Fixed focal length (non-zoom) P&S

[chris00nj]

What are some high quality, fixed focal length point & shoot cameras. I want to get one for my Mom, who just uses disposables.

I know of the Leica Minilux and the Leica CM, but these are a bit pricey.

 

[Bobfrance]

I presume you're after a film camera.
Still not cheap, but you can't go wrong with anything Contax.
Also Ricoh cameras are very good.

 

[chris00nj]

Yeah, after a film camera, but want to keep it under $100. It also should be autofocus.

She used a Leica M3 for years, but no has no interest in focusing or determining exposure, etc.

 

[kzphoto]

I had a year long stint trying to find the "perfect" point and shooot. Ended up settling on the Ricoh GR1v (around 400 bucks, but it's amazing.) Under $100 fixed point and shoots are hard to find.

Top of the list would be the Olympus stylus epic infinity (35mm f/2.8), or the earlier 35mm f/3.5 model. Otherwise:

Canon AFM35 40 f/2 (There's a few models of this camera, I've used the 40 f/2 and it's pretty good)
Ricoh R1 (if you're lucky you can find them for around $100 used) 30mm f/3.5 and a 24 f/8 pano mode
Pentax Espio Mini - 35 f/??

If money is no object, get a new / used:
Fuji Klasse W (28 f/2.8) or Klasse S (38/2.8)
Ricoh GR1/GR1s/GR1v
Fuji Natura S / Natura Black f/1.9

 

[btgc]

Ricoh FF-70/700 or 90/90 Super (in USA), Pentac PC35AF, Konica Big Mini's - all have 35mm lenses. Olympus Mju, for sure, if quirky controls aren't distracting.

Konica Off-Road Wide is wonderful, if your Mom appreciates 28mm lens, also very silent. Single large cycling button to change modes.

 

[kzphoto]

Ooooh the Konica Big Mini's are really nice. I couldn't remember the name of the other Pentax I was thinking of, but btgc has it. The Pentax PC35AF has awesome 80's charm.

 

[kzphoto]

This thread has re-ignited my lust for more fixed lens p&s cameras. Thanks. :C

 

[Greyscale]

The Nikon L35AF and L35AF2 (One Touch) are both excellent cameras, with minimal controls and excellent picture quality that can usually be found for less than $20. Also consider the Canon AF35MII and AF35ML (this is the one with the 40mm/1.9 lens), either would also be a fine choice for one used to shooting with disposables, as would be the Olympus AF-10 Super.

I have no argument with any of the other cameras mentioned in this thread, I own most of them and they are all fine film cameras, but they may be more than your mom really needs.

If you really want something that is high quality with minimal controls, maybe consider a fixed-focus camera? I can recommend the Nikon Sport Touch (AW35) in this category. Rugged, weatherproof, quiet, with an excellent lens and a focal distance of 3 feet to infinity, it is a perfect snapshot camera.

 

[shyoon]

For under $100, the default choice should be an Olympus Stylus Epic.

 

[btgc]

For under $100, the default choice should be an Olympus Stylus Epic.

I used to think so. Not anymore. Sorry.

 

[oftheherd]

I know you said FF, but I think the Leica Mini Zoom might be worth considering. In FF, some of the 80s Fujica autofocus were good and of course, had the good Fuji glass.

 

[Ranchu]

I would also recommend the Nikon L35AF. One thing to keep in mind, your mom may not like the squinty finder on many point and shoots. Minolta AF2 has manual wind, there's also the AF-C which I've never used, but people seem to like. AF2 has many beepings and flashing lights though.

 

[Ranchu]

Completely different than what you asked, but this might be a good option. Light, and handles very well, well sorted as they say. Takes two CR123 batteries. http://www99.epinions.com/reviews/e...s_OlympusISProductFamilyily-Olympus_IS-20_DLX

 

[batterytypehah!]

I tried a Nikon L35AF for a few months and would not recommend it. It's big, heavy and noisy for what it is (35/2.8 with so-so auto-focus), and the image quality is nothing special. It should be much cheaper than your budget, by the way. I got mine for $10 at a yard sale, including a quality UV filter.

 

[Ranchu]

...

http://cgi.ebay.de/KONICA-WIDE-28-O...mcorder_AnalogeKameras_PM&hash=item3f05d68322

 

[glchua]

Klasse S or W. Almost full control of camera, pretty fast autofocus, and excellent image quality!
I like them so much that I bought both, carry one with me everyday and sees more light than my M system nowadays.

 

[dazedgonebye]

I'm wading through a few now...
http://www.stevemphoto.com/photography/2011/01/35-cameras.html

 

[Gerry M]

I'm wading through a few now...
http://www.stevemphoto.com/photography/2011/01/35-cameras.html

Steve, I hope you will post an update as the testing progresses. BTW, I have a Minolta Freedom 28-70. Seems not too bad.
Gerry

 

[Greyscale]

Klasse S or W. Almost full control of camera, pretty fast autofocus, and excellent image quality!
I like them so much that I bought both, carry one with me everyday and sees more light than my M system nowadays.

If you can find either of these for under $100, let us know. 😉

 

[David Hughes]

Leica mini (the plastic one) or the Minolta variation is/are good. And there's the often overlooked Konica A4.

Also there's the pre-mju-I and mju-II's like the Olympus AF-1 and AF-1 mini.

Given the age of all the cameras, luck comes into it more than you'd think.

Also most recommended are electronic and when they die they die for good, unless you are lucky and find some one prepared to risk a lot of work for no return. So try the more mechanical ones like the Olympus XA1, 2 and 3. These have a cult following and there are technicians out there who can repair them.

Another point to watch is the battery; The Olympus AF-1 takes an expensive and unusual battery (CR-P2p) but the mini version takes two cheapo AA's or one CR123A.

Regards, David