In search of the best (film) P&S as an addition to a DSLR

[urban_alchemist]

I've decided to go for a Minolta TC-1. In the mean time while I'll be waiting for one to appear with a sensible price I'm going to get an Olympus XA, perhaps I'll be able to get used to it.

Once again - thank you all for your opinions and pictures, I really appreciate the whole discussion here 🙂

Enjoy - they're both seminal (though very different) cameras... great choice IMO...

 

[Jamie Pillers]

And also note that the Konica AF has a high shutter speed of 1/250. This can be a real problem when you want to shallow DOF outdoors.

 

[retnull]

I used the Minilux exclusively for one year, and despite its weak points, the image quality was really excellent. If the lens was available by itself in M-mount, it would exchange for beaucoup bucks and be discussed in hushed reverent tones.

 

[MarkoKovacevic]

Don't forget about the Olympus Stylus Epic! Has everything you want but exp comp[has a spotmeter] and is cheap!

 

[Paddy C]

I recently sold my T3. Great little camera. Heavy for its size and I always thought of it as a bit sluggish in its operation. Might just be me though.

The TC-1 is a neat looking camera. Out of curiosity I checked the 'bay and they are fetching big bucks.

 

[johnny9fingers]

Folks have commented on the T3, but what about the T2? Any hands on experience with it?

 

[daniel~]

Of those listed, I have Contax T2, Hexar Silver, and Minilux. I'll rule out Leica Minilux first. It's got awkward control buttons (did any camera ever required so many times of button pushing for +/- EV and canceling flash, until maybe digital era...) and a tiny, under-spec viewfinder.

Even worse, Minilux are known for potential "E02" problems... A lot of users have reported it. So be aware and google about this, if you are considering this camera. Well, you may begin to wonder why I bought one? I found a good bargain that's all... Alas, the Summarit lens is really great, but then those on my other cameras are no mediocre either...

Contax T2 is in many aspects similar to Minilux, but much more enjoyable as a whole, due to superior design. Ironically, it's the oldest design of all in OP's list, AFAIK.

When I don't need extreme compactness, I still like my Hexar Silver most.

 

[daniel~]

I've decided to go for a Minolta TC-1. In the mean time while I'll be waiting for one to appear with a sensible price I'm going to get an Olympus XA, perhaps I'll be able to get used to it.

Once again - thank you all for your opinions and pictures, I really appreciate the whole discussion here 🙂

oops, I just didn't notice your reply till now. Let us know how it turns out, will you?

Long ago, I have once handled a Minolta TC-1. Amazingly small & refined, but it was way beyond my budget.

 

[janeve]

I use a Nikon 28Ti as a p/s, great camera, fantastic lens, best lightmeter of all p/s cameras. Bit on the big side though. Years ago i had a Ricoh Gr-1, great little camera too. A friend uses the T3 and loves it. Guess you just have to play around with some choice p/s and make your pick out of tactile feel, they all take great pictures, at least from a tecnical point.

 

[BearCatCow]

Contax T2 is a good match for the qualities you are talking about:

AF - fast active focus lets you focus instantly even in pitch darkness
MF - there is a dial to let you scale focus
Exposure Compensation - there is a dial for +/- EV compensation, in .5 clicks
AEL - actually I don't think there's AEL aside from holding the shutter half way

Also you can select the aperture by turning the aperture ring on the lens. It's bigger than the T3 but not too large. I also like that all its controls are on intuitive analog dials and not like the T3's buttons and LCD readouts.

Both T2 and T3 have that really tough metallic body that's extremely scratch resistant.

And personally I love the sonnar look and the slightly tighter 38mm focal length of the T2!

 

[Ben Blacket]

I'm not sure what you mean. I always set mine at 2.8 because I want that Sonnar softness.

T3 is fantastic in fit, built, and image. For "better" you have to give up on pocketability.

Sorry, I meant T2!

 

[nicography]

however, most of these compact p&s suffer from the Error E02.
does anyone know one that is more reliable?

I had a Leica Minilux before, and I really want a small film camera again.

 

[jsrockit]

I've used the Minilux and the Contax T2 and both were great... even with slide film. The Leica CM should be considered as well.

 

[jsrockit]

Contax T2 is in many aspects similar to Minilux, but much more enjoyable as a whole, due to superior design. Ironically, it's the oldest design of all in OP's list, AFAIK.

Funny, when I used both back in the day, I preferred the Minilux.