The built-like-a-tank SLR of your choice

Hehe everyone recommends their favorite SLR. But does it really have to be an SLR, if she doesn't change lenses or do macro? I'd go with a Konica off-road, Fuji equivalent or Nikonos. Tougher and lighter.

Or any less tough point&shoot that's cheap enough to risk it. At least lighter.
 
Trying to hold a Nikonos steady while releasing the shutter is why I don't miss mine. An ergonomic disaster, though indeed rather tougher than old boots. But surely the reason why we are recommending SLRs is... well... look at the OP's question.

Cheers,

R.
 
Timmyjoe said:
Had a Canon F-1n for many years, and as my buddy used to tease me, "You could drive nails with that camera." It was pretty bulletproof, with a 50mm f1.4 FD lens. Only problem now is the mercury batteries can't be bought, so the built in light meter will have issues.

Best,
-Tim
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+1. That's exactly how the salesman sold it to me. Batteries easily dealt with by using a CRIS adapter. Or get F1N -- different batteries.

Tolerance to sand is another matter. FTb might have fewer crevices.
 
If you want an SLR that is good for hammering in fence posts, smashing down doors and demolishing outbuildings I recommend a Leicaflex SL MOT. Problem is that you may need to improve upper body strength to lug the thing around.
 
Roger Hicks said:
Nikon F and learn how to guess exposures. One less thing to go wrong/run out of batteries.

Cheers,

R.
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Absolutely agree on this. Make sure it is the meterless prism version.

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I also recommend the Nikkormat FT2 (takes Silver Oxide Batt's) or the Minolta SRT series and a 50mm F2 Nikkor. Dirt cheap and awesome.
 
I’m a Nikon guy and I recommend the FM2N. If I were to take a 35mm SLR backpacking, that would be my choice. Extremely tough and reliable and also lightweight. You need to use the older lenses which is a plus - you want to be able to focus yourself and not rely on power to focus your lens. The older AIS lenses are pretty compact and bombproof.
 
I loved using my Nikon F2 and Canon F1N. The F and the F1n may have been more solid, but the F2 and F1N were more fun to use.
 
I loved using my Nikon F2 and Canon F1N. The F and the F1n may have been more solid, but the F2 and F1N were more fun to use.
 
Where is no mechanical SLRs which will stand against not giving a crap about camera given by parents kids, especially on the beach. If not your kid, then next to yours will manage to drop it in the sand.
Even I dropped camera on the sand this weekend while kayaking with kids 🙂
Doesn't matter how this mechanical SLR build: it is sand and sand dust.

Get Konica off-road, they were build for it.
 
I go the other way: One of the compact Nikons. When it gets smashed, replace with another one. The convenience of the lightweight camera outweighs extra ruggedness. And, the FM, FM2, FE2 are pretty solid. FG is too, until the electronics give up.
 
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