"Venerable" Cameras (Page 7): Hey, Big Rob: Last month I found at a local auction a Canon AE-1 Program with Canon FD 50mm 1:1.8 lens, Tou/Five Star 75-200mm with Macro Lens., Lenmar...

Quinn 4

Hey, Big Rob: Last month I found at a local auction a Canon AE-1 Program with Canon FD 50mm 1:1.8 lens, Tou/Five Star 75-200mm with Macro Lens., Lenmar aux. wide angle lens ( makes 50mm lens into a 28mm lens, I think) Camera and lenses are mint. Paper work which dates the camera to 1984, All in a carrying case. Pay $20.00 for every thing. I am using this camera as I write this reply. Quinn 4

Designdweeb Loc: Metro NYC & East Stroudsburg, PA

Nikon rangefinders, F series, Leicas, Hasseblads, Rolliflexes, Deardorfs, Sinars, also a few others I've left out.

Vlux

The Nikon F5. What a workhorse! Shortly after its release, many pros were calling it the "best" film camera of all. I exluded Leica and Hassy, as I assume other pros did. Maybe we should have included "in its class." Mine is still working fine.

therwol Loc: USA

billnikon wrote:

Nikon FTN

Second that. I have one. No better vintage mechanical camera except the F2, which was more of an update than a new camera.

Bigmike1 Loc: I am from Gaffney, S.C. but live in Utah.

How about my Praktina IIa or my Exa I? (:

Bike guy Loc: Atlanta

Being Fathers' Day
":old and respected :valued and respected because of old age, long use, etc."
If the above applies to you, then you are venerable.
I think I am.
:)

Peterff Loc: O'er The Hills and Far Away, in Themyscira.

Bike guy wrote:

Being Fathers' Day ":old and respected :valued and respected because of old age, long use, etc."
If the above applies to you, then you are venerable. I think I am.:)"

"..., By the livin' Gawd that made you, You're a better man than I am, Gunga Din!"

I guess I do not qualify then! Perhaps it's a progeny thing!

RichardQ Loc: Colorado

Nobody mentioned the Plaubel Makina, a unique medium format (6x9 cm) rollfilm/cutfilm German camera, very popular with European press photographers in the 1920s and 1930s. (now that's venerable!) The last model was introduced after WW II, with synchronized flash connection, and eventually phased out in 1958. It was equipped with a bellows and scissors struts that allowed it to be collapsed quickly into a flat pocket-sized unit. It featured a lens assembly with three focal lengths.

Plaubel Makina III - 1955
Plaubel Makina III - 1955...

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

ggttc wrote:

Definitely the AE-1

I have to agree with the AE-1. It changed the course of photography in a similar way the Kodak Brownie did and the iphone did cell phones. It truly popularized SLR interchangeable lens cameras in a way never done before or since. People went to it from instamatics in droves as it made photography with an SLR truly point (Focus) and shoot. Offered a motor drive too at a price point unheard of before and had a great advertising blitz.

Erik_H Loc: Denham Springs, Louisiana

Quinn 4 wrote:

Jakebrake: Got that Minolta SRT-101 off the bookcase, put some film it and use it. That goes for ever one else who has listed their venerable camera. Those cameras were made to be use, not to be put in a place to be look at. In fact those cameras people have listed if not use over time will become just 'wall hanger". As you can see I love film cameras (Pre 1980s ones). To me digital cameras are the same as kids plastic toys. Quinn 4

I agree. I currently shoot with a k-1000, Nikon F photomic, Nikon Fe, F3, and a Nikkormat Ft2.

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

What about the Nikon F of 1959? The D300 was (is) an excellent tool but if I had to pick a "venerable" digital camera I think the D200 would be my favorite.

Peterff Loc: O'er The Hills and Far Away, in Themyscira.

Architect1776 wrote:

I have to agree with the AE-1. It changed the course of photography in a similar way the Kodak Brownie did and the iphone did cell phones. It truly popularized SLR interchangeable lens cameras in a way never done before or since. People went to it from instamatics in droves as it made photography with an SLR truly point (Focus) and shoot. Offered a motor drive too at a price point unheard of before and had a great advertising blitz.

I am one of those sheep. I had one of the first AE-1s in the UK in 1976, and recently found a powerwinder on ebay for $8. Plus a few old but good quality FD lenses, it's still a great iconic machine! And currently has film in it!

hassighedgehog Loc: Corona, CA

I would add my first 35 mm. a rangefinder Argus C-3. "the brick"

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

camerapapi wrote:

What about the Nikon F of 1959? The D300 was (is) an excellent tool but if I had to pick a "venerable" digital camera I think the D200 would be my favorite.

By definition Venerable does not mean any old cameras that can be googled up that is obscure. Many cameras mentioned fail the definition test. They might be interesting but not historically significant. Very few cameras qualify as venerable as defined.

Peterff Loc: O'er The Hills and Far Away, in Themyscira.

Architect1776 wrote:

By definition Venerable does not mean any old cameras that can be googled up that is obscure. Many cameras mentioned fail the definition test. They might be interesting but not historically significant. Very few cameras qualify as venerable as defined.

So what are the criteria we are using for 'venerable'?