Was there ever a "Best" 35mm Film SLR? ... if so, what was it, in your opinion? (Page 14): Yes, well ... it was the first SLR, anyway, Digit ... goes back to what? ... early 50s, I...

Chris T Loc: from England across the pond to New England

digit-up wrote:

My vote would be... The Pentax "Spotmatic, 35mm SLR, and screw-on lenses of that time frame. An absolutely MARVELOUS machine. RJM

Yes, well ... it was the first SLR, anyway, Digit ... goes back to what? ... early 50s, I think ....

Vlux

I didn't buy an F6. The F5 still works very well. I also have an F100. I shoot film, especially B and W for portraits in the old Hollywood glamor style, using LEDs. Lots of fun.

Bushpilot Loc: Minnesota

DIRTY HARRY wrote:

Manolta XD-11

tropics68 Loc: Georgia

Chris T wrote:

This one's open ... you can include any manufacturer - past or present. Just trying to get an accurate assessment from everybody who's used them (or, still is ....)

The first and only one I ever had. Minolta SRT101. Brought it back across the pond in 1968. Had it for 5 or 6 years then sold it because my wife at the time refused to learn how to use it. I still have hundreds of slides in carousels stored in the basement. Believe it or not they are mostly still in good shape. This was shot 50 years ago.

Ira

I had one too, It was a great camera.

tropics68 wrote:

The first and only one I ever had. Minolta SRT101. Brought it back across the pond in 1968. Had it for 5 or 6 years then sold it because my wife at the time refused to learn how to use it. I still have hundreds of slides in carousels stored in the basement. Believe it or not they are mostly still in good shape. This was shot 50 years ago.

JasonC Loc: Houston, Texas

The Canon AE1 gets my vote!

And for a pocket 35MM, the Olympus XA couldn't be beat!

Best,

Jason

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

rikhar wrote:

Yes, that is what I was told when I bought the cam... (show quote)

Welcome!

drmike99 Loc: Fairfield Connecticut

Chris T wrote:

This one's open ... you can include any manufacturer - past or present. Just trying to get an accurate assessment from everybody who's used them (or, still is ....)

No contest for me: the Nikon F Photomic FTN I got new in 1969 with the f/1.4 50mm lens. And was dumb enough to sell 10 years later.

Spirit Vision Photography Loc: Behind a Camera.

pendennis wrote:

For a favorite, it would be my Nikon FE; simple, clean lines, beautifully designed.

👍😁👍😁

adm

I would say it is a toss-up between the Nikon F2 and FM-2. These cameras are all-mechanical workhorses that elevate the Nikon F and Nikkormat/FM lines, respectively, to perfection.

DebAnn Loc: Toronto

Thanks Chris. I'll be looking into it.

Chris T wrote:

That IS a shame, Deb ... didn't know at the time you could still use them, huh?

The a77 has really shot up, of late ... around $1500 - I understand ... more than the a77 II is ....

But you can pick up an alpha a68 for around $600 I believe ... top-deck LCD, but only a 2.7" LCD ....

And then you'd need a lens ... maybe pick up a used Minolta for a song .... perhaps?

Chris T Loc: from England across the pond to New England

Vlux wrote:

I didn't buy an F6. The F5 still works very well. I also have an F100. I shoot film, especially B and W for portraits in the old Hollywood glamor style, using LEDs. Lots of fun.

How do you use LEDs, V ... in B/W shots, I mean - in the "old Hollywood glamor style" ... seems outta place, somehow ....

Chris T Loc: from England across the pond to New England

tropics68 wrote:

The first and only one I ever had. Minolta SRT101. Brought it back across the pond in 1968. Had it for 5 or 6 years then sold it because my wife at the time refused to learn how to use it. I still have hundreds of slides in carousels stored in the basement. Believe it or not they are mostly still in good shape. This was shot 50 years ago.

Well, that one stood up well, anyway, Trop ...

You want to make digital copies of them all before they fade, you know ....

DebAnn Loc: Toronto

But wait Chris, all is not lost. I decided to delve into the "old equipment box" and discovered I still have a 28mm 1:28 Rokkor X lens and a 50mm 1:2 Rokkor-X lens. I'd forgotten how heavy they were. Must have been the zooms that I sold. Maybe I'm back in business!

Chris T wrote:

That IS a shame, Deb ... didn't know at the time you could still use them, huh?

The a77 has really shot up, of late ... around $1500 - I understand ... more than the a77 II is ....

But you can pick up an alpha a68 for around $600 I believe ... top-deck LCD, but only a 2.7" LCD ....

And then you'd need a lens ... maybe pick up a used Minolta for a song .... perhaps?

weedhook

My Canon TL-QL may not have been the best, but it had the quickest film loading system and the solid FD mount.