Minolta XD vs Canon A-1

[Mark C]

That's really interesting information - it does make sense at least on a theoretical level. I do mainly have experience with the faster nikkors, not so much the slower more neutral ones.

I find some of the Nikkors suit me better than others. In general the not multi-coated lenses have a less harsh look; this especially seems to help in the oof. 105/2.5 in any version is one of the greats, though I prefer the revised design over the original Sonnar based version.

In the Minolta lenses, be aware that some of the older lenses are great, but huge. The 21/2.8, 28/2.5, 35/1.8 in MC are like that. The 85/1.7 is also big, but doesn't seem as supersized as those others.

 

[CMur12]

Hi Murray,

Just tried the AEL button for the first time. It's quirky to use the middle finger as shown in the manual. The same technique works fine (at least with my fingers) with the drive on but you have to use the camera shutter button not the motor drive button. If you are used to using the middle finger without the drive it should be fine with the drive.

Thanks for that, John. Now I finally know that it can be done. The grip on the motor drive looks like it would add nicely to one's purchase on the camera, but if, in order to reach the AEL button, you have to reach around the grip and use the on-camera shutter release anyway, it looks a bit inconvenient.

I use AEL with most of my exposures, so I think I'll stick with my X-570s and winders. 🙂

- Murray

 

[gavinlg]

Why do you need it mint or rebuilt, the last om I bought was an om4 that cost me £35 fully working its not mint but works as good as a mint one. Try finding a mint pentax LX thats going to set you back £350ish. A canon a1 will only cost you around £50, if you are thinking of spending more why not just go for a New F1 which will only cost around £150-200 for a good one.

I've had several OM1 and OM2s and have always found most of them to be in various states of deterioration. I love them when they're working, but don't really want to rely on them in work situations. Also, it was a pre-requisite that the shutter speed dial spins in the same way as the ones on my main bodies - fuji X cameras. That rules out the nikons, and the OM bodies have a completely different shutter control system. Thd Canon F1 is a bit clunky for me (I've used one a bit) - I'd rather just have an f3hp.

The reason I'd want an LX the most is because both the shutter speed dial and the aperture dial on the lenses spin the same way as the Fuji X cameras. It's that simple 😉

That's my reasoning anyway.

 

[gavinlg]

I find some of the Nikkors suit me better than others. In general the not multi-coated lenses have a less harsh look; this especially seems to help in the oof. 105/2.5 in any version is one of the greats, though I prefer the revised design over the original Sonnar based version.

In the Minolta lenses, be aware that some of the older lenses are great, but huge. The 21/2.8, 28/2.5, 35/1.8 in MC are like that. The 85/1.7 is also big, but doesn't seem as supersized as those others.

I did see the size of some of those minoltas - it seems the later MD 35mm f1.8 is a bit more reasonably sized? To be honest, I'll probably just grab the 35mm f2.8 which seems to have a good reputation, and leave the speed to the 50s.

 

[Mark C]

I did see the size of some of those minoltas - it seems the later MD 35mm f1.8 is a bit more reasonably sized? To be honest, I'll probably just grab the 35mm f2.8 which seems to have a good reputation, and leave the speed to the 50s.

The MC are really wonderful lenses and beautifully built, but big. The performance is there, so you are getting something more than just a bit of extra exercise.

The MD lenses were scaled down quite a lot, and also perform well as far as I know. I bought what I ran into. The only MD's I have are 50 1.4 and 1.7 and I'm very happy with them. I also had a little 28/2.8 MD that seemed like it would be a very nice lens if somebody hadn't ruined it; I think he grabbed his sandpaper by mistake while reaching for the lens tissue. I wouldn't mind picking up a nicer one.

 

[gavinlg]

Thankyou to everyone who helped me out! I've gone through 6 rolls so far in a couple of weeks and just sent them off to be developed and scanned by richard photo lab in California. Can't wait to get them back. I've already ordered a 28mm f2.8 MD.

The camera itself doesn't feel jewel-like like a leica or even armored/locked down like an f3hp, but it is really quite pleasant to use - the VF is large,bright and snaps into focus, the shutter speed readout is good, and all the controls and ergonomics are really quite likable. I actually like the 80s styling and it doesn't feel too plasticky at all. The winder is super loud but feels good on the camera. I hope the little 50mm f2 rokkor is a good performer - everything I've seen seems to suggest so.

 

[Pentode]

Nice! That's very clean! I started out on an x-700 in 1993 and it was in worse shape then than your 570 is now. Enjoy it.... and show us results!

 

[gavinlg]

Nice! That's very clean! I started out on an x-700 in 1993 and it was in worse shape then than your 570 is now. Enjoy it.... and show us results!

Yes, it was a keh ex+ camera so I was expecting something nice. Over the years I've had too many OMs and Nikon's that have disintegrated seals and mirror bumpers etc - that was part of the reason for grabbj g something a bit newer. I wonder how different the x570 and the x700 are in use..

 

[Pentode]

I wonder how different the x570 and the x700 are in use..

As I understand it, they're not much different in use, but the 570's metering is better.

 

[MIkhail]

Interesting - a lot of people seem to really like the x500/570/700 despite it being a bit plasticky compared to the XD. Any reason in particular?

I like it for being relatively light and for aperture priority mode.
It does look more plasticky thank XD but so what? No more than say Fuji X100s...

BTW did you know, that button on front is an exposure lock? Comes handy sometimes.

 

[Nokton48]

I like the 35mm F2.8 MC

I paid $5 for mine 😀

 

[gavinlg]

With the x570, rokkor md 50mm f2, on portra 160 and fuji 400h both pushed about 2-3 stops. BW is t-max 400 at box speed. Most shot wide open or close to it.

 

[gavinlg]

Thoughts after getting some scans back:

To anyone wondering about the x700/x570 series cameras as a value for money proposition, it's lovely. Gets out of the way in operation and works splendidly as a modern-ish manual focus SLR.

The 50mm f2 rokkor I was a little concerned about, with not much on the internet in the way of reviews, but it's actually a pretty nice little lens. Sharp enough wide open, a little bit of fringing wide open in very bright sunlight, but bokeh is gentle and pleasing and it flares really gorgeously when shot into bright backlight.