Olympus Ecru VS voigtlander vf 101

[kandra]

Hello! What are your thoughts on Olympus Ecru and voigtlander vf 101 in terms of durability, sharpness in photos, etc?
also is US 354.99 overpriced for Olympus ecru (new in box)?

 

[Paul Howell]

Really 350 for camera with a 3 element lens, no manual override, the Voiglander has a faster 4 element lens, cant speak to the build quality of either, in terms of function any first generation Canon, Nikon, even Chinon camera with 35mm 2.8 4 element lens can be had from $10 to $50. A Rollie compact with a 35mm 3.5 3 element les are cheaper, but AF, that said, if considered to be collectable what's it worth to you.

 

[kandra]

I see, what about Olympus o product and Minolta prod 20’s, which of these 4 would you recommend?

 

[blockend]

I see, what about Olympus o product and Minolta prod 20’s, which of these 4 would you recommend?

Without wishing to quell your enthusiasm for film, there is almost no limit to this vs that questions regarding film cameras. You have begun threads in the last few days on SLRs, rangefinders and now boutique compacts, and each is a huge topic on its own. It would be useful if you decided what your photographic aims and budget are, which will determine your camera decisions. Then people can help without navigating the history of c20th cameras in the process. This isn't to dissuade you from asking questions, but to focus your time and your respondents energies more usefully.

 

[BradS]

^^ what he said.

Just get a NIkon FM2 and a 50mm Nikkor lens and take pictures. be happy.

 

[Paul Howell]

If you are looking for a basic entry level camera I recommend an 35mm Single Lens Reflex, (SLR). There are many, the vast majority are very capable cameras with decent lens. Nikon FM or the second generation FM2 is an excellent camera, others manual focus cameras to consider are the Pentax 1000, or MX, Minolta 101 to 301, Canon FTB, Olympus OM1. In terms of auto focus, Canon Rebel, Minolta 600SI, or Nikon N90, just to name a few. Don't spend an arm and a leg, you need a camera that can be set to manual, lens are not too expensive, and relative reliability, Start with a standard 50mm or zoom in the 35 to 70 range, shoot some film, have it developed, have enlargements printed so you really look at your work on the wall. Read about the art of photography, composition, capturing the decisive moment. Once you get your feet wet you will begin to figure out what you like to photography you will figure out what kind of system will best suit your needs.

To answer your question, I not sure what 4 cameras you are asking about.

 

[Paul Howell]

After some thought, if you are looking for a point and shoot with AF, then you want to look into the Konica Hextar AF, the fixed lens model, will cost around $500 U.S for a clean example. Beware that like the others you are looking at very difficult to get repaired. Konica had a good reputation for reliability, but with a camera this old who knows. Here is what Grady says about the Konica Af on his web site Camera Quest. A site that is working keeping on file.

Konica Hexar AF

The Ultimate Available Light Fixed Lens Point & Shoot

The Konica Hexar AF is a wonderful available light candid camera, yet deceptively simply and deceptively complex. In some ways it has no peer, justifying its "cult" camera status as the ideal stealth street camera. High points include a fast sharp lens combined with incredibly quiet and fast operation -- quieter and faster in operation than a Leica M6 !! While some of the controls are a pain, the Hexar AF occupies a unique place in cameradom: the most technologically advanced 35mm camera yet made with a fixed 35/2 or faster lens. The original black Hexar and black Hexar Autodate have "stealth" film advance mode, probably the quietest motorized film advance of any 35. On second thought, in silent mode I can't hear the camera operate -- I have never found a quieter 35mm camera. It would be great for film sets or courtrooms.

Major Features

• With its autofocus combined with Aperture or Programmed exposure modes, the Hexar AF offers considerably faster operation than any classic manual focus rangefinder, including the Leica M series. Active infrared from 2 feet to infinity in 290 steps.
• Fixed sharp 7 element 6 group 35/2 Lens to f/22, 46mm filter. This lens is reputed to be a near copy of the Leica non-aspheric 35/2 Summicron.
• AE Lock combined with AF lock by slightly depressing shutter release
• Precise fast infrared active autofocus with mostly useless manual over-ride
• Unbelievably quiet film advance in "Silent Mode" aka "Stealth" film advance
• Programmed, Aperture priority, and match needle exposure
• Shutter Speeds indicated in LCD panel on top of camera
• Non-TTL Metering: 15 degree (EV 0 - 16/ISO 100) or 4 degree (EV 3 - 18/ISO 100)spot silicon cell metering, notice the centerweighted meter is 3 stops more sensitive for low light, while the spot meter will respond to two stops higher light levels, metering cell is on front near traditional self timer location
• Excellent bright viewfinder
• Superb ergonomic shape, very easy to hold with the built in grip

 

[Huss]

I see, what about Olympus o product and Minolta prod 20’s, which of these 4 would you recommend?

I have the Minolta Prod 20s. It is the worst P&S camera I have by far. The only thing that is good is the style. The lens is terrible, and you cannot control when the flash fires.
Also it sets the film speed to either 100 or 400 only via DX reader. So if you use anything else it will pick 100 or 400 depending what is closest.

I bought this camera because it looks cute. I wish I hadn't.

 

[Huss]

Kandra obviously wants a retro/funky looking P&S camera, so why are people recommending SLRs etc?

 

[blockend]

Kandra obviously wants a retro/funky looking P&S camera, so why are people recommending SLRs etc?

It's difficult to know what newbies are looking for without more information. Some want a practical budget camera to explore film photography, others see film cameras as a kind of jewellery. From Kandra's recent threads on SLRs and Rangefinder cameras, my impression is he/she isn't sure what they want, yet. Camera x or camera y threads usually suggest someone has done the legwork, narrowed the choice down to two cameras, and wants user experience to decide which way to swing. That doesn't appear to be the case. I hope the poster provides more context about their film aspirations and budget, so people can advise meaningfully.