best lens+camera combo lineup

mmoro · Joined: 15 Apr 2017 Posts: 16 Location: Switzerland / Spain

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!!!!

stevemark · Joined: 29 Apr 2011 Posts: 4087 Location: Switzerland

TeemÅ · Joined: 07 Apr 2016 Posts: 586 Location: Australia

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.

mmoro · Joined: 15 Apr 2017 Posts: 16 Location: Switzerland / Spain

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!

TeemÅ · Joined: 07 Apr 2016 Posts: 586 Location: Australia

Rick1779 · Expire: 2014-06-06

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

Rick1779 · Expire: 2014-06-06

mmoro · Joined: 15 Apr 2017 Posts: 16 Location: Switzerland / Spain

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?

cooltouch · Joined: 15 Jan 2009 Posts: 9096 Location: Houston, Texas

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?

TeemÅ · Joined: 07 Apr 2016 Posts: 586 Location: Australia

stevemark · Joined: 29 Apr 2011 Posts: 4087 Location: Switzerland

mmoro · Joined: 15 Apr 2017 Posts: 16 Location: Switzerland / Spain

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 50â‚¬ 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 25â‚¬ 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 TeemÃ…Â thanks for the hint, looks like a wonderful lens

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

Fujica ST801 + JupÃ¬ter 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!

TeemÅ · Joined: 07 Apr 2016 Posts: 586 Location: Australia

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

Your work sounds interesting, too!

cyrano · Expire: 2016-12-30

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

mmoro · Joined: 15 Apr 2017 Posts: 16 Location: Switzerland / Spain

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

marino24 · Joined: 11 Feb 2016 Posts: 84 Location: italy

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

mmoro · Joined: 15 Apr 2017 Posts: 16 Location: Switzerland / Spain

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!

Oldhand · Posted: Mon Aug 26, 2019 8:44 am Post subject:

uddhava · Expire: 2021-06-21

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

Sciolist · Expire: 2021-04-16

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.

visualopsins · Expire: 2025-04-11

Well done mmoro!

Thank you!

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

kypfer · Joined: 27 Sep 2017 Posts: 523 Location: Jersey C.I.

stevemark · Joined: 29 Apr 2011 Posts: 4087 Location: Switzerland

cooltouch · Joined: 15 Jan 2009 Posts: 9096 Location: Houston, Texas

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.

stevemark · Joined: 29 Apr 2011 Posts: 4087 Location: Switzerland

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 ...