whats your favorite classic 35mm slr?

My first "serious" camera was an SLR -- a massy Ricoh Singlex TLS with an equally sturdy Rikenon 50 mm f1.8 lens. Paired with a "Prinzmatic" 200 mm f 3.5 telephoto (62 mm filter size -- also usable as a self-defense weapon), this combination "broke me into" photography, shooting sports and small events for local newspapers. I did not pursue photojournalism, but after getting my first "real" paycheck after college, traded in the Ricoh for a Nikon FM2 w/50 mm f1.8 Nikkor.

Of course, "I always wanted a Nikon."

While not exactly a "classic," the FM2 is my favorite and currently only SLR, having succumbed to the 35mm rangefinder and folding/collapsible lens medium format malady.
 
Yet anther vote for Nikon SLRs as favourites. An F2AS when I feel strong enough to tote it and any of the FM/FE series as walk around/travel cameras. Unfortunately Nikon has lost me with their digital efforts so far at least.
 
I also like the Kodak Retina SLR's for their quiet operation. Try to keep them working though; I am down to one really solid Retina Reflex-S that I replaced the prism with one from a Minolta XG9. It was a perfect fit and brightened up the view tremendously.
 
I have Nikons, Canons, Pentices, various East and West German oddities and one Zenit.... but my favorite SLR has always been and remains the Olympus OM1. By a good margin it's the quietest of my SLRs; but it's also the best handling, and certainly in the top rank for ruggedness and reliability. And it's pretty, too.

🙂=
 
Who knew when I bought my first OM-1 in November of 1973 that it would be considered a "classic" 30 years later? My first OM-1 was not equiped for a motor drive and I used it for 3 years before trading it in on an OM-1n that I still have.

Less than a year later, I also purchased an OM-2n which I also still have. I have lens for them from 21mm - 400mm. Both cameras work perfectly and if I want to use an SLR in 35mm, they are what I use.
 
In recent years I have owned a Contarex Bullseye, magnificent lenses but a bit of a beast to use, a Nikon F3, very efficeint but "no soul", and my first "serious" camera was an Olympus OM1.

I love Leica Ms but if I was going to use an SLR it would have to be either an icon like the Nikon F1 or something a bit quirky and rare like an Alpa...
 
doubs43, we seem to have followed parallel tracks... with me on the Pentax track. My first Spotmatic in 1965 was not equipped for motor drive, and some years later I traded it for a Motor Drive Spotmatic that I still have, and is rather unusual. (In the intervening time I got my Leica M2). A couple years later I got a Pentax ES (Electro-Spotmatic) which I also still have. They both still work fine, and I never thought at the time they'd be classics. The OMs are cool too 🙂
 
doubs43 said:
Who knew when I bought my first OM-1 in November of 1973 that it would be considered a "classic" 30 years later? My first OM-1 was not equiped for a motor drive and I used it for 3 years before trading it in on an OM-1n that I still have.

Less than a year later, I also purchased an OM-2n which I also still have. I have lens for them from 21mm - 400mm. Both cameras work perfectly and if I want to use an SLR in 35mm, they are what I use.

Speaking of OM1's, A friend of mine wants me to sell her OM1n for her. It's in very nice condition. What can she expect to receive for it these days?

Thanks
Russ
 
backalley photo said:
just the body?

Joe

It's the body, in very nice shape, a Star D 28-80 f/3.5 zoom, a Kiron 80-200 f/4 zoom and a few assorted filters for each lens, and a few small assorted items, that escape me at the moment.

Russ
 
Doug said:
doubs43, we seem to have followed parallel tracks... with me on the Pentax track. My first Spotmatic in 1965 was not equipped for motor drive, and some years later I traded it for a Motor Drive Spotmatic that I still have, and is rather unusual. (In the intervening time I got my Leica M2). A couple years later I got a Pentax ES (Electro-Spotmatic) which I also still have. They both still work fine, and I never thought at the time they'd be classics. The OMs are cool too 🙂
Doug, I wanted a Pentax Spotmatic but couldn't afford one at the time. I have one now - a Spotmatic II - that I rarely use as I prefer my rangefinder cameras. I picked up the Spotmatic II on ebay for less than $40 with a 28mm Vivitar lens. The owner didn't know if it worked and I took a chance. I already had a Meyer 50mm f/1.8 Oreston that works beautifully and is an excellent lens. I can even use my Helios-40 on it; an 85mm f/1.5 beast with 39mm threads. A 42mm thread converter and I'm in business.

My first OM-1 was purchased from the BX at Osan AB, Korea and the subsequent OM-1n and OM-2n from a dealer on Okinawa. I wish I had purchased a few more lens but what I have are all excellent and I don't use the cameras enough now to justify buying more.
 
Russ said:
Joe

It's the body, in very nice shape, a Star D 28-80 f/3.5 zoom, a Kiron 80-200 f/4 zoom and a few assorted filters for each lens, and a few small assorted items, that escape me at the moment.

Russ

Joe

I also forgot to mention that there is also a fixed 35mm or 50mm Olympus lens.

Did anyone ever print up the Rangefinder Forum T-shirts? If so, how do I go about procuring one?

Thanks
Russ
 
hey russ,

i just looked over at ebay for some prices but they are all over the map.

t-shirt idea kinda died, i think.
i don't remember jorge ever weighing in on that either.

jorge did mention 'better' hats but that was awhile ago.

joe
 
Hi Russ,
If you decide to sell just the OM 1n body or the body and Kiron keep me in mind or let us know when you list it with the E site. I have oodles of lenses and an OM 10 and OMG but am looking for a nice OM 1 or OM 2.
 
wierdcollector said:
Hi Russ,
If you decide to sell just the OM 1n body or the body and Kiron keep me in mind or let us know when you list it with the E site. I have oodles of lenses and an OM 10 and OMG but am looking for a nice OM 1 or OM 2.

Weirdcollector

It's not going to E-bay. I'd rather just sell it to a buddy, acquaintence, etc. There is a young photo student that is interested in it. If she bails on it, you'll be the first to know. I have no idea what the system is worth. The body is in great shape, and I can vouch for the quality of the Kiron 80-200 f/4 lens. After all, I am the Kiron Kid. As Joe will attest to.

Russ
 
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