Please consider the question carefully.
"What Cameras Are the most and least FUN for you?"
The answers can easily be different from your choices of
1) Your Favorite Cameras
2) Your choice for BEST cameras
3) Most reliable cameras
4) Sharpest lenses
The most fun cameras for me, in no order
Nikon F2 - easier faster than the Nikon F, mechanical perfection compared to the later Nikons
Leica M2, M4, M5, M6 classic, MP All are easy and fast to use.
Nikon SP - a wonderful combination of easy fast and often unique features
Olympus Pen F film system - there is no other half frame that compares
Olympus OM system - small light versatile, but not as reliable as Nikon or Canon. I prefer the OM1 & OM2.
Olympus XA and XA4 - unique wonderful shooters
Pentax & Fujica Screw mount cameras - great optics, small size, though the Fuji screw mount bodies suffer reliability probs. Use their lenses on other cameras.
Canon T90, F1 (new or old), RT - to me the best of film Canon SLRs.
Pentax MX - small, light, great lenses. I prefer it over the more feature laden LX.
Exakta 35mm SLRs - these bodies and lenses are SOOOO strange they elicit looks of disbelief when you carry them.
Voigtlander R3M & R4M - no other rangefinders have so much bang for the buck
The Leica A and the Argus A - these early cameras established popularity of the 35mm camera platform. Use them to appreciate how far photography has come.
Leica III and Contax II - the two leading 35mm systems before WWII.
Canon L-1 - its combination of features and solid construction are more fun for me than the other Canon RF's including the Canon P and Canon 7s.
Well, that's enough for a start.
but remember,
fun is really between your ears.
Stephen
"What Cameras Are the most and least FUN for you?"
The answers can easily be different from your choices of
1) Your Favorite Cameras
2) Your choice for BEST cameras
3) Most reliable cameras
4) Sharpest lenses
The most fun cameras for me, in no order
Nikon F2 - easier faster than the Nikon F, mechanical perfection compared to the later Nikons
Leica M2, M4, M5, M6 classic, MP All are easy and fast to use.
Nikon SP - a wonderful combination of easy fast and often unique features
Olympus Pen F film system - there is no other half frame that compares
Olympus OM system - small light versatile, but not as reliable as Nikon or Canon. I prefer the OM1 & OM2.
Olympus XA and XA4 - unique wonderful shooters
Pentax & Fujica Screw mount cameras - great optics, small size, though the Fuji screw mount bodies suffer reliability probs. Use their lenses on other cameras.
Canon T90, F1 (new or old), RT - to me the best of film Canon SLRs.
Pentax MX - small, light, great lenses. I prefer it over the more feature laden LX.
Exakta 35mm SLRs - these bodies and lenses are SOOOO strange they elicit looks of disbelief when you carry them.
Voigtlander R3M & R4M - no other rangefinders have so much bang for the buck
The Leica A and the Argus A - these early cameras established popularity of the 35mm camera platform. Use them to appreciate how far photography has come.
Leica III and Contax II - the two leading 35mm systems before WWII.
Canon L-1 - its combination of features and solid construction are more fun for me than the other Canon RF's including the Canon P and Canon 7s.
Well, that's enough for a start.
but remember,
fun is really between your ears.
Stephen
krötenblender
Well-known
Nice idea. I was thinking about something in that line for a new thread: What's your second best / most loved camera. You know, just nearly perfect, but... damn, just so close...
Anyway, different topic. The by far most fun to use cameras I ever used:
- Epson R-D1
- Fujifilm GF670 Folder
I can't imagine having more fun with a camera than with these two.
Least fun... Really hard to say. I think, most modern DSLRs would drive me away from photography, if I had to use them regularly. Also most modern small sensor compact with endless menus and usability-concept made by drunken misanthropes, but no particular model. From the ones I chose myself (and so selfmade my sufferings) I think the Hexar RF comes close. Not a beauty, not to say plain ugly, and incredibly loud with a really annoying sound. Really did not like it.
PS: Just saw the Pen F in your list. Never tried one. I think, it would really be fun to use.
Anyway, different topic. The by far most fun to use cameras I ever used:
- Epson R-D1
- Fujifilm GF670 Folder
I can't imagine having more fun with a camera than with these two.
Least fun... Really hard to say. I think, most modern DSLRs would drive me away from photography, if I had to use them regularly. Also most modern small sensor compact with endless menus and usability-concept made by drunken misanthropes, but no particular model. From the ones I chose myself (and so selfmade my sufferings) I think the Hexar RF comes close. Not a beauty, not to say plain ugly, and incredibly loud with a really annoying sound. Really did not like it.
PS: Just saw the Pen F in your list. Never tried one. I think, it would really be fun to use.
lawrence
Veteran
There is something strange about the RF's viewfinder too, it's hard to describe but it's got some kind of weird magnification issue compared to the viewfinder of my Leica M6TTL .58, in some way it's unpleasant to look through.
The most unexciting camera I think I've ever had is the Rollei 35S. A real pain in the neck to use in just about every way: loading the film, extending/retracting the lens, adjusting the exposure and winding on. The boxy shape isn't even that pocketable compared to the XA, for instance, and no rangefinder with a 40mm. What were they thinking?
As far as fun to use goes, just about any Leica M is great, the Canon L1 rangefinder, Nikon FM with MD12, Nikon D700 with a decent bounce flash, a Fujifilm X series with the 18-55mm, a Rollei TLR or a 6x6 SLR.
Roger Hicks
Veteran
The ones that give me the best pictures.
This varies according to what I want to shoot.
Cheers,
R.
This varies according to what I want to shoot.
Cheers,
R.
Huss
Veteran
Most fun- Fuji Instax, any film Leica M, any Rolleiflex, Minolta CLE, Nikon FE2
Least fun - iPhone, any Sony, Nikon F6 (the results I get from it are identical to my Nikon F so why deal with all the buttons, menus, batteries?)
Least fun - iPhone, any Sony, Nikon F6 (the results I get from it are identical to my Nikon F so why deal with all the buttons, menus, batteries?)
valdas
Veteran
Converted Polaroid Pathfinder 110 (to use Polaroid pack film) is sooo fun... Least? Not sure, maybe iphone...
Erik van Straten
Veteran
The most fun were the Nikkormat FTn, the Leica M3, the Olympus Pen FT, the Contax G1, the Nikon S2, the Leica II and the Leica M5.
The least fun were the Ilford Sportsman 300, the Yashica Mat and the Nikon F Photomic FTn.
Exactly in between is the Contax I.
Erik.
The least fun were the Ilford Sportsman 300, the Yashica Mat and the Nikon F Photomic FTn.
Exactly in between is the Contax I.
Erik.
besk
Well-known
Most fun:
1) Bush Pressman 4X5
2) My long gone Nikkormat FTN when using 35/3.5 PC lens
3) Leica IIIF
In that order.
Least fun: Nikon AF SLR's
1) Bush Pressman 4X5
2) My long gone Nikkormat FTN when using 35/3.5 PC lens
3) Leica IIIF
In that order.
Least fun: Nikon AF SLR's
For a modern AF film cam: F100
MF film cams: there are many, but since I prefer the lenses over any other brand, I have to choose the Contax 159MM. 1/4000, great VF and focusing screen.
Oh yeah, these are in the most fun category. I have forgotten the least fun.
MF film cams: there are many, but since I prefer the lenses over any other brand, I have to choose the Contax 159MM. 1/4000, great VF and focusing screen.
Oh yeah, these are in the most fun category. I have forgotten the least fun.
css9450
Veteran
Sometimes I think my Sony A6000 is simultaneously most fun and least fun.
Its fun because of the E-mount adapters that let me shoot with any kind of crazy lens I can find. That's the whole reason I bought it!
Its not fun because of its crazy short battery life, its hard-to-focus-manually EVF, its clumsy menu and the way it takes forever to get ready to shoot when I am in a hurry sometimes.
Its fun because of the E-mount adapters that let me shoot with any kind of crazy lens I can find. That's the whole reason I bought it!
Its not fun because of its crazy short battery life, its hard-to-focus-manually EVF, its clumsy menu and the way it takes forever to get ready to shoot when I am in a hurry sometimes.
charjohncarter
Veteran
1. Pentax P3n. (my BessaR is in a close second)
2. Rolleiflex (any 6x6) but I have a T.
3. Brownie Hawkeye Flash (65 years and just cleaning).
4. Pentax 105mm f-2.4 (for a Pentax 6x7).
2. Rolleiflex (any 6x6) but I have a T.
3. Brownie Hawkeye Flash (65 years and just cleaning).
4. Pentax 105mm f-2.4 (for a Pentax 6x7).
kxl
Social Documentary
To date, the most fun is the Nikon D500. Yes, it is fun for me to have blinding AF speed and 10 fps.
The least fun, by a mile, was the Mamiya C330.
The least fun, by a mile, was the Mamiya C330.
Emile de Leon
Well-known
Most fun...MF folders...but then there are light leaks and a host of other issues..
Least fun..Rollie 35S..
But that said..fun is in your own mind...not the camera...
All cams are fun once you make them so..
Creatively that is..
Least fun..Rollie 35S..
But that said..fun is in your own mind...not the camera...
All cams are fun once you make them so..
Creatively that is..
Robert Lai
Well-known
I find cameras that are intuitive to use, don't require an instruction manual to be carried with you, and quick to get a picture without deliberation to be fun to use. With that definition:
Nikon F, F2, F3. I had an FG which was also a blast, until the shutter died.
Canon FTb. Not the FX, which tends to jam easily.
All Leica M - my cameras of preference when I want to get some pictures
Leica IIIG.
I had a IIIF-RD, but having to mess with the flash synchronizer was annoying. And, the slow speed dial on the IIIF had numbers randomly applied here and there instead of in sequence (as on the IIIG).
Cosina Bessa R - small and super reliable. An LTM M6.
Rolleiflex F models - compact, incredible image quality
Minolta Autocord - fun little sucker! Really good lens too.
Voigtlander Bessa IIIIW - fantastic wide angle lens, 6x7, auto exposure!
Polaroid 180. This thing was a blast, until Fuji killed off most of the pack film types.
Neither here nor there:
Other LTM cameras: Canon 7s (SLR size), and Leotax IIIS (slow 1/20 flash synch speed).
Zeiss Super Ikonta IV - small and light, but the front cell focusing Tessar needs to be stopped down. Not competitive with the Autocord or Rolleiflex 3.5F or 2.8F wide open.
Digital cameras (P&S). Mine are from the era when shutter lag was normal.
Least fun: Kodak Medalist II. This thing is a beast to carry. You NEED to carry the instruction manual with you in order to load it properly. You can't hand hold it due to its "unique" body shape and long shutter release throw. Yet, it is very sturdily built (military grade, as the US Navy used them), and that lens is incredible. A tripod camera.
Nikon F, F2, F3. I had an FG which was also a blast, until the shutter died.
Canon FTb. Not the FX, which tends to jam easily.
All Leica M - my cameras of preference when I want to get some pictures
Leica IIIG.
I had a IIIF-RD, but having to mess with the flash synchronizer was annoying. And, the slow speed dial on the IIIF had numbers randomly applied here and there instead of in sequence (as on the IIIG).
Cosina Bessa R - small and super reliable. An LTM M6.
Rolleiflex F models - compact, incredible image quality
Minolta Autocord - fun little sucker! Really good lens too.
Voigtlander Bessa IIIIW - fantastic wide angle lens, 6x7, auto exposure!
Polaroid 180. This thing was a blast, until Fuji killed off most of the pack film types.
Neither here nor there:
Other LTM cameras: Canon 7s (SLR size), and Leotax IIIS (slow 1/20 flash synch speed).
Zeiss Super Ikonta IV - small and light, but the front cell focusing Tessar needs to be stopped down. Not competitive with the Autocord or Rolleiflex 3.5F or 2.8F wide open.
Digital cameras (P&S). Mine are from the era when shutter lag was normal.
Least fun: Kodak Medalist II. This thing is a beast to carry. You NEED to carry the instruction manual with you in order to load it properly. You can't hand hold it due to its "unique" body shape and long shutter release throw. Yet, it is very sturdily built (military grade, as the US Navy used them), and that lens is incredible. A tripod camera.
Ronald M
Veteran
4x5 field camera, Zone 6 in my case.
Then digital M and high end Nikon digitals.
Then digital M and high end Nikon digitals.
farlymac
PF McFarland
Most fun would be any working FSU camera. It's great to have someone rush up to get a look at your "Leica".
Least fun is a non-working FSU camera.
PF
Least fun is a non-working FSU camera.
PF
gavinlg
Veteran
Most fun would be Pentax 67, followed by leica M and Olympus OM. For digital, x-pro1/2.
Least fun would be any crop sensor DSLR.
Least fun would be any crop sensor DSLR.
benmacphoto
Well-known
The cameras that are the most fun for me to use are Leica rangefinders.
With my favorite being the M5.
My FM3a is also a fun camera to use, and once my Rolleiflex Wide comes back from service it will hopefully be a fun camera to use.
Least fun? Nothing really comes to mind on using a camera that wasn't fun.
With my favorite being the M5.
My FM3a is also a fun camera to use, and once my Rolleiflex Wide comes back from service it will hopefully be a fun camera to use.
Least fun? Nothing really comes to mind on using a camera that wasn't fun.
CK Dexter Haven
Well-known
Hasselblad 203FE — instant-return mirror, metering, 6x6 goodness.
Contax RX — gorgeous, precision, smooth operation.
Nikon FE2 — about as 'retro' as i want to get in an SLR.
Pentax LX — although the two i tried didn't work, the build is nice, and the viewfinder is spectacular.
Mamiya RZ67 Pro II — immense camera for immense pictures.
Contax RX — gorgeous, precision, smooth operation.
Nikon FE2 — about as 'retro' as i want to get in an SLR.
Pentax LX — although the two i tried didn't work, the build is nice, and the viewfinder is spectacular.
Mamiya RZ67 Pro II — immense camera for immense pictures.
shadowfox
Darkroom printing lives
Most fun (not in any particular order):
- Olympus OM (any of them)
- Leica M4-P (of course)
- Olympus Pen-F
- Ricoh GR1
- Rolleiflex
- Super Ricohflex
- Mamiya Universal Press
- Nikon F3
- Contax 137MA
- Canon T90
- Mamiya NC1000 (reliable, high-quality lenses)
- Zenza Bronica C (*KA-BLAMMM* shutter sound)
- Polaroid 195
- Sony A7 (it's fun because I can use my Zuiko and Contax C/Y lenses)
Least fun:
- Yashica GX series (a rangefinder with no manual control, no fun)
- Most 50's folders (they are cool, but fiddly to use)
- Contax G (I'm never happy shooting with that system)
- Canon F-1 (heavy, not a lot of fun)
- Mamiya C330 (literally like shooting with a brick)
- Most digital cameras
- Olympus OM (any of them)
- Leica M4-P (of course)
- Olympus Pen-F
- Ricoh GR1
- Rolleiflex
- Super Ricohflex
- Mamiya Universal Press
- Nikon F3
- Contax 137MA
- Canon T90
- Mamiya NC1000 (reliable, high-quality lenses)
- Zenza Bronica C (*KA-BLAMMM* shutter sound)
- Polaroid 195
- Sony A7 (it's fun because I can use my Zuiko and Contax C/Y lenses)
Least fun:
- Yashica GX series (a rangefinder with no manual control, no fun)
- Most 50's folders (they are cool, but fiddly to use)
- Contax G (I'm never happy shooting with that system)
- Canon F-1 (heavy, not a lot of fun)
- Mamiya C330 (literally like shooting with a brick)
- Most digital cameras