It took me awhile, but I have pretty much got the camera's I wanted. I wouldn't say I'm a collector per-say, I do use the camera's I buy and I buy to my strengths and likes.
Here is my /collection/
As for my List:
Hasselblad 203FE
- Workhorse, and I love that it has a metered WLF, rather then requiring a prism.
Pentax 67ii
- Probably my favourite camera, and an absolute joy to use. I think the SMC lenses are outstanding and very reasonably priced.
Hasselblad XPan II - Beautiful camera, and a joy to use.
Contax G2
- This has replaced my M7, I struggle with focusing with a manual focus lens when it comes to non-static subjects; this is a user fault I appreciate, but none the less it makes using a M7 for street an absolute nightmare. While not having a huge array of M mount or LTM lenses, the G system is wonderful - it's auto focus rangefinder system removes the anxiety (if you will) of worrying about focusing, and lets me get shoot much faster, with composition in mind instead. I just think it is really well made, and the zeiss glass it has available to it, hardly make it 'inferior'.
Graflex Speed Graphic
- I think while limited in terms of it's movements, a fully working speed graphic is a wonderful edition, and indeed great at easing you in to the LF world. I like that it has a focal plane shutter, meaning one can use shutterless lenses as well as those with shutters. It is compact and light, the Crown more so but of course you loose the FPS in that option. It was to be a starter, but since using it, I found I don't really need anything else.
Hasselblad 500/503
- Definitely on my list, and a jot to use. Like the MP listed below, it was the fact the camera was/is fully mechanical and requires no power to work. This is wonderful if you like I, enjoy shooting long exposures. I acquired one 2 years ago and have found shooting with it an absolute joy.
Lecia M7/MP - Probably the latter now, but I elected for the M7 due to a very good deal I got on my M7. While this was a huge 'to buy' camera, as noted above I struggled and still do with fast focusing of RF lenses. It got to the point where I wouldn't even raise my camera; still it was on my list - so in the list it goes. I still use it now and then in situations that don't call for focusing on moving subjects.
That was my main list, and I was fortunate over the course of about 4/5 years to procure all of the cameras (minus MP) that I had set out get.
For the sake of the thread:
Widelux F8
- A bit pointless seeing as I have the XPan, but none the less, I have always wanted one. I love the swing lens concept, I have seen it used to create some wonderful images, a lot of which by the 'dude' Jeff bridges.
Rolleiflex
- Pointless, as I went the (SLR) Hasselblad route, but I have always liked the look of the Rolleiflex camera's. I understand you can get them with planars, so I dare say they are rather good optically too.
Fuji GX617
- Panoramic is a guilty pleasure, I am a slave to it. So shooting with a Fuji GX617 would be my idea of a good day/night out.
I believe that is 10.
