Talk Of New Film Cameras

[skorpiius]

The problem though is, Ebay is just one market, but the only with public information.

The local-sale markets market may be bigger or smaller, with same or complete different choices. Nobody knows.

Very true, and only provides a 3 month window (which may be quite skewed by Covid).

 

[skorpiius]

So some things I thought were interesting from the Ebay stats

1 - the top 8 models making up ~50% of sales there was a 70:30 split between ones with some automation, such as Aperture Priority, and full manual.
2 - The release dates of the top 8 were between 1971 and 1981, with 6 of the 8 being between 1976 and 1981
3 - Manual Focus models way outsell AF ones

From this it seems a new SLR should probably be a manual focus fully manual operation, with an aperture priority 'sister' to go with it,

I think the lack of sales for AF makes sense, older cameras are/were valued for construction, durability, craftsmanship, etc. Late 70s-early 80s retained some of those classic natures with some tech inside. AF ones were valued primarily for technology. Fine construction, durability, and craftsmanship does not necessarily change over time, but tech is always valued in comparison to the latest and greatest so it would make sense that once cameras went plastic, tech became the primary metric.

 

[Luckless]

So some things I thought were interesting from the Ebay stats

1 - the top 8 models making up ~50% of sales there was a 70:30 split between ones with some automation, such as Aperture Priority, and full manual.
2 - The release dates of the top 8 were between 1971 and 1981, with 6 of the 8 being between 1976 and 1981
3 - Manual Focus models way outsell AF ones

From this it seems a new SLR should probably be a manual focus fully manual operation, with an aperture priority 'sister' to go with it,

I think the lack of sales for AF makes sense, older cameras are/were valued for construction, durability, craftsmanship, etc. Late 70s-early 80s retained some of those classic natures with some tech inside. AF ones were valued primarily for technology. Fine construction, durability, and craftsmanship does not necessarily change over time, but tech is always valued in comparison to the latest and greatest so it would make sense that once cameras went plastic, tech became the primary metric.

Sounds like the start of a market research effort rather than a point to draw conclusions from.

I've not bought anything from Ebay in at least five years, but if I had been buying a used film camera from there lately I would have been in the group buying a full manual camera.

However, that isn't because I wouldn't be interested in a modern production AF medium format camera that made use of some of the latest design and manufacturing tech, but rather that I simply don't trust used electronics from that era for the price they're still commanding. I really don't want to deal with someone's poorly stored corroded electronics and hidden bulging capacitors.

Now if Pentax were to come along and announce the 645nz - A semi-system camera that is based around a shared frame with user replaceable backs for digital or film, oh, and a film configured version can be had for $500... Then I'm probably buying myself a fancy new film camera.

 

[blockend]

Manual Focus models way outsell AF ones

This reflects the way people think about film cameras now. They are rarely tools to do a job, but character items to "play" with. I'm not convinced film camera ownership translates into numbers of rolls purchased and shot, except in superficial ways.

 

[Huss]

Including the lens?

I bought an N75 w 28-80 G lens in 2019 for $30. It is in perfect condition and works perfectly. There were many deals like this because it is not on the short list of popular cameras that often are far less capable. But popular..

FYI I also bought an F80 w/ 28-70 D lens (both these lenses are real Nikon lenses) for $15! Admittedly this one has seen use and is not pristine, but it works perfectly.
The F80 is a superb camera under any circumstances.

Both cameras from ebay..

 

[George Mann]

I bought an N75 w 28-80 G lens in 2019 for $30. It is in perfect condition and works perfectly. There were many deals like this because it is not on the short list of popular cameras that often are far less capable. But popular..

FYI I also bought an F80 w/ 28-70 D lens (both these lenses are real Nikon lenses) for $15! Admittedly this one has seen use and is not pristine, but it works perfectly.
The F80 is a superb camera under any circumstances.

Both cameras from ebay..

But not the typical price that people sell them for or pay.

 

[Huss]

But not the typical price that people sell them for or pay.

Bought them off ebay. And there were others similar. So I didn't do anything special.

 

[Minolta93]

I'll hazard a guess many people on this forum own more cameras than they buy rolls of film in a year.

I'm guilty. In my defense, almost all of my over a dozen cameras were free. Of the others, one was a gift, one was $5 at a secondhand store, and my first camera cost me $25.

 

[Sirius Glass]

I'm guilty. In my defense, almost all of my over a dozen cameras were free. Of the others, one was a gift, one was $5 at a secondhand store, and my first camera cost me $25.

Repent by going out and spending money for more cameras.

 

[benjiboy]

I'm happy with my cameras and don't want any more, but if I had any disposable income I would like a D nymphomaniac who owns a liquor store.

 

[mshchem]

I'm happy with my cameras and don't want any more, but if I had any disposable income I would like a double D nymphomaniac who owns a liquor store.

Slow down!

 

[ic-racer]

I bought an N75 w 28-80 G lens in 2019 for $30. It is in perfect condition and works perfectly. There were many deals like this because it is not on the short list of popular cameras that often are far less capable. But popular..

FYI I also bought an F80 w/ 28-70 D lens (both these lenses are real Nikon lenses) for $15! Admittedly this one has seen use and is not pristine, but it works perfectly.
The F80 is a superb camera under any circumstances.

Both cameras from ebay..

Hush Huss, someone will find out...

 

[Sirius Glass]

Hush Huss, someone will find out...

Probably. Most here are sharp enough to figure out what I posted. I give people here a lot of credit for smarts.

 

[gone]

I'd love to have a new film camera, and don't think I've ever owned one. Just bought a new, old stock Chinon CP-X. Wow, what a difference 'new' makes. It has buttery smooth film advance, feels almost like a Leica. For now, anyway.

 

[Huss]

The big thing in new cameras right now are these simple plastic things. Fixed focus, fixed shutter speed, fixed aperture. Basically a re-usable disposable.

Kodak Ultra F9 35mm Film Camera with Flash - Yellow / Black

Kodak Ultra F9 35mm Film Camera with Flash - Yellow / Black - Capture your memories with a reusable Kodak 35mm film camera.The Kodak Ultra F9 is an easy-to-use camera with a fixed focus lens, manual film winding and rewinding and…

www.freestylephoto.biz

That one is $50 and sold out. I get making new stuff costs, but to think of all the frankly fantastic used cameras you can buy for $50.
I get it though, it's a fun cheerful gift with zero stress to use for newbies and/or someone who just wants to shoot film. And it's new.

 

[Donald Qualls]

I got one with the same (lack of) features on AliExpress for $10 plus (IIRC) $4 shipping from China. 28 mm fixed f/9, no flash or terminal for one, no tripod socket, but includes a waterproof housing (good down to 1 meter, they say, so basically splash resistant).

 

[Huss]

I got one with the same (lack of) features on AliExpress for $10..

You coulda had a Leica...

Want to Buy - Wanted $10 Leica rangefinder for personal use. CL Found.

I noticed that too and the have the luxury to be very picky. but it should be easy for us good looking, charming and winning personalities!

www.photrio.com

 

[Donald Qualls]

@Huss Did he ever get one for that money? I'm guessing not.

I've got good 35mm rangefinders. That plastic toy camera was, well, a toy camera. Like a box camera for 35 mm, only with a (slightly) water resistant housing included. I need to finish and process the test roll that's in the camera, but I expect results comparable to a disposable...

 

[benjiboy]

On further reflection for me personally, and my photography no camera since the New Canon FI was discontinued about 40 years ago there has never been a better 35 mm film S.L.R produced by any company, and any film S.L.R that might be manufactured today would never be as good, indeed I ask myself sometimes if the "technological advances" in the last 20 years or so have had any significant impact on the quality of the work we are producing.

 

[Huss]

On further reflection for me personally, and my photography no camera since the New Canon FI was discontinued about 40 years ago there has never been a better 35 mm film S.L.R produced by any company, and any film S.L.R that might be manufactured today would never be as good, indeed I ask myself sometimes if the "technological advances" in the last 20 years or so have had any significant impact on the quality of the work we are producing.

I much prefer the Leica R9 than the Canon F1. Amazing camera with shutter to 1/8000 sec (don't need ND filters in bright light), haptics, can change metering patterns with a simple flick of a switch with camera to eye, motordrive incorporated seamlessly, incredible dedicated flash system etc etc.
The Nikon F6 is not too shabby either - not as good haptically but is does have AF. Canon F1? Well, it's in the same 1980's ball park at the F2/3, LX etc.

But you're right - it's a personal choice as what fits you is what counts. If you don't like a camera you're not going to use it.

 

[benjiboy]

The Canon New F1 shutter goes to 1/2000 sec. even though I have very rarely used it. I have never aspired to own any Leica equipment I'm sure it's excellent but it's always been too expensive for me, especially the lenses with my responsibilities to my family.

 

[Arthurwg]

ETN tells it like it is: The Hasselblad V System is the best.

 

[Sirius Glass]

ETN tells it like it is: The Hasselblad V System is the best.

I can unbiased state that is absolutely true.

 

[KerrKid]

My Fuji FZ-6 TELE is one step up from a disposable. Dual fixed lenses. Not a terrible idea. Faster lenses and a better shutter release would be nice.

 

[Minolta93]

Repent by going out and spending money for more cameras.

Will you accept spending money for more film instead?