Cheap Little Thing

[v3cron]

I have quite a few "nice" cameras (Leica, etc), but I am looking for some super cheap compacts for everyday use. Specifically, an older af point and shoot (didn't see an af compact forum, so I hope this is the right place). I have an Epic Stylus and Konica Big Mini - can't use either due to the default flash annoyance. I use a Ricoh GR1 alongside my Leicas with great results, so I guess I'm looking for the closest thing to that in a less expensive package. I don't want to worry about damaging the thing.

Main criteria: lens sharpness, quick response (minimum shutter lag), and reasonable quietness. ISO override or exposure comp is nice to have as well. The Nikon L35 looks like a good place to start (comments and reviews welcome), but I'm interested in other options, if there are any. I've read that the Canon AF35ML is super-noisy, so it's out.


Opinions? Thanks in advance.

 

[mackigator]

I'll say it first: Olympus XA. Not autofocus, but so darn great. Quiet, no lag, well protected in pocket. Easy to scale focus. If too expensive - $60-100 - then the XA2 is cheap and easy at $20 or so (my opinions of value, not necessarily market research). http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=XA&w=95742421@N00&s=rechttp://www.flickr.com/search/?q=XA&w=95742421@N00

 

[BillP]

Seconded on the XA.

Depending on budget, also look at the Contax T2 and Leica CM.

Regards,

Bill

 

[Lol999]

I got an Nikon L35 off e-bay last year for £10 including carriage. It's a little beat up but it had always had a uv filter fitted, so Iknew the lens was unmarked. It's got a nice sharp lens and even the autowind isn't too loud. It lives in my glovebox in the car for times when I want a "driveby" or have to stop and have no other camera withme or I get out in a rough neighbourhood. it is also tough enouigh to beat muggers to death with should they try to lift it. always a bonus.

Cheers, Lol

 

[v3cron]

I already have an XA, and defintiely want an AF camera. Neither the Leica nor Contax fit the description.

 

[v3cron]

I got an Nikon L35 off e-bay last year for £10 including carriage. It's a little beat up but it had always had a uv filter fitted, so Iknew the lens was unmarked. It's got a nice sharp lens and even the autowind isn't too loud. It lives in my glovebox in the car for times when I want a "driveby" or have to stop and have no other camera withme or I get out in a rough neighbourhood. it is also tough enouigh to beat muggers to death with should they try to lift it. always a bonus.

Cheers, Lol

Thanks. How is the shutter delay?

 

[kuzano]

XA2... Cheap and totally automatic.

XA2... Cheap and totally automatic.

I have an XA for when I want complicated ;>).... but when I want no fuss, I just picked up two XA2's for $22 for both of them. Both had flashes (removable A11)

What a no-fuss camera.. auto exposure, scale focusing. Set the ASA, put in a fresh batterie(s), load film and go. Only time the flash goes off is if you attach it to the side of the camera, AND if you set it to flash.

The XA is far more complicated. You have to focus by the rangefinder and set the aperture. What a bunch of Krap.

Here are a couple of shots from the XA2:

 

[Lol999]

Thanks. How is the shutter delay?

It's not the best to be honest because it doesn't start focussing until you press the shutter release but I think it's usable for most street stuff.

 

[Dr. Strangelove]

I already have an XA, and defintiely want an AF camera. Neither the Leica nor Contax fit the description.

Very cheap, very good optics, AF, no default flash, no noisy motor winding:

Pentax PC35AF & Minolta AF-C

Also very cheap, good optics, no default flash, motor winding:

Canon Sure Shot (AF35M), Super Sure Shot (AF35ML), (New) Sure Shot (AF35M II), Nikon L35, Konica MT-11, Pentax PC35AF-M SE.

If I had to choose, I would take either of the two first mentioned, since they also lack the DX code support, which means that you can do exposure compensation with the ASA/ISO setting. They have very high quality lenses comparable to the XA. The Canon Super Sure Shot is also very nice, since it has an F/1.9 lens and no DX code support. However it does has a fairly noisy motor winding. "Super noisy" may be an exaggeration though.

The Konica MT-11 has the same 35/2.8 lens as the 10 years later Big Mini F, more noisy motor, less advanced metering and no exposure compensation, but no default flash. The Canon Sure Shot and New Sure Shot have a 38 mm lens whereas all the rest except the Super Sure Shot have a 35 mm lens. The Pentax PC35AF-M SE is the same camera as the PC35AF but with an integral motor winder and flash and DX code support.

All in all they all make pretty good snapshooters for street work. In general the 1980's AF compacts are a highly underappreciated camera type. The active IR autofocus is fast and works well as long as you don't try to use it through windows. Many of the aforementioned cameras also have a zone focus indicator in the viewfinder, so you will know if the autofocus is working as desired.

 

[Doug]

I'd say forget the cheapies and use your "nice" cameras... that's what they're made for; you may be happier with their handling and performace. Don't worry, be happy now!

 

[chambrenoire]

What you are looking for is a Olympus Stylus Epic (a.k.a Mju:II). Great little AF-camera, delivers super sharp images.

Edit: Don't get any of the zoom models. Get the 35/2.8 fix lens one!

 

[ferider]

Spend a little more money and get a Hexar AF.

You might be surprised how often your Summilux will stay at home.

 

[charjohncarter]

I would at least look into a Konica C35. I got an almost mint one on Ebay for $10.00. Here is an image from it:

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=71773&ppuser=8685

Sorry, we can't 'copy' our own images on RFF.

 

[nightfly]

Yashica T4. I just re-discovered mine which I've had for over 10 years. The lens is super sharp with a unique quality. I've had both an XA and an XA 4 and would say the Yashica blows doors on them both. Framing isn't so precise but it usually captures what you want. I actually prefer it to both the Contax T and Contax t2 each of which I briefly owned. With a camera that size, the manual controls are sorta too fiddly to be much use. Just point and shoot.

 

[Dr. Strangelove]

I'd say forget the cheapies and use your "nice" cameras... that's what they're made for; you may be happier with their handling and performace. Don't worry, be happy now!

Well, it's not possible or reasonable to carry you main camera everywhere. Especially for a "walking camera" (not "glovebox", but actually walking) some of the cheapies are a good choice. They have much better optical quality than you would think. Handling leaves a lot to be desired compared to a good SLR or rangefinder, but you can learn to live with that.

However, if you have the money I would second ferider's advice: the Hexar AF is a heck of a camera.

 

[v3cron]

Very cheap, very good optics, AF, no default flash, no noisy motor winding:

Pentax PC35AF & Minolta AF-C

Also very cheap, good optics, no default flash, motor winding:

Canon Sure Shot (AF35M), Super Sure Shot (AF35ML), (New) Sure Shot (AF35M II), Nikon L35, Konica MT-11, Pentax PC35AF-M SE.

If I had to choose, I would take either of the two first mentioned, since they also lack the DX code support, which means that you can do exposure compensation with the ASA/ISO setting. They have very high quality lenses comparable to the XA. The Canon Super Sure Shot is also very nice, since it has an F/1.9 lens and no DX code support. However it does has a fairly noisy motor winding. "Super noisy" may be an exaggeration though.

The Konica MT-11 has the same 35/2.8 lens as the 10 years later Big Mini F, more noisy motor, less advanced metering and no exposure compensation, but no default flash. The Canon Sure Shot and New Sure Shot have a 38 mm lens whereas all the rest except the Super Sure Shot have a 35 mm lens. The Pentax PC35AF-M SE is the same camera as the PC35AF but with an integral motor winder and flash and DX code support.

All in all they all make pretty good snapshooters for street work. In general the 1980's AF compacts are a highly underappreciated camera type. The active IR autofocus is fast and works well as long as you don't try to use it through windows. Many of the aforementioned cameras also have a zone focus indicator in the viewfinder, so you will know if the autofocus is working as desired.

Thank you! THIS is the kind of answer i wanted!

The Nikon was the first to catch my eye, but that Minolta looks pretty cool. Unfortunately, the last one to sell on ebay went for over $200! I will still be looking for one of those and the Pentax. The Konica is also a possibility, as I love the Big Mini lens (just hate the little buttons and default flash).

Thanks again!

 

[v3cron]

Spend a little more money and get a Hexar AF.

You might be surprised how often your Summilux will stay at home.

Well, that's way off-topic for this thread, but it is at the top of my list for the next "real" camera purchase.

 

[v3cron]

Have you thought about a Nikon AF600. Very small and with a 28mm f3.5 macro.
(I have one if your interested.)😉

Looks really promising! Does the flash default to auto when you switch it on? Any exposure comp or asa override?

 

[jvr]

Spend a little more money and get a Hexar AF.

You might be surprised how often your Summilux will stay at home.

I can only second that, literally: I bought my Hexar a long time ago to replace my M6 on a lot of travelling where I did not want to risk the M6. I ended up selling the M6.

And it's a robust camera, important for a "carry everywhere camera. Mine dropped to the floor a couple of times and it's still going strong. The only problem I had was the shutter button, that is prone to bad contact. Mine had to be cleaned after few years and replaced after another couple (of heavy use).

If I had to live with only one film camera from all I own, that would be the Hexar.

BTW, I like the Hexar AF lens so much I only _really_ lust for one lens for my M8/RD1s: the 35/2 UC Hexanon.

 

[wgerrard]

Glad I saw this thread. I'm very close to deciding to sell a lot of stuff and get something smaller.

My two cents:

The XA is a fine little camera, but the emphasis needs to be on little. I have reasonably large hands and find my XA a challenge to hold comfortably. In particular, focusing is a bit of a problem for me because the focusing lever doesn't move much farther than the width of my finger.

The Hexar AF is everything they say it is. Too big, though, to be something you carry with you just in case.

Ideally, I'd like a camera with interchangeable lenses that fits in my pockets. (Real jacket pockets, not those cavernous pockets in sportcoats no one wears outside of the office.)That seems a fantasy, though.