Smallest SLR with IR AF-Assist?

[analogpics]

Hey this is kind of a random question, but I've been trying to figure out what the smallest SLR is, that still has the red IR Af-Assist, like on the canon Elan ii. I shoot in low light quite a bit and found that red light helps considerably. I know Nikon had some bodies with a clear bright light, but I'm specifically looking for the less harsh red IR light 🙂 thanks!

 

[WJJ3]

You might consider the Contax G2. It has true ir assist.

 

[Archlich]

I used to have the same fetish.

The EOS Elan II (EOS-55) got the lamp as it's a downgrade version of the EOS-A2 (Eos-5 QD), which itself is an extremely capable camera still used by some pros. It's slightly larger than the Elan II though.

The patterned red beam AF-assist lamp is most common on Minolta SLRs. Even the entry level cameras had the lamp, among which the better featured ones are Maxxum HTsi, XTsi, QTsi and STsi (can't really tell the differences between them). All are plastic wonders weigh less than 1 lb.

I'm not aware of any Pentax and Nikon SLRs that came with the lamp (all on the strobes), except the ones that exert a plain white beam. A pity, since the small and elegant Pentax MZ/ZX series had a winner design, only to be hindered by the sluggish AF performance.

My personal favorite is the camera that struck the best balance between size and performance: the Minolta Maxxum 7/ Dynax 7/ α-7. One of the most advanced 35mm SLRs ever, it's packed with features yet intuitive to use. I can't say enough good things about it - just google it around.

 

[charjohncarter]

Pentax ZX-5 is really small it has AF, but I'm not sure if it is IR. I have three only one works so I'd be careful. By the way, it is also very light, and has aperture control on the lens and shutter speed control on a traditionally placed knob.

 

[analogpics]

Thanks for the replies 🙂

-Will, i do have the contax g2, compact and obviously fantastic glass.... but noticed the focus can be a bit hit or miss for me 😛

-Archlich, i was eyeing some of the old maxxum bodies as my first "real" camera as a teen was a minolta 400si and i was feeling nostalgic hehe. But i noticed that maxxum 7 you're talking about appears to be a bit smaller than an elan ii? 🙂 According to the specs, it's barely larger than a canon rebel g(?) It also has a much larger ir assist lamp than the xtsi, qtsi etc. Maybe it's the one for me 😉

-Charjohncarter, initially i checked the pentax bodies since i know a lot of them are super compact! But alas, none of the ones i saw had an IR focus assist 😛

 

[p.giannakis]

I know that the EOS 5 is not exactly small but that camera can focus in pitch dark.

 

[besk]

How about the Nikon N75? It sure is light & cheap!

 

[analogpics]

-P.Giannakis, yeah the eos 5 is great! Though i am trying to find the most compact solution possible (have the elan iie which also focuses really well in super low light)

-Besk, i did take a look at some of the nikon offerings, but instead of the more discrete red IR, they use a really bright lamp that tends to be a bit harsh on my subjects eyes 😛

 

[p.giannakis]

Check the Minolta 7000i. Not as fast AF as the newer but in many respects a very capable and cheap camera. Size-wise it is not too big either.