What camera fits these criteria? Grab a beer and let's talk!

[Leica All Day]

I have a Nikon FM and an FM2 and they are both excellent cameras......sorry Keith but I have not had the pleasure of using an OM-1 or 2, but I imagine they are great cameras......but once we start talking about cameras that we can change lenses, I think it is a much different experience than being with "stuck" with just a 40mm lens....

that said, I do not use my Rollei anymore, I have been a Leica shooter for the last 12 years or so....but that Rollei sure did teach me a lot about photography.....

anyways, Jim, lots of good suggestions here from some talented photographers, good luck.....

cheers, michael

 

[Vincent.G]

Yashica MF2. Fixed focal length of 38mm and f/4 aperture. Small and light. Built in flash when you it.


Cobblers by Vincentの平和、愛および喜び, on Flickr

 

[ChrisPlatt]

There are countless cameras that meet your criteria; too many to discuss.
But I will gladly have that beer... 😉

Chris

 

[Godfrey]

An OM-1 or 2 and an early 35mm f2 Zuiko may come in within that budget with some looking!

A lot better than some fixed lens thing that can't be expanded on like an OM can.

Who said that expansion capabilities were always a plus? ;-)

I like manual operation and choose between a Rollei 35S, a Leica M4-2 and a Nikon F when I'm shooting film. if I'm going to use only a 35-40 mm lens, it's just about impossible to tell the difference in the photos, and that Rollei 35S fits so nicely in my pocket. A Minox 35 is another great choice in this size class - I have a really nice Minox 35GT-E that's gotten far too little use.

Both the Minox 35 and the Rollei 35 are scale-focus cameras so they teach you a different way of focusing and seeing in use. Either make the Leica M or Nikon F seem huge.

 

[whitecat]

Olumpus 35 RC or RD.

 

[FrankS]

I can recommend a Nikon FG and 801/8008s for bodies. Add a lens. This combo can be found for less than $150 and offers full manual control and auto exposure options.

 

[jmooney]

I too suffer arthritis so when I decided to give up on the F3 I tried the OM-1n partly because of size, but also for the real love heaped on it in these forums.. I must say that it is way easier on my hands and, after a few rolls, far more intuitive than I ever imagined.

That's really good to hear. I was reluctant to try them because of the shutter speed ring but I'm going tonreconsider them now.

 

[jmooney]

There are countless cameras that meet your criteria; too many to discuss.
But I will gladly have that beer... 😉

Chris

The more the merrier!

 

[jmooney]

Tons more great suggestions! Thanks everyone. Off to google some more of the recommended cameras.

 

[NLewis]

I second the Olympus OM-1 idea. A Nikon FE would be fine too. The FE is an awesome camera. There are a lot of 35mm Nikon lenses out there, in 1.4, 2.0 and 2.8 apertures. The 2.8 is a fine lens and would probably fit in your budget. On eBay, I'd look for a dealer that does CLA/new seals Nikon FE's, they only cost a few bucks more.

 

[Paul Jenkin]

Yashica Electro 45 GN. I know it's a 45mm lens but it's f1.7, you can get wide and tele adapters and it's a great camera. I had one years ago and wish I still had it.

 

[kshapero]

I picked up an Nikon F with a Nikkor 35/2.8 for $25.

 

[pagpow]

Canon F1 and FD 35 2.8. KEH has them in your budget. I haven't shot that lens so cannot say. If that is too heavy, move into the A series bodies and make sure the lens is FDn, the later lighter series. The F1 is a wonderful tank and modular, so you can set it up the way you like if you decide to keep it.

 

[jmooney]

Just an update for those of you keeping score along with the game:

I've got an OM-2N sitting on my desk next to me. I've been playing around with it and I think it's actually too small for my hands. I feel very cramped holding it. Now I do have big ands and my RA has affected my hands a lot and making a fist is not a an easy thing so YMMV. It's a really nice camera though and I highly recommend it. It just may not be for me.

I've also worked a deal for a Nikkormat FT2 and a 35mm lens. That's a bigger body so maybe that will be more comfortable. We shall see when it arrives.

The most comfortable camera I probably ever owned was a Nikon F100. Another one is out of budget right now and to be honest I don't like the rendering of modern glass much. AF is handy but the results from modern stuff from any of the major makers is very blah to me.

More reporting to come when I get the FT2 in my hands.

 

[paulfish4570]

ok, the oly is too small. then i recommend a nikon fe2 or fm2 with e series 35/2.5. yeah, the lens feels plasticky but it is sharp. if not an fe2 or fm2, then an f2as with the same lens ...

 

[Dirk]

Minox 35GT or GT-E. The smallest 35mm camera ever made. Great Minotar 35mm 2.8 lens. Aperture priority. But in light of your comment that OM-2 is too small, maybe the following is better:

Konica T3n with Hexanon 40mm 1.8, if you like big, heavy metal cameras. If more plastic but lighter weight is preferred, Konica FC-1 with the same 40mm 1.8 lens.