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

[Axelwik]

Leica never gave R series to be built by Minolta. Collaborating does not equal manufacturing. And even with collaboration only R3 looked and felt pretty close to Minolta's XE. Differences were evident already between R4 and XD, then there were only R's, constantly improved, and none ever built by Minolta. R8/9 was a totally different yet short lived chapter in Leica's history.

CL is different story, one that eventually ended with Minolta solely redesigning it to CLE model, quite a different beast too.

Leica glass is a myth, especially comparing to what Canon/Nikon/Minolta were making those days. But it is true, R versions have always been well below M ones, with exception of new retail, which only contributed to complete lack of Leica SLR commercial success. At least now we can enjoy the R series for much less, imperfect as it were, yet unique.

Okay, a mix of Minolta and Leica design, but it looks like they were mostly made in Portugal, not Germany. They had to cut costs after losing so much with their Leicaflex models. The Leicaflex cost more to make than what they could sell them for.

I've had some duds with Nikon lenses; never had a dud Leica lens, so even if specific examples from Nikon may be "as good" they're not as consistent. I also prefer the feel and build quality of Leica lenses. They've always been accepted as the industry standard, not just by me - almost everyone in the know. Of course nothing is perfect, but Leica lenses tend to be more perfect than others of the same period.

Anyway, the OP asked about options so I gave my opinion. I really like my SL2 and the Leica glass that it works with. Also love my M2, but he asked about SLRs.

 

[Oldwino]

I'm sure it's been mentioned - but I am not going to check thru 27 pages to find out - I would vote for the Nikon F4. Built like a tank, great meter, very accurate autofocus, heavy enough to remind you that it means business. All the modern features, but still dial oriented. Uses AA batteries, which is a convenience plus. Of all of my 35mm cameras, Leica included, the F4 produces the most consistently great frames. In fact it's bumped my Mamiya 645 out of regular rotation, as the image quality (with the right film and processing) is so close, and the F4 more convenient to use.

 

[1957ExaktaVarexIIa]

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?

Though the Contax RTS II with its Zeiss lenses is my personal favourite I don't think it's generally the best for all photographers. The RTS II's operation is a bit special: I do like it but many others don't.

As for the body, I would recommend the Canon New F-1: for its many-sidedness and its massive construction. I love that.
It's a pity that Canon FD lenses seem to be a bit lightweight and less durable than Zeiss C/Y lenses.

So maybe a Nikon FM2 might be the best combination of both worlds.

 

[MFstooges]

Nikon F6.
And I don't have one.

 

[multivoiced]

Of all of my 35mm cameras, Leica included, the F4 produces the most consistently great frames.

Thanks for sharing. Most of KEH's examples seem to have LCD bleeding.

 

[bluechromis]

I should have explained my work. I primarily shoot landscapes and architecture with my large and medium format film cameras. You can see my work at: kristianwolfe.com

For my potential 35mm film camera, advanced metering would be vital as I like to use slide film (along with lower speed negative film). Considering that I primarily shoot at night and on cloudy days, the ability to use a lower shutter speeds handheld would be terrific. Auto-focus wouldn't be a priority as I like to focus manually, but I suppose it would still come in handy, especially if I tried to move into street photography. (From my website, you can plainly see that I'm not a street photographer, however I would like to try this method of shooting.) The lens quality/ecosystem would be of primary importance, even more than the camera body, particularly since I would be virtually drum scanning the 35mm negatives/slides to blow up the images to larger sizes for inkjet printing.

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.

Some people that shoot architecture like to use tilt-shift lenses. A limited number of 35 mm systems feature these kinds of lenses.

 

[Philippe-Georges]

Pentax LX...