Nikon F3 vs Canon F1 vs Minolta X1/XK

[giganova]

I'm searching for an SLR that I can keep with me in my bag on a daily basis and I wouldn't have to worry too much if something happens (unlike my Leicas that I sometimes baby too much).

Love the "industrial" design of the flagships of the 80s, the Nikon F3, Canon F1 or Minolta X1/XK. These beasts are so ugly, love them!

Do you guys have an opinion on -- or better: experience with -- any of these monsters? All I know is that the F3 is probably the smallest and lightest of the bunch, but also the more expensive one, and the 1st version of the F1 had a mechanical shutter. As a cheaper alternative, I'm considering an FM or FM2 for lightness, compactness and the mechanical shutter.

What do you think?

 

[Deleted member 65559]

Giganova, I've used both the Canon F1 & the Nikon line. The F3 has a great high eypoint finder. I never had problems with them, but always preferred the mechanical cameras. It seems as though F3s & good FM2s are about the same price on ebay. There is a great choice of lenses for either at good prices for the older ones.

 

[xayraa33]

The Canon F1 N shown there is not exactly a bargoon compared to many pro level film SLRs going for a song these last decade and a half.

I seen many Nikon F3s selling for much cheaper than the Canon F1N

 

[Paulbe]

My experience has been that the F3 is easier to use than the New F-1. It just feels better in your hand. The winding is much different than the Canon, too. No experience with the Minolta...good luck!

 

[presspass]

Used the original Canon F-1 for about 15 years and never had a problem. Now have the F-3 Nikon and the FM2n. All work well; the FM2 and the Canon do not required batteries except for the meter; the F-3 does. I had no problems with any of them, but the F-3's meter readout is sometimes difficult to see, something that never happened with the Canon or the FM2n. My only Minolta experience was with the much earlier manual focus cameras - 201 and 202, I believe. If I was concerned about weight and size, I would go with the FM2n. Otherwise, with no lenses governing my choice, I would go with the Canon.

 

[Contarama]

Daily carrying guy who shoots Leica...then I would get a FM or Oly OM or equivalent because of compactness.

 

[Mackinaw]

This really is a situation where it pays to try the cameras out before buying, The Nikon F3, Canon F-1 and Minolta XK are all excellent cameras, with each having their good points and bad points. Lot of personal preference involved here. If compactness and weight are important to you, I agree with the previous poster, consider the Olympus OM-1.

Jim B.

 

[presspass]

I agree the Olympus is a good camera and small. I had the OM series for a short while and couldn't get used to having the shutter speeds in a ring around the rear of the lens mount. That's an especially problematic placement if you shoot during the winter and wear gloves. And the Canon F-1 I mentioned in my previous post was the original, not the F-1n.

 

[Huss]

I have two F3Ps, and a Minolta XK.
I love the Minolta and it is a super cool, alternative option. But it was built in the era of the Nikon F2, not the F3, and so feels from that generation. The F3 feels and handles like a much more modern camera.
I have both the original AE (the Herman munster one) head as well as the 'superior' AE-S head for my XK. I actually prefer the AE head as the needle meter read out is much easier to see in most conditions.
The film wind on lever on the XK is much more solid feeling than the floppy light weight one on the F3, but the F3 is all sorts of awesome with the MD-4 motordrive.
For me the biggest reason to shoot the XK is to be able to use the fantastic 58mm 1.2 lens, and the 35-70 macro zoom.

None of these cameras (including F1) are small or light weight. If you want that, FM2 or some such thing would be much better.

 

[xayraa33]

"As a cheaper alternative, I'm considering an FM or FM2 for lightness, compactness and the mechanical shutter."

As others mentioned, it is tough to beat the OLY OM 1 for the qualities that you requested.

Something else to consider : If it was not for compactness, the Canon FTb and the Minolta SRT series are readily available for a super low price and while not pro rated, they are still tough as nails.

 

[Fraser]

I have a couple of New F1 (that what the picture is) and have had F3 in the past never the minolta, in my opinion F3 is lighter than the New F1 but is far better made, I would agree with others better to go for something lighter like FM or OM, or even better a rangefinder!
good luck.

 

[back alley]

ugly!??


.

 

[Sumarongi]

Dear giganova,

«SLR that I can keep with me in my bag on a daily basis».

Hmmmm... If you have Rokkors, Nikkors, and Canon-lenses, there are many choices. Why not a Minolta SR-T101, e.g.? Ivor Matanle would definitely agree, I guess.

But Matanle would also say: Avoid an Olympus OM! It's much more fragile than all the other mentioned cameras.

 

[Mackinaw]

.....But Matanle would also say: Avoid an Olympus OM! It's much more fragile than all the other mentioned cameras.

If you’re a professional who beats up your cameras maybe, but for a general carry-with-you-wherever-you-go camera, the compact size and light weight of the OM-1 is hard to beat.

And this comes from a guy who owns a few Canon F-1’s and a Nikon F and F2. That all have their place, but right now I’m carrying a OM-1 loaded with a roll of Eastman 5222-XX. Nice street combo.

Jim B.

 

[aizan]

I went with the Canon New F-1, but I still want a Pentax LX. You should add it to your list!

 

[Deleted member 65559]

Since our suggestions have been getting smaller/lighter....the Pentax LX is a gem....but my favourite user was the MX....almost the Leica M feel.....in terms of size & handling

 

[Dogman]

None of the above. I would go with a Nikon F2 over all these choices.

 

[Nokton48]

HugoStudios Tan Morocco XK (2) by Nokton48, on Flickr

I've got to pipe in as I love my Minolta XK. It just got recovered with Hugostudios Moroccan tan leather. I had mine completely overhauled by Essex, right before the big hurricane wiped them out. Timing and Good Luck were everything in regards to that deal.

Who else fixes XK's? Just make sure you get a good one if you decide this way.

 

[Rick Waldroup]

None of the above. I would go with a Nikon F2 over all these choices.

I politely disagree. 🙂

I shot an F, F2, F2A, FM, and an F3, and I would take the F3 any day of the week over the rest of them. The F3 was probably my favorite film camera of all time. Just different strokes.....😎

 

[giganova]

Awesome replies and much to this about!

How loud is the shutter on any of these cameras? I remember that I had an FM2 for a few weeks and found -- compared to Leica M or even R -- that the shutter was very loud.

Another super-sexy SLR is the R6, or course, but glass is very expensive.