The "Electronic Independence Level" of cameras.

[NedL]

It would be cool to plug in one of my coffee can pinhole cameras and see what happens. Maybe it could become a lightning rod. Anyway, its meter doesn't require batteries, but it probably wouldn't work right without morning coffee.

 

[Bill Burk]

I'd give the Pentax ES / ES-II an EIL 1.5 because you get all the top speeds + B without battery. The Olympus OM-4 only gets an EIL 1 though because 1/60 + B isn't going to be enough. And I just learned the Canon A-1 gets a 0 because without a battery you can't fire the shutter.

 

[lxdude]

It would be cool to plug in one of my coffee can pinhole cameras and see what happens. Maybe it could become a lightning rod. Anyway, its meter doesn't require batteries, but it probably wouldn't work right without morning coffee.

Plug it in outside on a wet day and you'll discover that its meter is the extinction type.

 

[Frankly Unsharp]

May I suggest the Minolta SR -series (1959-1966). Cheap and made in big numbers = lots of spare parts available. And not a battery in sight.

 

[blockend]

In a post-film era, I adopt a different take on longevity. Light plastic cameras with automation and a limited shelf life are preferred over the heavy metal professional models I used to favour. They may wear out quicker (although I haven't found that to be the case), but most will probably out last their owner.

 

[Nodda Duma]

The "Electronic Independence Level" of cameras.

I'm 76 I don't worry about my cameras and lenses packing up, I'm just happy to still have all my faculties am in good health and still able to enjoy using them.

76 heck...I thank God every day for all that and I'm just 41!

 

[benjiboy]

In a post-film era, I adopt a different take on longevity. Light plastic cameras with automation and a limited shelf life are preferred over the heavy metal professional models I used to favour. They may wear out quicker (although I haven't found that to be the case), but most will probably out last their owner.

It isn't the "post film era" in my house.

 

[benjiboy]

76 heck...I thank God every day for all that and I'm just 41!

Only 41, I've got two children older than you .

 

[blockend]

It isn't the "post film era" in my house.

I bet you have flaired trousers and sideburns too Benji

 

[benjiboy]

I bet you have flaired trousers and sideburns too Benji

I have never had any flared trousers or sideburns even in the days when they were fashionable I was alrady in my forties and I have always dressed more conventionally, and just because I prefer film am old and have no interest in digital photography blockend doesn't make me dinosaur there are many members of this forum who are half a century younger than I who also use film exclusively who weren't even born when "flared trousers and sideburns" were in fashion .

 

[MartinCrabtree]

There's a similar school of thought in my other hobby. Motorcycles. Among many I have an '81 Harley-Davidson FLH with 300K miles. It uses an electronic ignition. The rest is mechanical. Engine is now on rebuild #2. Also in the middle of a total restoration that has gone on for years. I also have a 2004 Aprilia Tuono w/110K miles on it festooned will all kinds of electronic doodads. Has never ever left me stranded and I wouldn't hesitate to leave for a long trip today should I need to. They all have their foibles and I've not the time to worry about them. If it breaks and you can fix it do so. If not move on.

 

[Theo Sulphate]

Perhaps it was William Lear (creator of the Learjet) who said something like "you never have to repair or replace anything you leave out".

The Nikon F's, F2's and their lenses are about 40-55 years or so old. A high percentage of these work just fine with little maintenance. They'll probably do so for another 50 years or more. I just can't imagine that in 50 years there will be a fully functioning D4 and, say, a 105/2.8 AF-S VR lens. I don't think even an F6 will last that long.

Ok: 50 years from now, anyone having a fully functioning F6 or newer camera, bring it to me and I will give you its weight in gold :- )

I realize longevity and robustness isn't the be-all and end-all in photographic equipment. They're just tools. I *do* want my images to last, because they are what's important.

I can also appreciate the plastic inexpensive cameras. For nearly 20 years I scoffed at cameras like the Canon Rebel G (100% electronic, autofocus, entry-level camera) and then I decided to try one. It was so much fun and I got good photos. So, one's equipment isn't everything.

 

[E. von Hoegh]

Perhaps it was William Lear (creator of the Learjet) who said something like "you never have to repair or replace anything you leave out".

The Nikon F's, F2's and their lenses are about 40-55 years or so old. A high percentage of these work just fine with little maintenance. They'll probably do so for another 50 years or more. I just can't imagine that in 50 years there will be a fully functioning D4 and, say, a 105/2.8 AF-S VR lens. I don't think even an F6 will last that long.

Ok: 50 years from now, anyone having a fully functioning F6 or newer camera, bring it to me and I will give you its weight in gold :- )

I realize longevity and robustness isn't the be-all and end-all in photographic equipment. They're just tools. I *do* want my images to last, because they are what's important.

I can also appreciate the plastic inexpensive cameras. For nearly 20 years I scoffed at cameras like the Canon Rebel G (100% electronic, autofocus, entry-level camera) and then I decided to try one. It was so much fun and I got good photos. So, one's equipment isn't everything.

And the 8 track tape.

 

[blockend]

I realize longevity and robustness isn't the be-all and end-all in photographic equipment. They're just tools. I *do* want my images to last, because they are what's important.

My most used SLR is a Canon 3000n with 40mm 2.8 pancake. So light it barely needs a wrist strap and fits in a coat pocket. The lens has the latest technology and coatings, and the body has all the automation, overrides or manual controls anyone could want. The Nikons languish on the shelf, which bends slightly under their weight. The Canon requires batteries about twice a year, which cost less than the price of a film.

 

[Moopheus]

I realize longevity and robustness isn't the be-all and end-all in photographic equipment. They're just tools. I *do* want my images to last, because they are what's important.

The main practical concern is that if you want to keep shooting film there's a fairly limited choice of new cameras being made that you can buy. Otherwise, we have to keep our old cameras going, one way or another. Sure, we might not expect digital cameras to last as long, but we don't expect to run out of options any time soon.

 

[Ektagraphic]

I am a pretty young guy, and I just have a gut feeling that my Rolleiflex or Crown Graphic will still be clicking when it comes time to pass them on to grandkids...and that makes me thrilled!

 

[benjiboy]

I have a Canon A1 that I bought second hand 28 years ago which as you know is completely battery dependant, I've always hated the camera but the damned thing just keeps going, I wish to hell the thing would pack up and I could in all conscience put it away and forget about it .

 

[Roger Cole]

Zing! Canon made some fine cameras. I wouldn't call the A1 fine but it's certainly versatile and capable. I'm sure someone would take it off your hands!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk and 100% recycled electrons - because I care.

 

[Sirius Glass]

Nikons: Electronic, need batteries
Hasselblad: Mechanical with a battery for the light meter. I can use without a battery.
Speed Graphic and Graflex Model D: Completely mechanical

Most of my work is with the last two groups. I am not tied to electronics.

 

[benjiboy]

Zing! Canon made some fine cameras. I wouldn't call the A1 fine but it's certainly versatile and capable. I'm sure someone would take it off your hands!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk and 100% recycled electrons - because I care.

I'm sure they would Roger but they are so plentyfull on the second hand market and they sell for so little that it's not worth the trouble since I don't need the money.

 

[Theo Sulphate]

I have a Canon A1 that I bought second hand 28 years ago which as you know is completely battery dependant, I've always hated the camera but the damned thing just keeps going, I wish to hell the thing would pack up and I could in all conscience put it away and forget about it .

Do you dislike it because it is battery dependent or for some other reason? The only thing I find off-putting about an A-1 is selecting apertures with a dial on the body (in Av mode).

Your EF, however, is an excellent instrument.

 

[benjiboy]

Do you dislike it because it is battery dependent or for some other reason? The only thing I find off-putting about an A-1 is selecting apertures with a dial on the body (in Av mode).

Your EF, however, is an excellent instrument.

I hate the way it handles, how flimsy and insubstantial it feels compares with my EF and New F1's.

 

[Patrick Robert James]

Not all electronic cameras will outlast film, but almost all mechanical ones will. Some day in the future there will be a Leica or Spotmatic found in an attic and no one will know what it is.

My most used camera is a Hexar RF which of course won't work a lick without batteries and will be landfill fodder when it stops working. The backup is a Leica M3 which will probably be found someday in an attic.....

 

[film_man]

From my personal experience having owned both electronic and mechanical cameras the only ones that ever gave me trouble where the mechanical ones. So based on this everyone should conclude that mechanical cameras are evil and electronic ones are the most robust. Which is just as silly an argument.