Nikon F3 vs Canon F1 vs Minolta X1/XK

giganova said:
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.
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"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). "
 
giganova said:
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.
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Well, cloth focal plane is less loud than metal focal plane -- and IMHO, Minolta cameras (including the Leica R ;) -- despite metal focal plane shutters), are less loud than anything Canon and Nikon made ;)

Wait, you haven't mentioned another super-sexy camera: the Leicaflex (Leicaflex SL, Leicaflex SL2) -- super robust, 1/2000th, plus cloth focal plane shutter!
 
I own the XK, F3 and FM2n. They are all very different cameras.

One thing you may want to consider is which meter style you like. The XK has a match needle versus the +- indicators on those two Nikons. If you prefer match needle meters you’d need to go back to earlier Nikons; the F, F2 or FM.

Another thing to consider is size and weight. XKs are big! And heavy! So are Fs and F2s. For a daily carry, unless you need the extra features of a press-corps camera, the FM or FM2 (or Minolta SRT-101, 102, 202, etc...) will be a lot easier on your shoulder.

And ANOTHER thing to consider is that, as much as I love the XK (and I love it a lot), XKs are starting to show their age and, because they weren’t made in large numbers, it’s very hard to find parts and even harder to find techs who’ll work on them. You’ll have a much easier time servicing any Nikon model or the much more common Minolta SRTs.

The good news is: every one of these cameras are excellent performers with great lenses available for them so it’s not like you’re really going to make a bad choice.
 
Sumarongi said:
Well, cloth focal plane is less loud than metal focal plane -- and IMHO, Minolta cameras (including the Leica R ;) -- despite metal focal plane shutters), are less loud than anything Canon and Nikon made ;)

Wait, you haven't mentioned another super-sexy camera: the Leicaflex (Leicaflex SL, Leicaflex SL2) -- super robust, 1/2000th, plus cloth focal plane shutter!
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The Minolta XD-11 (with vertical-travel METAL shutter) was the design model for the entire Leica R series and is easily the quietest SLR I’ve ever used. An awesome camera but it definitely does not have the battle tank looks that OP seems to like.
 
My choice would be Nikon. For me the fact that there is a wider compatibility of lenses and bodies given the Nikon lens mount, is a big plus.

Joe
 
I've owned a Nikon F3HP and the Canon NEW F-1 you have pictured above. A lot would depend on what lenses you have. All things being equal, I liked the Canon better than the Nikon, but it was close, and if you have a bunch of Nikon glass, then I'd go that way. Neither is a bad choice. Never had or used the Minolta.

Best,
-Tim
 
I fancied a new F1n for years before I actually held one next to an f3hp. No contest, felt like a crude brick in comparison. And Minolta stuff is finnicky and the lenses far overrated. F3hp for me.
 
gavinlg said:
I fancied a new F1n for years before I actually held one next to an f3hp. No contest, felt like a crude brick in comparison. And Minolta stuff is finnicky and the lenses far overrated. F3hp for me.
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«Minolta stuff is finnicky and the lenses far overrated»?

Uhhhhm, I guess you presume Leitz chose Minolta as their partner some 45 years ago because they're congenially «finnicky and the lenses far overrated»? :mad:
 
I got a F3HP and its a fantastic camera, I wear glasses and its the best viewfinder I have ever tried. Shutter sound is a bit loud but I love this camera.
 
Sumarongi said:
«Minolta stuff is finnicky and the lenses far overrated»?

Uhhhhm, I guess you presume Leitz chose Minolta as their partner some 45 years ago because they're congenially «finnicky and the lenses far overrated»? :mad:
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Yup, and I stand by what I said. Mostly personal experience. I wanted to like the cameras and lenses but was left quite disappointed.
 
Nokton48 said:
Rokkor glass has never disappointed me, either.
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Me, either. My Minolta experiences have all been positive, but I can see how someone's perception of a brand could be forever tainted if they experience a bad example of one of that company's products. To each their own....

Nokton48 said:
If you don't need interchangeable screens, and heads, there is also the XE-7.
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True (and also a camera I own and love very much) but finding one in good working order is no easy task any more and it's even harder to find parts for these than the XK. I'm a big Minolta fan boy and the XK and XE are among my favorites but shopping for an XK or an XE-7 is not for the feint of heart.
 
Pentode said:
Me, either. My Minolta experiences have all been positive, but I can see how someone's perception of a brand could be forever tainted if they experience a bad example of one of that company's products. To each their own....
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Agree 100% :)

That is why, I have so many SRTs, and only one XK, and one XE-7.
 
Rokkor lenses always gave me some very pleasing results from all the Japanese lens makers and I own many Canon and Zuiko and even Nikkor lenses and even have some Takumars.

Rokkor made lenses are the closest to the famous make German lenses in the way they draw. But the old Takumar lenses get my vote for being the best built.
 
The perfect camera for everyday carry is a Leica M, why not just get some insurance and use the camera you already have?
 
Canon F-1N is a really nice complement to a Leica, for me. Similar level of solidity if you get a well cared-for/serviced copy, and that matte black paint feels wonderful/brasses nicely. Though the electronics in the F-1N can and do fail, my first one bricked itself over the course of a few months (may have just had a particularly abused copy though).
 
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