Favorite Underappreciated Under Priced Cameras?

[CameraQuest]

Favorite Underappreciated Under Priced Cameras?

Many Times great camera bargains pass under the radar because they just don't get noticed.

You may of course post as many different bargain cameras as you like.

One under priced favorite of mine is the Canon T90. Strange, I know, for a Nikon / Leica guy to lead off with a Canon.

But it is one hell of a camera offering multiple metering modes, multiple combined spot meterings, sophticated flash, compact high speed motor, on on a FD mount 35mm film body easily capable of adapting M42, Exakta/Topcon or Nikon F lenses. Add to that legendary reliability. Not too bad, even for a Canon!

I bought my 2nd T90, a near Mint body with its fabulous 300TL flash for only $75.

Stephen

 

[NeeZee]

I would add the AGFA Ambi Silette as THE RF camera system bargain. On German ebay they usually go for about 30€ with the brilliant 50mm solinar. The camera has a great finder with selectable frame lines for 35/50/90mm. Very underrated!

 

[Greyscale]

Another Agfa for me, the Agfa Super Silette/Ansco Super a Memar with the incredible Solagon 50/2 lens. Simple, yet sublime.

 

[krötenblender]

I'd add a Olympus XA. I had that camera four times, bought, sold, bought, sold.... I never paid more that about 30€, which is a steal for such a great camera.

 

[p.giannakis]

Nikon F90x for me. A semi-pro camera for less than £50.

 

[Santtu Määttänen]

I must name Nikon F5. It could last a lifetime for most people. Has all the modern bells and whistles (at least most one would realistically need) and is way cheaper then F6 and can be had for less then good condition F3 (which is over rated in my mind, I personally prefer F2 over F3 and if going more modern, F5 takes the crown). It's said to be too bulky but it's not any larger then modern dSLR pro bodies. Besides it handles the same so makes a nice second body for mixed format shooting.

 

[Prest_400]

Nikon F90x for me. A semi-pro camera for less than £50.

Add the nikon F80. I think both are overshadowed by the F100-F4. I got mine through some classifields with the 28-80 kit zoom which is fairly decent.

There's the DSLR experience similarity, may I say that many who shoot film appreciate a more distant way of shooting by the classic manual cameras.

 

[Ko.Fe.]

Smena 8M. Camera.

 

[Roger Hicks]

Most Konica RF cameras, especially the III.

Cheers,

R.

 

[Roger Hicks]

Many Topcons, especially the RE Super.

Cheers,

R.

 

[Roger Hicks]

Pentax SV, if you can get one in good order. The shutters tend to slow down.

Cheers,

R.

 

[Roger Hicks]

KowaSIX until it breaks (I have one and it ain't broken yet). And other Kowas.

Cheers,

R.

 

[Roger Hicks]

Pentacon 6TL. Usually needs to be serviced before you try it, and thereafter to be wound on carefully (all the way to the end, don't let the lever fly back).

Cheers,

R.

 

[mdarnton]

Nikon FG. Great metering, especially for someone used to meterless Leicas, compact and well made, by current standards. Dirt cheap and reliable.

 

[davidnewtonguitars]

Zorki-zorki (export Zorki 1) with Industar 22
For about 100 US$ (shipped) you can get one in excellent condition with CLA and replaced shutter.

 

[Pfreddee]

My choice is the Zeiss Ikon Contaflex Super BC. Great quirky camera!

With best regards,

Pfreddee(Stephen)

 

[JP Owens]

Nikkormat FT-2. Last one before Nikon went AI. Built like a rock, uses a modern LR-44 battery, and you can use any old non-AI or later lens with it. Add a 50mm and a roll of Tri-X, and you are transported back to the 1970's.

 

[Nokton48]

Minolta SRT's. Plentiful and hardly ever expensive. Rokkor lenses are outstanding across the board.

 

[Roger Hicks]

Nikkormat FT-2. Last one before Nikon went AI. Built like a rock, uses a modern LR-44 battery, and you can use any old non-AI or later lens with it. Add a 50mm and a roll of Tri-X, and you are transported back to the 1970's.

Not really underrated though; just underpriced. Anyone want to buy a couple? It's hardly worth the effort of selling 'em.

Cheers,

R.

 

[Roger Hicks]

My choice is the Zeiss Ikon Contaflex Super BC. Great quirky camera!

With best regards,

Pfreddee(Stephen)

Dear Stephen,

Quirky. yes. Great, not so sure: see http://rogerandfrances.eu/photography/basics-1-camera

Cheers,

R.