Quiet and Small SLRs

[Gid]

I'm in SLR mode this morning. I'd appreciate opinions on what is (are) the quietest / smallest SLRs. AE (aperture priority) is important AF might be useful, but is not essential. As I have pointed out in another thread this morning, I have some Canon FD stuff, but I'm not tied to this as a system - it has emotional value (belonged to my Dad). Ideally, I'd like something a bit quieter than the FD which is relatively loud.

I have tried searching, but its hit and miss and not a lot has turned up.

Thanks.

 

[Pickett Wilson]

If you are talking film, the original EOS Elan is very quiet. Good camera, too.

 

[elshaneo]

Yeah indeed, I use to have the Canon EOS 30 or Canon EOS Elan 7, it was certainly very quiet among other SLR cameras ;-)

 

[kully]

The Nikon F80 has one of the quietest shutter/mirror/wind assemblies - less noise than a Hexar RF.

It's also small and tough.

 

[ChrisN]

Pentax MZ-5? http://www.bdimitrov.de/kmp/bodies/MZ-ZX/mzzx5.html

 

[Pickett Wilson]

Yes. The F80/N80 is very quiet and a fine camera. My only problem with the F80 is that it won't meter with older AI lenses. The F70 (funky user interface that it had) did meter with the AI lenses, but is certainly not as good a camera as the F80.

 

[hans voralberg]

Certainly not as modern as other suggestion, but the OM2n deserve a look at it. A bit primitive but the AE works well enough for me. No AF though.

 

[Dave Wilkinson]

As discussed in a couple of other threads here - Konica FT1, mine arrived yesterday, and awaits trial. It's solidly built ( metal ), compact, and feels nice in the hand, and along with the reputedly superb lenses can be had for a very reasonable price!.
Dave.

 

[ruby.monkey]

The Olympus OM2N is small, quiet, and beautiful; and, as an extra bonus, has one of the best viewfinders I've ever seen.

 

[Chriscrawfordphoto]

Any of the olympus OM models. I prefer the OM-4 or OM-4T. Incredible exposure system, TINY body, great lenses (also very small).

 

[Matt(1pt4)]

I'd second the OM. You may also look at the minolta x700. I had an Nikon F80 for a few years, but mine had reliability problems, so I never really bonded with it. Don't remember it being particularly small either.

 

[oftheherd]

OMs and their lenses have always had a good reputation. You might also want to look at the Fujica ST 901. The Fujinon lenses are also quite good. The ST 801 and 901 are both small. I think the 901 is a bit quieter. It had dampening to compensate for no mirror lockup, that also made it quieter. They aren't as easy to find as some of the others mentioned above, but are worth having.

I don't know about the relative quietness of other cameras, but the Konica's lenses are also much better than their reputation deserved when they were new. Just like the Fujinons.

 

[chambrenoire]

Olympus OM4 all the way. I have a Konica FT-1 Motor too, quiet for having a built in motor. Feels good in the hands too, but a little heavy (at least compared to the OM).
I <3 Zuiko!

 

[Pickett Wilson]

The OM's are sweet, but have NO eye relief. If you wear glasses, you aren't going to see everything in the finder.

 

[newspaperguy]

Another vote for the OM-2n... fantastic system, quiet, light ,tough and great glass.

FWIW - I also own and use a N-80 (bigger and noisier) and a FS-1 (heavy, but quiet w/no motor). Nikon F 801 (N8008) is quiet, great viewfinder, but heavy.

 

[Keith]

Another vote for the OM system ... good to see that certain people never give up on trying to get us all to switch to Fujicas! :angel: 😛

 

[like2fiddle]

My son has a Pentax ME Super that is very compact for a SLR. It makes my SRT-201 look like a giant.

 

[btgc]

OK, not trying to compete with cult models here 🙂 but I just love Ricoh XR-20sp (XR-P is same physically) with tiny Revuenon 45/2.8 (Same as Chinon) mounted.

 

[whitecat]

Another vote her for the OM.

 

[thawkins]

Look at the Minolta XG1. It is small, quite, and aperture priority. Although I prefer my 35 year old SRT101; the improver metering system and light weight of the XG1 is also welcome.

Tom