In your opinion, what are the best modern 35mm film SLRs ever built?

[markbau]

I can see this thread becoming a Leica V Nikon V Canon V Pentax V Olympus V Minolta et al thread. The reality is that all of these manufacturers made damn fine cameras and lenses. If it's true that Nikon still keep parts for and will work on an F6 I would go with that as finding people to work on older film cameras is getting increasingly harder. Case in point, Melbourne's biggest and best camera repair house recently announced its closure.

 

[brian steinberger]

No question about it the Nikon F100.

+1

 

[Don_ih]

What 35mm film SLR camera systems do you think are the best to get into right now?
Which system do you think has the 'best' lenses?

They're all the same. "Best" is better than "good" in almost indiscernible ways. They're all good. Buy the one you can most easily complete to your needs.

 

[Cholentpot]

'Modern' is relative. I think of a 'modern SLR' as one which has

• an instant return reflex mirror
• automatic lens diaphram control
• thru-the-lens metering

...or post early 1960s
Some other folks would say the distinction for 'modern SLR' is

• autofocus lenses
• motor winder built in
• electronic shutter timing control
• matrix metering
• TTL flash metering

...or post 1980s

Anything pre Nikon F is primitive. Nikon F is and the ilk until autofocus is 'classic' SLR in my view. Once autofocus took over we get into modern era.

Indeed they have. I have several L-series lenses that were all purchased in the early 1990s along with the EOS 1N+power drive booster 1N and Command Back intervalometer, which at the time was a kick in the barramundies for Nikon, that subsequently tried to up the ante with the F90X. Nup. It is the glass that made the kit that made the grade, not the camera body.

That 70-200L 2.8 signed and sealed it. Possibly the greatest telephoto line for 35mm ever made. I know people that shoot Canon solely for that lens.

Also, the F90 is almost on par but they left out back button focus option? Why? The N80 has it. I don't consider a camera to be 'pro' or top tier unless it lets you futz around with the autofocus options.

 

[M-88]

Olympus OM-1 is one of the best cameras. Pretty lightweight. Lenses are very good (and compact) too.

Pentax MX comes pretty close to that, my only complaint is that shutter speed dial is somewhat uncomfortable to use.

Nikon FM is great too, no doubt about it. Far more ergonomic than other two. Its action is far more pleasant. Butter-smooth advance lever, shutter dial with firm clicks which can be operated with just one finger. And do I even have to point out that Nikon glass beats the other two?

Oopsie, there are no semi-automatic or automatic cameras on my list That's because there was no clear definition of what's "best", so I listed those that are best in my personal opinion. To me, "best" means lightweight and with good ergonomics. But above all else, given the situation that almost no new cameras are being made and spare parts will start to become scarce, an important factor is that the camera must be easily repairable/serviceable on my own.

 

[flavio81]

Olympus OM-1 is one of the best cameras. Pretty lightweight. Lenses are very good (and compact) too.

Pentax MX comes pretty close to that, my only complaint is that shutter speed dial is somewhat uncomfortable to use.

Service the MX and the dial will be easier to turn. And it's on the proper place, unlike on the OM-1.

Nikon FM(...)And do I even have to point out that Nikon glass beats the other two?

That is highly debatable. More variety? Sure. Better than the best of Pentax lenses? I don't think so, and I own both systems.

To me, "best" means lightweight and with good ergonomics. But above all else, given the situation that almost no new cameras are being made and spare parts will start to become scarce, an important factor is that the camera must be easily repairable/serviceable on my own.

You make a good point here: Everybody will have their own definition of what's "best". Your criteria (lightweight and good ergonomics) is a good criteria too. If i use this criteria my list would be:

- Pentax ME Super
- Canon EOS 5
and maybe the Nikon FE.

Those three have, for my taste, really good ergonomics.

 

[Cholentpot]

Olympus OM-1 is one of the best cameras. Pretty lightweight. Lenses are very good (and compact) too.

Pentax MX comes pretty close to that, my only complaint is that shutter speed dial is somewhat uncomfortable to use.

Nikon FM is great too, no doubt about it. Far more ergonomic than other two. Its action is far more pleasant. Butter-smooth advance lever, shutter dial with firm clicks which can be operated with just one finger. And do I even have to point out that Nikon glass beats the other two?

Oopsie, there are no semi-automatic or automatic cameras on my list That's because there was no clear definition of what's "best", so I listed those that are best in my personal opinion. To me, "best" means lightweight and with good ergonomics. But above all else, given the situation that almost no new cameras are being made and spare parts will start to become scarce, an important factor is that the camera must be easily repairable/serviceable on my own.

Service the MX and the dial will be easier to turn. And it's on the proper place, unlike on the OM-1.



That is highly debatable. More variety? Sure. Better than the best of Pentax lenses? I don't think so, and I own both systems.



You make a good point here: Everybody will have their own definition of what's "best". Your criteria (lightweight and good ergonomics) is a good criteria too. If i use this criteria my list would be:

- Pentax ME Super
- Canon EOS 5
and maybe the Nikon FE.

Those three have, for my taste, really good ergonomics.

However OP said 'best modern' SLR.

The OM-1 was firs sold in 1972, that's 50 years ago. By any definition that is not modern. Would anyone call a 50 year old car modern? 50 year old guitar? Bike? Radio?

Come one people, lets get real. We're just spouting our personal favorite cameras.

How's about defining modern?

Modern 35mm SLR has robust mature autofocus and metering, full automation, is compatible with current available on the market lens mounts.

I would count the modern SLR era with the release of the EOS 650.

 

[M-88]

Service the MX and the dial will be easier to turn. And it's on the proper place, unlike on the OM-1.

I serviced it, however it's still not as intuitive as speed dial on FM/FE and their derivatives. It leaves something to wish for. As for OM-1, I always found "move aperture and shutter dials with one hand" pretty comfortable. Each to their own, I guess.

That is highly debatable. More variety? Sure. Better than the best of Pentax lenses? I don't think so, and I own both systems.

Of course it's debatable, how could it be otherwise? Although for some people (not for me, personally, but still) more variety is a synonym of better quality. 35 mm f/1.4 which exists in Nikkor lineup but is absent from OM and Pentax lenses, is one of such examples. But of course I would never spend ludicrous amount of money on something like that.

 

[M-88]

However OP said 'best modern' SLR.

The OM-1 was firs sold in 1972, that's 50 years ago. By any definition that is not modern. Would anyone call a 50 year old car modern? 50 year old guitar? Bike? Radio?

Come one people, lets get real. We're just spouting our personal favorite cameras.

How's about defining modern?

Modern 35mm SLR has robust mature autofocus and metering, full automation, is compatible with current available on the market lens mounts.

I would count the modern SLR era with the release of the EOS 650.

Okay then, how modern is "modern"? Is it the last generation of film SLRs which were released on the verge of two millenia? Models like Maxxum 7, Nikon F80, Pentax MZ-S? Olympus OM-4T which albeit released in 1986 and technologically stems back several more years, was still alive and in production until 2002? Or is "modern" a little older cameras too, let's say F90, Maxxum 800si and similar to those? EOS 650 which you bring as an example, was a first generation AF camera and surely no camera of that era would qualify as "best". And what's wrong with Canon T90? That's a hell of a device, far ahead of its time. But oh no, it lacks autofocus and so it's disqualified.

 

[Cholentpot]

Okay then, how modern is "modern"? Is it the last generation of film SLRs which were released on the verge of two millenia? Models like Maxxum 7, Nikon F80, Pentax MZ-S? Olympus OM-4T which albeit released in 1986 and technologically stems back several more years, was still alive and in production until 2002? Or is "modern" a little older cameras too, let's say F90, Maxxum 800si and similar to those? EOS 650 which you bring as an example, was a first generation AF camera and surely no camera of that era would qualify as "best". And what's wrong with Canon T90? That's a hell of a device, far ahead of its time. But oh no, it lacks autofocus and so it's disqualified.

Yep.

Lacking autofocus would disco the camera in my opinion. In the evolution of SLRs autofocus was the next step.

 

[Huss]

The question still is new-ish. I'm sure there's a reason for that, and that the OP is aware of old cameras.

 

[Huss]

Okay then, how modern is "modern"? Is it the last generation of film SLRs which were released on the verge of two millenia? Models like Maxxum 7, Nikon F80, Pentax MZ-S? Olympus OM-4T which albeit released in 1986 and technologically stems back several more years, was still alive and in production until 2002? Or is "modern" a little older cameras too, let's say F90, Maxxum 800si and similar to those? EOS 650 which you bring as an example, was a first generation AF camera and surely no camera of that era would qualify as "best". And what's wrong with Canon T90? That's a hell of a device, far ahead of its time. But oh no, it lacks autofocus and so it's disqualified.

The T-90? You are recommending an old camera that is notorious for shutter failures/EEE error messages?

 

[Cholentpot]

The question still is new-ish. I'm sure there's a reason for that, and that the OP is aware of old cameras.

I'm sure OP is looking for a Spotmatic II. The screwmount and stop down metering is fully modern by any standards.

 

[Huss]

I'm sure OP is looking for a Spotmatic II. The screwmount and stop down metering is fully modern by any standards.

You make a good point.

 

[Cholentpot]

You make a good point.

I mean someone suggested an AE-1. That's what I think of when I think of a modern camera.

 

[Sirius Glass]

I'm sure OP is looking for a Spotmatic II. The screwmount and stop down metering is fully modern by any standards.

So everyone will still post their drug camera of choice. Then the OP will one day announce his purchase of the Spotmatic II which will prompt all the posters to jump in an post their thoughts about how he made one of the worst choices of his life and that he will regret it until he finally buys their drug camera of choice. Business as usual here. Just carry on folks, nothing new here.

 

[Moose22]

Thanks Ralph for the call out.
I have no experience with the "N" Nikons, but now I am intrigued.
Best to you!

Look for an N75.

It's cheesy plastic so must be terrible right? Well, they're awesome. But since they are plastic and you might have to use alcohol to de sticky them you can get them for $35-50 at places like Goodwill, they do everything any Nikon film camera does, take all lenses the 2000s era Nikon film cameras will (including powering VR) and have fantastic matrix and spot metering.

They're really small and light, too, so slap an af50 on and you can use them like a light weight point and shoot for walkin' around with minimal size and heft.

 

[M-88]

The T-90? You are recommending an old camera that is notorious for shutter failures/EEE error messages?

I'm not recommending T-90 Hardan, I'm trying to figure out what's "best" in people's opinion. My personal choices were given a little bit above.

Yep.

Lacking autofocus would disco the camera in my opinion. In the evolution of SLRs autofocus was the next step.

Then wouldn't it be logical, to assume that latest generation was the best, since all the previous ones became obsolete and were replaced by newer ones?

 

[Huss]

I'm not recommending T-90 Hardan, I'm trying to figure out what's "best" in people's opinion. My personal choices were given a little bit above.

Then wouldn't it be logical, to assume that latest generation was the best, since all the previous ones became obsolete and were replaced by newer ones?

You wrote, and I quote:

And what's wrong with Canon T90? That's a hell of a device, far ahead of its time.

I pointed out exactly what was wrong with that. Once upon a time it was decent. Now it is a brick in waiting.

And what's with this 'Hardan' business? My first name is Huss, and everyone here is on first name basis, right, er, M?

 

[Willy T]

Look for an N75.

It's cheesy plastic so must be terrible right? Well, they're awesome. But since they are plastic and you might have to use alcohol to de sticky them you can get them for $35-50 at places like Goodwill, they do everything any Nikon film camera does, take all lenses the 2000s era Nikon film cameras will (including powering VR) and have fantastic matrix and spot metering.

They're really small and light, too, so slap an af50 on and you can use them like a light weight point and shoot for walkin' around with minimal size and heft.

Ditto N80

 

[Huss]

Ditto N80

N80/F80 is such a good camera. It has an advantage over some of the more pro offerings in the fact it has a built in flash that works as a decent fill in.

 

[Marcelo Paniagua]

However OP said 'best modern' SLR.

The OM-1 was firs sold in 1972, that's 50 years ago. By any definition that is not modern. Would anyone call a 50 year old car modern? 50 year old guitar? Bike? Radio?

Come one people, lets get real. We're just spouting our personal favorite cameras.

How's about defining modern?

Modern 35mm SLR has robust mature autofocus and metering, full automation, is compatible with current available on the market lens mounts.

I would count the modern SLR era with the release of the EOS 650.

Sorry, you are getting back to the same. Your definition of modern is your personal definition. OM-1 is more modern than say Nikon F, Spotmatic and leaps ahead of th soviet KMZ Start.

I think this thread when this way when the OP throw the "best" word into the tittle

 

[Willy T]

N80/F80 is such a good camera. It has an advantage over some of the more pro offerings in the fact it has a built in flash that works as a decent fill in.

Since 2018, bought 3 with ok zooms, for less < $50 each. Hand them out to whomsoever wants to try out film with a roll of XP2. Seems like they're dryin' up, tho ... and headed way up in $$, too, but still quite the package for what you get

 

[Cholentpot]

So everyone will still post their drug camera of choice. Then the OP will one day announce his purchase of the Spotmatic II which will prompt all the posters to jump in an post their thoughts about how he made one of the worst choices of his life and that he will regret it until he finally buys their drug camera of choice. Business as usual here. Just carry on folks, nothing new here.

To be honest I love the SPII. One of my favorite cameras to use. I just wouldn't call it modern.

I'm not recommending T-90 Hardan, I'm trying to figure out what's "best" in people's opinion. My personal choices were given a little bit above.

Then wouldn't it be logical, to assume that latest generation was the best, since all the previous ones became obsolete and were replaced by newer ones?

It's not about what's good and bad. They're still cranking out Leica's without meters. They're not modern in the same way the Morgan isn't. Some people prefer the old way, even updating the old style doesn't make it modern. It's just an updated old design.

You wrote, and I quote:

And what's wrong with Canon T90? That's a hell of a device, far ahead of its time.

I pointed out exactly what was wrong with that. Once upon a time it was decent. Now it is a brick in waiting.

And what's with this 'Hardan' business? My first name is Huss, and everyone here is on first name basis, right, er, M?

You got that Husster.

Also, aside from the modern F series which I've don't own and have never used, the Nikon F80/N80 is the best of the autofocus Nikons I've used. I don't like the N75 and I have three. The menu and list of options is baffling to use.

 

[Moose22]

N80/F80 is such a good camera. It has an advantage over some of the more pro offerings in the fact it has a built in flash that works as a decent fill in.

I used a fill flash to great effect back in the early 90s. Even had someone crap on me for using a "non pro" camera, but one of the reasons I liked it was that I worked at a place where people wanted a souvenir. I'd take shots of people always in shade, always in mid-day sun in the mountains. I always got good, nicely lit shots where you could still see the scenery, and sold a couple photos a week.

Crap on my non-pro camera all you want, I paid for my film and developing with those shots.

I haven't use an N80, but I'd love one. If I didn't have about 4 more cameras than I need right now.