Search for a Durable, Fully Manual SLR

[metchaphiv]

Hello APUG forum dwellers!

I've finally got enough money to buy a new film SLR. I broke my previous one (Nikon FM10) after a flight home.

I'm looking for the following and was wondering if you guys could suggest some brands & reliable models. I'd like a heavy metal body if my budget can handle it ;o) TIRED of cheap models!

--fully manual
--35mm (cannot afford medium format at this time...)
--heavy metal body
--durable
--can take a variety of lenses; i may get a macro once the money starts coming in

At this point, I'm not particularly brand loyal, so I'm willing to experiment. My dad has a super old Pentax ME F, but it needs repair since it's from the 80's. He's got two lenses (one macro!), but they need some fixing up too...not sure if it's worth it.

I found an old shop here in Rochester that sells a wide range, but I want to have an idea of a model I want before going in.

Any suggestions/info would be great!

 

[takef586]

Why don't you go directly to the best MF 35mm SLR camera ever made ? Nikon FM3A. Full AE if you want it, and without the batteries fully manual on all speeds too. Great VF. Mirror lock up if you use self release. Great feel, small, light, compatible with some of the best SLR lenses ever made (Zeiss ZF), 1/250 flash sync and TTL coupling with Nikon strobes. If you want to spend less, research the FM2 model as well.

 

[Roux™]

Pentax MX ?

 

[Monophoto]

Nikon FM-2. Like the FM-10, except that it was designed for professional use and is durable.

 

[Vilk]

Hello APUG forum dwellers!

...I'd like a heavy metal body if my budget can handle it ;o) TIRED of cheap models!

--fully manual
--35mm (cannot afford medium format at this time...)
--heavy metal body
--durable
--can take a variety of lenses; i may get a macro once the money starts coming in

Even though you may not know it yet, you are talking about Nikon F2. Getting anything else you will merely postpone getting the Tank.

 

[Mark Fisher]

OM-1 given an overhaul by John at zuiko.com ... small lenses and durable...as good as it gets for me
Nikon F2 similarly overhauled...photojournalists everywhere seemed to love the camera so it must be tough. It is a little big for my taste.

No matter what you choose, definitely get it overhauled if it hasn't been already. It seems like a lot of money given what the bodies cost, but you'll have a camera you can count on for a good long time. Even the best professional cameras need a periodic overhaul.

Look at KEH for an idea of prices before you look at the local shop. KEH is actually a great place to get a camera, too.

 

[frank]

nikkormat ftn, ft2, or ft3 fit your criteria well.

 

[phenix]

Ricoh: the pro XR-1, or the spartan KR-5s (same style but better loaded than Pentax K-1000), or both of them. If you also want aperture priority, I suggest the pro XR-2(+/-S). All these models have matching needles (two) light meters. They are built like tanks but dirty cheap, so you can invest more in glass (K-mount).

 

[d.sge]

Unless you need a faster sync speed, I'd recommend (since I can speak for it (haven't tried other manufacturers)) the Minolta SR-T 101 or 102. Maybe not the femur, but you could probably break bones with it.

 

[Rol_Lei Nut]

The people advising Nikon Fm3 or Fm2 or F2 (have used all of them) have obviously never used a Leicaflex SL or SL2...

*Those* are really the best manual 35mm cameras ever made (just look through the viewfinder).
(And I've probably used cameras made by 90% of the existing brands made between 1960 and 1990 at least once )

 

[Rol_Lei Nut]

P.S. If you actually do want a Nikon F2 A (and MD-2 motor drive), I'm about to put mine up for sale...

 

[railwayman3]

If you like the Pentax route, the MX and the LX (particularly) are solid models.

 

[Gerry M]

Pentax MX
Minolta XD11
IMHO
gm

 

[Ira Rush]

I'll repeat what I posted a few months ago, on a very similiar thread...

"No brainer for me....

Without a doubt... the Nikon F2, second choice the "older" brother the F.

Metal that is like a tank, and about as manual and mechanical as you can get.

Any more manual and mechanical than those... well then you might as well etch it on stone, but then it would be called hieroglyphic and not photography

.... Another camera that set the world ablaze was the Nikon F. Usage in Vietnam by the press turned up in conversations about bodies that just wouldn't quit no matter what.....

Not to keep harping on the metalness of the Nikon F series... 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.

Talk about metal, like I said previously... metal like a tank!"

Makes sense, since you could use your lenses from your FM10 (you may not be able to get all the bells and whistle usage if they are "AI" and above. They will certainly mount, you can meter manually (assuming you get a F with a working meter (FTn) or an F2 with a working DP-1, DP-2, or if your really lucky a DP-3. If you get a F2 with the DP-11 or DP-12, then AI lenses are perfect.

Hope this helps

 

[juan]

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

 

[dwdmguy]

F5?
I LOVE this camera!!!! Full Auto, Full Manual, notability one of the very best SLR's ever built. Get an excellent body for $400 easy.

 

[dpurdy]

My Nikon F (tn) was solid as a rock and the shutter was always right however the meter never worked for me.

 

[Marcelosponja]

I would choose the Nikon FM2. Fully manual. It's a relatively modern model and you can easily find one of these in good condition. Another reason is the great variety and amount of lenses of this brand (if you want to make macro, well, Nikkor micro 55mm are excellent and cheap objectives).

 

[Jeff Kubach]

Any of the foremention cameras are excellent choices, the Canon F1 or the FTb are good choices also.

Jeff

 

[removed account4]

k1000

 

[Nicholas Lindan]

Nikon F2. It will outlive you; it will outlive your grandchildren.

 

[FilmOnly]

I highly recommend the Nikon FE. It is very well made, and not a "lightweight." It is virtually all metal. I do not like "lightweight" cameras.

Perhaps the best thing about the FE--other than its excellent build quality and low price--is its lens compatibility: it will take virtually every Nikon lens from 1959 and beyond. This means that you would have gold mine of lenses from which to choose. Both AI and pre-AI lenses will work with the FE (pre-AI lenses will function in stopped down configuration). Since you are on a budget, buy perhaps one AI lens (not an AIS lens), and go for a bunch of pre-AI lenses. Pre-AI lenses are dirt cheap. Avoid AIS lenses, as they tend to cost more, and are not as nicely made as AI (and, of course, pre-AI) lenses.

Buy everything from KEH, and you will get a good deal and no hassles. I would also recommend the MD-12 motor drive for the FE. It will improve ergonomics and balance and offer 3.5 fps operation. The MD-12 is also well-made. I have two FE/MD-12 combinations, and have been very pleased.

PS: I recently bought a chrome FE from KEH for an unbelievable $149. It is in EX+ condition, and looks almost brand new. I am rather careful in regard to condition, and this camera is a true beauty. An EX+ grade MD-12 winder added $89. The winder looks very nice, too. Considering how good the FE is, this was perhaps the best deal I have ever gotten. You may also go with EX grade examples, and bring your total cost down even more. KEH's EX+ pieces, though, are simply "extra nice."

 

[MkII]

I have an OM4ti that serves me very well. I miss the spot meter when I use other cameras and it is a sturdy little number.

 

[johnnywalker]

Why don't you go directly to the best MF 35mm SLR camera ever made ? Nikon FM3A. Full AE if you want it, and without the batteries fully manual on all speeds too. Great VF. Mirror lock up if you use self release. Great feel, small, light, compatible with some of the best SLR lenses ever made (Zeiss ZF), 1/250 flash sync and TTL coupling with Nikon strobes. If you want to spend less, research the FM2 model as well.

I agree. This would probably be the last of my Nikon cameras I would give up. The FM2 is also a good choice.

 

[Hamster]

Without risking a flame war...

Perhaps you should differentiate what you want to what you ought to have. IMHO Nikon and Canon caters to what the Customer WANT, whereas Pentax and Olympus market towards what photographers OUGHT TO HAVE. At the end of the day, your personality will dictate what is suitable. A tool that is specified by marketing department, or one that is specified by engineering.

I tend to go for usability, and Olympus-OM and Pentax-M suits my needs better. I got both system for next to nothing on a flea market, and I found that I tend to use them more than anything.

Also Rolleiflex and Yashicamat are not expensive these days. Medium format might not be as out of reach as you think.

I would suggest Pentax MX. Small and light enough to be pocketable. Mine has taken a fair bit of abuse, and had not failed me yet bar a mangled back door (which is replaceable).

At the end of the day, whatever give you the most confidence is probably the best choice.