The secret behind Leica’s R series is that their optical formulas for their SLR lenses are the same as their famous M mount lenses. A 50mm f/2 Summicron is made by the same people, with the same materials, in the same factories whether it is on an M6 or an R6. The R counterparts go […]
Tag: 35mm Format Camera
Posted inFeatured, Film camera reviews, Reviews
The best (and worst) film cameras of the 1990s
My take on the 10 “best” film cameras released during the 1990s. It’s not a countdown in the traditional sense and “best”…well…
Posted inNikon film camera reviews
Camera review: 14 years with the “invisible” Nikon FM3a
In January 2006, after 5 or so years of film photography with a combination of cheaper cameras (e.g., a Minolta SRT-101, a Fed-3 and an old Mamiya 35mm), I bought a like-new Nikon FM3A for $429 USD on eBay. Since then it has shot hundreds (if not thousands) of rolls of film, and has accompanied […]
Posted inFilm camera reviews
Choosing a 35mm film SLR? A quick look at six (vintage?) film camera manufacturers…
Since the publication of my original book, “Nikon Film Cameras, Which one is right for you?”, I’ve acquired a number of additional cameras and lenses which I describe and evaluate from personal experience in the newly released second edition, which recently went live on Amazon. In addition to the extra hardware, I tracked the prices […]
Posted inCONTAX film camera reviews, Film camera reviews, Reviews
Camera review: the Contax S2, “Simple is Best”
Two years ago at a tram stop in Antwerp, I misstepped on the pavement’s edge and fell over. It was a bit embarrassing and it wasn’t helped by my own wife and daughter doubled up with laughter at my expense. “Why didn’t you put your hands out to break your fall?”, they asked. To them, […]
Posted inCONTAX film camera reviews
An early swansong? Reviewing the CONTAX AX: autofocusing manual lenses
When it comes to autofocusing manual lenses on film cameras there is really only one option: the unique and relatively short-lived CONTAX AX. Chunky sibling of the CONTAX RX and…
Posted inNikon film camera reviews
The Nikon F2: an everyday camera for the 21st Century
The F2 was Nikon’s mechanical, manual flagship camera of the 1970s.
Posted inArticles, Featured, Film camera reviews, Guides & How-Tos, Nikon film camera reviews, Reviews
How to save money with a Nikon Pre-AI camera system
The cost of manual-focus 35mm equipment increases to rise and Nikon gear is leading the pack.
Posted inFilm camera reviews, Minolta film camera reviews, Reviews
Camera review: Minolta AF-Tele Super
It was always going to come to this point. With compact cameras that sport prime lenses, even though the image quality is as it should be, the photographer is limited to a single set focal length.
Posted inNikon film camera reviews
Camera review: Satisfying a 37 year dream… My first Nikon F3
I remember the Nikon F3 being expensive when it first came out in 1980. At the time, a new Nikon F3 with a 50mm lens cost about US$1,175 – that’s about US$3,500 adjusted for inflation.
Posted inFilm camera reviews, Nikon film camera reviews, Reviews
Camera review: 30+ years with the Nikon FG-20
In 1984 I had just entered my 20s and my pockets were not very deep. Up to that point I had been using a Rolleiflex SL35M, my second SLR, but it had stopped working.
Posted inNikon film camera reviews
Camera review: the Nikon FE 2
Over the past few months, I’ve been trying to settle on “the one.” The one 35mm film camera that will serve all my photography needs.
Posted inFilm camera reviews, Olympus film Camera reviews, Reviews
Camera review: the Olympus IS-5000 bridge camera
2002 was a funny time for film cameras.
Posted inCanon film camera reviews, Film camera reviews, Reviews
Camera review: Canon EOS-1
I brought the Canon EOS-1 a couple of years ago and among all of the cameras that I have had and have been able to use up until now, it is still my favorite in the original analogue EOS
Posted inAGFA film camera reviews
Camera review: Agfa Selectronic 3
What you see below is my Agfa Selectronic 3, the camera I’m reviewing today. It’s a Pentax K-mount SLR released in 1980 and produced for only a few short years until around 1983.
Posted inExakta film camera reviews
The beautiful but maddening Exakta VAREX IIb
You may recall the scene below from Rear Window (1954).
Posted inOlympus film Camera reviews
Camera review: the Olympus OM-1N
The Olympus OM-1 was introduced in 1973 and was originally launched as the M-1, which relatively quickly had to be changed to the OM-1 as Leica felt it was too close to their M series. According to Olympus, it
