Which Camera would You Like to See Again?

snegron · Sep 2, 2006

Nikon reintroduced the SP rangefinder for a limited production run several years ago. Maybe they did it for nostalgic reasons, who knows. I wonder why they chose that particular model? This got me thinking about how cool it would be if the camera companies would bring back one of their classic models for a limited production run, maybe with a few slight improvements. So, the idea of this thread is to share what we would like to see again, even if for a limited time.

For Nikon, I would love to see a new production of F2AS bodies. This time though it would be even better with improved metering cells and all titanium body (even the metered prism in Titanium). Also, better weather seals.

For Canon, the F1N, this time with shutter speeds up to 1/4000, maybe all in Titanium.

For Pentax, probably the Spotmatic SP this time with improved metring.

I would love to include Minolta and Contax, but I don't think they are making any 35mm cameras anymore, not sure.

pschauss · Sep 2, 2006

Olympus XA.

snegron · Sep 2, 2006

Almost forgot about Olympus! How about an OM4?

Andy K · Sep 2, 2006

removed account4 · Sep 2, 2006

just a plain olde 4x5" box camera, like the delmar.
nothing very sophisticated -- guillotine shutter, milk glass finder
meniscus lens, "I" + "B" shutter speeds, tripod mount ... would be a great entry level camera for someone who didn't want to spend any money, but wanted a big-negative camera to fool around with.

if i could make a shutter like that or equally as simple, heck, i would make and sell these cameras myself ...but then again, i have wanted to ride a velocipede too ...

dirkpitt38 · Sep 2, 2006

The Pentax ME Super!!!!!

firecracker · Sep 2, 2006

Maybe a full-frame digital body for Canon F1 series would be nice for some work. Many fixed-focal FD and NFD lenses are wonderful, but they are hardly practical in today's standard. I'm not a big fan of EOS cameras.

I personally don't have any desire for another new film camera because there's already more than enough in the market.

Markok765 · Sep 2, 2006

Any pentax screwmount, with better metering

Claire Senft · Sep 2, 2006

Linhof Press 70..and a full set of lenses in updated shutters.

Roger Hicks · Sep 2, 2006

Plaubel Makina 6x9; not with the 100/2.9 Anticomar, though, and preferably able to take a more modern back. Actually the Japanese 80/2.8 Nikkor version (6x7) could be reintroduced without significant change.

Cheers,

R.

Nick Zentena · Sep 2, 2006

Ensign 6x9 folder with a modern lens and shutter.

Uncle Bill · Sep 2, 2006

Asahi Pentax Spotmatic F, Olympus OM-4, Nikon F.

resummerfield · Sep 2, 2006

snegron said:
....For Nikon, I would love to see a new production of F2AS bodies. This time though it would be even better with improved metering cells and all titanium body (even the metered prism in Titanium). Also, better weather seals.....

....For Pentax, probably the Spotmatic SP this time with improved metering.....

Exactly what I was thinking. A screw-mount Spotmatic and a Nikon F2 with AI metering. Priceless!

FrankB · Sep 2, 2006

XPan

Straying onto MF (and slightly off-topic onto "would've been nice if") if Mamiya saw their way clear to putting together a carbon-fibre C330S body I wouldn't exactly complain...

Konical · Sep 2, 2006

Good Afternoon,

Ditto on the OM-1 suggestion. I'd also like to see an updated version of Koni-Omega backs with their weak points eliminated.

Konical

DBP · Sep 2, 2006

A Retina IIa with metering added.

HerrBremerhaven · Sep 2, 2006

In 35mm, Nikon briefly had a prototype rangefinder with TTL metering built into the body. I think that would be a nice one, though it might be tough to figure out if there was actually a market for it. Nikon also had the S3 2000 sold new as a reproduction, prior to the new SP. I think these were originally strictly intended for the Japanese market, though some made it to other countries. There has been a rumour that Nikon lost money on both these cameras.

I agree about the Xpan, though there are plenty of used models for sale. The downside to discontinuing this camera is that no more lenses will be produced. Maybe Kobayashi-san of Voigtländer or Zeiss might turn out a lens or two for this in the future.

The other camera I think was a shame to discontinue is the Bronica RF645, though that is medium format. When a camera is discontinued, lens development stops, and in some ways I think that is a greater loss.

Ciao!

Gordon Moat
A G Studio

doitashimashite · Sep 2, 2006

Konica Hexar

Jerry Thirsty · Sep 2, 2006

Pentax LX but with the sticky mirror syndrome finally fixed.

Confusion Circle · Sep 2, 2006

- Kodak Brownie
- XPan II
- Nikon F4, but quieter this time around.

reub2000 · Sep 2, 2006

I'd like to see Canon AE-1, but without the foam light seals. This time, Canon should try to find something more durable.

Alan9940 · Sep 2, 2006

- Xpan
- Nikon F2AS

Especially the Nikon...IMHO the F2 series was one of the best, if not THE best, Nikon ever made!

Lachlan Young · Sep 2, 2006

Andy K said:
OM-1

YES!
And the Speed Graphic and the Mamiya C330.

Lachlan

purple · Sep 2, 2006

Minolta XM.
There simply aren't enough of them in the world to get my hands on one...

... at anything approaching a sensible price.

David Brown · Sep 2, 2006

One wonders if it would be practical to engineer and market a meter replacement/repair product for such as the Spotmatics, or say the Minolta SRTs, that would use current (and plentiful/cheap) batteries? There's a zillion of these out there, but you can't get batteries, and if you can, chances are the meters are no good anyway. There's an awful lot of good glass for these cameras at reasonable prices, too.

Anyway, that's my wish, more than the re-introduction of a same camera for what would no doubt be a high price.

Which Camera would You Like to See Again?

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