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

[madNbad]

wouldn't know I only have old stuff...

So do I but then there’s the cameras.

 

[benveniste]

In sum, I'd like a high-quality 35mm SLR film camera that has the following:
-advanced metering
-ability to use lower shutter speeds handheld
-ability to use the very best 35mm lenses

I'd consider a rangefinder system too, but I really like the ability to accurately frame whatever it is that I'm photographing.

Any of the last generation Nikon or Canon cameras could be best for you. I'm only leaving Minolta off the list because the Zeiss OTUS lenses aren't available in that mount. As a long time Nikon user, though, for the "very best 35mm lenses" I think Canon may be a better choice for you, since many recent Nikon and 3rd party lenses won't work with any film camera (even the F6). The incompatible lenses include all 4 of Nikon's PC-E tilt-shift lenses, although the older 85mm PC does work.

I don't mean to escalate the perpetual useless Nikon vs. Canon debates, and subjective factors can certainly tilt the balance in favor of one system or another. Both systems offer advanced metering and stabilized lenses of similar quality. But for this particular set of requirements my vote goes to Canon.

 

[Moose22]

F75 also makes an excellent anchor.

Makes a terrible anchor.

13 oz. That's 3/4 of a pound. Very light.

A Leica M3 is 22oz for reference.

 

[Sirius Glass]

F75 also makes an excellent anchor.

That what F5, F6 and Canons are used for as well as door stops.

 

[Paul Howell]

"Any of the last generation Nikon or Canon cameras could be best for you. I'm only leaving Minolta off the list because the Zeiss OTUS lenses aren't available in that mount."

But, the Minolta 7 and 5 will work with SSM lens, so I think Sigma Art lens will work which are up to Zeiss standards. Other thing to remember, all a lens needs to do is resolve Tmax 100 or Ektar 100 wide to stopped down. All high end glass, Pentax Limited Edition, Minolta G, Canon L, Nikon ED G and Sigma sports and arts lens will do that.

 

[AndroclesC]

My first choice would be the Canon 1vHS with its incredible AF, excellent metering, and outstanding build quality and weather-resistance. Second for me would be the Nikon F100 because, well, because it's a great all-around camera and it just works. I've used both extensively and enjoy them immensely and currently still shoot the F100 when I need a film fix. I had the Minolta Dynax 7 some years ago and I really liked it a lot but I prefer the above two cameras more.

Andy

 

[gone]

It probably depends on what plans you have for the camera. I like to get a shot off quickly, so AE is a must. AE Lock is a great asset, but not a deal breaker. Small and light work for me, but motorized film advance is a plus. Some cameras I can see the frame lines on w/ glasses, some I can't. There's so many variables, just go w/ what works for you within your budget.

I used to tote all these big, heavy pro cameras, now I go w/ the smallest and lightest that will get the job done. My photos look the same.

 

[eli griggs]

Since I'm shopping around for a new-ish 35mm film SLR, I figured that I'd ask some of you more experienced professionals about this. (I've been shooting large format and medium format film for about 8 years and am working my way down to 35mm film!)

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?

I did a little research myself and settled on three cameras that I think might qualify:

-Minolta Maxxum 7 (also known as the 'Dynax 7' or 'Alpha-7')
-Nikon F6
-Contax N1

Canon F1, type 2n or type N, or, Leica M, no meter, or mechinical Contax with Zeiss lenses.

 

[Raghu Kuvempunagar]

Any opinion on Rolleiflex SL 2000F, a rare modular 35mm SLR camera that takes interchangeable film magazines?

 

[guangong]

My definition of modern: Everything that is or has been after I was born is modern.
The best modern camera must be one that will operate without the obsolescence of.batteries, circuit boards, a motors. Therefore, my candidate is my Nikon F with simple prism, bought in very early 1960s. Still going strong. I also had an F2 with prism. No batteries to worry about. No leds, auto exposure failur, no meter failures, no lens motors to die.

 

[Don_ih]

Nothing will ever surpass the RBGraflex. The only slr you'll ever need.

 

[TheFlyingCamera]

Any opinion on Rolleiflex SL 2000F, a rare modular 35mm SLR camera that takes interchangeable film magazines?

They're such an odd fish. I think the relative rarity plus the general reputation of Rollei cameras of that period for unreliability would keep it out of contention for "best modern 35mm SLRs ever built".

 

[Steve-CA]

Actually Canon made major inroads into the pro space with the advent of autofocus. They did one thing that initially pissed off a large section of their user base by switching away from the FD mount to the EOS mount. The big advantage for them was that they were able to put the focus motor in the lens instead of in the body, so with the big fast telephotos people use for sports and wildlife, they focused much faster than comparable Nikon lenses.

Well . . . yes. Canon DID make major inroads with the introduction of the EOS autofocus system around 1987 . . . . the Kodak DCS (worlds first digital) was introduced in 1991 (?) - - - and we were off to the digital races. Look - my original point was, Canon never owned any significant share of the "pro" film SLR market - for a reason. There WAS indeed a turning point in that history and you clearly identify it w/the introduction of EOS. From my original post - "Canon made some inroads in the consumer sector but really didnt gather their current head of steam into the "pro" market until the digital era."

 

[tomkatf]

Nikon F4... Revolutionary and groundbreaking.
For non-AF cameras, the Canon F-1N

 

[DF]

Remember - a camera is only as good as the person using it.
I recommend Minolta X700's for those giving film a try and those coming back. Sturdy dependable with THOUSANDS available on Ebay and most ANY local Craigslist so they're easy to find/purchase. MD & MD Rokkor lenses to go along with have superb optical glass.
If you really want to get purist and don't mind lugging around alittle extra weight & bulk, Minolta SRT101 - all mechanical solid apparatus made & built to last.

 

[Down Under]

Me, if I had to start all over again in photography, of course knowing what I know now, I would go with the system I've been happiest with - the Nikkormat.

The best 'mats I've ever owned were FT2s. Entirely mechanical, built like tanks, simple to operate, they do best what they were made to do (take good photographs), okay metering - and can still be repaired without having to part with a kidney (a la Leica) to pay for the work.

As a second choice, I would probably go with a majority of pro-Nikon posters, and buy an F6.

Meantime, I will go on amusing myself with my Leicas, Rolleis, Contax Gs, 1950 German folders et al. Oh, and my two Nikkormat FT2s and five old Nikon lenses, which just go on going on, seemingly determined to outlast me.

That is while film lasts, of course.

 

[tokam]

I was gifted a pair of Minolta Dynax 7's and an interesting collection of lenses ranging from 20-35mm zoom right through to a Kenko 500 mm Cat lens. I don't have these focal lengths in my Canon FD collection.

If I had to start again I'd probably go with Nikon AF which can utilise most Nikon F mount lenses and this can be done relatively cheaply these days.

 

[Two23]

Nikon F100.

 

[flavio81]

From my original post - "Canon made some inroads in the consumer sector but really didnt gather their current head of steam into the "pro" market until the digital era."

Canon's pro EOS cameras were the bread-and-butter of most pro photographers for many years. Before the digital era. They were a major player and left Nikon behind in the AF field, for many years.

 

[Sirius Glass]

Nikon F100.

Great minds follow that same paths ... IMNSHO.

 

[ivannavi]

"... the best modern 35mm film SLRs ever built?"
Just a matter of taste, because the very last generations of SLRs were even ahead of needs.
The Dynax/Maxxum/Alpha 7 is one of the most sophisticated SLRs that one can get; I would prefer it over a Nikon F100 (matter of taste) just because I've always hated the focussing system on the Nikon F100 (I do a lot of shifting from manual focus to AF and the F100 sometimes gets confused and lock the shutter because the camera think that the image is not focused, then I loose the moment and also the picture. The Nikon F6 is far away better, every professional Nikon body is a very joyful experience.
The Dynax/Maxxum/Alpha 9 is a little outdated compared with the amazing Dynax/Maxxum/Alpha 7 but the construction and build quality is above than the quality that everyone would expect from a camera.
Obviously there are the exotic brands too: Leica R9, Contax RTS III, Contax N1. There are a lot of options and to be honest I think that the final choice should be taking in consideration the optics. I think that the right manner for chose a SLR should begin with the chose of the lens. Just get a lens that you love and then just attach to it the proper camera.

 

[Huss]

Nikon F100.

Use an F6 and you’ll change your mind in an instant. It’s why I got rid of my F100.

 

[madNbad]

Now we're eight pages into this thread and the OP has responded three times. So far, just about every camera with a meter has been mentioned multiple times and, yes, everyone has a favorite. Hopefully, the OP is having a grand time with a Maxxum he bought for little money, finding out if the little negatives will do.

 

[fdonadio]

but others love Nikon FM/FM2

I’m eternally in love with my FM2. I have three zooms that cover all the ranges I could probably need: 20-35, 35-70 and 80-200 mm, and also a 50mm Series E that I take when I need my kit to be as light as possible.

 

[Charles Escott-New]

Use an F6 and you’ll change your mind in an instant. It’s why I got rid of my F100.

Exactly my experience except I sold my F100 and F5. I am shocked at how much this camera feels right. Against the price of replacing my M6 the Nikon F6 feels worth every penny.