Just - one - camera - POLL

[Frontman]

I have many cameras (more than 100...) of all makes. The camera I usually carry is a black-paint M4 with a matching vintage Summilux (here in Japan, mie, or image is important). But if I could have only one camera (I am assuming this means one lens as well), it would be the Canon F1n fitted with the 35/2 concave lens. I love the ruggedness of the old F1, and it's simplicity, and the 35/2 FD concave lens is my all-time favorite. Were it not for this lens, I wouldn't use Canon, I would carry an Olympus OM.

 

[kevin m]

Wouldn't want a DSLR because both the cameras and lenses are bulkier than a film SLR...

I honestly don't know what people are talking about when the say this.

 

[Vics]

I want to change my vote! Only one camera?
Rollei TLR. Just got one of mine back from Harry Fleenor, and I'm pretty sure it's the best camera I own! Or maybe just the most versatile.

 

[pvdhaar]

If it's a matter of one camera only, I'd have to choose the most flexible and versatile solution: a mirrorless camera like the NEX. By choice of lens/adapter it can morph from small street compact into a system camera that can do serious macro/tele etc. and back again..

 

[Chris101]

If I only get to have one camera, do I need to choose from the ones I already have and turn in the rest (like they do with gang member's guns from time to time)?

If the former, I suppose I'll keep the Leica and its 35mm from my avatar.

If I get a new one, I want a SWC.

edit: that's a lot of IFs.

 

[rbsinto]

Based only on cameras I've owned /used as opposed to others I've read about but never used, I'd probably opt for my motorized Nikon FA.
When I compare it's features and drawbacks against the other bodies, it is never the very best or worst in all categories but it is consistantly among the best.

 

[jsrockit]

Digital Leica all the way... no way I'd go all film these days.

 

[FrozenInTime]

For all round convenience, rather than ultimate versatility or quality, I would pick the camera that is already always in my bag.

28mm digital compact Ricoh GRD-III.

 

[Chris101]

Digital Leica all the way... no way I'd go all film these days.

If some global calamity were to happen, such that we had to turn in all our excess cameras, it is likely also that our access to electricity and computers would also be restricted. Hence I would only use unmetered film cameras. And probably coat my home-made emulsions onto scraps of cellophane I scavenged from landfills. And developed in coffee. Surely they would let us keep coffee!

 

[RayPA]

A tough poll for me. This is one in which logic doesn't win out. 🙂 The one camera should be the one that does everything with respect to focal lengths (macro to telephoto), and I would have to choose a film camera. So it would seem that a film SLR would be the answer, BUT (and I often pose this question to myself) if I had to shed all my cameras except for one, the keeper would be a Leica M.



/

 

[kdemas]

For all round convenience, rather than ultimate versatility or quality, I would pick the camera that is already always in my bag.

28mm digital compact Ricoh GRD-III.

Not a bad call Donald.

 

[DougK]

Of the cameras I have, I'd pick my Seagull TLR. If I could pick any camera, I'd choose a Hasselblad with an 80mm lens. I really wouldn't need anything else.

 

[chrismoret]

If I was allowed to own only one camera it would be a M9/M8.2. Not that i'm not happy with my M4p and the hybrid workflow. But to be honest I use a M4p because I just can not justifie the investment of a M9 or M8.2 just for hobby-use.

 

[kossi008]

Well duh! Guess what? The 35 mm RF wins out.
Who would have thought... 😀

 

[meso]

I voted FILM 35 mm RF, but was tempted to vote MF SLR as I love my Mamyia RB,
but the Leica is much more versatile, but I would miss those big negatives 🙂

 

[dave lackey]

Hmm... only one camera. For personal use or professional use?

This is complicated.

1. For work, I prefer film so it would be the R Bodies for the delicious lenses.
However, if I win the lottery, it would be the S2. If I don't, probably a Nikon body using the R-lenses.

2. For pleasure, easy...the M3. 🙂

 

[Matus]

Of course for personal use. This thread is all about GAS - I thought it was clear 🙂

 

[nemjo]

If I was allowed to own only one camera, then I'd sell all the others...
Even an M9 would be affordable?
Perhaps. But I know better: dig all the others and use what left.

The RD1.

nemjo

 

[astro8]

If I could keep only one, not that I have many, I'd keep the one that I'm happiest using...my R-D1.

 

[cjbecker]

Rolleiflex.