dmg7502
Newbie
I am looking for a vintage (60s to 80s) camera to start using as a hobby. It will probably be mostly used for family pictures. I bought a Petri 7s from Ebay, but the lens shutters broke almost immediately, so I'm looking for something else now. I know very little about cameras, so while I want an older manual (or semi-manual) camera, I also want something that is easy to use and not too expensive. Any suggestions? I'm not sure if a rangefinder is the best way to go, or if I should be looking more at SLR cameras like the Nikon FM or Pentax K1000. TIA.
Greyscale
Veteran
Inexpensive, easy to use ... speaking from personal experience, the Konica C35 Automatic comes to mind as a nice "starter" rangefinder, small, light, easy to use with a very nice lens. Also, consider some of the larger (although still considered "compact") Japanese rangefinder, like the Yashica Electro GSN or CC, the Minolta Hi-Matic series, or the Konica Auto S2 or S3.
Try browsing some of the rangefinder subforums here for a few days, you will find much sound advice from experienced photographers, and sample pictures and reviews of many cameras, enough to allow yourself to make an informed decision.
Try browsing some of the rangefinder subforums here for a few days, you will find much sound advice from experienced photographers, and sample pictures and reviews of many cameras, enough to allow yourself to make an informed decision.
It's the "Get one that works" advice, more than even the model of the camera.
This poll represents a lot of RFF members experience with buying cameras off of Ebay-
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=80130
And a lot of opinion here:
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=77821
The Konica C35 is nice, but is "Program" auto only, no ability to set F-Stop or Shutter speed.
This poll represents a lot of RFF members experience with buying cameras off of Ebay-
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=80130
And a lot of opinion here:
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=77821
The Konica C35 is nice, but is "Program" auto only, no ability to set F-Stop or Shutter speed.
wolves3012
Veteran
I'd say you need to decide, first of all, whether you want an SLR or RF. Both have their pros and cons. SLRs tend to be bigger, heavier, noisier and so on but they are less hassle with things like framing accuracy and for extreme close-up they're a far better tool. RFs are a bit more of an acquired taste but they do have advantages for some uses.
From the 60s to 80s there are numerous manual/AE SLRs, stick to a decent brand, such as Pentax, Minolta etc and you can probably pick something up for not too much outlay and have access to a good selection of lenses.
If you really want an RF, again there are plenty of choices. Consider whether a fixed-lens will do, if not then decide if you need framelines for different lenses or you'll be happy to use an external finder and check what range of lenses is available and at what cost. Will you want a built-in meter or automation or manual-only? Many cameras from the earlier eras will not have working meters by now. Searching the threads on here will give you plenty of suggestions for RFs, just remember that asking a dozen people will get you a dozen different opinions!
Any camera of that age will be a gamble on service-history or may need attention. Most will need, at least, replacement light-seals (if there are any foam ones especially). Cameras that are used tend to fare better, don't go for the pristine model that hasn't seen much use unless you know it's because it had a loving owner and had regular but low use.
From the 60s to 80s there are numerous manual/AE SLRs, stick to a decent brand, such as Pentax, Minolta etc and you can probably pick something up for not too much outlay and have access to a good selection of lenses.
If you really want an RF, again there are plenty of choices. Consider whether a fixed-lens will do, if not then decide if you need framelines for different lenses or you'll be happy to use an external finder and check what range of lenses is available and at what cost. Will you want a built-in meter or automation or manual-only? Many cameras from the earlier eras will not have working meters by now. Searching the threads on here will give you plenty of suggestions for RFs, just remember that asking a dozen people will get you a dozen different opinions!
Any camera of that age will be a gamble on service-history or may need attention. Most will need, at least, replacement light-seals (if there are any foam ones especially). Cameras that are used tend to fare better, don't go for the pristine model that hasn't seen much use unless you know it's because it had a loving owner and had regular but low use.
thegman
Veteran
I think it depends on where you want to start a "system", or if this camera is just to be used on it's own. If you are not planning to add lenses and accessories, just get anything that works IMHO. If you want to start a system, for SLRs Pentax K or Nikon F would both be good I think. For range finders I'd say get Leica M fit, either a Leica if you've got the green, or Bessa or Zeiss Ikon will take just as good pictures and tend to have more modern features.
oftheherd
Veteran
I see this is your first post, so first, welcome to RFF. As to your question, you need to better define what it is you want to do with a film camera. And for that matter if an old film camera is best for you, or a newer digital. You mentioned it would mostly be for family, so I am guessing you mean family snapshots. My personal preference for most of my photography is film, but I have a small digital I often use for snapshots.
If you really want film, then the type of camera will again depend on the use you intend to put it to. Do you need manual controls? I like having them, but there are times when I am happy to use a fully automatic P&S.
As mentioned above, perusing the forums for a few days might help you define what you want and therefore, to decide. Don't be afraid to ask more questions. You will get plenty of answers, based on the responders personal experiences, and preferences. But usually with reasons for their personal choices. That will help you decide what you want.
If you really want film, then the type of camera will again depend on the use you intend to put it to. Do you need manual controls? I like having them, but there are times when I am happy to use a fully automatic P&S.
As mentioned above, perusing the forums for a few days might help you define what you want and therefore, to decide. Don't be afraid to ask more questions. You will get plenty of answers, based on the responders personal experiences, and preferences. But usually with reasons for their personal choices. That will help you decide what you want.
Yashi
Established
SLR - Nikon F3 HP + 50mm 1.8
RF - Olympus 35 RC, Ricoch 500g, Yashica 35 GS or GSN,
Bessa R2 with Jupiter 8 (if your budget allows it)
RF - Olympus 35 RC, Ricoch 500g, Yashica 35 GS or GSN,
Bessa R2 with Jupiter 8 (if your budget allows it)
wolves3012
Veteran
Hmmm...he did say "not too expensive". I'd think that rules out any Leica beyond a Barnack-type!
murpograph
Established
Canonet 1,7 III QL, easy to get, quite cheap, good lens and manually to operate if you want to.
Same story but harder to find: Konica S2
Regards Udo
Same story but harder to find: Konica S2
Regards Udo
rxmd
May contain traces of nut
Asking this kind of question on a site like this is not going to get you very far, unless you have a rather specific idea about what you want. The most useful thing that can happen is that a kind RFFer writes you a PM saying they have this spare camera lying around that you can have for little money.
Other than that, you'll get twenty to fifty names of cameras, between $20 compacts and $1000 Leicas. You'll have no grounds for deciding what you want except what people tell you that they want. And then you're on your own hunting them down on eBay.
The best idea is probably to go into a shop that sells used cameras, take a few in your hands, and buy the one that you like best.
Other than that, you'll get twenty to fifty names of cameras, between $20 compacts and $1000 Leicas. You'll have no grounds for deciding what you want except what people tell you that they want. And then you're on your own hunting them down on eBay.
The best idea is probably to go into a shop that sells used cameras, take a few in your hands, and buy the one that you like best.
Tompas
Wannabe Künstler
Nikon FE-2 and a 35mm Nikkor.
Pherdinand
the snow must go on
i sugest you to try to pick up one from here in the classifieds, as Brian said, one that works well. might cost you more than a "great deal" e-bay one but it will WORK...
Plenty of good reflexes too...i personally have a preference for minoltas but canon, nikon, pentax, olympus all made good reflexes that are plenty out there, and very affordable.
Plenty of good reflexes too...i personally have a preference for minoltas but canon, nikon, pentax, olympus all made good reflexes that are plenty out there, and very affordable.
h_A_Z
Member
P&S - Olympus Stylus Epic
RF cheap - Olympus XA
RF expensive - Voightlander Or Leica
RF cheap - Olympus XA
RF expensive - Voightlander Or Leica
Roger Hicks
Veteran
Go for the ultimate in affordable classics from Day 1 -- an old Nikon F and 50/2 Nikkor.
Cheers,
R.
Cheers,
R.
Wcarpenter
Established
I have a Nikon F I inherited from my grandfather, and it's a great camera. It's survived three generations of use and looks it. Still takes wonderful photographs, though. And there are tons of great Pre-AI lens you can buy for next to nothing.
Roger Hicks
Veteran
panerai
Well-known
One I just got, but haven't tested yet is the Canon A35F. Auto exposure, so all you really need to do is focus. Prices range, but the problem is condition as some may need cleaning to new seals (to keep light out).
I bought mine for $8.00, but flash doesn't work (didn't buy for the flash) and I have to redo the light seals.
Not a big camera, but a good starter
DON
I bought mine for $8.00, but flash doesn't work (didn't buy for the flash) and I have to redo the light seals.
Not a big camera, but a good starter
DON
yefeihe
Member
How about a Rolleicord? You can get a V, Va or Vb for under $250. Or a Super Ikonta folder. For miniature cameras, Argus C4 is probably under $20 a piece.
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