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

jmooney

jmooney

Guy with a camera
Local time
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Joined
Sep 11, 2007
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Hi All,

I'm looking for a camera (aren't we all) and have gone over the usual suspects but wanted to see what all of you fine folks might recommend and maybe hear about some cool cameras I haven't come across. I figure at least it's a good way to pass the time on a very hot Friday here in the northeastern US.

So here's the parameters:

-35mm Rangefinder or SLR
-35mm focal length (40 would probably be ok too)
-Fixed lens is ok
-f2.8 or faster
-Built in meter
-Total cost for camera and lens $150 or less (assuming it'll be bought from classifieds, ebay, etc)

So what do you recommend and why? Pics of gear and taken by gear get you bonus points :)

Take care,

Jim
 
Consider a Nikon FG. They can be had in EX+ condition from KEH for 98 bucks, and BGN condition for 38. It isn't the tank that the F cameras are, but it is the smallest and lightest full manual SLR Nikon ever made. You can score a Nikkor 35mm f2 AI lens for 113 bucks in BGN condition from KEH as well.
 
Jim,
How about a Konica FS-1 (motor drive version) with the Hexanon AR 40/1.8? (I have one that I'd sell for less than you $150 budget! :D)
- Jamie
 
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.
 
Great suggestions so far! I'm going to have to research some of these.

I have tried an XA but I have huge arthritis ridden meat hooks for hands and I simply couldn't work the camera well. It's a shame because they produce wonderful images.

Jim
 
jmooney said:
Great suggestions so far! I'm going to have to research some of these.

I have tried an XA but I have huge arthritis ridden meat hooks for hands and I simply couldn't work the camera well. It's a shame because they produce wonderful images.

Jim
Click to expand...

Sounds like you have tried it so you would know if it works for you or not. But for anyone else thinking about an XA, I had problems getting to use mine as well. I couldn't find a comfortable way to hold and use it. For me it finally worked out to placing my left hand over the camera, with the palm down and the thumb down, but in front. The thumb I then used to move the RF lever. They are indeed a great little camera and fit in your cost range. Sorry you aren't able to use one.
 
Pentax ME, Olympus OM-something, for $150, the value is in SLRs. Or indeed any price, SLR will offer better value than RF.
 
Keith said:
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.
Click to expand...

+1. I can't think of a better camera and lens.
 
"-35mm Rangefinder or SLR"

It would help to narrow your parameters here because, while both can take the same film they are two very different types of viewing/composing systems.

That said, a SLR is the most potentially versatile of the two, if you don't mind the extra size or weight. For a SLR I'm in the OM-1n or OM-2n camp, with the cheap and compact Zuiko 35mm f2.8 installed. For a RF camera there are many choices. Most of the older 70's fixed lens RF's had lenses a little longer than your specifications, in the 40~45mm range but on the plus side many had full manual control as well as auto exposure and can still be cleaned and repaired. A few had some fast f1.7 or so lenses that could could come in handy is some available light shooting. I like the Olympus 35RC, very compact with auto exposure but also full manual, not battery dependant operation available too. The Canon QL17 GIII is a favorite of many with a fast 40mm f1.7 lens and nice moving frame lines for parallax correction. As with any used camera condition and correct operation determine price. Some problems are not easy to detect so a careful inspection is necessary.
 
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.
 
ferider said:
A Rollei 35. Neither RF or SLR, f3.5 (you might find an f2.8 Sonnar version for US 150 if you are patient), but very cool camera. If you like it, you love it.
]
Click to expand...

+1

I used a Rollie 35 as my only camera for a couple of years, it taught me a lot about photography.....given your criteria, it seems like a good choice

Dublin, Ireland
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cheers, michael
 
Nikon FM. I've used mine for 23 years without a problem. Does everything I need and nothing I don't. As small as a Leica M. 50 1.8 AIS lens is fantastic. 35 2.8 is too. You should be able to pick up a body and lens for under $150 - possibly under $100.

Good luck!
 
+1 for the konica auto s3

the S2 I had was pretty cheap feeling but holy **** was the lens good. a plane ride broke it, I actually harvested the front lens group and use it as a loupe.
 
Konica TC with 40/1.8. Plastic camera on metal frame (made by Cosina). Small, lightweight, simple mechanics (slowest speed 1/15), damn sharp lens. Can sometimes be had for 20-30 £ on the Bay and even less at garage sales.
 
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