses on a more practical body,(it does not need extra viewfinders, and second in a Vitessa T with a full set of lenses, 35,50,100 and 135, plus that wonderful turnit viewfinder,

Most practical 35mm film camera 2016

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