Hi-end classic SLR with a 40. Nearly unlimited budget. What are my options?

[sreed2006]

A correction for the OP: the Olympus OM-3Ti does not have aperture priority. It is a fully manual camera, just like the OM-1. The OM-4T and OM-2 have aperture priority.

 

[David Hughes]

Pentax made a nice, neat 40mm f/2.8 lens but that was a long long time ago. It makes a neat package with any of the "super" K mount bodies.


Look here:- https://www.pentaxforums.com/lensreviews/SMC-Pentax-M-40mm-F2.8-Pankake-Lens.html



Regards, David

 

[valdas]

It really depends on how you define hi-end and premium body. Is it just high price? Brand value based? Hi hype? Or just quality? Those do not necessarily correlate. Some cameras are very expensive because they are very rare, but it does not mean what they deliver is much better (or better at all) compared to much cheaper options. Some are expensive because of brand loyalty that creates values perception. If you are thinking of 40mm and this will be your only combo (no plans to add more lenses) then you have many choices in different systems. But do you have any requirements what those bodies have to deliver in terms of ergonomics, metering options, automation, max/min shutter speeds? Is appearance important? Too many unknowns to give an advice. You mentioned Konica 40/1.8. It’s a nice lens, you can try to find Autoreflex half/full frame camera. Very unique and truly classic.

 

[Raskolnikov]

If you want a small, classic, daily camera for every day shots then the olympus would be my choice. Get a om2n and the 40mm to try and if you don't like the size and feel don't buy the om3ti.

The Nikon glass is better and the classic Nikons are super cool.

I've had a Nikon FM2 and various olympus OM's, the OM's I prefer but it's just me personally.

On a side note a Konica Hexar RF would be great, all automatic and then your lens options would open up. Obviously not a SLR.

The Ultron in OM mount is a rare lens indeed, but awesome. Unless you really need a spot meter, I'd look for an OM1.

Untitled by t1m.h, on Flickr

 

[Swift1]

Pentax MX with SMC Pentax-FA 43/1.9 Ltd. by Colton Allen, on Flickr

 

[jsrockit]

Pentax MX with SMC Pentax-FA 43/1.9 Ltd. by Colton Allen, on Flickr

My god! That! But only in that condition...

 

[lcpr]

Another vote for the CV 40 Ultron. I use mine on my FM3a and F2:

 

[splitimageview]

I have both the Nikon FM3A & Voigtlander Ultron 40mm f/2 SLII for sale in the classifieds if you're interested.

I would have bought that 40 if it were the later chipped version. Good luck with your sale!

 

[Phil_F_NM]

A Konica Auto-Reflex T3 with a 40/1.8 is really hard to beat. Super low cost too, in comparison with other brands. And they are absolutely first rate cameras and lenses.
Phil Forrest

 

[raid]

My god! That! But only in that condition...

I have a beautiful MX, but my Pentax-L lens is in LTM.

 

[Swift1]

My god! That! But only in that condition...

I have a beautiful MX, but my Pentax-L lens is in LTM.

That was probably the cleanest/nicest chrome MX I've ever run across 🙂
The k-mount 43/1.9 is an autofocus lens, but it handles quite nicely on the MX, the biggest downside being the narrow focus ring.
Raid, compared to the LTM version , the k-mount 43 Limited is a bargain. You should get one 😀

 

[kshapero]

FM3a and Ultron. The ultimate Nikon manual camera and the Ultron is a gem. Forget the Nikon 45mm f2.8, like the Contax it's a Tessar and needs to be stopped down.

Totally agree, but as FM3a's have skyrocketed in price, FM, FM2n, FE or FE2 will pair great with the CV 40mm, which is an awesome lens. Good ones can had on eBay for $300 or so.

 

[kshapero]

Pentax MX with SMC Pentax-FA 43/1.9 Ltd. by Colton Allen, on Flickr

What a beauty and a great pair!!

 

[CharlesDAMorgan]

Totally agree, but as FM3a's have skyrocketed in price, FM, FM2n, FE or FE2 will pair great with the CV 40mm, which is an awesome lens. Good ones can had on eBay for $300 or so.

So true. I should have bought one two years ago but ummed and aahed a bit too long.

My day will come though!

 

[kshapero]

Older CV Ultron

 

[kshapero]

A newer Ultron

 

[raid]

That was probably the cleanest/nicest chrome MX I've ever run across 🙂
The k-mount 43/1.9 is an autofocus lens, but it handles quite nicely on the MX, the biggest downside being the narrow focus ring.
Raid, compared to the LTM version , the k-mount 43 Limited is a bargain. You should get one 😀

I have several Pentax camera bodies, so getting a 43mm 1.9 in M42 is a great idea!

 

[kshapero]

V
There are many versions of the CV Ultron 40/2 (I count 5), but they all use same optics.

 

[Huss]

Pentax MX with SMC Pentax-FA 43/1.9 Ltd. by Colton Allen, on Flickr

I really like my MX w/ 40 but no way this lump qualifies as "high end" as required by the OP! He's looking to dump cash into the economy folks! Not save pennies on on gear that still can make fantastic images!
Let's help him save the economy! Nothing under $750!

 

[Oren Grad]

For completeness: the earliest version of the 40mm C/V Ultron was also offered in Pentax K mount.

And although it's probably not what you have in mind, since it's not compact and not manual-focus, I'll mention the Canon EOS-1, 1N or 1V, paired with the EF 40/2.8 pancake lens - biggish but rugged body, tiny lens. That EF 40 is a fine lens by any standard and a steal at its very low price.

If you are willing to put up with a less rugged body with a more plasticky feel, one of the Canon Elan bodies with the 40 would make a compact, inexpensive, but very capable camera. And one of the Rebel bodies with the 40 would feel ultra-cheap, but would be very small indeed.

EDIT: For context, I'll add that I also have the 40/2.8 Pentax-M with MX and LX bodies. The Pentax-M 40 on an MX makes for a delightfully small combination, but the Canon EF 40 is much superior optically.