What is a really robust film SLR or Rangefinder?

[kansalliskala]

Currently I have a Nikon F-301, Olympus OM-10 and Canon T-50. All of them sort of electronic and/or fragile.

But I really want a camera that I can toss to a car seat and not worry if it bounces on the floor.

[eddieitman]

A few spring to mind, the zenit 11xp, (Can be used as a hammer and take pics afterwards)
Minolta X300-500-700
Olympus Trip 35 Will work for ever and ever almost
Fuji 801
the list goes on

[kansalliskala]

Thanks!

Minolta sounds interesting, haven't had any yet.

[Excalibur]

Just a few that come to mind:-Nikon FM or FE, Canon FTb, Minolta SRT101b...cheaper tough mechanical cameras....cheapest Praktica MTL3 to TL5b. But some have the 1.35v battery for the meter (if it still works accurately), so a hearing aid battery could be used or just alter the asa knob with a 1.5v battery.
All these camera bodies can be picked up free (from forums) or £5-£25 depending on the make.

[konicamera]

[Lloydy]

The Chinon CE 4 and CE5 are great cameras, Pentax PK mount and really robust. I think they are better than the Pentax equivalents - but they are bigger and heavier.

I've got a boxful of film cameras that I'm trying to sell, all cheap, Zenit, Praktica, Minolta 7000 AF, Minolta XD7, Yashica TL Electro, Olympus OM30, and maybe more. I have too much stuff....

[kansalliskalaCafe]

[nurkov]

any mechanical minolta, XG series for example

[kansalliskala]

[kansalliskala]

A true rangefinder with manual controls could also be fine.

But it has to have a fast lens?

My Kiev 4AM is crap, lenses are good but lack of metering real pia.

I did have an Olympus DC with 1.7 lens but it was too automatic.

[Mos6502]

I don't think there's an SLR out there that could be more rugged than something in the Exa series. Plus Exa 1b and 1c take M42 lenses and are so cheap/common that if they break it's no big deal to buy another.

[kansalliskala]

how about Zenit 312m?

I think it both bounces and floats

alternatively it splits to a thousand pieces when you fire it first time?

[luisalegria]

Ricoh Singlex TLS or Sears version.
This may be the same or similar to the Porst "pig farmers" camera.
Put a solid Soligor tele on it, for a handle, and you can use it to drive nails.
Problems are the meter is probably not functional (maybe because of all those people using it to drive nails).
And the shutter is loud with a lot of mirror slap.

[Nordentro]

I like the canonet (poor mans Leica)

[kansalliskalaCafe]

[luisalegria]

The Ricoh Singlex is derived from a Cosina design, similar to the Argus, the Porst, etc.
The Ricoh Singlex TLS is different on one level, because the speed dial is on the front, not the top. But the earlier Ricoh Singlex (not TLS) had the speed dial on top.
On the other hand the Cosina family resemblance is there in the other details, like the body shape and size, flash sockets on the side, self timer, etc. Cosina made these in versions with the speed dial on the front or also on the top (Cosina Hi-Lite), like the Ricoh TLS.
Its really all one family.

[TAo2]

[paulhofseth]

IF you want the apparatus to be impervious to water, capable of being dropped, stepped on and also wish for some automation, I suggest using the late Nikonos. When it is really raining and nobody brings photo equipment beyond the front door, I use a Nikonos five. Not very fast lens , 35mm 2,5, but with Ilford XP or something similar at 400 ASA it works. Do note that water treats light in a different way, so the "UW" lenses are useless on land. Only the 28, 35 and 70 will work when ashore. 35&70 can be used submerged.

p.

[kansalliskalaCafe]

I have a Canon Sure Shot A1 but haven't bought battery and tested it yet.

[Olivier]

Edixa Mat reflex are built like tanks, are M42 and often come with very good lenses such as Schneider Kreuznach.
I also have a Nikon F2 and find it's a rock and can be used as hammer.

Else, I like middle format rangefinders like Iskra or Agilux Agifold 6x6 or Mamiya-6.

or Zorki-3M or 4.

or 35mm fixed lens rangefinders like the Fuji 35 EE or Minolta Hi-Matic 7s or Canonet-17 or 19.

[Gyles]

Can't really comment due to lack of experience. However I've just picked up a Nikon FM2 and a trio of great lenses.

Searching the web reveals this to be a great, robust fully manual body, with having only a basic light meter. 1/4000 max speed & 1/250 flash sync.

I stuck a roll of XP2 in it and have been out the past weekend. Love the way it feels and handles.

[Jiaming]

Haven't tried a lot, but my Praktica MTL5 is excellent except for the non-functional timer.

[Rick1779]

Minolta SrT100 series

[kansalliskalaCafe]

[Rick1779]

A good copy can be purchased for 30 euro