SLR's for rangefinder users

After using rangefinders for years I had been looking at SLRs for those pictures rangefinders don't do so well. I had been looking at various M42 mount cameras and ended up with a free Pentax H1a and then a Spotmatic SPII. I like the simplicity and the similar layour of controls such as the shutter speeds being near the shutter and not (Oh, the horror of it!) adjacent to the lens. I had been looking at the Bessaflex as a metered companion to my H1a when someone gave me the SPII. Big and noisy compared to my Leica IIIc but they have the simplicity and solidness not associated with newer SLRs. A simplicity and solidness kind of like...rangefinders.
 
I have actually drooled over the FM3a myself. It's a very well-built camera that uses all the lenses I actually care about. I *hate* autofocus. I've never been able to get it to work as well as when I do it myself.
 
My first SLR, a Yashica TL Super. My first two lenses after the 50mm f/1.7 were a 28mm and 135mm Yashikor. Not great lenses. Got an 18mm Spiraton (lots of photos with that nice lens) and Sun 35mm (which I never use). Then came the Fujica ST 901 with Fujinon f/1.4. Augmented the Yashikors with a 28mm and 135mm Fujinons. Also have several zooms in M42. Later purchased a Contax 139Q that died and had to be replaced with a Yashica FX 103, and 18mm-28mm, 28mm-70mm, and 75mm-150mm zooms. Nice package. Along the way I have picked up a Pentax SV and two Yashica TL Electro X cameras. Also nice as they also have mirrow lockup. Wish I was able to use them more, although I did get to use the FX 103 with its otf flash for some photos of training Thursday and Friday.

Nice to see some of you users with 120 SLRs. I always wanted one but couldn't justify the cost in my own mind. I always wanted a 6x7 SLR to compliment my Super Press 23.
 
Nikon FM3a and F3 have been what I've travelled with for the last few years and are my main users. I also have a couple of F's, a Nikkormat and an F4s. Last month I bought a D50 and love shooting for free, next time I travel I'm guessing it will be the FM3a and D50 (a D200 would be even nicer 🙂) I really like using fast primes and no flash most of the time... 16/2.8, 20/2.8, 24/2, 35/1.4, 50/1.8, 85/2, 75-150/3.5

The FM3a and the 35/1.4 … It does it for me 😎
 
hiwatt said:
Sigma SD10 (digital-raw only) mostly with 24-70/2.8
Pentax 645 with 55/2.8
Sigma SA7 (cheap and cheerful...)
Click to expand...
Woo hoo! Another Sigma user! I have the SA7n for when I want autofocus goodness and it is a very nice camera... everything you need and nothing you don't.

My main SLR, though is a Pentax MG or a K1000 with 28/2.8 and 50/2 lenses. I also recently acquired a Pentax 645 that I haven't had time to play with.
 
Last edited:
Pentax mechanical SLRs are terrific, screwmount or bayonet.

Ricoh made some very nice Pentax K cameras and lenses;
bodies they made for Sears are a real bargain used.

To fix anything Pentax contact Eric Hendrickson:
pentaxrepairs@aol.com

"Excelsior, you fathead!"
-Chris-
 
FM3a here aswell. With the pancake 45 it's a beauty. Lot's of great Nikon glass out there these days at nice prices. I also love the Canon A1. It'd be hard to pick a favourite between the two but the FM3a has less frills.
 
I love Oly OMs...particularly the OM2n, but that was stolen just outside of Lisbon. I now use an OM2s Program and a mint OM1 which I bought for $75 CDN. If not using the OMS...I have a Pen FV which is a joy to use and the lenses are so small and GREAT.

Also in the bag is an old Nikon FA...but it only gets occasional use.

~ Hibbs
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

K
My Rangefinder search...
2 3
Replies
40
Views
2K
rfaspen
rfaspen
R
Leica M4 Trainer?
2
Replies
31
Views
2K
JeffS7444
JeffS7444
V
First Rangefinder Suggestions
2 3 4
Replies
78
Views
6K
Godfrey
Godfrey
A
What cameras did you use in the late 80s and early 90s?
5 6 7
Replies
125
Views
12K
hilltime
hilltime
B
Viewfinders on Barnack style cameras
2
Replies
22
Views
2K
JoeV
JoeV
Back
Top Bottom