myoptic3
Well-known
I had a Konica C-35 for years as a pocket camera. Usually loaded w/ Tri-X. They're small, cheap, have a bright view finder, and exposure lock. The 2.8 Hexanon turned out some great shots. The lens did better w/ color film though.
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kuzano
Veteran
One camera that use to turn my crank....
One camera that use to turn my crank....
Currently I am partial to the XA2 for cheap and good and idiot proof.
However, one camera I once had was "The camera that Rollei SHOULD have built" according to Steve at CameraQuest.
The Petri Color 35. Collapsible lens, zone focus, metering and easy controls. Admittedly they are a bit spendy and it takes some discernment to find one with a working meter. However, I had one (also had a black one) and it was an incredible little shooter.
It seems odd that I have never seen one referred to on this forum when discussing small well built and great little shooters. I agree, it supercedes the small Rolleis for ease of use and shooting.
One camera that use to turn my crank....
Currently I am partial to the XA2 for cheap and good and idiot proof.
However, one camera I once had was "The camera that Rollei SHOULD have built" according to Steve at CameraQuest.
The Petri Color 35. Collapsible lens, zone focus, metering and easy controls. Admittedly they are a bit spendy and it takes some discernment to find one with a working meter. However, I had one (also had a black one) and it was an incredible little shooter.
It seems odd that I have never seen one referred to on this forum when discussing small well built and great little shooters. I agree, it supercedes the small Rolleis for ease of use and shooting.
Brennotdan
Established
I recently graduated college, and I am saving to move. Trying to keep active with photography ($$) at the same time. The problem is I was spoiled by the nikon coolscan 9000 I got to use untill now. If I expect to be disappointed with the canon 8800f then maybe it will pleasantly surprise me?
I've looked for one of those petris, no luck so far. The C-35 is the same size as my vivitar 35es, which is too big for my pockets.
Roger, I wish I could afford a barnack but I am spending on medium format right now
I've looked for one of those petris, no luck so far. The C-35 is the same size as my vivitar 35es, which is too big for my pockets.
Roger, I wish I could afford a barnack but I am spending on medium format right now
oftheherd
Veteran
A Petri Computer 35 is small and cheap, but good.
Nothing wrong with any cameras mentioned so far.
Chippy! Where are you? A Welta Welti would be good, and only a little larger would be the Welta Weltini, which is a rf camera. I think they are pretty sturdy, but would hate to see one mistreated. Since you seem to be able to judge exposure with good luck, the Welti would probably be right up your alley. Both the Weltas I mentioned are folders as is the Retina mentioned by Mr. Hicks. The Welti is scale focus, from about 1 meter (I think), to infinity. They really were a good camera when made, and good ones can still be found. Prices I don't recall, but I think on the 'bay they aren't so bad. Especially the Weltis. The Weltinis go for more, and seem to be up and down.
Nothing wrong with any cameras mentioned so far.
Chippy! Where are you? A Welta Welti would be good, and only a little larger would be the Welta Weltini, which is a rf camera. I think they are pretty sturdy, but would hate to see one mistreated. Since you seem to be able to judge exposure with good luck, the Welti would probably be right up your alley. Both the Weltas I mentioned are folders as is the Retina mentioned by Mr. Hicks. The Welti is scale focus, from about 1 meter (I think), to infinity. They really were a good camera when made, and good ones can still be found. Prices I don't recall, but I think on the 'bay they aren't so bad. Especially the Weltis. The Weltinis go for more, and seem to be up and down.
FallisPhoto
Veteran
If you are going to get a digital camera, I'd suggest that you stay away from the Pentax and Nikon p&s cameras. Both companies make great DSLRs but, frankly, their p&s cameras pretty much suck. Some of the Pentax Optios have been voted "the worst digital cameras ever made" (especially the E10). Nikon p&s cameras have had serious issues with the gearing that extends the lens ever since they started making them, and they have never corrected the problem.
Specifically, the photos from some of the 6mp Pentax p&s cameras are said to look like they came from 2mp cameras with the pixels stretched. Seriously, if you do a Google search for "worst digital camera" you'll see a LOT of Optios. Nikon makes the gearing that extends the lens on their digital p&s cameras out of the same kind of plastic that they use to make those cheap pocket combs that shed teeth at the drop of a hat. Well, gears have teeth too, and apparently Nikons can also can shed them -- if there is any resistance at all to that lens coming out. If you go here and scroll down, you will see a LOT of Nikons that have this problem: http://jancology.com/blog/archives/2003/11/02/nikon_5700_lens_error.html
In general, when it comes to digital p&s cameras, Canon flat-out makes the best, with Sony running a close second. I'd urge you to get anything at all, even a Kodak, before buying a Pentax Optio. I honestly believe you couldn't do worse than that.
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kmack
do your job, then let go
To further confuse things...
How about a 6x6 or 645 folder like the Zeiss 515/16 or 510?
The older Zeiss folders are pretty tough, no rangefinder to knock out of focus and fold up into a small package. You have to live with the uncoated lenses and all that implies.
There are other 120 folders out there but the Zeiss seem to be easier to find and cheaper for a good one and other than the Bessa 66 I have never seen one smaller than the Zeiss 515/16.
How about a 6x6 or 645 folder like the Zeiss 515/16 or 510?
The older Zeiss folders are pretty tough, no rangefinder to knock out of focus and fold up into a small package. You have to live with the uncoated lenses and all that implies.
There are other 120 folders out there but the Zeiss seem to be easier to find and cheaper for a good one and other than the Bessa 66 I have never seen one smaller than the Zeiss 515/16.
Muggins
Junk magnet
I see the Pen has been mentioned. Has anyone thought of the Olympus Trip 35? It's pocketable (I was wandering round with one in my pocket earlier today) - though not as much as, say, an XA - simple to use, has a ridiculously good four-elephant lens. It's also automatic exposure, and you can pick them up at thrift store prices - I paid £2 (currently about US/Can$4) for one, complete with a hard-to-find 43.5mm filter on it.
And you can check the flickr group for Trip photos as well. I've got a different name over there, so I can't embarrass jmyself with my crummy efforts...
Oh, and you can pretend to be David Bailey if that sort of thing appeals.
Adrian
And you can check the flickr group for Trip photos as well. I've got a different name over there, so I can't embarrass jmyself with my crummy efforts...
Oh, and you can pretend to be David Bailey if that sort of thing appeals.
Adrian
BillBingham2
Registered User
Any of the small Ricohs starting with the R1 (35mm lens). I have one but have not tried to put it back together after it jumped off a TV and took it's life. Any of the XAs would be my second choice. You need to find one on the classifieds here, way too much junk on EvilBay. Try cleaning the battery contacts, that might help with the one you have now. Let me know if you want to try putting the R1 back together, she needs a home that can love her.
B2 (;->
B2 (;->
nightfly
Well-known
Which of these small, pocketable cameras has a more flare resistant lens than the XA? I loved my XA and later XA4 but ended up getting rid of both as I had a lot of pictures ruined by flare. Is the Stylus Epic more flare resistant? I never have problems with any other cameras and flare despite being allergic to lens hoods generally.
I actually really like my Lomo for this sort of use but sold it and now they are too expensive to possibly justify. I really like the quality of the lens though the camera was little heavy, it fit in a pocket no problem.
The Yashica T4 is another option, great lens but it's a bit fat for the pocket.
I actually really like my Lomo for this sort of use but sold it and now they are too expensive to possibly justify. I really like the quality of the lens though the camera was little heavy, it fit in a pocket no problem.
The Yashica T4 is another option, great lens but it's a bit fat for the pocket.
Brennotdan
Established
I'm already too busy pretending to be Derek Bailey
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mh2000
Well-known
Unless you are after more classic cameras, the Stylus Epic is superb (~$75 new)... stepping back in time, the XA and Minox 35's (mine is a GL) are great (Minox the best lens by far. Going older and for a fast normal lens the Retina's can't be beat (I love my IIa). Rollei's are outside your price range, but lovely. If you think you can deal with the film, Minox 8x11mm cameras are fantastic fun... but come with the difficulties of the tiny film and negatives. Minolta 16mm cameras are really nice and easy.
Always have a camera!
Always have a camera!
mh2000
Well-known
>>Which of these small, pocketable cameras has a more flare resistant lens than the XA?
The Stylus is more flare resistant, the later Minox 35's better.
The Stylus is more flare resistant, the later Minox 35's better.
Brennotdan
Established
I wound up with an XA2 that a friend is letting me abuse for the summer. This one exposes pretty well. It's weird for me to use a camera that has a mind of its own and wont let me in on any of it's choices. It's kind of fun to try and predict the AE though. I think the hardest part is getting the close up shots in low light to be in focus.
HansDerHase
Established
It focuses at..
Near (2 heads) 1.2m / 4 ft DOF: 0,9m - 1,8m
Middle (2 torsos) 2.7m / 8.9 ft DOF: 1,2m - OO
Far (mountain) 12.8m / 42 ft DOF: 6,3m - OO
.. thats what the manual says.
DOF for 1.2m at f/3.5 should be considerably smaller. So in low light and close focus I try to hit the spot.. My is arm is about 0.9m. My hand can span about 0.2m (tip of thumb to tip of little finger). So 1.2m ist my arm plus 1 1/2 times what my hand can span. Pretty easy to guess.
Keeping the subject at at that exact distance is another matter though
kuvvy
Well-known
How about the tiny 'sardine tin' camera the Fuji DL Super Mini.
Has a super 28mm lens. It's AF but has option for manual focus plus all the usual modes.
Some of my pix are here http://www.flickr.com/photos/kuvvy/sets/72157604705827596/
Mine doesn't get much use lately which is a shame so I may consider parting with it.
Has a super 28mm lens. It's AF but has option for manual focus plus all the usual modes.
Some of my pix are here http://www.flickr.com/photos/kuvvy/sets/72157604705827596/
Mine doesn't get much use lately which is a shame so I may consider parting with it.
mariusnilsen
is a man with mustache.
what about a yashica t4? ive got three of them and i love em all.
ZeissFan
Veteran
If you're going to be outside, cutting grass and generally working a lot, I would go for something very inexpensive and easily replaceable. And I probably would look for something that protects the lens.
I would recommend the Minox cameras, but they're somewhat pricey, and the chance of getting a nonworking older Minox 35 unfortunately is very high.
I agree with the others to look for one of the Olympus XA or Stylus models.
I would recommend the Minox cameras, but they're somewhat pricey, and the chance of getting a nonworking older Minox 35 unfortunately is very high.
I agree with the others to look for one of the Olympus XA or Stylus models.
JeffGreene
(@)^(@)
I use each of the following, the first two of which I've had for many years:
XA, Epic MJU 2.8, Minox GT. The first two are rugged cameras. The Minox is a great camera, but some have had shutter problems. Mine works beautifully. The XA is my everyday camera. It's been in my briefcase or pocket since the early 80's and still works flawlessly. The Epic is another good performer.
XA, Epic MJU 2.8, Minox GT. The first two are rugged cameras. The Minox is a great camera, but some have had shutter problems. Mine works beautifully. The XA is my everyday camera. It's been in my briefcase or pocket since the early 80's and still works flawlessly. The Epic is another good performer.