Apiture

Yes, I bumped into those that prefer digital over film. Don't want to start that fire again, except to say those that still do film still know why. Most do medium format -- but recently I have gone back to 35mm.

But why Miranda? There are a lot of Canon FTbs and Nikormats floating around. Who even heard of Miranda? Or you might have heard from those that had a bad repair experience with these.

1) Mirandas were partially hand assembled. This is both their strong point and their weak point. If you got one from xxx, it would last a lifetime. If you got one from yyy, off to the repair shop you go. But now, almost a half century later, those that survived are very rigid indeed.

2) Camera cost. Yes, you can get a Canon FTb for less than $100, and a Nikormat for about the same. But flagship cameras such as the Canon F1 or the Nikon F2 stretch from $100 all the way to $400; dependent upon condition. And these were originally expensive 'pro' cameras -- anything close to 'mint' still means very heavy use. An absolutely mint Miranda Sensorex, first generation, the flagship camera marketed against these, (particularly the Nikon F) can be had for for $20. (Miranda was over its head by second generation.)

3) Lens cost. Certainly the quality of Nikor or Canon FD lenses cannot be disputed. But, Popular Photography and Modern Photography independent tests indicated that the Miranda lenses were every bit in the running, if not just as good. But there are many Nikor fans and Canon fans out there. Try picking up three pristine lenses for $40! With Miranda, I did.

4) Yes, nostalgia. It was my first. Nice to have it back.

Using Ebay, I have put together a complete system of six lenses, two bodies, meter, cases, bellows, ect... for $162. Not bad. And back in 35mm film again.

But what really strokes the engine is that I found an adapter that will allow me to use all the lenses and bellows on my Canon digital as well. Manual exposure and focus, of course.

So, that is why I am shooting Miranda. But that is just me. ...Now to find a good buy on some older Calumet 8x10 equipment... Anybody have any Spritone stuff?

GeorgeH Loc: Jonesboro, GA

Ah, Miranda!

I recall the ads in Popular Photography, Modern Photography, and U S Camera showing a lovely lady in a hammock, with the legend, "Oh, that Miranda!" And the camera was well thought of. I personally preferred the older, pre-Sensorex cameras on an aesthetic basis, clean design, no gimcracks or embellishment. Like the early Pentaxes.

Go for it!

And Spiratone. They had some worthy gear, and their range of accessories that you didn't know you needed was unrivaled.

Do post some pix of your Miranda kit.

bobmcculloch Loc: NYC, NY

Ah Miranda's I still have 2, Miranda close up bellows too, I could probably use that adapter to Canon, if you can find the adapter you could even use old Leica lenses on your Mirandas, heck of a camera at a good price, 3 year warrenty too, actually had the most adapters to another brand because of the body thickness was less, oh and the front release, made for lower shake free shooting, I did like my Mirandas. Bob.

jfn007 Loc: Close to the middle of nowhere.

I enjoy my old Mamiya RB67. I use it periodically when shooting with a friend who has the same model. He has taught me quite a bit. I like the fact that the lens are terrific and there are no electronics to worry about. That being said, I would hate to lug it around for a few miles.

robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

I have two sensorex bodies and the bellows, slide copier etc. 5 or 6 lenses, don't remember exactly right now, stored around the house somewhere. My first that I got in Japan still works but now has a 5 degree spot meter. The original 1 degree died in the 70's and all the US repair people had was the 5 degree parts. The second that I bought when the shops were selling them off has a broken shutter speed dial, it just spins. Never even checked to see if it could be fixed, had my first digital by then.
I have a bunch of film cameras around the house and garage. I became the depository of old cameras for all the relatives in addition to my stuff 35mm, 35mm half frame, medium format, 4x5.

nicksr1125 Loc: Mesa, AZ

I was at a recently opened camera shop here in Columbus, OH. You should check out http://www.worldofusedphotography.com/. Gary, the owner, used to work for another camera company that went out of business. They have virtually any used piece of equipment you could want. I stopped by to see what they had and wound up with an SRT-101, 50mm f/1.4 MC, & a flash unit for less than $40.00. I think I remember seeing some Miranda stuff in their flea market room.

flip1948 Loc: Hamden, CT

My first SLR was a Pentax Spotmatic II with a 50 mm f/1.4 SMC Takumar in 1972. In 1975 our apartment was broken into and the burgular walked off with my equipment.

A few weeks later I was at the local saloon and a regular walked up and mentioned the robbery and asked if I was in the market for another camera. He told me a friend of his had a Nikon and some lenses for sale....would I be interested? I told him I'd take a look. He brought in a canvas bag and pulled out a mint Nikon F and 4 Nikkor lenses...50mm f/1.4, 28mm f/2.8, 55mm micro-nikkor and a 135mm f/2.8. When he told me the price I couldn't get the money out of my pocket fast enough.

Since then I've owned several different Nikons and currently shoot with an F100....an elegant camera....so smooth.

The only digital I have is a Nikon Coolpix S6000 for when I need some quick pix and don't have time to scan. I do have a bit of GAS for a D750 but that can wait a bit as I do love to shoot film.

Apiture

For those interested, and want to know (and don't want to mess with Ebay) here is a link to a Miranda to Canon EOS (EF lens) adapter, new: (NOTE: looks like it may not work on full frame [save your mirror!]).

http://www.amazon.com/Fotodiox-Adapter-Miranda-Camera-Digital/dp/B00LRWMX00/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1417151700&sr=1-1&keywords=miranda+to+canon+eos+adaptor

Fotodiox Pro Lens Mount Adapter, for Miranda (MIR) lens to Canon EOS EF Mount DSLR Camera Body for Canon EOS 1D, 1DS, Mark II, III, 5D, Mark II, 7D, 10D, 20D, 30D, 40D, 50D, 60D, Digital Rebel XT, XTI, XS, T1I, T2I, 300D, 350D, 400D, 450D, 500D, 550D, 1000D

E.L.. Shapiro Loc: Ottawa, Ontario Canada

Here's some trivia for y'all! Back in the day one of the Miranda models was chosen as their official camera by the United States Navy. I seem to remember that that model was so well constructed that it was less susceptible to damage or malfunction due to dampness, wetness, salt air and moisture- kind stuff you find aboard ships. I was in the Army- our official 35mm camera was the Nikon F at the time.

I do remember the Miranda as being built like a brick outhouse, rather chunky and not the kinda thing you want to drop on your foot. Maybe the Navy figured that the thing could double as a weapon!

Ah- Nostalgia! Ed.

Apiture

My main Miranda 35mm with a 50mm 1.9 lens is a dainty 6" x 3"; but weighs over 2 and a half pounds. With a Miranda 200mm telephoto it weighs over 7 pounds.

Baz Loc: Peterborough UK

My first SLR was a Miranda DR back in the '60's. Good dependable cameras that you could knock fence posts in with. Mine fell off of a 3 story building, and carried on, with just a small dent in the viewfinder to show for it.

lamiaceae Loc: San Luis Obispo County, CA

I remember seeing a Miranda camera. Never used one or had one. Actually I think one that I had in my hand was broken from a lost and found closet where I worked at the time.

I still shoot film from time to time. 35mm and 4x5".

cneajna Loc: Port Angeles, WA

Way way back in a galaxy far far away.... I bought my first SLR with my very first tax refund check. It was a Miranda Auto Sensorex EE. That was around 1971. I still have it. AFAIK it still works and I even have a telephoto lens for it (Soligar) which I bought used from a friend of hubby's. My photography teacher tried to talk me out of buying it. LOL He wanted me to buy pretty much ANYTHING but the Miranda. Later on, I bought a Nikon... it broke. The Miranda is like that Timex commercial.. takes a licking and keeps on ticking. :)

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

My first SLR was a Miranda Sensorex, and I loved that camera. Unfortunately, one leg of a tripod collapsed with the Miranda on top. I replaced it and kept the old one. Eventually, I sold the Miranda.

Recently, I bought a Miranda Sensorex on ebay for $26, and it works. It's like going back in time, bringing back old memories.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

I bought a Miranda 135mm lens on the Island of St. Maarten in 1969. it came with a hard leather case.The price was considerably lower than I would have paid here.