What is "enough" in a camera for you?

RezaLoghme · Apr 17, 2024

For a walk, any Hasselblad is a good way to burn some fat, I know.

Re Rolleiflex weight difference - a pity to let such a nice camera go, but I fully understand the charm of downsizing, math-maths and trying to simplify one's life.

For me, that usually ends in buying more things.

Bruce Butterfield · Apr 17, 2024

RezaLoghme said:
For a walk, any Hasselblad is a good way to burn some fat, I know.

Re Rolleiflex weight difference - a pity to let such a nice camera go, but I fully understand the charm of downsizing, math-maths and trying to simplify one's life.

For me, that usually ends in buying more things.

Well in this case it’s win-win for me — I really prefer the E over the F and I’ll make a bit selling the more desired camera. The trick is to avoid buying Yet Another Camera with the proceeds. No guarantees on that score…

RezaLoghme · Apr 17, 2024

Some time ago, I tried to trick my brain into the idea that 1960s/70s Japanese RF cameras would be "good enough". After buying and selling a few of them, I had to face the music and ended up buying analog and digital Leicas which now have their own dynamics and hierarchy in terms of "good enough".

Always be careful what you wish for.

AnselMortensen · Apr 17, 2024

Enough=
An accurate, consistent shutter.
Bellows without pinholes.
A lens without fungus that covers the film format.
Camera movements that lock down tightly.

Thesecondone · Apr 19, 2024

Snappy shutter
Sharp lens
Satisfying winder
Not a pain in the *** to reload

Nikon 2 · Apr 19, 2024

Huss said:
While out shooting, I had an M3 with me. I just like the size and how quiet it is. In public settings you are not 'that' guy w the big camera and bazooka lens. I passed a gentleman using an Olympus OM1 - and man it was the SLR equivalence of the Leica. Beautiful, small, discrete.
I've had small Pentax SLRs, and liked them, but not enough to keep them. Just my deal, nothing against the cameras. But it made me think, what is "enough" camera for you as a daily carry to have fun with, without you feeling limited? As in, you don't want to think 'if only I had my..'
It's making me think as to why I'm keeping my Nikon Fs.. awesome cameras but I really don't use them as they are in the middle - too big for 'fun' - too small for serious (AF, motor drive etc like with the F4 and F6).
I guess its part of the paring down of gear that is being used, not collected.

I once owned a M3, now a Nikon F2.
The Leica MD 262 is “enough” for me being a digital camera that shoots like film…!

RezaLoghme · Apr 19, 2024

"If only I had my..." is a good litmus test whether your camera is "enough".

RezaLoghme · Apr 19, 2024

Huss said:
While out shooting, I had an M3 with me. I just like the size and how quiet it is. In public settings you are not 'that' guy w the big camera and bazooka lens.

Exactly! Both modern Japanese DSLRs with those huge lenses and bizarre lens hoods and 1890s LFs with a Count von Count cape can easily make you being "that guy".

The "enough" camera provides sufficient quality and function but does not scream "Look at me".

Nikon 2 · Apr 20, 2024

Nikon 2 said:
I once owned a M3, now a Nikon F2.
The Leica MD 262 is “enough” for me being a digital camera that shoots like film…!

But nothing beats the color coming from the Kodak Ektar 100. It might not be natural or over saturated, it just jumps out at you…

Nikon 2 · Apr 20, 2024

Another digital and film debate, this comment is locked…

88E30M50 · May 6, 2024

'Enough' is hard for me to pin down. If I'm on a walk with the dog, a Leica IIIf is plenty of camera to have with me. If I'm at a race or airshow though, I'd feel under equipped with just my old Leica. I'd much rather be toting an F-1N with a few lenses.

For an overall, kind of do-everything camera, a Canon A-1 fits my needs well. It can make use of some great lenses, is light enough to carry all day without issue and has been reliable since I bought my first one new sometime in 1979. That said, I picked up a tattered looking Yashica FX-3 on a whim, that was fun to shoot and seems pretty bulletproof. If I had to toss a camera in the bottom of a duffel bag, that one might meet the minimum criteria for a completely mechanical camera that only needs film and an understanding of Sunny 16 for use.

RezaLoghme · May 7, 2024

"toss a camera in the bottom of a duffel bag" is a good measure.

What is "enough" in a camera for you?

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