My XA2 gets lots of use as well, as does my Trip. Tomorrow I'm going to Edinburgh to see some exhibitions and both of these are so handy to just slip in a bag or pocket , in case I see something interesting, which I always do. Most of my work tends to be shot on 6 x 6 , for which I have a Mamiya C330 and a Rolleicord. The Rolleicord has a fixed lens and the viewfinder is a cave , but it's a lot lighter and more compact than the Mamiya (I'm considering a rangefinder ).XA2/Stylus MJU Mk1/PEn EE3.
Gets changed up. XA2 has been getting the most work recently.
Then I turned into film:
Olympus XA - it crapped out within year or so of daily use.
Bessa R was everyday, everywhere. It worn out badly. Crappy exterior materials.
Leica M4-2. I run it to the point it needed some parts for film advance.
I have tried Minox 35 this one crapped out in no time.
Some other film cameras, including SLRs...
After spending half of the purchase price for repair of M4-2 and waiting for months to get parts and have service done locally I'm not keen to use it as everyday camera anymore.
I have tried many other film cameras, but only Leica film M is pleasing. I could set shutter speed and pre-focus without looking on it
I'm kind of lost now. I used to have three film M, but it was silly. And I really need just one lens.
I have EOS 300 our family first advanced camera. Not as cute as Leica, but I like it and it just works. Maybe I'll get cheap 50 1.8 EF AF lens for it or 40 2.8 pancake. It is camera which is ready to take picture with one turn of the wheel.
My XA2 gets lots of use as well, as does my Trip. Tomorrow I'm going to Edinburgh to see some exhibitions and both of these are so handy to just slip in a bag or pocket , in case I see something interesting, which I always do. Most of my work tends to be shot on 6 x 6 , for which I have a Mamiya C330 and a Rolleicord. The Rolleicord has a fixed lens and the viewfinder is a cave , but it's a lot lighter and more compact than the Mamiya (I'm considering a rangefinder ).
I would get one of the more robust Leicas...M2,M3 or M 4. These ere made by Leitz in Germany. All later M cameras are marketing the brand. However, it does seem that current manufacturers are making quality products, even if for what was once known as the carriage trade.
As a Minox 8x11 user, I also tried quite a few Minox 35mms. All died at the wrong time. In contrast to their 35mm cameras, DAG told me that the tiny 8x11s will be among the last film cameras still standing because of their build quality.
Choice of camera is so personal and quirky...I already listed my choices above. Mood also plays a part in choice of the day.
When I am out and about, and the primary mission is not photography, my trusty Voigtlander Vito II 35mm folder is with me. Easily fits in a pocket or wife's purse. Inexpensive, plenty on ebay, easy to get serviced, rugged, reliable, very good lens.
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I took the XA2 with me to Edinburgh on Tuesday and it was very handy as ever, I might load it with Portra 800 now the days are getting shorter; also the Old Town may be atmospheric but you don't get a lot of light in the alleyways. Delta 3200 in 120 is a godsend in B & W. While on my way to see the Canaletto exhibition at the Queen's Gallery, Holyrood House, I put my Rolleicord to good use taking some pictures of the Scottish Parliament Building ...I got a burst of sunshine at just the right moment. The Parliament Building is striking but controversial and is well worth a look if you're in Edinburgh.I found the XA works best at ISO800, the MJU misses focus every once in a while.
For carrying 120 I use a Richoflex VIIIIIIIXCC or something and a Lubitel 2. My other medium format cameras are studio queens as of now. Much too heavy for EDC.
I took the XA2 with me to Edinburgh on Tuesday and it was very handy as ever, I might load it with Portra 800 now the days are getting shorter; also the Old Town may be atmospheric but you don't get a lot of light in the alleyways. Delta 3200 in 120 is a godsend in B & W. While on my way to see the Canaletto exhibition at the Queen's Gallery, Holyrood House, I put my Rolleicord to good use taking some pictures of the Scottish Parliament Building ...I got a burst of sunshine at just the right moment. The Parliament Building is striking but controversial and is well worth a look if you're in Edinburgh.
You should be ok in Edinburgh, Glasgow on the other hand...it can be a bit difficult to ken the the blether (understand what people are saying). They use a whole muckle o' strange wairds (ditto).I'd love to visit, I think I'd need a translator though.
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