Thinking of getting a new 35mm SLR. Your thoughts?

MrBrowning · Apr 3, 2017

I'm debating on getting a new 35mm camera with my tax return this year. Currently i have a Canon T90 and a Canon Elan IIe. For each of the current cameras I only have 1 lens so I'm not really stuck with trying to keep to a certain mount. Honestly I don't care much for either camera and would like to try something else. I've been looking at both the Pentax LX and the Minolta X1. Which would you suggest or is there another model you suggest? Also what lenses would you recommend? It will mainly be used as a walk around / back up to my medium format cameras and used to take pictures of my kids.

Features I'd like:
Multiple Exposure
Mirror Up
Bright finder

Rick A · Apr 3, 2017

Do you want a camera that does nearly everything for you, or would you like to go bare essentials? Honestly, if it were me, I would invest in some glass for what I have, maybe a fully manual body as well. Multiple image with any manual camera is usually pretty straight forward.

MrBrowning · Apr 3, 2017

For 35mm I'd like a camera that can do everything short of focus for me. I have medium format & 4x5 for when I want to take my time. As for lenses for the cameras I know I don't want Autofocus so that mean the Elan is out and While I like the FD glass I just can't seem to like the T90 even though I'd like too.

flavio81 · Apr 3, 2017

MrBrowning said:
I'm debating on getting a new 35mm camera with my tax return this year. Currently i have a Canon T90 and a Canon Elan IIe. For each of the current cameras I only have 1 lens so I'm not really stuck with trying to keep to a certain mount. Honestly I don't care much for either camera and would like to try something else. I've been looking at both the Pentax LX and the Minolta X1. Which would you suggest or is there another model you suggest? Also what lenses would you recommend? It will mainly be used as a walk around / back up to my medium format cameras and used to take pictures of my kids.

Features I'd like:
Multiple Exposure
Mirror Up
Bright finder

You have the T90? Great camera.

If you are looking at the Pentax LX then its direct competitions are the Canon New F-1, which I LOVE, and the Nikon F3.
I would also consider the Nikon F2 which is perhaps the best manual focus Nikon camera. All the cameras mentioned have very bright viewfinders. The Canon New F-1 has the brightest viewfinder i've ever seen on a camera, although i've never handled a Pentax LX.

Other cameras with bright viewfinders are the Minolta X-xxx series.

MrBrowning · Apr 3, 2017

flavio81 said:
You have the T90? Great camera.

If you are looking at the Pentax LX then its direct competitions are the Canon New F-1, which I LOVE, and the Nikon F3.
I would also consider the Nikon F2 which is perhaps the best manual focus Nikon camera. All the cameras mentioned have very bright viewfinders. The Canon New F-1 has the brightest viewfinder i've ever seen on a camera, although i've never handled a Pentax LX.

Other cameras with bright viewfinders are the Minolta X-xxx series.

For the T90 I like the functions but not the feel of the camera in my hand. That's my biggest complaint against it. I had an F-1 (original) and it was nice camera. Sort of regret selling it. I'll take a look at the F2 and the New F-1. The problem is too many cameras to choose from and not enough money for them all.

Huss · Apr 3, 2017

flavio81 said:
I would also consider the Nikon F2 which is perhaps the best manual focus Nikon camera.

The F6 has better mf than the F2. I have both. The Nikon F6 is actually an incredible camera to use with mf lenses, it works so well with them. And if you ever want that new fangled AF thing, well, you have that option too.
I also have the Minolta X1 (XK) and it is very nice, but a bit quirky compared to an F2.

TheRook · Apr 3, 2017

Why not go for something very different than what you already have, such as a rangefinder camera? I'm not sure how many rangefinders can do double exposure, but quite a few have extremely bright viewfinders compared to SLR cameras.

MrBrowning · Apr 3, 2017

TheRook said:
Why not go for something very different than what you already have, such as a rangefinder camera? I'm not sure how many rangefinders can do double exposure, but quite a few have extremely bright viewfinders compared to SLR cameras.

I have a Kiev 4a which I enjoy shooting and has been in my bag for the last month and a half. If I were to get another I think I'd go with a Bessa R2c (Since I already have a FSU couple lenses that would fit it).

darkosaric · Apr 3, 2017

Nikon F75 with 28-80 nikkor, and the rest spend of film, chemicals and papers.

Theo Sulphate · Apr 3, 2017

Some questions to consider:

- size: would you want it small enough to take everywhere, such as in a light jacket pocket?

- automation: do you want a full program mode or is aperture-preferred sufficient? Do you need the option of full manual control?

- lenses: do you need interchangeable lenses or is a fixed lens ok?

- viewing: would you need reflex viewing for accuracy of close-up shots or is non-reflex ok?

- features: do you want auto-wind/rewind, different metering choices, TTL flash capability, etc.

MrBrowning · Apr 3, 2017

Theo Sulphate said:
Some questions to consider:

- size: would you want it small enough to take everywhere, such as in a light jacket pocket?

- automation: do you want a full program mode or is aperture-preferred sufficient? Do you need the option of full manual control?

- lenses: do you need interchangeable lenses or is a fixed lens ok?

- viewing: would you need reflex viewing for accuracy of close-up shots or is non-reflex ok?

- features: do you want auto-wind/rewind, different metering choices, TTL flash capability, etc.

I'd like some level of automation and a manual mode. Size isn't an issue since it will mainly live in my Domke F2 bag. A choice of metering modes would be preferred as would TTL flash. Interchangeable lenses are a must.

Not being sarcastic but are there SLRs WI out interchangeable lenses that are good?

Pioneer · Apr 3, 2017

My two favorite auto everything 35mm cameras are my Pentax PZ1p and the Nikon F6.

The Pentax PZ1p only has 3 cons that I can find. One; it only has a single center focus point, but it is darned accurate with it. Two; It is getting a little bit old. Three; if you have never used Hyper-Program or Hyper-Manual it will take a bit of learning, but once you have gotten it down there is nothing better.

The F6 only has one fault. It is not a Pentax. But, if you can actually come to love a Nikon then it is the best 35mm film camera on earth. It is actually quieter than a Leica as long as you shut off the auto rewind function.

fstop · Apr 3, 2017

The only new 35mm SLR is the Nikon F-6.
If you want an XK I 'll sell you a nice condition, working camera oh sorry I can't do that I'm one of those ebay sellers...

MrBrowning · Apr 3, 2017

Pioneer said:
My two favorite auto everything 35mm cameras are my Pentax PZ1p and the Nikon F6.

The Pentax PZ1p only has 3 cons that I can find. One; it only has a single center focus point, but it is darned accurate with it. Two; It is getting a little bit old. Three; if you have never used Hyper-Program or Hyper-Manual it will take a bit of learning, but once you have gotten it down there is nothing better.

The F6 only has one fault. It is not a Pentax. But, if you can actually come to love a Nikon then it is the best 35mm film camera on earth. It is actually quieter than a Leica as long as you shut off the auto rewind function.

I'll have to take a look at the Pentax. Thanks

fstop said:
The only new 35mm SLR is the Nikon F-6.
If you want an XK I 'll sell you a nice condition, working camera oh sorry I can't do that I'm one of those ebay sellers...

I'm not the one with issues with eBay sellers.

If you do seriously have one I may be in touch here in a few weeks if I end up deciding on the XK.

Paul Howell · Apr 3, 2017

The LX is a great manual full system camera, but unless you need a full system camera you might want to consider a KX, I assume you have gotten use to built in motor drive of the T90, so you want a drive to go the KX or the drive or winder for the LX. When I was a working PJ I had a F, then F2 and the F3, the LX was the only camera I considered over Nikon, what changed my mind was Nikon world wide support. The PZ1 and MZ are both good cameras. For a very inexpensive pro level camera I would also think about a Minolta 9000 with a winder or motor drive. The only AF camera that had a separate motor drive or winder. Only one Af spot, nice bright view finder, most have some LED bleed on the top screen, uses AA batteries, many quality lens. Down side, unlike Pentax or Nikon the Minolta A mount is a completely different mount from Minolta MD, so you to use newer AF lens. You can get a Minolta A mount AF 50 1.7 for around a $100 or less, a 35 to 70 3.5 for less than 50, the 70 to 210 F4 for under a $100. AF primes tend to be expensive.

Craig75 · Apr 3, 2017

I always liked the idea of the contax s2 simply because everything i have had by kyocera i loved and everything they made felt real quality in the hand. Although i have never used an s2 or dont know if it has the functions you require so thats probably no help at all. Cheap mount for glass tho, very simple camera, and very recent so it should last without needing any attention

Edit. Missed this "For 35mm I'd like a camera that can do everything short of focus for me" so .... worst suggestion ever by me

Chan Tran · Apr 3, 2017

I thought you say new 35mm SLR! For that about the only thing available is the Nikon F6 or may be you can get a new Canon EOS-1V. I know there are the Nikon FM10 and some others off brand as well as one by Vivitar but I wouldn't consider those.

flavio81 · Apr 3, 2017

Huss said:
The F6 has better mf than the F2. I have both. The Nikon F6 is actually an incredible camera to use with mf lenses, it works so well with them. And if you ever want that new fangled AF thing, well, you have that option too.
I also have the Minolta X1 (XK) and it is very nice, but a bit quirky compared to an F2.

I keep reading this (many F6 owners are ecstatic about it), i wonder how is battery life with the F6, and weight with the F6. Also the price is significantly higher than the F2.

I have not yet tried an F6 camera. I've seen some F5 here, that thing is a monster; i'd rather use a medium format SLR.

fstop · Apr 3, 2017

MrBrowning said:
I'll have to take a look at the Pentax. Thanks

I'm not the one with issues with eBay sellers.

If you do seriously have one I may be in touch here in a few weeks if I end up deciding on the XK.

I have XKs I'm willing to sell, but I don't sell on here for several reasons.

MrBrowning · Apr 3, 2017

Chan Tran said:
I thought you say new 35mm SLR! For that about the only thing available is the Nikon F6 or may be you can get a new Canon EOS-1V. I know there are the Nikon FM10 and some others off brand as well as one by Vivitar but I wouldn't consider those.

I meant new as in new to me.

Les Sarile · Apr 3, 2017

Features I'd like:

Multiple Exposure
Mirror Up
Bright finder
Camera that can do everything short of focus for me
I don't want Autofocus
I like the FD glass
F-1 (original) and it was nice camera.
I'd like some level of automation and a manual mode.
Size isn't an issue since it will mainly live in my Domke F2 bag.
A choice of metering modes would be preferred as would TTL flash.
Interchangeable lenses are a must.

Side by side size comparison of some of the cameras mentioned.

All of these can multi-expose but the LX is the only camera that you can go forward and backward and multi-expose any frame.
All of these have mirror lock up except for the Canon New F-1.
None of these have autoexposure.
All of these have motor options. The XK/X1 motor option is only available on the XM with the motor permanently attached.
The Canon New F-1 has a split image prism that will not "blackout" even using slow lenses or bellows.
Canon F-1 and Nikon F2 have no autoexposure, the others have aperture priority. The New Canon F-1 has aperture priority with AE finder and shutter priority with motor AE.
All have center weighted metering and the Canon New F-1 has spot metering with specific screens. Only the LX and F3 have TTL flash capability.

Other differentiations:
The F3 can use the batteries in the motor drive when the in-body batteries fail.
The LX and New F-1's hybrid shutter will operate from sync speed to top speed when batteries fail.
The LX is the only camera (past or present) that will aperture priority autoexpose a scene for as long as it takes (hours long) or batteries die.
The LX has the most viewfinder options with most having built-in diopter adjustment. It also has the widest range of viewfinder magnification.

Of course if you don't need interchangeable viewfinder, there are many other options.

MrBrowning · Apr 3, 2017

Les Sarile said:
Features I'd like:

Multiple Exposure

Mirror Up

Bright finder

Camera that can do everything short of focus for me

I don't want Autofocus

I like the FD glass

F-1 (original) and it was nice camera.

I'd like some level of automation and a manual mode.

Size isn't an issue since it will mainly live in my Domke F2 bag.

A choice of metering modes would be preferred as would TTL flash.

Interchangeable lenses are a must.

Side by side size comparison of some of the cameras mentioned.

All of these can multi-expose but the LX is the only camera that you can go forward and backward and multi-expose any frame.

All of these have mirror lock up except for the Canon New F-1.

None of these have autoexposure.

All of these have motor options. The XK/X1 motor option is only available on the XM with the motor permanently attached.

The Canon New F-1 has a split image prism that will not "blackout" even using slow lenses or bellows.

Canon F-1 and Nikon F2 have no autoexposure, the others have aperture priority. The New Canon F-1 has aperture priority with AE finder and shutter priority with motor AE.

All have center weighted metering and the Canon New F-1 has spot metering with specific screens. Only the LX and F3 have TTL flash capability.

Other differentiations:
The F3 can use the batteries in the motor drive when the in-body batteries fail.
The LX and New F-1's hybrid shutter will operate from sync speed to top speed when batteries fail.
The LX is the only camera (past or present) that will aperture priority autoexpose a scene for as long as it takes (hours long) or batteries die.
The LX has the most viewfinder options with most having built-in diopter adjustment. It also has the widest range of viewfinder magnification.

Of course if you don't need interchangeable viewfinder, there are many other options.

That's very helpful! I like the idea that the LX can autoexposure a sence for as long as it takes. That alone makes me want it since I enjoy shooting long exposures.

Les Sarile · Apr 3, 2017

MrBrowning said:
That's very helpful! I like the idea that the LX can autoexposure a sence for as long as it takes. That alone makes me want it since I enjoy shooting long exposures.

All of these aperture priority capable bodies can autoexpose seconds long but all Canons stop at 30 seconds.

Pentax LX autoexpose using Fuji 100 about 15 seconds.

The Nikons can go minutes but not predictably repeatable and the shutter speed is determined at the time of shutter closure.

Pentax LX autoexpose using Kodak Gold about 15 minutes.

Past this it's all LX. This one on Kodak Ektar 100 about 40 minutes.

A problem I found with these extra long exposures is that I have to look into the viewfinder to see if the exposure has expired. So for convenience, I fashioned an LED+battery plugged into the LX's sync port to give me a visual queue when it is done.

MrBrowning · Apr 3, 2017

Les Sarile said:
All of these aperture priority capable bodies can autoexpose seconds long but all Canons stop at 30 seconds.

Pentax LX autoexpose using Fuji 100 about 15 seconds.

The Nikons can go minutes but not predictably repeatable and the shutter speed is determined at the time of shutter closure.

Pentax LX autoexpose using Kodak Gold about 15 minutes.

Past this it's all LX. This one on Kodak Ektar 100 about 40 minutes.

A problem I found with these extra long exposures is that I have to look into the viewfinder to see if the exposure has expired. So for convenience, I fashioned an LED+battery plugged into the LX's sync port to give me a visual queue when it is done.

Really nice photos. I like the LED idea to know when i'd done. I guess I've decided on the LX for sure now.

Pioneer · Apr 4, 2017

They were very popular in Japan. If you are not too worried about the budget you can often pick up new, or like new, bodies in Japan for reasonable prices. They are obviously going to cost more than used ones found on E-Bay but they are mint examples. Contact Japan Camera Hunter and have him look around for you.

Thinking of getting a new 35mm SLR. Your thoughts?

Privacy & Transparency

Privacy & Transparency