$100 toy?

Do you have a TRL? You can try a CLAd Flexaret from Slovaquia (seller Cupog in ebai).
The folders are cool too: a good working ISKRA.
 
To be honest I never thought of getting a TLR. I actually know very little about something like that. I just figured I would stay 35mm.
 
pesphoto said:
Olympus Xa...all the way...
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What pesphoto said :)

I missed the opportunity to take "artistic" photos of my baby using my XA, she's a toddler now :)

The XA, which I usually pair with an Ilford XP2 or a Kodak MAX 200 (not 400, tends to over expose) is fun to use and the result is very satisfying.
 
Try your local thrift stores and pawn shops. You take your chances there but at least you have the merchandise in hand to look at.
 
pcfranchina said:
Are there no high-end P&S cams in my price range? I was even looking on Evil-Bay. Not much in the classifieds on rff.
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I just have to ask, what do you mean by high-end?

Is it:

- extremely good lens? for $100, XA has *the* best 6-element lens, it's older brothers like the 35SPn have better lenses, but it's *not* pocketable. Another route is to get Olympus 35 EC or EC2 or ECR (the first two are zone focus, and the last one has a patch rangefinder). The lens has 5-elements, but the result is unique and they handle handheld low-light even better than the XA ;)

or

- fun to shoot? get Olympus Pen half-frames, they are fun to shoot, no thinking needed, just point and shoot, if you don't like half-frames, get a cheapo Olympus Trip 35, the results will astound you and you'll just spend 10% of your budget, use the rest of it for different types of film and processing (then you'll cover more parameters for 'artistic/creative' results :) )

or

- everyone says they're good? but overpriced (in my opinion)? for $400 and up you have some choices, the Contax T3, the Minolta TC-1, and the Leica Minilux. But why? I've seen their results, nothing spectacular that merits paying 5x the XA.

<rant>
Also, eBay is not evil, it's some of its inhabitants (both sellers *and* buyers) that gave it a bad name. Most of us won't even have things to talk about here if it were not for eBay and the new global economy that it has created.
</rant>
 
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In the realm of new cameras(less than $100), there is only the stylus epic. Lucky you, in NYC you can just go to BHphoto and see/buy one. I wonder how the epic lens compares to the xa.
 
Funny you say that about B&H, its really out of the way and quite a walk from the train. Sometimes I will order online or just go to Adorama if the price is the same.
Both cameras look like that would be great for the street. There is a more expensive Stylus in Champagne color with a remote. Its a shame I like the black one better.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/con...231&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation
 
I really thought they had quit making the things last year, and I remember being kind of upset- the end of an era- no more f2.8 olympus pocket film cameras.. There were some kind of zoom epic, but none of the good ones with the proper prime lens. But now they seem to be in abundance on the BH site..
I can't see paying more money for a data back, and on both models, the underlying plastic is black I think, so scratches on the black one are less noticible.. Maybe I'm wrong.. Remote is pretty cool, especially for shots with the baby..
 
The Lomo LC-A gets my vote for being fun but I don't think you'll find one for under $100. The XA3 is similar and can be found for much less ...
 
The Stylus Epic I got from Randy is an excellent price of machinery. Moreover, it turned out to be a "limited" with an on-the-fly panorama switch! (Haven't used the feature yet, but it's good to know I have it) Thanks Randy!

It has a spot focus which is great for tricky light conditions. The camera shoots wide-open most of the time (which I like a lot!). Focusing is fast. I find the flash a little difficult to control. It has no less than 6 flash settings but goes back to default everytime you shut the camera off. The viewfinder took a little to get used to, but after the third roll I can find the viewfinder in near darkness.

Price wise, Randy practically donated it to me. But I'm sure you can find a decent used one for about half your budget.
 
A local drug store here still has a couple Polaroid 600 Ultra. Very tempted. I think I am going to head back there later and pick it up.
 
pcfranchina said:
I was shocked to see the prices on Ricoh GR-1 and the Nikon 35ti.
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that's because the gr1 rules! it really is an awesome machine almost PERFECT for street work.
definately more for your buck as well, exposure comp, preset focusing distance AWESOME glass and very sturdy.
 
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