What other cameras should I be trying

Zorkiphoto · Oct 6, 2015

Hello all

I've been running a film photo blog for the last few years, and one of the aspects I like most about it is reviewing film cameras. It gets me out shooting, and trying differing combinations of cameras and lenses and film. I've reviewed a dozen or so so far and have another half dozen that should be up on the site in the next six months or so...

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I've always got my eyes out for new cameras to play around with - I tend to buy stuff, stick a dozen or so rolls through and keep if I love it, sell and buy something else if not.

The next bunch of reviews I'll post include the Lubitel 166, FED 50, Minolta SRT 100X and the Olympus 35RC.

So my question is this - what other cameras from the golden age of film should I be looking it? What's your overlooked gem that you think i should have a look at, and why... cost wise, i'm definitely thinking more the Praktica end of the spectrum than the Leica end...

I'm always interested to see what people shoot on, and which old models are still worth loading a few rolls in today.

Many thanks in advance for any suggestions.

Thanks

S

darkosaric · Oct 6, 2015

Try some half frame cameras, and old 120 folders, just to have variety of formats.

removed account4 · Oct 6, 2015

1930s 120format box cameras ( or b2 film )
and bencinis

Sewin · Oct 6, 2015

darkosaric said:
Try some half frame cameras, and old 120 folders, just to have variety of formats.

Good idea,

Not the expensive models but the ordinary "working class" cameras, Zeiss Ikon Nettar , Chaika half frame, possibly sub mins too, Minox or a Kiev 35A.

I like spending other peoples money.

Ric Johnson · Oct 6, 2015

Canon FTb

mweintraub · Oct 6, 2015

Kiev/Pentacon medium format.

I've revived my love for the russian glass recently. After buying an 88CM, I started appreciating the Kiev 60 again.

gone · Oct 6, 2015

Another vote for the FTb, or the FT QL, or even the original Canonflex, although the latter may be out of your price range. I have an old beater FTb that I just can't bear to part with, even though I really only need one camera now and that one's not it. The Canon has an excellent selection of glass, and w/ a simple adapter can shoot M42 or even Nikkor or Leica R lenses.

michr · Oct 6, 2015

I'd like to see what you think of Argus rangefinders, the c3, c33, c4 or c44, with other than the stock 50mm lenses attached. Also what do you think of the Kodak Signet series?

Paul Howell · Oct 6, 2015

Konica T or T3 with 57 1.7

Kowa STR

Petri EE

Topcon Super D or RE

Minolta 102 or 202

Yashica FX

Mamiya 6, the folder not the new model

Yashica 635 if you can one with the 35mm adaptor.

Entry level AF

Nikon N 55

Canon Rebel,

Minolta 5000

Pentax PZ 7

Ko.Fe. · Oct 6, 2015

My respect for trying Lubitel 166, FED 50 and rest of FSU gear!
Subscribed

OldBodyOldSoul · Oct 6, 2015

Minox 35.

JOR · Oct 6, 2015

I would be interested in reading a retrospective review of the Nikon SP, comparing it with modern cameras. Some say that it outclassed early Leica M series cameras at its introduction. It is still highly thought of, so much so that Nikon built a retro batch of 2500 pieces, sold only in Japan, during 2005.

flavio81 · Oct 6, 2015

The list would be VERY long... i will limit myself to suggestion for 35mm cameras
that are interesting and/or very good for some reason.

I am putting the "must test" cameras underlined.

Compact
Minox 35 (any)
Rollei 35 (any)
Voigtlander VF101 ( a rare one )
Zeiss Contessa (original folding camera)
Olympus Pen S
Olympus Trip 35
Olympus XA (or variants)
Olympus 35RC (or RD or SP)

Rangefinder
Nikon SP
Canon 7SLeica M3
Leica M4
Kodak Retina (any)
Yashica Electro 35GSN
Minolta Hi-Matic 7
Forget the Canonets... they are overrated and this comes from a Canon fanboy like me.

SLR
Nikon F
Nikon F2
Nikon F3
Nikon F4
Nikkormat FT2 or FT3
Nikkormat EL
Nikon FG
Nikon FE/FE2

Canon Canonflex R2000 (if you can get one)
Canon Canonflex
Canon FTb
Canon F-1
Canon New F-1
Canon A-1
Canon AE-1
Canon T90

Pentax Spotmatic SP
Pentax Electro-Spotmatic ESII
Pentax MX
Pentax LX

Minolta XK
Minolta XE-5

Leicaflex (any)

Alpa (any alpa reflex)

Zeiss-Ikon Contarex (any)

... the list can go on forever

flavio81 · Oct 6, 2015

JOR said:
I would be interested in reading a retrospective review of the Nikon SP, comparing it with modern cameras.

On the other hand, most of the Nikon SP is exactly, piece by piece, inside the original Nikon F -- all the shutter system, film advance and exposure counter. So you just need to try a Nikon F to "review" a good part of the SP (except of course the rangefinder and focusing system. Granted, i understand that's where the fun is.)

And it's an excellent shutter by the way!!

Xmas · Oct 6, 2015

JOR said:
I would be interested in reading a retrospective review of the Nikon SP, comparing it with modern cameras. Some say that it outclassed early Leica M series cameras at its introduction. It is still highly thought of, so much so that Nikon built a retro batch of 2500 pieces, sold only in Japan, during 2005.

Sexy maybe but nigh on impossible to change lenses.
The Canon P outclassed it in every department including sales and was cheaper.

zanxion72 · Oct 6, 2015

I love Kodak Retinas! I'd love reading about them on your blog I follow

flavio81 · Oct 6, 2015

zanxion72 said:
I love Kodak Retinas! I'd love reading about them on your blog I follow

Me too - My Kodak Retina IIIc is my favorite rangefinder.

beegee675 · Oct 6, 2015

Ricoh Five One Nine, Fujica V2, Chinon Bellami

blockend · Oct 6, 2015

SLRs of a given decade and price point are all much of a muchness, with very few exceptions. Folders, box cameras, up market Instamatics, Werra, Mamiya Press, TLRs and AF zoom compacts are under represented in tests.

Peltigera · Oct 6, 2015

For my old camera blog, I browse Ebay and buy interesting cameras - interesting is the only criterion apart from price (less than £25). interesting varies day from day.

Sirius Glass · Oct 6, 2015

Any of the Minolta SRs or SRTs are classics and reliable. I used them for decades.

Sceptic · Oct 6, 2015

I saw you had a Soviet Camera Section on your blog. I would suggest looking into the Pentacon Six (P6) , usually comes with the Biometar 80mm 2.8, but I've heard great things about the Flektogon 50mm. This is a medium format camera as opposed to the majority on your blog which appeared to be 35mm

Paul Howell · Oct 6, 2015

Peltigera said:
For my old camera blog, I browse Ebay and buy interesting cameras - interesting is the only criterion apart from price (less than £25). interesting varies day from day.

At that price point

Konica A or A3, stripped version of the T and T3
Petri FT or EE
Kowa STR, leaf shutter very good lens
Topcon 100, another leaf shutter, good lens, different mount than D or Super D.

Nikon N 55
Canon Rebel
Pentax ZM manual focus in a AF type body.

May be difficult to find film.

Pentax or Minolta 110s.

Rolli 126 SL

Kodak Tourister with 100 4.5

Any number of AF point and shoots

cuthbert · Oct 6, 2015

mweintraub said:
Kiev/Pentacon medium format.

I've revived my love for the russian glass recently. After buying an 88CM, I started appreciating the Kiev 60 again.

OT: how is the 88CM? Some people say it's a remarkable improvement, others that it's like the 88 just more expensive.

For the Soviet glass (Kiev were made in Ukraine, not Russia) I always loved it, my Arsat 50mm f2 N (the old Soviet Helios 81N developed for the Kiev 17/18/19/20 series) is better than the Nikkor 50mm f2 and 1.8...usually Nikonians goio berserk when I write that.

Kyle M. · Oct 6, 2015

Another vote for the Canon FTb, out of the plethora of 35mm SLR's I've used it's definitely my favorite. I got mine KEH EX for $35.00, it was listed as having an inoperative meter but it works seems to work fine for me. I'm using a 1.5v alkaline even though it was originally designed for a 1.35v mercury cell, and it's spot on with my Gossen Luna Pro F and the metered finder on my 645 Super. Also the Pentax Spotmatic, K1000, MX, Olympus OM-1, Nikon F, and F2 are among other favorites of mine.

What other cameras should I be trying

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