Search for a Durable, Fully Manual SLR

[nickandre]

I'm not straying you away from manual, but I picked up my second Nikon N80 on ebay two weeks ago for $30 shipped. Granted they said it was broken and I knew it wasn't, but they're very cheap and very good cameras.

Lenses are an investment. Know that if you buy them they will retain their value into the future and be compatible with digital cameras if the need arises.

 

[glockman99]

I'm not straying you away from manual...

I will then.

Get yourself a Nikon F3HP. Seriously.

 

[marcmarc]

Whatever you choose, don't be fooled by cosmetics. Most places that rate second hand gear do so on its appearance only. It's the mechanics and how well they are working that count. I have a F2. Great camera, it's a joy to use but in the 15 months I've owned it, it's been in the shop three times. Once for an overhaul right after I bought it locally, then again for shutter bump, then again six months later last week for shutter bump. It's just this side of its warranty but I'm bringing it up just to make you aware that these great old mechanical cameras have seen a lot of use, in some cases heavy professional use which may mean your particular model may be in the shop more then you would like. So buy from a local place that offers a warranty or a refund if the camera needs too much work. KEH is also great, I've bought most of my MF gear from them.

 

[Joe Grodis]

Since cost is an issue you should look at Canon A1, Canon AE-1, Pentax K1000, or even a Minolta XGA. If you can squeeze a few extra dollars out go for NIKON, then at least you'll have the largest lens selection of ANY 35mm system plus NIKON is cheap to keep.

 

[Steve Roberts]

Pentax KX and a CLA to get you going.
None of this miniaturisation nonsense that IMHO compromised reliability and longevity in later Pentaxes. Aperture and shutter speed displayed in viewfinder. No mercury battery issues that now plague earlier (and otherwise very satisfactory) Pentaxes. Numerous excellent Pentax lenses readily and relatively cheaply available.
I say all the above as someone who has had two KXs for 23 years with no problems rather than as someone who has tried every SLR under the sun

Steve

 

[narsuitus]

Even though I use both manual/mechanical cameras and automatic/electronic cameras, I admit that I have a bias in favor of the manual/mechanical ones.

Three of the manual/mechanical 35mm SLR cameras I have used and loved are:

Nikon F 35mm SLR with a standard meterless prism
Nikon F2 35mm SLR with a standard meterless prism or meterless action finder
Pentax Spotmatic 35mm SLR (has a built-in light meter)

If I had to buy a “new” manual/mechanical 35mm SLR camera today, I would buy the Nikon FM3a.

 

[Joe Grodis]

The FM3a is a serious contender but, unfortunately, it's price has surpassed it's original "New" price. If you take a look on B & H you'll is a used one going for $1,400+. Yes Fm3a is the way to go but at it's current fair market value you can pick up a Mamiya 645 pro TL for less. I've always loved my FM3a but that F4 is one sexy camera that has an unbeatable lens selection but I was never too thrilled about it's battery life. Why not an F5? Sure it's not mechanical but it's current price is very attractive considering all of it's cool features, plus it's built like a hockey puck.

 

[keithwms]

Actually, the fm3a can be had used and in ex+ condition for ~$400-600 at KEH.

 

[steelneck]

You could look after a Pentax LX or a Nikon Fm3a. Those where the top of the line and latest in development of manual focus SLRs that still have a lot of lenses around. But both of them are quite expensive even today.

If you want a cheaper camera that takes Pentax-K mount lenses, and probably just as durable, look for a Chinon CM-4, or CE-4 if you want one with aperture priority. The CM-4 is fully mechanical and works just as well without battery. I have had both models, i use a CM-4 today but i miss the CE-4 i had some 10 years ago.

You could also have a look at the Chineese brand Phenix, you get a new camera very cheap. Here is a link to a swedish dealer (about 200 eur):
http://www.photax.se/kmrr/phenix/ek180/phenixek180.htm

I think those also is available under the Vivitar brand, they have also models with Nikon-mount for a little higher price.

 

[Joe Grodis]

If you're going into the $500 price range I'd consider Mamiya 645 Pro... Then you'll have a modern MF camera that can do 35mm, 120, 220, and even Polaroid.

 

[keithwms]

Joe, the 645 pro requires a battery for all speeds except one.

 

[removed-user-1]

My Nikon F is at least 40-years old and works perfectly.
juan

My Dad's 1968 Nikon F still works perfectly, as does my equally-ancient Pentax S2 Super. Both have traveled frequently. If I was in the market for a manual 35mm SLR, I'd still opt for the Nikon FM2 or FM3a for easier film loading, and Nikon F-mount or Pentax K-mount over the M42 screw mount Pentax for ease of changing lenses. I've used the Nikon FM2 for graduation photography, and I can attest to that camera's quality, reliability and ruggedness.

 

[macrorie]

Hmm, you have received a ton of suggestions. I can only echo many of them, get a Nikon F2, and I would recommend an F2A. My main reason for suggesting this is the durability of the camera, the fact that you can change the prism (and meter) if it fails, you can change the viewfinder screens very easily and affordably (and if you get into this seriously you will want to), and naturally, the huge selection of excellent Nikon lenses out there. And you will be able to use those lenses later on upper end Nikon digital bodies.

 

[DBP]

... but there was a published report of a photographer in "Nam" who was saved from injury/death when a bullet/shrapnel hit his "F" rather than him....

I've seen a photo of a Nikon F with bullet damage on the wall at Strauss Photo in DC. I think they repaired it.

 

[frank]

i still think that if you smashed a nikon f and a nikkormat ftn together, the nikkormat would win.

 

[frank]

oh, while i have had both cameras, i have not actually tried this.

 

[Bob-D659]

As all the newest cameras I have are three Nikon F bodies and two Nikkormat FTN's, they all work fine. The oldest F which came with a 5.8cm f1.4, belonged to a newspaper photog from new in 60 until I bought it in 66. I really should look into replacing the neck strap lugs, as they are getting worn pretty thin, otherwise, it functions perfectly. And I can attest to the Nikkormat FTN not really complaining about a:, a fall from a fast food bench seat onto a concrete floor, b:, a few years later, a 3 ft fall to a parking lot, the lens shade got bent that time, but that's all. I dropped the same lens again last summer, it bounced off my foot and rolled down a rocky embankment in Grand Teton. a few more scratches and a rather bent but not broken UV filter, that's about all.

They are highly recommended, but I wouldn't recommend hitting one with another.

 

[John_Nikon_F]

My suggestions are: if you want something cheap, durable, and reliable, go with the Nikkormat FT2. It's the FTn, but with a modern battery and a hot shoe, so no need for a PC cord if you want to use flash. If you want something that's more pro-level, get the F (or an F2). All three are mechanical, so no batteries needed, except for the light meter. Nikon has a very good lens selection, unlike some of the other brands.

The F and the F2 are unkillable. I've had the misfortune of killing a Nikomat FTn by dropping it in an eveready case from four feet onto a concrete driveway and having it roll in the case about three feet. Front standard sheared off. However, the 85f1.8 Nikkor that was on the body is just fine. No damage.

-J

 

[sangetsu]

I didn't read the entire thread here, but for a fully manual, very super excellent, compact, easy to use, quiet, and easy to find lenses and accessories for it camera, you should look at the Olympus OM-1. These are everywhere now for under $100, and are an excellent deal for the money. What's more, the Olympus OM line of lenses is comprehensive, and of wonderful quality. They are easy to find, and for the part, very inexpensive as well.

I have my Canon F1 kit sitting next to my Olympus OM kit. Both kits are more or less the same (both have 24/2.8, 35/2, and 55/1.2 lenses), but the OM kit is much smaller and lighter, and gives up nothing in terms of quality images. I can actually fit the OM camera with the 24/2.8 lens in my pocket, something which is impossible to do with my Canon F1 (and most other 35mm SLR cameras out there).

 

[Ralph Javins]

If we are having a popularity contest, I wish to join in.

Having used some for a while now, my first recommendation would be for the Nikon F2 in any of its variants or the Nikkormat/Nikomat FTn, then the original Nikon F, followed (perhaps surprisingly) by the Minolta SR-T 102 or one of its equivalents. All of them have good glass available.

My respect for the Nikons went up when I noticed that I could almost use a Nikon (especially the Nikomat FTn) to quickly check the calibration of my Kyoritsu EF-511NK1 Camera Tester shutter speed section.

As a former father who spent a long time paying a lot of money to the state ostensibly for the care, feeding, and operation of his children, I admit that I never had an opportunity to look through nor test a Leicaflex in any version.

 

[Pumal]

Canon 'New' F-1 is definitely worth a look at. Nifty lenses and inpecable insides. In a smash test with the Nikon F2; I don't know which one would remain standing.

 

[ChrisPlatt]

Pentax KX, KM or K1000.

Chris

 

[Nikon Collector]

I have a Nikkormat FTN with 2 shrapnel scars on the back, and once dropped it from 50 ft in the air on a parachute jump, still works today.

 

[Chris Lange]

The Nikkormats are all great, I have an FT2 that's been to hell and back, also dropped numerous times, still works perfectly.

 

[2F/2F]

Canon F-1 (old model) or FTb, or Nikon F or F2 or 'Mat, or Pentax Spotmatics or K1000, or Minolta SRTs, a 50mm f/1.4, and a high-quality service and repair job is what I would get to start.