Best 35mm SLR?

The Best ! don't think there is any such thing ... if you have the time and money I suggest you try them all and see which one suits YOU.

If I had to start from scratch i would move past 35mm and find a nice medium format camera, Hasselblads aren't that big :)

I will add that my first SLR was a Canon Ftb and it did everything i needed then and would be just fine now, add a couple of lenses and a pocket full of film ...

I can see this thread producing some major GAS not that some of us needed any help :bang:
 
For Eos lenses given you want to AF as new as poss for faster AF then as high series as you want less numbers = Better. In theory the last EOS 1 whatever.
Personally I don't see the pleasure in film with an AF slr, go manual focus go Canon F1N, it feels so much nicer.
 
Anyone here tried the Contax RTS II? It's got amazing build quality and a noticeably better viewfinder than the pentax LX (which I also have) with an incredibly simple/clear shutter speed and aperture readout. It's also got the nicest shutter release.
 
Nikon F3 - very reliable (I've had mine for 27 years).
Even the original LCD meter panel that Nikon said would die out after 7 years is still going strong. Yes, it's battery dependent, (you get 1/80 as a mechanical backup speed) but the battery consumption is so minimal that a set of batteries will last you over a year (unless you use the viewfinder illuminator bulb a lot).
As with all of the Nikon F series, you get a 100% viewfinder image.
Modular construction allows you to change the finder, screens, back, and add a motor drive. The motor's batteries will power the camera when installed.

The metering system means that it is the ONLY Nikon SLR that will meter properly with a shift lens in any position. All other film Nikon SLRs require metering at no shift, then shifting after metering. You even get off the film TTL flash control, but it's rather basic by today's standards.

Anyway, since you have a Canon lens, you'll have to stay with Canon.
But, for me the Nikon F3 has been the best SLR I've used, and the only one I've kept.
 
Everyone is different and will desire different brands and models for their own reasons, so there is no best one except for the individual concerned.

For me, no surprise, the Fujica ST 901. Terrific little camera, superb line of lenses. Has better low light metering than most cameras today, let alone in its time.

The Contax 139Q I had was good. Its otf metering, especially in dedicated flash couldn't be beat in its time. I hardly have to hype the Zeiss T* lenses.

Many other cameras and lenses are quite adequate. I have taken very good photos with Yashinon lenses. They work on my Yashica and Contax cameras.

Others can hype their own cameras they have used, and rightfully so.
 
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I have to agree with the suggestion of the OM-1 ... anything more than this camera provides is unnecessary. (eyeing D700 in cupboard)

It was designed by a god (Maitani) ... and we all know that the gods hung out at Mt Olympus.
 
OM-1 is great if you can handle the shutter speed dial being on the lens mount and not on the top plate. I never could master it but that's just me ... I have xxl hands :)
Nice cameras and you should try an OM-1 or a OM-2n
Small, light and beautiful.
 
And if anyone needs any more proof about the Oly OM-1 being the one ... here it is!


U5265I1266585618.SEQ.0.jpg
 
always fancied using a Nikon FM3A, remember when it first came out, great reviews by Nikon Owners Club, would love to pick one up to try it, see how it compares to an Penta Lx
 
I've used a 139, 167mt and also a Pentax LX, love the Lx to bits but always admired the Contax builfd quality
 
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