Had to sell the Leica, need something else...

[ZeissFan]

The OM-1 is a nice choice. Pentax has the small-body MX and full-size body KX and K2, and there is a lot of K-mount lenses available, including new optics from Carl Zeiss that you won't be able to afford.

Love the Minolta XD11, but it's battery dependent.

You could also look for a Nikon FM or even the Nikkormat FT3 (full-size body) and then add lenses over time.

The Yashica/Kyocera Contax SLRs have the best viewfinders, but their bodies tend to be battery dependent, and you would have a tough time staying within your $500 budget for a three-lens kit. Plus, you almost always have to replace the camera covering.

 

[ZeissFan]

You could get a three-lens rangefinder kit that probably would set you back about $250.

That would be the Kodak Retina IIIS. Just make sure that it's all good.

Great camera. Large viewfinder. Mounting a lens brings up the correct viewfinder frames.

Plus, they have a very nice f/1.9 50mm Xenon. Downside: Weight.

Remember, that all Japanese cameras made since the 1960s will need new foam seals. Luckily, they're easily replaced in about 30 minutes.

 

[edmelvins]

Ditto: OM1n w/ 28/2.8 & 100/2.8. 😉

With careful shopping a Nikon FM2, 28/2.8 & 105/2.5 might be doable.

I second this. FM2 is a beautiful yet affordable camera. Some time ago I had the chance to buy the combo mentioned above for a little less than $500 and they were in mint condition.

 

[monochromejrnl]

Evil slr´s are ok too 😱

Pentax MX (black if you can find one cheap ;P) with SMC-M or K 50/1.4 + 28/3.5 makes a very small (as small as a RF kit). The shutter is mechanical and the batteries only run the meter.

 

[jsrockit]

Nikon F3 and some older lenses of your choosing...

 

[jljohn]

I have not read all the responses, but I think a Nikon F3 or the like with two lenses might be a stretch, but doable.

I can highly recommend a Pentax K1000. Simple light box with an accurate meter. It just works, and the camera functions perfectly without the meter. You can get the body for about $100, a wide for another $100, a fast shot-tele for maybe $200, and that leave $40 for a case (used Domke F-5XB for $40 ish) and $60 for film. Total = $500.

There are plenty of similar options out there when it comes to used film SLR's. Fortunately they are cheap these days. Good luck with your purchases!

 

[totifoto]

Thanx for all the reply´s.

OM1/OM2 is starting to look nice, specially all the talk about a big viewfinder and small size. keh.com has a few and they also have a 35mm f2 rated "bargin"

 

[Darkhorse]

I've honestly thought to myself, "Why get a Leica when I have a perfectly good OM1n?"

 

[leguaan]

I managed to persuade myself that there is no such thing as smuggling of used photography equipment. I don't see a point, what kind of value is added to the goods by someone importing them to a different country, and therefore, why the state should be able to charge VAT on these goods. The logic of import duties is clear to me, however, they are quite low. I find the VAT on used goods unjust, and therefore have no moral dillema here.

Isn't Iceland connected to the E.U. enough to be able to avoid the tax if your camera was shipped from some in a country in the E.U.? Why don't you get someone who lives in the EU that's going to the U.S. to take delivery on an order from KEH for you. They could bring it back to the E.U. in their carry-on bag and then mail it to you as a present. If the package is mailed from the E.U., it might not be questioned. Of course, wait, that's smuggling. No, I would never suggest anyone do that. If my delete key hadn't broken tonight, I would delete this post. Sorry. Please disregard this suggestion.

 

[rpilottx]

Visiting Iceland

Visiting Iceland

This probably does not help but my daughter and I will be visiting Iceland in late March. I would be happy to bring some stuff from the US. So if you find yourself with a camera soon and want a more extensive kit later let me know.

I would second the idea of a Nikon F. Pre AI lenses can be had for $60-100 US and the 24f2.8, 55f3.5Micro, and 105f2.5 are the lenses that made Nikon. I use a non metered F when I need an SLR.

You can send me pm here or my email is ktmrider2@live.com.

 

[Thomas-Paris]

Canon FD system

Canon FD system

I was recently looking at FD lenses at a used shop in Paris, and you should be able to get a 28 f/2.0, 50 f/1.4, and an 85 f/1.2 or 1.8, plus a cheap body like an AT-1, for your price range.

It sounds like getting the system from within Iceland or getting it into the country for a reasonable price is your main obstacle, though.

 

[Ezzie]

Iceland is a member of EEA (European Economic Area). That *should* mean that there's no VAT or any other taxes involved when purchasing items from within EU or EEA. Norway has a similar EEA status.

When purchasing items from outside EU+EEA area (from China, Russia or US for example) all EU and EEA citizens must pay VAT (value added tax) which differs from one country to another but can be as high as 25%.

Sorry to say that this is not the case. The EEA agreement does not cover VAT on imports, even from the EU. The VAT is 25% here in Norway, and trust the Icelanders to outdo us their forefathers by 0.5%. 😉 Import taxes on goods originating in the EU, we are exempt, even some goods from outside the EU But some goods originating outside the EU we have to pay addirional import taxes, such as textiles etc. Even if sold from an EU country! Thats before VAT is added. Go figure.

I sympathise with the OP, heaps!

 

[Ezzie]

But to be quite honest. If Iceland is anything like Norway (15 times the population, but still a minute country by any standards) the market for used film camera gear is next to non-existing. Meaning buying over the net is more or less the only option. Shipping and VAT will ruin any good deal, but then again there may not be any other deals to be had.

 

[Steve_F]

I've a lovely black FM3A I'm going to put on eBay (*nasty place*) this week.
I'm looking for £230 or nearest offer. If you'd like to know more and would like to see some photos PM me.
The reason I'm selling it (you'll hate this) is since I bought my M6TTL 13,months ago I've only put a few rolls of film through the Nikon.

Steve.

Edit: Duh! Why didn't I think of the classifieds here first. Brainwashed.

 

[johannielscom]

I have a Konica AutoReflex TC for sale, with 28/3.5 and 40/1.8 lenses. Letting go for EUR 95, camera and both lenses. Bought last summer in Switzerland, but not seeing enough action with me. My loss, your gain! 😉

No problem declaring gift to Iceland. Did send a set there some time ago and it got over safely.

The Konica's are great camera's, albeit the body of this model is plastic. The 40/1.8 is shockingly sharp. A longer lens will not be that expensive either.

PM me if interested.

 

[Roger Hicks]

Another vote for a Nikon F. The ONLY classic SLR. (Dons fireproof suit...)

Cheers,

R.

 

[Frank Petronio]

Why not go minimal and discipline yourself? Only spend $100 on a Canonet or any of the classic Japanese fixed lens rangefinders, getting one that is in really nice condition, and keep some money in savings, which it sounds like you need to do.

Shooting a 90mm with a 35mm rangefinder is silly anyways, do the one-lens/one-body routine for a year and save your money for adventures. You don't always have to spend it all, and a $100 Canonet will make as good a photo as a $499-$500 outfit. A 40mm lens can do it all, the limitation is only with the photographer's talent and skill.

You'll be a better photographer because of this.

Really, you're Icelandic. You should be better than us corporate sheep and we want to hold you to higher ideals. Don't be so consumeristic!

 

[Ljós]

I would like to underline what Frank Petronio suggests. It seems if you go through with your original plan, you will max out your budget, pay through the nose for VAT etc., come almost close to what a bargain/user rangefinder with interchangeable lenses would cost, and still not get the gear of your dreams.

One suggestion - since you loved your M6 - would be the Olympus 35RC. A Zuiko 40mm f2.8 lens. All controls work in the same direction as Leica: aperture, distance setting on the lens, and shutter speed dial. If you get a sample with clean viewfinder, or clean it yourself, the rangefinder will be very snappy! The RC is about as quiet as an M (shutter is arguably a bit more silent, but the film advance is not as nice acoustically.)

Go minimal, and safe up for gear that you really want...

Greetings! Ljós

 

[HuubL]

Everybody preaches for his own church of course, but in fact many old school Nikon, Pentax, Oly OMs and Canon are still all excellent cameras. I'm partial to Olympus OM 1/2👎 and the old Canon FD cameras. The Canon EF is a beautiful camera and much of the classic FD glass is excellent and go's for giveaway prices.