Good P&S cams with manual controls?

[Kyle]

I know there have been threads talking about good point and shoot cameras, but I would like to know specifically about cameras with manual controls/overrides. I was interested in the Fuji Natura because of the 24/1.9 lens, but the fact that it is auto-everything is a turn-off. I'd like a camera that I can make manual changes in exposure settings if needed. From what I understand, the Ricoh GR series has manual settings, correct?

A truly compact and pocketable camera is what I'm after and manual settings would be nice, but if I can't get that I basically just want a point and shoot camera with a nice fixed lens. What are some others I should look at? It seems that the GR series, the Contax T series, and the Fuji Natura are all considered "serious" P&S cams, is there anything else I should put on a list of cameras to research?

I also have one question regarding the Ricoh GR1 Date model. Does this mean the camera automatically imprints date info on each and every frame or does it mean something else. If it does mean that it has that feature, can it be turned off?

Thanks in advance for any help, and sorry if I missed a past thread on this subject. I did some searching, but didn't find exactly what I was looking for.

 

[ClaremontPhoto]

Minilux can be auto everything, or you can set aperture and focus yourself, there's tons of flash modes and there's +/- exposure compensationin half stops up to +/- 2.

The lens is a cracker, and because it collapses the camera is very compact and will fit into a trouser pocket.

 

[fgianni]

Minolta TC-1 if you prefer 28mm focal lenght and extreme portability, as an added bonus you have perfectly round aperture rings for butter smooth bokeh.
It is my favourite compact, downside: f3.5 fastest aperture

Contax T3 if you prefer 35mm focal lenght, it is only marginally bigger than the TC-1, downside: can't push/pull film because you can't override the DX coded iso settings. I had one for a while, great camera but I liked the TC-1 more so I sold it.

Leica Minilux If you prefer 40mm focal lenght and a fast f2.4 les, but it is significantly bigger than the other two. Never owned one so I can't comment on quality.

 

[fgianni]

About the TC-1 most people seems to be put of thinking that it can't be set auto-everything, in fact if you set the aperture to the widest setting, should there be too much light the camera is able to reduce it automatically modifying the shutter aperture, so it acts as an auto-everything camera. (but you lose the advantage of the perfecly round aperture circles)

 

[Andrew Sowerby]

You can buy two of the best in the classifieds right now: Minolta TC-1 and Contax T2.

I've had my Contax T2 for a few years and I love it. Simple controls, great lens. My only complaint is that you can't lock the aperture at 2.8 -- aside from that it's perfect.

 

[Tim]

Minox 35 or Rollei 35.

The Minox is aperture priority, but allows you plenty of scope to fiddle. The Rollei 35 (original compact one, not the CV copy) is fully manual.

Both have brilliant lenses, the Minox has a Minotar 35/2.8 which is a Tessar copy; the Rollei has either a 40/3.5 Tessar or a 40/2 Sonnar, depending on model.

Minox 35's do have a bit of a reputation for frailty, but some people have carried them all over the world for years with no problems - the trick seems to be to actually use them, then they stay fine.

Rollei 35's are a jewel of a camera, in build quality they are a pocket Leica. But the ergonomics are perhaps a little questionable....some people love them and some hate them.

Neither will break the bank, and both will take great pictures, while fitting in a pocket.

 

[pvdhaar]

Minox 35 or Rollei 35.
....
Both have brilliant lenses, the Minox has a Minotar 35/2.8 which is a Tessar copy
....

For portability the Minox 35 is hard to beat. Just mind, that there are two types of lenses. The Minotars and Minoxars.

The Minoxar focus closer (0.7m instead of 0.9m), and what's more important; has a UV coating that's very good at controlling flare/contrast..

Another caveat is in the automation department, some models have no way to control the ISO setting (e.g. GTS,GTX), there are some that have no way to set the aperture (PL/PE), and there are even those that have no way to set the focus (AL)..

 

[Todd.Hanz]

Hexar AF

Hexar AF

Have you looked at the Hexar AF, I have one and it's a great point and shoot.

it has a fixed 35/2 that is comparable to the famed pre-asph. summicron, full manual, AE, autofocus, etc.

As far as size goes it's as big as an M6 so probably not pocketable, but it's awesome.

Here is my Hexar AF gallery if interested:
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/photopost/showgallery.php?cat=5919

good luck,
Todd

 

[JoeFriday]

I had a Minox 35PL.. it took beautiful photos.. when it worked.. on any given roll of film, half the frames would be unexposed.. I gave it away due to its unreliable nature.. and the fact that I have a Contax T, which is the same size, is extremely reliable, and has similar image quality

 

[Spyderman]

Don't forget Olympus Stylus Epic (Mju II in Europe). It has 2.8/35 lens and spot metering. But it's very pocketable 😀
I myself have a Yashica T3 Super (don't mix up with Yashica / Contax T3). It has a nice lens CZ Tessar T* 2.8/35 and a funny TLR-like additional viewfinder, but no manual controls.

 

[ray_g]

Kyle, my vote goes for the GR-1. Slim and lightweight magnesium body, simple controls, and one heckuva lens. I use it as backup when I travel, and often is on my belt while I have the 35mm or 50mm on an M body. I find no need for another 28mm lens. Here is a sample:

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/photopost/data/5971/web_of_progress.jpg

I love my Hexar AF, too. If you don't need something small, definitely worth considering. I think of it less as a point and shoot, and more of an automated M with fixed 35mm.

 

[Avotius]

ive used a ricoh grv1 a lot and had splended results with it. The only problem I really had is in lowish light (shade) it wont focus on anything, but I think its more of a problem with that particular camera since it had seen a lot of film...other then that the lens is as sharp as you could ever want.

 

[FrankS]

If you want full manual control and the smallest camera possible, then one of the Rollei 35 models is it. Avoid the 35B model, it is an economy model not up to the same build standards.

 

[scottgee1]

Kyle, you've gotten a lot of good advice so far so I won't belabor the points by detailing my experience.

BTW, how do you define "point & shoot"? Some people mean small, others are more concerned about quick. I am thinking (with a LOT of hesitation) about selling my Rollei 35SE so if you're looking for all-manual precision in a small package, let me know.

You asked if the Ricoh GR1 Date model always imprints the date info. Only if you want it to do so. It can be turned off. Also, you can choose for a few different formats.

Personally, I hate having the date printed on my pix. I work too hard to make 'em look good to have crap in the lower right corner. That said, on the couple cameras I own that can print the date, I'll turn it on for the first shot on the roll and shoot a 'blank' so it's there as a reminder and kind of historical record of when the real pix were shot.

Happy hunting!/ScottGee1

I know there have been threads talking about good point and shoot cameras, but I would like to know specifically about cameras with manual controls/overrides. I was interested in the Fuji Natura because of the 24/1.9 lens, but the fact that it is auto-everything is a turn-off. I'd like a camera that I can make manual changes in exposure settings if needed. From what I understand, the Ricoh GR series has manual settings, correct?

A truly compact and pocketable camera is what I'm after and manual settings would be nice, but if I can't get that I basically just want a point and shoot camera with a nice fixed lens. What are some others I should look at? It seems that the GR series, the Contax T series, and the Fuji Natura are all considered "serious" P&S cams, is there anything else I should put on a list of cameras to research?

I also have one question regarding the Ricoh GR1 Date model. Does this mean the camera automatically imprints date info on each and every frame or does it mean something else. If it does mean that it has that feature, can it be turned off?

Thanks in advance for any help, and sorry if I missed a past thread on this subject. I did some searching, but didn't find exactly what I was looking for.