First 35mm film camera

UaeExile

UaeExile

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Thinking of picking up my first film camera and wondered what people might recommend?

In the long term I really want a Leica M6 but I don't want spend that kind of money unless I'm sure I'll use it.

I've researched the Nikon F3 quite a bit but I wondered if there was others I should be looking at. Also, any particular dealers I should be looking at or should I just look to eBay?
 
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To keep the experimental budget to a minimum, I would look for a body that accepts the lenses etc. from any digital system you currently use. While that might not be the "experience" you're after in the long term, switching to MF etc. will get you 1/2 way there!
 
Nod said:
To keep the experimental budget to a minimum, I would look for a body that accepts the lenses etc. from any digital system you currently use. While that might not be the "experience" you're after in the long term, switching to MF etc. will get you 1/2 way there!
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Thanks @Nod but you're right, thats not what I'm after at all. the last thing I want to do is buy a 35mm film camera and slap on a 24-70 2.8 :D

Lens wise it's a 35mm, 50mm or similar.
 
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The F3 is a cool choice because of its ponderate central metering system
and you should look for the HP version… a must!

The F4E would be my pick!
 
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I liked the old split/multiprism focus aids on older MF bodies. I cut my SLR teeth on a few old Pentaxes - an S1 and an SP1000 (IIRC, although it may have been a 500) but always lusted after a bayonet lens mount rather than the M42 screw mount that those bodies have.

Since older bodies may have been well used and abused, I would make personal visits to bricks'n'mortar shops rather than relying on sellers' descriptions, although most reputable dealers have an inspection period. Ideally, run a roll of slide film through any purchase - the slim latitude of slide film should show up any problems with metering and/or shutter speeds/apertures.
 
Personally, for a 50 and 35 I'd be looking at an Olympus OM1 if you want full manual with built in meter or an OM2 for aperture priority. The 50mm 1.8 and 35mm 2.8 are both excellent lenses which I use alongside film on my A6000.
 
Have a look at the Nikon FM, FM2, FE and FE2 as well. Slightly smaller and lighter than the F series, but tough and reliable. They take the same Nikon lenses as their larger brothers, and are pretty affordable. FM/FM2 (and variants) are completely manual, the FE/FE2 also offer aperture priority auto. A later model, the FM3a is probably the pick of the litter, but it's still quite expensive.
 
UaeExile said:
Thinking of picking up my first film camera and wondered what people might recommend?

In the long term I really want a Leica M6 but I don't want spend that kind of money unless I'm sure I'll use it.

I've researched the Nikon F3 quite a bit but I wondered if there was others I should be looking at. Also, any particular dealers I should be looking at or should I just look to eBay?
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If you want an M6 why not go for a more reasonably priced RF to get into the RF habit?

I had a Voigtlander Bessa which was a wonderful thing and also had a Canonet which was also lovely but in a different and cheaper way.
 
MartynK said:
Have a look at the Nikon FM, FM2, FE and FE2 as well. Slightly smaller and lighter than the F series, but tough and reliable. They take the same Nikon lenses as their larger brothers, and are pretty affordable. FM/FM2 (and variants) are completely manual, the FE/FE2 also offer aperture priority auto. A later model, the FM3a is probably the pick of the litter, but it's still quite expensive.
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There is a lovely FE in the classifieds for sale... (cough, cough). They are brilliant cameras and meter which is nice, classic look.

If you are unsure don't worry, the beauty of buying used means you are unlikely to lose more than the odd fiver if you sell! A cheaper intro could be a Nikon F80 - around £30 and exactly the same as a D3000 type camera... but it takes film!

Rolleicords are my favourite - great IQ.
 
An OM4ti...multi spot metering; quality lens system, smaller and lighter than others.
 
UaeExile said:
Thinking of picking up my first film camera and wondered what people might recommend?

In the long term I really want a Leica M6 but I don't want spend that kind of money unless I'm sure I'll use it.

I've researched the Nikon F3 quite a bit but I wondered if there was others I should be looking at. Also, any particular dealers I should be looking at or should I just look to eBay?
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The FM2 is a better camera than the F3 IMO. Faster max shutter and faster flash sync. Fully mechanical.. smaller, lighter, and cheaper.

You could also look for a FM3a.

If on a budget, an old FM or FE woudl be dirt cheap now.

Don't spend a fortune unless you are sure you are going to continue with film. This is why I recommend the FM2 if you are a Nikon user already (which I assume you are as you were looking at F3s), as slightly careworn examples are dirt cheap now, and they're great cameras. Mint condition ones still fetch a couple of hundred though.... so get a rough one. It will still work fine.. they're bomb proof.

If you're not a Nikon user, as others have said, go with something that can take your current lenses.
 
I'd get something cheap and nice(ish) you never know if film is for you until you give it a go. I have an om10 with a 28mm 50mm and 135mm which all in cost about £60 I'd like to say I've used it loads and loved it but in reality I've used it a bit and kind of enjoyed it! I really wanted an om2 but I'm glad I held back and only got the om10 as I don't feel the urge to sell it even though I don't use it much as there is very little cash tied up in it!
 
A lot depends on what you want to get out of the experience of using film, do you want an SLR, a rangefinder, a small folder? Do you want it to be fully manual, do you want it to have a built in meter? There are so many options that will fulfil your wants and needs and at every budget from pennies at a car booty or charity shop to a mint condition boxed Nikon f6 from Greys of Westminster or a Leica from the likes of Red Dot Cameras.

The world really is your lobster.
 
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Snapsh0t said:
Adam's a Fuji user so he'll have to start from scratch whichever film camera he chooses.
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I think I read on the D750 thread he has sold his XT1 and kit, but still has the X100T?.... I suppose he will answer later, but I believe his main weapon of chioce now, is the D750. If so Nikon seems the right choice.
 
Snapsh0t said:
Adam's a Fuji user so he'll have to start from scratch whichever film camera he chooses.
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Then definitely a well used FM2. They're the bargain of the century.
 
Maybe a leap into the deep end with an older M series body and lens? Not cheap but buy wisely and you should be able to get close to the purchase price on resale. Using an RF is so different from an SLR that going the digital - SLR - RF seems to be introducing an unnecessary step, especially with film loading IIRC (or is that only older Leicas?)
 
the proper ms are probably all odd, the cl i have is normal.

slr wise a pentax spotmatic or along those lines is wonderfully tactile, cheapo option is a zenith

you can get second hand lomography cameras very cheap, and kits you make yourself too, very light and plastic.
 
Snapsh0t said:
Adam's a Fuji user so he'll have to start from scratch whichever film camera he chooses.
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I have the X100T buy my main working set up is Nikon. That said, I don't really care about compatibility of lenses..... Can't see myself slapping the 70-200 on an old film camera ;)
 
Thanks for the replies everyone.

I've had a play with a few old Nikons and think that I'll pick up an FM2/3 depending which come up for sale on the second hand scene here.

I've also had a friend loan me the Canon QL17 which seems like a small inexpensive rangefinder to practice on :)
 
I went back to B&W film about a year ago with an F3. It's a fantastic camera of its time and the basic light meter is good enough to get you close to the exposure quickly. It's a joy to use.
I thoroughly recommend it.
 
Contax 139 :)
Zeiss lenses...

I'm biased!
 
If you hope to end up with a m3 wouldn't getting a rangefinder make more sense than a slr. What about a fixed lens Japanese one.
 
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I picked up an excellent condition Olly OM1 with 50mm f1.8 for £60 earlier this year, love it :)
 
snerkler said:
I picked up an excellent condition Olly OM1 with 50mm f1.8 for £60 earlier this year, love it :)
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Another vote for Olympus here. I have an OM1, OM2, OM3 and OM4. The OM3 is my favourite I think but they are silly money now for what they are. The OM1 is just lovely though. Nothing to go wrong on it. Can work without batteries and has a mirror lock up unlike later models. Highly recommend them. The 50mm 1.8 is a nice lens too.
 
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