Canon ML

[Harlee]

I've been reading the posts with great interest, trying to determine what fixed lens RF is regarded as being among the best. I realize of course that this is very subjective, as different people look for different things which endear them to a particular RF camera. I travel into Russia and Ukraine 3-4 times a year and always carry a RF with me to use more or less as a street shooter. On my last few trips, I began carrying a Canon ML, for various reasons, one being the fast lens for a AF camera, a Canon 1.9. A second reason is for its fairly wide lens of 40MM. A third reason is that it is auto focus, although I have several manual focus RFs, and the ML allows me to grab a shot I might ordinarily miss. A forth reason is that it is fairly small and compact, with a very sharp lens, a built in flash, and operates on two AA batteries. As with any camera, it has its drawbacks, but like any other camera, you learn to live with them. I actually have 3 of them, and while most of the ones I've encountered have a film speed range of 400, one of mine, the newest one in mint condition, goes up to a speed of 1000. In some cases I would prefer a RF with SP, or AP, i.e. GSN, of which I have three, and a Sears 35/RF, but the ML seems to fit the bill in most cases. And the neat thing is that they practically give them away on Ebay. I would strongly recommend one as a rucksack backup. Harlee

 

[clarence]

I wonder if I'm not the only one who notes a very strong resemblance to the body designs of the early Canon Powershot G-series.

Clarence

 

[jan normandale]

Canon glass is usually very good. I like the ergonomics of the camera too. Did the lens hood come with the camera or is it an aftermarket hood.

Looking at the shot you took I'd say you've been served well by the "eb@y" bargain.

 

[Harlee]

Hi Jan - While browsing Ebay under lens accessories, I came across the lens hood made for the ML. I never knew they made one for it, so for $5.00 I sent for it and it turned out to be a 1A filter and lens hood in one, brand new in the pkg. I've tried other hoods, but most of them block out the focusing sensors, and so I went for a long time without one. This one works very nicely. I recently spotted a tele/WA attachment that is made for the ML as well, but passed on it. Now I'm sorry I didn't get it. Well, that's the story of my life, "a day late and a dollar short!" Ciao, Harlee

 

[Wimpler]

Harlee, another camera that has a lot of things in common with this one is the minolta hi-matic AF. It however has a slower but slightly wider lens: a 38mm f2.8.

 

[pshinkaw]

I like the Nikon L35. It has a 35mm/2.8 and has film setting up to ISO 1000. Does not read coded cassettes, so you can use just about any kind of film.

-Paul

 

[Harlee]

I also have the Minolta Hi-matic AF. They're a nice traveling camera. I gave one to my wife several years back, because of its simplicity, and one time while in Santa Barbara, I took some duplicate shots on the Minolta and my Rollie 35, just to see the difference. I have to admit this guys, but quite frankly, I thought the Minolta pics were sharper and had better colors then the Rollie. Of course this was color film, and I'm sure the developing had much to do with it. However, the Minolta is a great little camera. I recently saw one at a thrift store for about $4.00. I was tempted but turned my back on it. Harlee