Whats the ultimate cheap 35mm crap camera ?

[BADGER.BRAD]

I'm disillusioned with Digital having spent some time with it and am now looking for something Holga(isk) in 35mm that I can hack ?

 

[auntiemaryscanary]

Won't get much cheaper than this, has (some) film too.

Pardon our interruption...

Edit: Don't know why link states that! Goes through to that large auction site.

 

[Oldbones]

I got a SLR. I got a Nikon FG20) for about £60 and I bought a 50mm prime for about £60 in total £120.
Film £10. processing £16. satisfaction 100%.

Shadows


Searching



Shadows and Rocks.


The camera and lens.

 

[zx9]

Depends what you want, I have a love hate relationship with a Halina Panoramic 13X36 frames, 3 to 5M fixed focus, fixed speed and aperture and a curved film plane.

Pics. here https://www.flickr.com/search/?user_id=13663615@N08&sort=date-taken-desc&text=halina&view_all=1

Not recommended for every day but a fun challenge and as basic as they come.

 

[Oldbones]

Or you could get a Holga and put £5.50 film in it

 

[srichards]

How crap is crap?!

I got a minolta tele compact for £30 that is the best money I've spent on a second hand camera ever. It's not really holga in the slightest but it is really easy to use and produces decent photos. It's a twin lens one so it has more flexibility. Flash is automatic and there's nothing you can fiddle with.

Minolta AF Tele Super Ilford Phoenix 2 by Suzy Richards, on Flickr

Minolta AF Tele Super Portra 160 by Suzy Richards, on Flickr

Or could even get one you have to build yourself for £30...

Lomography Konstruktor F - 35mm Film Camera

Buy Lomography Konstruktor F - 35mm Film Camera from Analogue Wonderland and get fast tracked shipping to your door! The Lomography Konstruktor F is an exciting and educational 35mm film camera for both understanding the mechanics of SLR cameras, and then taking brilliant photos! You will...

analoguewonderland.co.uk

 

[Sangoma]

My favourite is a Voigtlander Vito B (Vito BR really, but they are rare and expensive). Compact (but heavy) and will last another 70 years.
If the shutter speeds are OK (check the low speeds) they are fine, if not they need stripping, cleaning and lubricating.

 

[Barney]

In the 35mm film world cheap does not have to mean crap.
Superbly built high quality cameras are available for surprisingly little outlay. A lot depends on what you are prepared to sacrifice when compared to what you are used to.
If you are prepared to learn to meter and manual focus then the world is your oyster.
On the other hand I have seen a couple of Minoltas with electric everything, full set of lenses 28mm, 50 mm and zooms to 2-300mm go for £25 this week, camera bag included and sometimes a bit of old film.

 

[bumper]

Just get a cheap slr, a daylight developing tank and some chemicals/mono bath and have a go at that. You’ve already got digital kit to start home scanning.

 

[PeterSpencer]

I've had good use out of my Canon T50 and it's zoom kit lens and, more recently, with a Nikon F55 and kit lens (although I splashed out on a Nikon 50mm AF just before Christmas). The T50, which is manual focus, and lens cost £20, including postage if I remember rightly. My uncle left me an F50 with the zoom lens lens which piqued my interest in Nikon AF cameras and I found a pair of F55's for sale on eBay for £7.50, that is not a typo. Both are in perfect working order and I find them easier to use than the F50. The big advantage of the Nikons is that they are autofocus and you can set them so they work as point and shoot cameras if you wish. With the 50mm lens you can shoot superb quality pictures.

 

[Cluster]

I have developed (no pun intended!) a liking for film cameras which give a pretty distinctive image, along the lines of Holga/LOMO.
Some of the Holga/Diana cameras (and many other older cams) can give images which are a little too affected for my liking, and I don't enjoy the effects of light leaks.
I guess that, for this type of image, I like the soft and maybe distorted outer parts of the image, whilst having a sharp-enough centre.

Many of the super cheap plastic, fixed focus, fixed speed P&S cameras can give this sort of image and are easy to use (pick the right light), whilst some are remarkably good for what they are. One path that I followed used the cheaper brands of cameras, Praktica, Halina, Miranda etc (some auto everything). Some of these can be almost dreadful, with just the kind of distortions and out of focus areas that I looked for, but maybe overly so and often unpredictable (and probably faulty).

Another path is the use of older, simple cameras made for 120 film and modified (hacked) to use 35mm film. Some of these give odd images and are fairly easy to modify.
Here's one from an old Coronet Commander 2, modified for 135 film. Plenty of scope for further hacks.






Now, I am using AGFA ISO-RAPID cameras from the 60s. Super simple, but requiring a bit of fiddling to get the 35mm film into the Rapid cassettes. Also may only suit home development (which is pretty easy once set up for B&W).

AGFA ISO-RAPID C Showing nice pincushion distortion and soft edges.

 

[Cluster]

Here's a short thread I posted about some of the better crap cameras I have tried.

https://www.talkphotography.co.uk/threads/cheap-and-funky-cameras.767874/

 

[Cluster]

Some 127 cameras appeal to me for their stylish looks. Most seem to be pretty simple cameras, some with focusing ability and some with a small degree of exposure control.
I bought a few. They can make interesting additions to a collection, but most seem to be style before function. Many have a shutter speed that is too slow (1/30) for practical use. A few might have a fast shutter as an option and these appeal to me as suitable candidates for conversion to 35mm.
Some have space to take a 35mm cassette in place of the spool, however, most are too tight. I am/was/will be working on a simple smaller cassette to use for these. Sadly, the majority of these cams perform too poorly for my use.

 

[Cluster]

Back to your question. Cheapest crap camera.

I'd recommend a job lot of plastic P&S cameras. My last batch cost £5 for six cameras, a couple of which are very good and are keepers for fun photography.
I will confess that there's a bit of me that loves to be seen using my bright red plastic P&S cams.

 

[realspeed]

My favourite is a Voigtlander Vito B (Vito BR really, but they are rare and expensive). Compact (but heavy) and will last another 70 years.
If the shutter speeds are OK (check the low speeds) they are fine, if not they need stripping, cleaning and lubricating.

I have a Voigtlander Vito CL give to me as a 21st bithday pressie. Still as new and hardly used. It is still in its original box and leather case. Even the clockwork timee works

 

[Barney]

Nikon F60 sold on the bay today for £1.16 + £3.28 PP

price of a brew

 

[The Oldun]

If you are looking on ebay, set yourself a maximum budget and then be patient. Decide which cameras you like within your budget, read the descriptions carefully (be wary of ads with no description), check the photos at the maximum size looking for any suspicious marks on the lens glass and corrosion around the battery door. If you bid and someone bids past your maximum budget, look elsewhere. Sooner or later you will get something in decent working condition without spending too much. Bargains can be had with autofocus SLRs from the main manufacturers and also zoom compacts. Happy hunting.

 

[Kevin Allan]

read the descriptions carefully (be wary of ads with no description),

Also be wary of ads that have a description which seems to be AI-generated and which suggest that using this camera will turn you into a photographic superstar.

 

[excalibur2]

Cheap non pro (non crap) camera? then Canon T70.....better than a Canon AE1, if eventually it becomes faulty it's so cheap then throw it away and buy another one. I've had two for 12 years and it's one of my favourite cameras compared to my other 25 SLR's (35mm). If you want a cheaper AF camera then I like the Canon EOS 300 V but you would have to hunt for a bargain (with lens) as prices vary on the bay.

 

[The Oldun]

Also be wary of ads that have a description which seems to be AI-generated and which suggest that using this camera will turn you into a photographic superstar.

Oh! Sh*t!

 

[Clive K]

Also be wary of ads that have a description which seems to be AI-generated and which suggest that using this camera will turn you into a photographic superstar.

There is another variant; those who find an old camera in their father's attic, know nothing about it and so copy someone else's description. When buying old cameras online or on a freeads site it pays to ask some pertinent questions before bidding or buying.

 

[bumper]

‘Sold as is’ or ‘not tested’ are my favourites.

 

[Barney]

‘Sold as is’ or ‘not tested’ are my favourites.

especially when seller has 300 other cameras for sale, ha ha ha.
I can understand that from a seller who also has pots, plates and other trinkets from an estate in their "other items" box, and possible do not know how it works. spares or repair shutter locked is usually a giveaway-no batteries.

 

[bumper]

especially when seller has 300 other cameras for sale, ha ha ha.

And asking top mint price too and still covered in years of crud!

I’d rather people just be truthful and say that it was found in the loft or handed down and don’t know if it works, and price accordingly. Then it’s the buyers risk.

Some ‘as new’ and ‘mint’ cameras I’ve bought have broken or don’t work so I’m not trusting ‘not tested’ lol!

 

[Barney]

And asking top mint price too and still covered in years of crud!

I’d rather people just be truthful and say that it was found in the loft or handed down and don’t know if it works, and price accordingly. Then it’s the buyers risk.

Some ‘as new’ and ‘mint’ cameras I’ve bought have broken or don’t work so I’m not trusting ‘not tested’ lol!

That reminds me never to buy Polo's in Japan, they would not know a mint if it was Trebor extra strong.

 

[Barney]

Another good one.....



Top mint or EXC++++++

The above is my opinion please check photo's for condition....




euph,,,,,Its knackered!

 

[Clive K]

And asking top mint price too and still covered in years of crud!

I’d rather people just be truthful and say that it was found in the loft or handed down and don’t know if it works, and price accordingly. Then it’s the buyers risk.

Some ‘as new’ and ‘mint’ cameras I’ve bought have broken or don’t work so I’m not trusting ‘not tested’ lol!

I have had some bargains from sellers who did not know what they were selling. If the seller is willing to do a few simple tests and appears to be honest sometimes a deal can be struck. Especially if they agree to accept a return.

I recently bought a 30+ year old Contax 167MT & Zeiss 60mm Makro lens that were boxed / unused and a Zeiss Contarex with 50mm Planar from sellers who had no idea of the items. I received both parcels, tested the cameras, examined the lenses and only then authorised the transfer of funds to the sellers. If they hadn't been as described I could return them at the seller's expense and have my payment reimbursed. Both outfits were bought for the value of the lenses. The cameras were effectively free.

However, another Contarex seller who insisted that he had tested the camera thoroughly and had taken photographs with it didn't know that the thing attached fo the front of the camera wasn't a lens, but a microscope adapter. So you have to be careful.

 

[excalibur2]

Newbies forget a camera is for taking pictures not looks (and ignore say a Canon T70) and buy something like a Canon AE1 etc which puts the price up, but don't forget there are some VG cameras made by Chinon and Ricoh which are much cheaper....e.g. my Chinon CP-7M (takes Pentax lenses) and IMO although heavier is superior to the Pentax ME super (which I also have) in what it can do.

https://www.cameramanuals.org/chinon_specs/chinon_cp-7m_specs.pdf

 

[Clive K]

Has anyone looked at the Zeiss Icarex? They are dirt cheap, generally reliable and come in various options. The two main differences are that you can get a TM model that has a handy universal 42mm screw mount or a BM that only takes glass designed for the Icarex. The latter lenses are super quality and I have seen a camera with the trio of 35mm / 50mm / 135 mm optics for less than £100.

The Icarex was designed by Voigtlander before Zeiss took them over and the optics of the bayonet mount model are Voigtlander's.

 

[tevrin377]

I love how this thread turned into "cheap" meaning anything from £1 to £120

 

[Oldbones]

Bought a Nikon D70s for £35

 

[excalibur2]

I love how this thread turned into "cheap" meaning anything from £1 to £120

LOL I suppose some guys here are rich and think £120 is cheap, but with film photography (for joe public use)...... you couldn't see the difference in the result from a camera for £10 (no faults) to £120+.....using the same lens, film, dev and correct exposure.

 

[zx9]

Newbies forget a camera is for taking pictures not looks (and ignore say a Canon T70) and buy something like a Canon AE1 etc which puts the price up, but don't forget there are some VG cameras made by Chinon and Ricoh which are much cheaper....e.g. my Chinon CP-7M (takes Pentax lenses) and IMO although heavier is superior to the Pentax ME super (which I also have) in what it can do.

https://www.cameramanuals.org/chinon_specs/chinon_cp-7m_specs.pdf

Indeed, there were some very good cameras made by Cosina, even ones with other more well known brand names.

 

[BADGER.BRAD]

Or you could get a Holga and put £5.50 film in it

I already have a Holga ) at least a 120 Holga) but didthink of a 135 !

I have developed (no pun intended!) a liking for film cameras which give a pretty distinctive image,

That's the sort of thing I'm after, something where you choose the shot to suit the camera as well as bodging/modifying to make it a little more flexible. I love a challenge !

I will confess that there's a bit of me that loves to be seen using my bright red plastic P&S cams.

I love the multi coloured Holga as it looks like it has been made out of bits, sort of two fingers to the 5 billion mega pixel £50000 camera types !

Has anyone looked at the Zeiss Icarex?

Looks very interesting ! I have plenty of M42 Lenses !

 

[Oldbones]

Been looking at this sort of thing. Soviet Zenit-B 35mm Film SLR Cameras, some very affordable examples on E bay

 

[Barney]

Been looking at this sort of thing. Soviet Zenit-B 35mm Film SLR Cameras, some very affordable examples on E bay

Some of the helios lenses are very nice, the swirling bokeh would right up Brads street.

 

[The Oldun]

....there are some VG cameras made by Chinon and Ricoh which are much cheaper....e.g. my Chinon CP-7M (takes Pentax lenses) and IMO although heavier is superior to the Pentax ME super (which I also have) in what it can do.

I have got a Chinon CE-4 and a Ricoh KR-10. Both are very capable and give a satisfying shooting experience, plus both are K-Mount so there is a massive choice of lenses out there. I have featured both cameras in videos on my channel.

 

[excalibur2]

Been looking at this sort of thing. Soviet Zenit-B 35mm Film SLR Cameras, some very affordable examples on E bay

Don't forget if you have a later Canon, Minolta, Pentax (not Nikon or Olympus) you can get a m42 adapter for screw lenses, but you don't get auto and can only use screw lenses that can be stopped down manually...the advantage is:- you get advanced metering from a modern camera, but you have to decide/compare the price of an adapter to buying a m42 camera.

 

[BADGER.BRAD]

Some of the helios lenses are very nice, the swirling bokeh would right up Brads street.

I do have a Helios 44 lens from one of my dads cameras, I'm not sure why but he had a fascination for anything Russian he/we all had Russian cameras but he had clocks, watches and radio equipment. I think I may well go down the Russian route !

 

[Clive K]

I do have a Helios 44 lens from one of my dads cameras, I'm not sure why but he had a fascination for anything Russian he/we all had Russian cameras but he had clocks, watches and radio equipment. I think I may well go down the Russian route !

I had a friend the same. A lot of what we termed 'Russian' originated in Germany. At the end of WW2 all of east Germany fell into Russian hands including parts of camera manufacturers and other presision industries. Zeiss were cut in two and the eastern factories were either dismantled and shipped to Russia along with many of the workers or continued in East Germany. As such there were some cameras and optical equipment being produced behind the Iron Curtain that were good quality. There were also absolute crap equipment too. As a general rule of thumb if you can see evidence of the original German product in the Russian equivalent then it was more likely to be better than the equipment created from scratch by the Russians. Also, each 'upgrade' or 'improvement' generally made the product worse.

I would advise to steer clear of Praktica, Zenith and and any Contax SLR with a 42mm lens mount such as the S, D & F. If you go for a Leica or Contax rangefinder clone try and find an early one, not the later models. But the lenses made in Russia and East Germany generally are good value.