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best lens+camera combo lineup
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PostPosted: Sat Apr 15, 2017 10:00 am    Post subject: best lens+camera combo lineup Reply with quote

hi everyone!

after being absorbed for a long time in the digital world I'm making a comeback to the 35mm...thanks to fuji and their wonderful analogic dials....

and seeing so many cheap bodies and lenses I decided to start over my collection from scratch and build it like this:


- only mechanical bodies (or at least that they work without battery)

- each body has one lens

- each brand the most iconic or best item in the affordable league

- try to avoid repetition in focal length for the lenses (try to...Supertak 50 1.4 is a must...but I have the k50 1.2 that also is a must...



I was a Pentaxian so Pentax is where I started


I'll post what I have and what I'm looking for and advices are more than welcome as I don't know very much the other brands.

can you help me build this?


Already have:

Pentax K2 + K50 1.2
Pentax MX + K35 3.5
Pentax MX + M40 2.8 (first one to be sold to finance other buys)

Minolta SRT-101 + NO LENS

Olympus OM-10+ 50 1.8 (it's my mother's first camera, so it's a keeper for sentimental reasons)


Plans for Next buy:

Rokkor MD 24 2.8 for the 101
Minolta SRT-303 + 35-70 f3.5 Macro

Olympus OM-1 + 28 f2
Olympus OM-1N + LENS

Pentax Spotmatic + 50 f1.4
Pentax Spotmatic F + 85 f1.8
Pentax KX+ LENS

Konica (which combos? 40 1.8?)

Fujica ST-801 + which lens?



so I'd have covered 24, 28, 35, 40, 50, 85, plus a zoom (I'm a primes guy, but I read marvellous thing about the 35-70)

I'd like to add a Rokkor more (fall in love with the sytstem...), add a 50 macro and a longer macro, something around the 100 and a 135.


any more brand of cameras to consider? I saw a post of best lens for each brand but it was hard to make a conclusion as the price was not a limit...



thank you all!!!!


PostPosted: Sat Apr 15, 2017 3:29 pm    Post subject: Re: best lens+camera combo lineup Reply with quote

mmoro wrote:
hi everyone!

after being absorbed for a long time in the digital world ... seeing so many cheap bodies and lenses I decided to start over my collection from scratch


That's a dangerous decision. But it'll be lots of fun.

I've some knowledge on the Minolta SR system, and i would suggest the following:

* Since you only want "manual" SLR, you're limited to the SR and SR-T series
* the SR-T series was manufactured in many variants, and you can combine them correctly - depending on their age - with MC-I, MC-II, MC-X and MD-I type lenses.
* the tactile feeling and smooth focusing of the MC-X lenses is legendary
* the most beautiful MC-X lenses are
MC-X 2.8/21mm: http://artaphot.ch/minolta-sr/objektive/140-minolta-21mm-f28
MC-X 2.8/24mm (early heavy MC!): http://artaphot.ch/minolta-sr/objektive/143-minolta-24mm-f28
MC-X 2.5/28mm: http://artaphot.ch/minolta-sr/objektive/146-minolta-28mm-f25
MC-X 1.8/35mm: http://artaphot.ch/minolta-sr/objektive/149-minolta-35mm-f18
MC-X 1.4/50mm: http://artaphot.ch/minolta-sr/objektive/155-minolta-50mm-f14
MC-X 1.2/58mm: http://artaphot.ch/minolta-sr/objektive/236-minolta-58mm-f12
MC-X 1.7/85mm: http://artaphot.ch/minolta-sr/objektive/161-minolta-85mm-f17
MC-X 2.5/100mm: http://artaphot.ch/minolta-sr/objektive/165-minolta-100mm-f25
MC-X 4.5/200mm is extremly well made as well, but the later MC-X 4/200mm is sharper: http://artaphot.ch/minolta-sr/objektive/177-minolta-200mm-f45

There are quite a few Konica cameras - T, T2, T3, T4 - which fit into your search. I would go for the classical primes (1.4/57mm and 1.7/50mm for T and T2, 1.4/50mm for T3, and maybe an 1.8/40mm for T4). Of course there's nothing wrong with the 7-lens 3.5/28mm Hexanons, or the 3.2 and 2.5/135mm lenses. All these lenses are extremely cheap now (10 ... 50 CHF/EUR/USD).

A zoom even better than the Minolta 3.5/35.70mm is the classical Nikkor AiS 3.5/35-70mm (62mm filter thread). It was extremely expensive at its time, costing as much as an Canon F-1new or a Nikon F3. Or nearly twice as much as a FD 2/135mm!

Stephan


PostPosted: Sat Apr 15, 2017 3:33 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

First of all, welcome here! The two best Minolta resources are:
http://artaphot.ch/minolta-sr/objektive
and
http://minolta.eazypix.de/lenses/index.html

I can already suggest that if you want the MD lenses for better image quality, then probably you can find the last MD-III 24/2.8 a bit cheaper than the oldest MC lens. Otherwise I believe the others are the same scheme as the MC-X lens. I own the earliest MC-X and I can say it's already detailed to the extreme corners at F5.6 on film - but some very minor CA's can muddy up the edges on colour images but, this may matter a lot less on consumer films like Fujifilm C200 which are quite grainy. Either way, it's an easy thing to correct in post. Here are my first 3 shots: http://forum.mflenses.com/mangrove-sunset-minolta-24mm-f2-8-srt-102-ektar-100-t77095.html

You will have to click on the images to open in a separate window and click again to zoom to 1:1 to clear the images up.

As for 135/2.8, well even the 3.5's are very good. You will want a MD 4/4 (elements/groups) but I guess the 4/4 MC-X is basically the same. The 4/4 135 3.5's are certainly better than the early 135/2.8's - not sure if they are all the same quality over the years though. I've also read the 5/5 Celtics are a popular choice but the coatings are more basic as well as the build quality.

The 100/2.5 would also be an excellent choice from Minolta but perhaps too close and too slow compared to 85? I guess you want to fill that space with a macro anyway. I think I saw a Bokina in Minolta mount once too, or a Bokina derivative. I regret not buying one when it was only $100 lol... I spent so much on the macro for my digital camera and didn't use that enough as is, though.


PostPosted: Mon Apr 17, 2017 3:52 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

thank you both

"I've some knowledge on the Minolta SR system" stevemark you're the master of minolta, not only you have "some knowledge" hahaha

I'm in switzerland too, but in Tessin, so we have almost no shops here...

I see Minolta system is well regarded...I can see why. so many outstanding lenses...the 35 1.8 definitely has some character.


for the 24, I put MD-I or MD-II version as I only saw that one in ebay and other places..I'll try to find an MC-X then..

so if you had to couple lens for these cameras, and restrict that selection to three (not thinking on what I already have) what would it be?

SRT101+LENS
SRT202+LENS
SRT303+LENS

for Konica I agree, I'll try to do T+57 and T4+40

I'm a little lost on Oly and FUjica. everyone talks wonders about the oly 28f2, but apart from that what do we have that is a gem? for fujica m42 I don't know...maybe use that body for russian lenses?



anyway thank you all for this support. it's much more fun to start a collection (that works) with all the knowledge that floats here!


PostPosted: Mon Apr 17, 2017 5:37 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

mmoro wrote:


I see Minolta system is well regarded...I can see why. so many outstanding lenses...the 35 1.8 definitely has some character.


Well, I like mine a lot. Unfortunately most of my first film photos were out of focus because the aperture blades were oily and not closing down fast enough... so I can tell you it has decent bokeh for a wideangle! Focus transitions are very smooth too. Very high quality wide open. Some shots weren't as sharp as I expected but it's due to my often 1/60 shutter speed no doubt. Possibly also caused an inaccuracy screwing the front and rear groups back in after cleaning the aperture but I'm not sure if that's possible...

mmoro wrote:

for the 24, I put MD-I or MD-II version as I only saw that one in ebay and other places..I'll try to find an MC-X then..


Make sure you get the first version (denoted by the -SI suffix on the namering) if you want a brass focus helicoid. Even without it I'm not sure it'd be a big deal since the focus throw is only about 42 degrees. Having said that, it's my smoothest moving lens.

mmoro wrote:

so if you had to couple lens for these cameras, and restrict that selection to three (not thinking on what I already have) what would it be?

SRT101+LENS
SRT202+LENS
SRT303+LENS



This is easy for me because it's the only system/brand I own. I'd say, either 24, 35 and 58/100 - or - 35, 58, 100/135.

It depends what you do and I do a bit of everything, sometimes in the same day. The 35 is excellent for portraits or landscapes. The 58 can easily replace a longer portrait lens and I've used it nicely for tight landscapes/spotscapes (eg. rivers, camping areas, looking down onto rocks/subject). The 24 would strictly be for landscapes and interiors of buildings where the 35 isn't suitable unless you can't boost the ISO and need the aperture to even get the photo. On the other hand, even at 58mm and a large enough space, you could use the 58 indoors.

The 100 is obviously nice for portraits and really detailed when shooting similar cropped/tight landscape shots (like in a city-garden) and abstract/detail architecture shots. I actually find 135mm too long and at F2.8, I'm losing a stop for no good reason - but, 90mm is my portrait lens on digital so perhaps that's part of why I prefer the 100 too. I've not noticed lateral CA's on my 100/2 yet (I know they are relatively reduced compared to later lenses - it's based on the older 135/2.Cool while I notice CA even at F4 on my 135 on all whites, highlights and metallics. Probably not noticeable unless you shoot the subject under direct sunlight.

About the first MC-X 24/2.8 - it's most annoying to correct the CA all over the field even when the subject is in shade, not because they are exactly obvious but because the image does seem less crisp/defined. However, the results are worth the price of admission! Perhaps later lenses do not have this issue...


PostPosted: Tue Apr 18, 2017 1:33 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Srt are amazing, all mechanical even the latest srt100x is really good, built like tank, heavy and reliable, but I've add an XD7/11 to the group lately, a very nice compact camera



talking about lenses there are many good performer on the SR line, my personal suggestion is:

21/2.8 NL
24/2.8
28/2.5 SI
50/1.4 (a planar like, better than a contax planar)
85/1.7
135/2.8 4 elements


Last edited by Rick1779 on Tue Apr 18, 2017 1:39 pm; edited 1 time in total


PostPosted: Tue Apr 18, 2017 1:38 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

mmoro wrote:
thank you both

SRT101+LENS
SRT202+LENS
SRT303+LENS



wide to normal
SRT101+21/2.8 or 24/2.8
SRT202+28/2.5 SI
SRT303+50/1.4 or 58/1.4

wide to tele
SRT101+24/2.8
SRT202+50/1.4
SRT303+85/1.7 or 135/2.8


PostPosted: Thu Apr 20, 2017 3:36 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Ok thank you all.

I made up the new list that have less holes than the first one.

Just some missing things that I hope you can help me fill.


So:

Pentax K2 + k50 1.2
Pentax MX + k35 3.5
(Eventually)
Pentax k2DMD + ?
Pentax Spotmatic F + ?

Minolta SRT101 + MC 24 2.8
Minolta SRT303 + MC 85 1.7 (maybe too expensive)
Minolta SRT202 + MC 35 1.8

Olympus OM1n + 28 f2 (maybe too expensive)
Olympus OM1 + any macro / or 100 2.8

Fujica ST801 + Helios/jupiter/czj m42 lens with very peculiar effect (hints?)

Konica T + 57 1.4
Konica T3n + ?


So I'm missing only a 135, an m42, an hexanon and hope to find the oly28 and rokkor 85 on a decent price.

Any suggestions for replacement of these two in case I can't sell an organ for them?


PostPosted: Thu Apr 20, 2017 10:53 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I'll keep this simple albeit perhaps not so affordable for my choices. I'm wondering however what is meant by "affordable league."

The body in all instances will be a Canon FTbn

All lens are the first series of Canon FD, aka "breechlock"

7.5mm f/5.6 SSC
15mm f/2.8 SSC
17mm f/4 SSC
20MM f/4 SSC
24mm f/1.4 SSC Asph
28mm f/2 SSC
35mm f/2 SSC
55mm f/1.2 SSC Asph
85mm f/1.2 SSC Asph
100mm f/2.8 SSC
135mm f/2.5 SC
200mm f/2.8 SSC
300mm f/2.8 SSC
400mm f/4.5 SSC
500mm f/4.5L
600mm f/4.5 SSC
800mm f/5.6 SSC

Hozzat?


PostPosted: Fri Apr 21, 2017 10:28 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

mmoro wrote:
Ok thank you all.

Minolta SRT303 + MC 85 1.7 (maybe too expensive)

So I'm missing only a 135, an m42, an hexanon and hope to find the oly28 and rokkor 85 on a decent price.

Any suggestions for replacement of these two in case I can't sell an organ for them?


Why not 135mm F2.8 Rokkor as opposed to 85/1.7? I suggest 4/4 elements/groups MC-X or MD models. Or, many of the 135/3.5 4/4 lenses are equally good. http://minolta.eazypix.de/lenses/index.html

Or, the Rokkor 105mm F2.5 is very cheap for its quality. The 85/1.7 will not be as sharp as the 105 until F2.8 or later. Reeve has reviewed both the MD and MC models, as well as the 85. You could always look at the MD 85/2 - it's a much sharper lens and was much more expensive back in the day when it was released - but perhaps the build quality/smoothness of focus could be a bit disappointing. Build quality is why I never bought any MD lens but I've also never tried one out. Always MC - even if the focus is not as smooth due to age, but with the brass helicoid it's always something new grease can resolve.

https://phillipreeve.net/blog/minolta-mc-tele-rokkor-100mm-12-5-review/
https://phillipreeve.net/blog/review-minolta-md-100mm-12-5/
https://phillipreeve.net/blog/review-minolta-mc-rokkor-85mm-11-7/


PostPosted: Fri Apr 21, 2017 1:46 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

mmoro wrote:
thank you both

"I've some knowledge on the Minolta SR system" stevemark you're the master of minolta,

Definitely not. Persons like Andrea Apra or Dennis Lohmann have much more profound knowledge of the Minolta SR system. I do have a little bit experience with lenses, and i happily share it, but that's all.

mmoro wrote:

I'm in Switzerland too, but in Tessin, so we have almost no shops here...

Cool. I used to got there quite often, by train - but since the San Gottardo Base Tunnel was opened, the train ride is not much fun any more, sadly... But we might meet in Ticino, if you like (PM me in case). I'm sure i have a few spare Minolta lenses and bodies ...
mmoro wrote:

I see Minolta system is well regarded...I can see why. so many outstanding lenses...the 35 1.8 definitely has some character.

I think i have two MC 1.8/35mm Wink

mmoro wrote:

so if you had to couple lens for these cameras, and restrict that selection to three (not thinking on what I already have) what would it be?

SRT101+LENS
SRT202+LENS
SRT303+LENS


For photography, or for the shelf??

Photography (i love 20mm and 200mm!):
SRT101+ MC-X 1.2/58mm
SRT202+MC-X 4/200mm
SRT303+MC-X 2.8/21mm

For the shelf it might be as well something like that:
SRT101+MC-X 1.8/35mm
SRT202+MC-X 1.4/50mm
SRT303+MC-X 1.7/85mm

mmoro wrote:
it's much more fun to start a collection (that works) with all the knowledge that floats here!

Oh yes, it is fun! For me, though, part of the fun is that i never know what comes next. I'm not really hunting anything, to be honest. Today it was a rare Canon FD 4/35-70mm AF ... found in charity shop. It will be interesting to put it on my Canon F-1 new Wink

Stephan[/i]


PostPosted: Tue Apr 25, 2017 4:13 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

while digging on second hand webs, ebays, auctions and so I managed to buy some items at a ridiculous prize. other normal prize but still good


- for minolta I found a mc-x 24 2.8 and a mc-II 35 1.8 (this comes also with an mc-II 200 3.5...is it good?) [less than 50€ for the 35+200!] so now I'm missing bodies

- for olympus an OM1n with 28 3.5 that looks very sharp and with it an 85-250 f5 zoom with tripod collar that is going straight to ebay (don't like zooms).

- then two Konica bodies are coming, a T with what look like junk lenses and a T3n with a 57 1.4

- I gambled on a Spotmatic F for 25€ and see in what conditions it arrives

and I'm watching a stunning Fujica 801 in black and with some lenses, plus I finally found an auction of the takumar 50 1.4 in the 8 elements version (let's hope it stays at a low price so I can afford it)




and maybe it's time to clarify the camera's are not going to rest on a shelf and just look at them... I'm an artist and I work mainly with light, and the analogue approach to photography is part of a new side project I'm working on. As I work with LEDs that are pretty much a new technology and are emitting light in a purest way than ever, I'm very interested to see what reflects on the 35mm film. Digital cameras are very easy to trick and tune in white balance and the technology is aligned with my source of lights (but with a lot of algorithms in the middle of the perception of the captured image), but old cameras without electronic are the most straightforward method to catch what happens in my sculptures.

then after investigating on prices, I found out I can build quite a peculiar bunch of systems that are pretty unique and different between each others. having different "eyes" that captures the same image in a different way is very appealing to me.



so the line up for starters is shaping like this (italic is not still in my hands but wanted):

Pentax K2 + k50 1.2
Pentax MX + k35 3.5
Pentax Spotmatic F + takumar to be decided

Minolta SRT101 + MC 24 2.8
Minolta SRT??? + MC 35 1.8
Minolta SRT??? + MC 100 2.5 Teemō thanks for the hint, looks like a wonderful lens

Olympus OM1n + 28 f3.5
Olympus OM1 + 50 3.5 macro

Fujica ST801 + Jupìter 9
Konica T + 57 1.4
Konica T3n + hexanon to be decided


probably the 135 is going to be an hexanon [if they're good] as I have already too many rokkors, and I have doubts on what to match with the olympus instead of the 28 3.5 that is a tad too slow and competes with the pentax 35 3.5 (I'd love some of the f2 lenses but my budget for this project is almost over Very Happy)


this has been fun and not too pricey for the moment, thank to you guys!!

I'll let you know for next updates!


PostPosted: Wed Apr 26, 2017 12:00 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

There's no such thing as too many Rokkors (or any other lens). Laugh 1

Your work sounds interesting, too!


PostPosted: Wed Apr 26, 2017 1:22 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Don't forget....

Canon F1
Canon F1(n)
Canon EF

Nikon F
Nikon F2

Leica R6
Leica R6.2

There'll be a few more to add of course.


Like 1 small


PostPosted: Wed Apr 26, 2017 4:27 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

off course. but as a pentaxian and fujiman I kind of hate nikon and canon Laugh 1 Laugh 1 Laugh 1


PostPosted: Sat Apr 29, 2017 9:25 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Olympus OM-1n + OM Zuiko 55/1.2 and Leica R6 + Summicron 50/2 E55
#1


PostPosted: Mon Aug 26, 2019 7:28 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

So after more than 2 years it has come to this:



Canon EF+fdn100 f4 | Canon F1+fdn50 f1.4 | Konica T+57 f1.4 | Konica T2+24 f2.8 | Konica T3+135 f3.2 | Konica T4+55 f3.5

Rolleiflex SL35 (Germany)+CZ Sonnar 85 f2.8 | Rolleiflex SL35E+CZ Distagon 35 f2.8 | Rolleiflex SL2000F+CZ Planar 50 f1.4 | Olympus OM1+50 f3.5 | Olympus OM10+50 f1.8 | Olympus OM2+85 f2

Yashica FRI+55 f2.8 | Contax RTS+CZ50 f1.4 | Minolta SR7+50 f3.5 | Minolta srt101+100 f2.5 | Minolta XE-1+24 f2.8 | Minolta XD7+MD50 f1.2

Topcon SuperD+58 f1.8 | Pentax SV+135 f2.5 | Pentax Spotmatic F+85 f1.9 | Pentax K2+100 f4 | Pentax MX+35 f3.5 | Pentax LX+k50 f1.2

Fujica ST801+55 f1.8 | Fujica ST901+Tamron 24 f2.5



All in working conditions and used for at least a roll.
All bought with patience to wait for the right price.


Looking for some more right now, but it is more challenging as prices are rising and I need specific models...

for example more Olympus (missed an OM3 for cheap), a Konica Auto-Reflex first model, more Yashica, decent Fuji glass+Xmount cameras, a Minolta XM (had one but not working), a silver Topcon Re Super....

but I have to admit it's kind of an addiction but it is much fun to browse for old cameras deals!


PostPosted: Mon Aug 26, 2019 8:44 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

mmoro wrote:
So after more than 2 years it has come to this:





All in working conditions and used for at least a roll.
All bought with patience to wait for the right price.


Looking for some more right now, but it is more challenging as prices are rising and I need specific models...

for example more Olympus (missed an OM3 for cheap), a Konica Auto-Reflex first model, more Yashica, decent Fuji glass+Xmount cameras, a Minolta XM (had one but not working), a silver Topcon Re Super....

but I have to admit it's kind of an addiction but it is much fun to browse for old cameras deals!


What a wonderful collection.
Amazingly - no Nikons (yet?)
Tom


PostPosted: Mon Aug 26, 2019 8:45 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Congratulations, nice looking collection!
Nicely displayed.
And thanks for posting the update.


PostPosted: Mon Aug 26, 2019 9:34 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Nicely done mmoro Like 1 . I wish I'd had your determination to stick to a plan over the last two years. My collection looks like it is - the result of someone running down a rabbit hole.


PostPosted: Mon Aug 26, 2019 3:08 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Whoo Turtle Congrats Well done mmoro!

Thank you! so much for following up two years old thread!!!


PostPosted: Mon Aug 26, 2019 6:04 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

mmoro wrote:
Fujica ST801+55 f1.8 | Fujica ST901+Tamron 24 f2.5

All in working conditions and used for at least a roll.
All bought with patience to wait for the right price.

Looking for some more right now, but it is more challenging as prices are rising and I need specific models...

for example more Olympus (missed an OM3 for cheap), a Konica Auto-Reflex first model, more Yashica, decent Fuji glass+Xmount cameras, a Minolta XM (had one but not working), a silver Topcon Re Super....

but I have to admit it's kind of an addiction but it is much fun to browse for old cameras deals!


Look for a Fujica STX-1 or STX-2 ... a solid camera and a good mount for the excellent Fujinon lenses that were available for it. All the AX series Fujica slr's have electronic shutters and need a battery to work at all, the STX cameras are all-manual, just using the battery for the meter. I no longer use film, but I used Fujica slr's for many years and still have all my Fujinon primes in screw-mount which I continue to use on my Pentax DSLR's. The AX-mount Fujinon lenses are often cheaper than the screw-mount versions because there are not many adaptors available to use them on other systems.

Good luck Smile


PostPosted: Mon Aug 26, 2019 7:21 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

mmoro wrote:
So after more than 2 years it has come to this:


Seem it was quite a bit of fun ... !!


mmoro wrote:

All bought with patience to wait for the right price.

That's what i usually do as well ... i simply take those things no one else wants - it's pretty amazing sometimes. I remember that day when i got, from the wastebin of a local camera shop, a very nice Minolta XM, for free ...

mmoro wrote:

Looking for some more right now, but it is more challenging as prices are rising and I need specific models...

for example more Olympus (missed an OM3 for cheap), a Konica Auto-Reflex first model, more Yashica, decent Fuji glass+Xmount cameras, a Minolta XM (had one but not working), a silver Topcon Re Super....


Canon: RM, the new F-1
Konica: F, FM; the Autoreflex A series
Leica: R6
Mamiya: the XTL and X-1000
Minolta: XM/XK/X-1 (a must!!), SR-2 / SR-3
Nikon: Nikon F, F2, F3
Olympus: OM-3
Rollei: SL350
Topcon: RE super
Yashica: FR, FR-1 and FX-3 super (the latter is a fully manual, "modern" SLR with 1/2000s!)


And why not a few historically important German SLRs?
Exakta: Exakta (pre-war), Exakta Varex (first 35mm SLR)
Praktina (not Praktica!!): First system SLR ever (lens bayonet, different viewfinders, motor, exchangeable film magazine, ...)
Leica: Leicaflex SL/SL2
Zeiss East: Contax "S", Contax "D" (first SLR with built in prism)
Zeiss West: Contarex "Bullseye"

Stephan

EDIT: of course, the Exakta/Exacta is the first 35mm SLR that hit the market successfully. Thanks to sociolist for finding this mistake! I first had written "Exakta (first 35mm SLR") and then later added the "Exakta Varex" without noticing that this would cause a mistake ...


Last edited by stevemark on Wed Aug 28, 2019 1:09 pm; edited 1 time in total


PostPosted: Mon Aug 26, 2019 8:26 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Congrats on the collection you've put together, mmoro. I own a few of the cameras you have, and would like to own a few more that you've picked up.

If you're still interested in picking up iconic manual/mechanical cameras, I recommend that you seriously think about a few Nikons, such as the F, F2, FM, FM2, and perhaps one of the later Nikkormats, like the FTn, FT2, or FT3. Of all the manual mechanical Nikons, my favorites are the F2 and the FM. The FT3 is a nice Nikkormat because it has the AI-style meter coupling. Nikkormats are not my favorites because of the shutter speed dial coaxial to the lens mount.

The F2 body is so robust it will likely last forever. The wear items on those cameras are the metered finders. The later ones, as long as they haven't been heavily used or abused, are the finders for the F2A and F2AS (DP-11 and DP-12, respectively). They might have your best chance of some life left to them. But it's possible to find earlier finders, for the old pre-AI mount, that still have some life left to them. I have a Photomic finder (DP-1) and an "S" finder (DP-2), that turns the F2 into an F2S. Both of mine still work well and are accurate.

The FM2 has that big advantage over the FM with regard to top shutter speed. But I actually prefer the FM because it can be used with the older pre-AI mount lenses, where the FM2 can't. And in all my years of shooting 35mm, it has been a very rare occasion where I've needed or wanted a shutter speed higher than 1/1000. So, FM2s are kinda limited in their real value over the FM.

If you can put up with, or even if you like, the coaxial shutter speed dial on the Nikkormats, these are definitely cameras to consider. They're true workhorses -- very durable. But, like the old F and the F2, they use the same sort of metering system that will wear out if heavily used, so this is one thing to watch out for.


PostPosted: Tue Aug 27, 2019 8:49 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

cooltouch, thanks for your information about the Nikon bodies! I occasionally do pick up some Nikon stuff, but it certainly isn't my priority (mainly some MF Nikkors, to get an idea about their performance compared to Canon FD/nFD, Konica AR and Minolta MC/MD).
While i had a Nikon F2 plus 1.4/35 and 2.5/105 back in the early 1990s, I finally decided to sell the Nikon stuff and to go on with the Minolta AF gear I already had (9000 plus 2.8/20, 2/35, 1.4/50, 1.4/85, 2.8/135 and the two APO 2,8/200 and 2.8/300).

I did, however, acquire a nice F3 & motor some years ago, and a FM plus a few Nikkormats. Only during last autumn I decided to get a F4! And then, in rapid succession, I was offered both an F (CHF 70.--) and an F5 (CHF 200.--) both of which I couldn't resist ...