PatrickCheung
Well-known
I'm not too sure where to post this, so I posted in the place I thought was most applicable.
I'm primarily a DSLR shooter, but about a year or so ago I was introduced to the wonder that is Film Photography! I find it so fascinating, the plethora of cameras out there that I can choose from to take my photos with! But the problem is, I can't seem to find a camera that suits me.
Film-wise, I've shot/shoot a Nikon EM, Rolleicord 3, and a barely functioning Zorki 4 (inaccurate speeds, appears to be missing 1/125, shutter doesnt lock in place unless held). Not too many, but I mostly buy my own cameras (being a near broke student, it's difficult to find money to spend on cameras).
Out of the three, my favourite is definitely the Rolleicord. Big focusing screen so I can clearly check my focus, smooth operation (well smooth enough for me), can shoot from the waist, surprisingly stealthy despite the look. The photos it makes are just lovely. However, it does get a little cumbersome at times.
I hate the Nikon EM. I hate how I have limited control over exposure (I often have to trick the meter into thinking it's exposing for faster/slower speed film), the split image focusing just doesn't seem to be my thing... and I hate how small the split patch is compared to the rest of the image. Makes composing images a bit tough since I have astigmatism in my left eye and I'm left-eye-dominant, meaning I have trouble telling if things are in sharp focus!
The Zorki, I'm rather ambivalent about. I havent gotten a good roll out of it yet, due to the shutter problems. Guessing and hoping that I have the misaligned speed selector set at the correct speed just frustrates me. But I like the size, weight, and rangefinder style focusing.
My digital camera (Nikon D7000) is perfectly fine, don't get me wrong, but sometimes I find it too... clunky, heavy, cumbersome... attention drawing... for everyday purposes. I'd much rather carry the Zorki than the D7000, and I often do. I want something small for everyday shooting, something that doesn't draw too much attention.
I've had quite a bad experience with 35mm film... and I really don't know if it's my thing. I feel as if that's mostly because of my bad experience with 35mm film cameras.
I have about $300 right now. I've had my eyes on a Leica M for a while, but it's a lot of money to spend on a camera, especially since i'm a little unsure about shooting 35mm... plus, I have more important things to spend that money on (tuition, a new laptop, food for my rabbit, etc.) I'm a little reluctant to buy online, after spending way too much for a dud Zorki 4 (excelent working condition my ass, ebay). The camera local camera store is a bit over priced ($800+ for a F3 and $300 for a FM seem a bit too much).
I've considered fixed lens rangefinders, especially the Yashica Electro 35, but I'd prefer one which gives me full control over exposure. My girlfriend's Ricoh 500g is quite fun to use!
I have a small collection of Nikon Lenses (35/2, 80-200/2.8, 85/1.8), and I'm somewhat willing to pay for the overpriced cameras at the local store. I think a nikon SLR would be best for me, but I really really really dislike the split image focusing... and would much rather prefer a rangefinder for it's quieter shutter, smaller body, and simple focusing. Metering isn't much of a problem for me, as I've gotten used to guessing it with my rolleicord!
So... I guess what I want to know is... where should I go from here? Save up for a M, get a LTM body (barnack, nikon, canon, etc), fixed lens RF, iunno.
I'm primarily a DSLR shooter, but about a year or so ago I was introduced to the wonder that is Film Photography! I find it so fascinating, the plethora of cameras out there that I can choose from to take my photos with! But the problem is, I can't seem to find a camera that suits me.
Film-wise, I've shot/shoot a Nikon EM, Rolleicord 3, and a barely functioning Zorki 4 (inaccurate speeds, appears to be missing 1/125, shutter doesnt lock in place unless held). Not too many, but I mostly buy my own cameras (being a near broke student, it's difficult to find money to spend on cameras).
Out of the three, my favourite is definitely the Rolleicord. Big focusing screen so I can clearly check my focus, smooth operation (well smooth enough for me), can shoot from the waist, surprisingly stealthy despite the look. The photos it makes are just lovely. However, it does get a little cumbersome at times.
I hate the Nikon EM. I hate how I have limited control over exposure (I often have to trick the meter into thinking it's exposing for faster/slower speed film), the split image focusing just doesn't seem to be my thing... and I hate how small the split patch is compared to the rest of the image. Makes composing images a bit tough since I have astigmatism in my left eye and I'm left-eye-dominant, meaning I have trouble telling if things are in sharp focus!
The Zorki, I'm rather ambivalent about. I havent gotten a good roll out of it yet, due to the shutter problems. Guessing and hoping that I have the misaligned speed selector set at the correct speed just frustrates me. But I like the size, weight, and rangefinder style focusing.
My digital camera (Nikon D7000) is perfectly fine, don't get me wrong, but sometimes I find it too... clunky, heavy, cumbersome... attention drawing... for everyday purposes. I'd much rather carry the Zorki than the D7000, and I often do. I want something small for everyday shooting, something that doesn't draw too much attention.
I've had quite a bad experience with 35mm film... and I really don't know if it's my thing. I feel as if that's mostly because of my bad experience with 35mm film cameras.
I have about $300 right now. I've had my eyes on a Leica M for a while, but it's a lot of money to spend on a camera, especially since i'm a little unsure about shooting 35mm... plus, I have more important things to spend that money on (tuition, a new laptop, food for my rabbit, etc.) I'm a little reluctant to buy online, after spending way too much for a dud Zorki 4 (excelent working condition my ass, ebay). The camera local camera store is a bit over priced ($800+ for a F3 and $300 for a FM seem a bit too much).
I've considered fixed lens rangefinders, especially the Yashica Electro 35, but I'd prefer one which gives me full control over exposure. My girlfriend's Ricoh 500g is quite fun to use!
I have a small collection of Nikon Lenses (35/2, 80-200/2.8, 85/1.8), and I'm somewhat willing to pay for the overpriced cameras at the local store. I think a nikon SLR would be best for me, but I really really really dislike the split image focusing... and would much rather prefer a rangefinder for it's quieter shutter, smaller body, and simple focusing. Metering isn't much of a problem for me, as I've gotten used to guessing it with my rolleicord!
So... I guess what I want to know is... where should I go from here? Save up for a M, get a LTM body (barnack, nikon, canon, etc), fixed lens RF, iunno.
FPjohn
Well-known
I might suggest a good Nikon F or, at the opposite extreme, a Nex 3 body when they go on sale. The adapters are inexpensive.
yours
FPJ
yours
FPJ
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Ranchu
Veteran
That is a quandary. I'd point you in the direction of the *manual focus* Nikon bodies with interchangeable screens. The F too!
http://mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/classics/nikonfeseries/fefmshared/html/screens.htm
http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/classics/nikonf3ver2/screens/index.htm
http://mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/classics/nikonfeseries/fefmshared/html/screens.htm
http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/classics/nikonf3ver2/screens/index.htm
Ranchu
Veteran
Meaah..
Now that I think of it, maybe not. The focusing area on those screens is still in the small central area, even though it's not a split screen. The part of the screen with the fresnel (the rest of it) is not designed for critical focusing, but people do it. The rolleicord is just a ground glass with no fresnel, so you can focus anywhere on it with equal accuracy.
Which is easier for you to focus the 500g or the fresnel field of the EM? N90s are cheap these days...
Now that I think of it, maybe not. The focusing area on those screens is still in the small central area, even though it's not a split screen. The part of the screen with the fresnel (the rest of it) is not designed for critical focusing, but people do it. The rolleicord is just a ground glass with no fresnel, so you can focus anywhere on it with equal accuracy.
Which is easier for you to focus the 500g or the fresnel field of the EM? N90s are cheap these days...
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batterytypehah!
Lord of the Dings
Buy a set of jeweler's screwdrivers (cheap set will do for a start) and join us over in the FSU forum. I bet we can get that Zorki working just fine. They are easy to work on.
The misaligned speed dial is very common and a two minute fix with a small enough screwdriver. Not sure about the shutter issue but we can help you figure it out.
Don't throw away all your savings on yet another camera. $300 is not going to buy a working M, anyway. A Barnack, yes, but they're not for everyone. Try one out somewhere if you can. There are some excellent fixed lens options in the $50 range that you may want to try first, though.
The misaligned speed dial is very common and a two minute fix with a small enough screwdriver. Not sure about the shutter issue but we can help you figure it out.
Don't throw away all your savings on yet another camera. $300 is not going to buy a working M, anyway. A Barnack, yes, but they're not for everyone. Try one out somewhere if you can. There are some excellent fixed lens options in the $50 range that you may want to try first, though.
DNG
Film Friendly
What a about an FM or FM2, a great manual Nikon. It does have a split image center, but, it is easy to use, compared to some.
Or a Nikon F with a screen that has no split image.. but it may have a grid pattern instead
Or a Nikon F with a screen that has no split image.. but it may have a grid pattern instead
andredossantos
Well-known
Don't pay those prices for the Nikon bodies if you go that route. $800 for an F3! You can fo way better than that. I've seen FM2's going for less than $200 lately, too.
How about a Fuji medium format rangefinder? You can get one for just a little bit more than what you already have.
How about a Fuji medium format rangefinder? You can get one for just a little bit more than what you already have.
batterytypehah!
Lord of the Dings
Wait, I see you did post in the FSU forum a few weeks ago, sorry. Still no success, huh?
PatrickCheung
Well-known
Thanks for all the suggestions so far, guys!
I really do love the prices you guys have here in the market place. However, and I mean no offense to anyone here, I'm still a bit worried about buying cameras online. I dont want to have to deal with another half broken camera.
I'm looking at the $600 CL and the $60 Yashica Electro in the marketplace right now, but I dont think my messages are sending to the sellers...
I'm thinking the CL might be a bit much for me, but the Yashica seems okay!
I can get my hands on a nikon F/FM/FM2 etc. soon, I'll just try them out at the store... and see if I can work with the focusing screens. I've been thinking that maybe I should get a Nikon F and find a waist level finder for it!
Also, I guess another option would be a Bessa... however, again, that store kinda sells them for a bit much. $500 for a Bessa R... I think I'd rather get that CL!
I really do love the prices you guys have here in the market place. However, and I mean no offense to anyone here, I'm still a bit worried about buying cameras online. I dont want to have to deal with another half broken camera.
I'm looking at the $600 CL and the $60 Yashica Electro in the marketplace right now, but I dont think my messages are sending to the sellers...
I'm thinking the CL might be a bit much for me, but the Yashica seems okay!
I can get my hands on a nikon F/FM/FM2 etc. soon, I'll just try them out at the store... and see if I can work with the focusing screens. I've been thinking that maybe I should get a Nikon F and find a waist level finder for it!
Also, I guess another option would be a Bessa... however, again, that store kinda sells them for a bit much. $500 for a Bessa R... I think I'd rather get that CL!
dbarnes
Well-known
Interchangeable screens for Fs and F2s are in the $10-25 range, mostly. Easy to experiment at that price. Extremely easy to install and remove, no tools required.
PatrickCheung
Well-known
Humm... Would modern autofocus lenses work on the F? I'm rather confused about Nikon's lens compatibility. by modern I mean the AF-D lenses, not the G lenses with no aperture ring!
Oh and Ranchu! I find it easier to focus with the 500G :]
Oh and Ranchu! I find it easier to focus with the 500G :]
leica M2 fan
Veteran
I don't know where you are located but I've had excellent success with KEH in Georgia near Atlanta. Good prices especially on BGN grades and excellent return policy, you can't go wrong. The prices you've been quoted are way too high!
JHP
Well-known
Fully manual and aperture priority, tiny, cheap.
If you buy a camera advertised as being in perfect working order on eBay and it turns up faulty, you are entitled to return with a refund. It's a good idea to ask the seller questions about te camera confirming it's working order before buying too.
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zauhar
Veteran
Patrick, couple of observations -
1) I second 'leica m2 fan's vote for KEH - it is of course possible that they will sell you a "half-broken" camera, but they will do all in their power to make it right.
2) I also shy away from on-line transactions, but I recently got a good combo of a nice rangefinder and good lens for less than $500 (both Canon). I will dig up the seller's info if you are interested in that route.
I am also recently gone back to film, and wish you lots of luck!
Randy
1) I second 'leica m2 fan's vote for KEH - it is of course possible that they will sell you a "half-broken" camera, but they will do all in their power to make it right.
2) I also shy away from on-line transactions, but I recently got a good combo of a nice rangefinder and good lens for less than $500 (both Canon). I will dig up the seller's info if you are interested in that route.
I am also recently gone back to film, and wish you lots of luck!
Randy
batterytypehah!
Lord of the Dings
Seconded. KEH grades very conservatively. "Bargain" (BGN) means cosmetic issues, but fully functional. If there are functional issues, those will be mentioned explicitly. You have a 14 day return option - you only pay for shipping - even on "ugly" grade items. If you like to play around with your equipment longer than that before you decide if it's right for you, you shouldn't have a problem selling it in the classifieds here.
They have some very tempting Canon RF bodies right now. Also a Zorki 1 in EX condition for $99.
PatrickCheung
Well-known
Cool! I'd love it if you could point me in the right direction! Best of luck to you too!
Humm, sounds good! I'm just a little confused as to how the site works. They have a bunch of different posts for the same item, but each post has different conditions. Ontop of that, same items found in different posts with the same conditions sometimes have different prices. It just seems a bit confusing!
Also... is it just me or are my personal messages not sending? I've contacted a few people on the classifieds through PM but I havent gotten replies for the past few days D:
PatrickCheung
Well-known
OH also, if I get a Canon RF or a Nikon RF or even a Barnack, would I be able to use my Industar 50 on it?
batterytypehah!
Lord of the Dings
I think there's been a problem with private messages from the classifieds for a while now. I see many sellers now include their email address because of this. Failing that, you can send them a PM from your own user space instead, or look up that user's profile for their email.
KEH is big enough that they often have multiple items of the same model in stock. They're very well organized, though the website looks antiquated and can feel very slow at times. The pictures are stock pictures, not the actual items. I understand they'll answer questions about an item over the phone, but I haven't tried that myself yet. I trust even their ugly and as-is items by now.
Occasionally you'll hear from a forum member that something was not quite as described, but the rate of those incidents looks really low compared to the total volume, and they will work with you to set things right.
KEH is big enough that they often have multiple items of the same model in stock. They're very well organized, though the website looks antiquated and can feel very slow at times. The pictures are stock pictures, not the actual items. I understand they'll answer questions about an item over the phone, but I haven't tried that myself yet. I trust even their ugly and as-is items by now.
Occasionally you'll hear from a forum member that something was not quite as described, but the rate of those incidents looks really low compared to the total volume, and they will work with you to set things right.
PatrickCheung
Well-known
Ah, okay! I just dont want to bother people too much... but none of them seem to be sending! I sent you one about the zorki 4, actually. Did you get it? If you didn't then there's probably something wrong with the PM system or something!
I'm lookin at a BGN Canon 7 on KEH, seems tempting... But I wonder if I can use my Industar 50 on it. I'm kinda stuck between the canon 7 and that Nikon F on the classifieds. I could pick up a waist level finder for the Nikon F which could cut down the bulk and let me shoot more stealthily, I guess. And I wouldnt have to worry too much about lenses seeing as if I have them!
What do you guys think? :O
I'm lookin at a BGN Canon 7 on KEH, seems tempting... But I wonder if I can use my Industar 50 on it. I'm kinda stuck between the canon 7 and that Nikon F on the classifieds. I could pick up a waist level finder for the Nikon F which could cut down the bulk and let me shoot more stealthily, I guess. And I wouldnt have to worry too much about lenses seeing as if I have them!
What do you guys think? :O
batterytypehah!
Lord of the Dings
Yes, it will mount on a Leica or Canon RF (not Nikon, that's a different lens mount), CV Bessa, or other LTM camera.
In theory, all FSU lenses are slightly off optimal focus on non-FSU LTM bodies. In practice, the I-50 is not much affected, because it's slow. Even close up at f/3.5, you should have enough depth of field to cover the slight mismatch.
By comparison, even our resident lens guru Brian Sweeney has given up on the J-9 (85/2). It's a long and fast lens, which makes DoF very thin. The best you can hope for is precise focus close up or at infinity, but not both.