The shelf of broken cameras.
I have a lot of interesting gear that I acquired. I try and keep it old. Sometimes, the old gear doesn't work or stops working. I have a small collection of non-working cameras that I am trying to keep to a minimum. Right now that number is 3, not including the ones that use 127 film. Unfortunately, I'm sure this number will rise.
(Edit: this number has risen to four. I now have two non-working Ihagee Exacta cameras. Edit, again: I'm pretty sure this number has risen to five. I don't like broken cameras because I am not a collector so much as I am a user. Edit, again, again: I bought an Olympus Quikmatic EEM. It's in perfect condition. It also takes the long-defunct 126 cartridge film, so this one is on me. Edit, once more: I have a broken Pentax ME Super that's in nice condition. This does not include the ME Super that works.)
Finally, I do not go into the history or review my cameras. There are plenty of websites that do that very well. I would try kenrockwell.com or mikeeckman.com if you're looking for some general information. My descriptions below, and in the un-diary, are only about my experiences with each camera, and since I'm not an expert, these and other reviews are a lot about me failing while having fun.
Olympus XA
You hear a lot about this camera, how it's a piece of art designed by famed camera designer Yoshihisha Maitani, and how it's changed the fixed-lens camera industry. After using this camera for about a month, and seeing the pictures it produces, I believe the hype. The smallest 35mm rangefinder ever produced is amazing and so fun to shoot. This is the first aperture-priority camera that I have been able to use and enjoy. This came in the original box with the A11 and A16 flashes, and is now my everyday & travel camera.
You can see my XA Color images and my B&W images and judge for yourself.
Nikon FG
I got this camera, f/1.8, 50mm lens, and winder at a local camera store for $149. The camera is in beautiful condition and came with the original user manual. I don't think the price is any different than the ones currently on eBay, but I do appreciate that it is in super mint EX++++++ condition. Being able to test a camera before you buy it is also a plus. For some reason, this little camera (it is quite smol) was disdained by the Nikon community when it first came out. So far, I have enjoyed using it. Yes, there's some plastic on it, but it's light, easy to carry, and with the power winder, fun to use as a travel or second (third? fourth?) camera.
Minolta EL-F
This is a $35 thrift store find/birthday gift that came in the original ever-ready (aka "never-ready") case. I am waiting for some batteries, but it does have a meter that should work. (Edit: It does work!) It has that retro 1967 look that I love. I also like that it has a 38mm fixed-lens for decent wide(ish) angle shots. People seem to love this camera, and some compare it to the Canonet line of rangefinders. Waiting to run some film through it. You can see my pictures here.
Fuji Instax Square 6
I also got this at my favorite thrift store for about 1/3 of its new price. I do like the Instax film, and love how it looks when using my Crown Graphic. This camera has quite a few features for a plastic box. See my images here.
Canon Prima Super 28N
I got this point & shoot at one of my favorite thrift stores for about $30. It's nothing special, but it does have a 28-70mm zoom lens and macro capabilities. I got because it consistently sells for over $100 on eBay. It does not seem to have a lot of features, though, and I would like to find a P&S that allows you to turn off the flash. I am waiting for my pictures to come back. We'll see. For now, it's a fun little camera that I can take out if it's bad weather - not because it's weather proof - but because it's $30. Edit: Now you can see my pictures here. Again, a point and shoot.
Canonet GIII 17
Canon's best-selling rangefinder camera is light, easy, and fun to use. I hope that this rangefinder can make it on my camera travel team. It won't replace my XA as an everyday camera, but I do like how it fits nicely in a bag with other cameras. Plus, who doesn't love a f/1.7 40mm lens? See my images here.
Mamiya/sekor 500DTL
The Mamiya/Sekor 500DTL was the first 35mm camera to offer TTL spot metering. It also has a fantastic viewfinder with the famous backwards "C" and needle. The metering system is similar to the one on the F2, except to turn it off you have to press the hidden off button on the film advance arm. As a M42 screw mount camera, it feels very similar to the Praktica, although it is much quieter. The f/2 50mm lens is quite popular with camera enthusiasts, but we'll see if it holds up to the daunted Sears lens currently on my Praktica. You can see my pictures here.
Kiev 6C
The Arsenal Kiev 6C is a Soviet medium format camera that has its own unique reputation for being quirky and heavy. It would also be indestructible if it could just get out of its own way. Kiev 6Cs are known for having quality issues, but they are equally known for plodding along despite being banged, dropped, or otherwise treated poorly. According to one expert, these cameras were built in factories so as to provide cover for weapons manufacturing - a sort of Soviet implausible deniability during the Cold War. The one I have has seen better days, and was produced for local use - not one built for export (and Western cash.) I haven't had any photographs developed from it yet, but I am very excited.
The Arsenal Kiev 6C is a Soviet medium format camera that has its own unique reputation for being quirky and heavy. It would also be indestructible if it could just get out of its own way. Kiev 6Cs are known for having quality issues, but they are equally known for plodding along despite being banged, dropped, or otherwise treated poorly. According to one expert, these cameras were built in factories so as to provide cover for weapons manufacturing - a sort of Soviet implausible deniability during the Cold War. The one I have has seen better days, and was produced for local use - not one built for export (and Western cash.) I haven't had any photographs developed from it yet, but I am very excited.
Canon 110ED
This is not my favorite camera, nor is it my best camera. Those discussions involve my F2, Leicas, and my Polaroids. No, this camera is an over-engineered and fantastic piece of fun. Canon's top-of-the-line 110 camera is a rangefinder that comes with a glass f/2 lens. Yes, this 110 camera has a GLASS lens. The pictures are amazing and rival the images some of my other cameras produce. It also came with an amazing flash that works on any Canon camera. I really enjoy using this as my everyday camera because it is small enough to travel with me everyday, especially on those days where I don't feel like taking my larger cameras.
This is not my favorite camera, nor is it my best camera. Those discussions involve my F2, Leicas, and my Polaroids. No, this camera is an over-engineered and fantastic piece of fun. Canon's top-of-the-line 110 camera is a rangefinder that comes with a glass f/2 lens. Yes, this 110 camera has a GLASS lens. The pictures are amazing and rival the images some of my other cameras produce. It also came with an amazing flash that works on any Canon camera. I really enjoy using this as my everyday camera because it is small enough to travel with me everyday, especially on those days where I don't feel like taking my larger cameras.
See my images in the 110 Camera Club page. They'll be the clearest ones.
Graflex Crown Graphics
I purchased these two cameras at the end of 2023 in order to try something different. It took me a while to figure out the type of camera I wanted, and there were so many model options. After weeks of research I chose two sizes of the Crown Graphic. The 2x3 looked light and portable with the ability to easily shoot 120 film. While the 4x5 also shoots 120, I was excited to pair it up with the Lomograflok, the instant camera back from Lomography. I picked these over the Speed Graphic because I did not want to deal with the focal plane shutter, many of which don't work after 70 years. So far, these are great performers and very fun to learn how to shoot them. You can see my 4x5 color image page here, my 4x5 B&W page here, and my 2x3 B&W image page here
I purchased these two cameras at the end of 2023 in order to try something different. It took me a while to figure out the type of camera I wanted, and there were so many model options. After weeks of research I chose two sizes of the Crown Graphic. The 2x3 looked light and portable with the ability to easily shoot 120 film. While the 4x5 also shoots 120, I was excited to pair it up with the Lomograflok, the instant camera back from Lomography. I picked these over the Speed Graphic because I did not want to deal with the focal plane shutter, many of which don't work after 70 years. So far, these are great performers and very fun to learn how to shoot them. You can see my 4x5 color image page here, my 4x5 B&W page here, and my 2x3 B&W image page here
Leica IIIG
After I purchased my IIIF, I thought that was it for Leicas. I always dreamed of getting a Leica M3, but I wasn't sure if I could justify the $1,200 price tag. The IIIG had always been on my radar, and being a contemporary of the M3 (released just after), it would be an interesting camera to have. Price wise, it's in between the IIIF and the M3. The viewfinder is much larger than the IIIF and it has parallax correction, too. After I bought a CLA'd IIIG it took me a while to get used to its slightly different operation. First, the film spool was bigger, making it a tad more difficult to get used to when loading. Second, the parallax correction is very useful but extremely difficult to get used to at first. Eventually, though I settled into the camera, getting used to the fact that it's much heavier (everything on the IIIG seems bigger than the IIIF). I then decided to match up the original lenses for both my Leicas so I purchased a Summitar 50mm F/2 collapsable lens for the IIIG and an Elmar 50mm F/3.5 collapsable lens for the IIIF. Both lenses were in good shape, but with the glass being so old, the pictures have a soft aesthetic feel to them - which makes them perfect for me. See my IIIG B&W and color images.
After I purchased my IIIF, I thought that was it for Leicas. I always dreamed of getting a Leica M3, but I wasn't sure if I could justify the $1,200 price tag. The IIIG had always been on my radar, and being a contemporary of the M3 (released just after), it would be an interesting camera to have. Price wise, it's in between the IIIF and the M3. The viewfinder is much larger than the IIIF and it has parallax correction, too. After I bought a CLA'd IIIG it took me a while to get used to its slightly different operation. First, the film spool was bigger, making it a tad more difficult to get used to when loading. Second, the parallax correction is very useful but extremely difficult to get used to at first. Eventually, though I settled into the camera, getting used to the fact that it's much heavier (everything on the IIIG seems bigger than the IIIF). I then decided to match up the original lenses for both my Leicas so I purchased a Summitar 50mm F/2 collapsable lens for the IIIG and an Elmar 50mm F/3.5 collapsable lens for the IIIF. Both lenses were in good shape, but with the glass being so old, the pictures have a soft aesthetic feel to them - which makes them perfect for me. See my IIIG B&W and color images.
Leica IIIF
My Leica IIIF is a wonderful camera. According to the serial number, it dates from 1951/2. It's the classic rangefinder. I did a lot of research on Leicas before I settled on this model. It's very affordable and full of great features. Everyone that I've read seems to love the IIIF. The only disagreement I've seen is whether it is a better camera than the IIIG. I'm not sure if it's better than the IIIG, but I do like how it's a small and light camera. Today, the price of a IIIG is about twice that of a IIIF, so I have to be honest and admit that this was a budget buy. On the other hand, the IIIF was the model prior to the M3 (the numbering is complicated), so there is that direct lineage to the best camera in the world. The only downside to owning a Leica? The lenses are expensive. They literally cost more than my car is worth. You can't just put any old lens on a Leica. I know. I tried. My first lens, purchased for about $100, did not work well at all. I then decided to spend a little more and got a wonderful Canon 50mm 1.8 vintage lens. I've upgraded to two old LTM Leica lenses and I'm now happy and content. #PrimeLensLife See my IIIF B&W and color images.
My Leica IIIF is a wonderful camera. According to the serial number, it dates from 1951/2. It's the classic rangefinder. I did a lot of research on Leicas before I settled on this model. It's very affordable and full of great features. Everyone that I've read seems to love the IIIF. The only disagreement I've seen is whether it is a better camera than the IIIG. I'm not sure if it's better than the IIIG, but I do like how it's a small and light camera. Today, the price of a IIIG is about twice that of a IIIF, so I have to be honest and admit that this was a budget buy. On the other hand, the IIIF was the model prior to the M3 (the numbering is complicated), so there is that direct lineage to the best camera in the world. The only downside to owning a Leica? The lenses are expensive. They literally cost more than my car is worth. You can't just put any old lens on a Leica. I know. I tried. My first lens, purchased for about $100, did not work well at all. I then decided to spend a little more and got a wonderful Canon 50mm 1.8 vintage lens. I've upgraded to two old LTM Leica lenses and I'm now happy and content. #PrimeLensLife See my IIIF B&W and color images.
Polaroid SX-70 Family
What a find. I was coming back from Atlanta when we stopped at an antique mall just outside of Macon, Georgia. It was the end of a quick trip from Tampa. I was on the hunt for some Nikon lenses (none found) or cheap/weird cameras (some found, but none bought). Walking down the aisles, looking in each and every booth, I came across a medium sized glass display case that was filled with everything. It seemed like the entire history of cheap and gaudy things was stuffed into it. Then I noticed an odd shaped leather case. It was too thin for binoculars and too new for electronics. I had a pretty good hunch that it was an SX-70. Once the key was secured and the cabinet was opened, my guess proved to be correct. There was some surface mold on it, but the camera seemed in decent shape. After fumbling for a moment, I was able to get it open. It turned out to be a Model 3 - not the Holy Grail, but a great find for $50. I discovered that this camera was addictive, so I added two more: The original SX-70 and the SX-70 Sonar Model 2 Special Edition. They are amazing, but I'm noticing that the film is not as good as it used to be, so there is definitely some experimenting going on. Update: I converted my OG SX-70 to 600 film and it works great. I also purchased two additional SX-70 cameras, both Sonars. See my first and second image pages.
What a find. I was coming back from Atlanta when we stopped at an antique mall just outside of Macon, Georgia. It was the end of a quick trip from Tampa. I was on the hunt for some Nikon lenses (none found) or cheap/weird cameras (some found, but none bought). Walking down the aisles, looking in each and every booth, I came across a medium sized glass display case that was filled with everything. It seemed like the entire history of cheap and gaudy things was stuffed into it. Then I noticed an odd shaped leather case. It was too thin for binoculars and too new for electronics. I had a pretty good hunch that it was an SX-70. Once the key was secured and the cabinet was opened, my guess proved to be correct. There was some surface mold on it, but the camera seemed in decent shape. After fumbling for a moment, I was able to get it open. It turned out to be a Model 3 - not the Holy Grail, but a great find for $50. I discovered that this camera was addictive, so I added two more: The original SX-70 and the SX-70 Sonar Model 2 Special Edition. They are amazing, but I'm noticing that the film is not as good as it used to be, so there is definitely some experimenting going on. Update: I converted my OG SX-70 to 600 film and it works great. I also purchased two additional SX-70 cameras, both Sonars. See my first and second image pages.
Fujica GSW 690
Why this camera? You see, almost every morning I wake up and read The NY Times. Not the paper version. Nope. The digital version. And the Times talks to my Google, and my Google cannot keep a secret. I like to Google old cameras, so Google told the Times that I like old cameras, and the Times likes to place ads in the middle of stories you like to read. So there. Ads for KEH kept popping up featuring medium format cameras. So, when you think about it, it really wasn't my fault. The camera is beautiful. Big, heavy, but very comfortable to use. It reminds me of Shaq-"The Shaq Leica." I like that better than calling it the "Texas Leica." Even though I'm still testing it out and trying to get my new light meter to stay on it, my first couple of rolls are - cue the choir - majestic. Check the image gallery. It really is a forgiving camera. I shot a few shots and forgot to adjust the settings (1 or 2 stops off). It didn't matter. They came out great. Can't wait to test it out more. See my B&W and color images.
Yashica A TLR
My Yashica "A" TLR camera was the second film camera I recently acquired, but it was the first to work (more about that later). It's a classic entry-level medium format camera. I love it because it is a very simple camera to operate and built like a tank. Everything is manual, including the film advance. Well, you may be asking Aren't all your film cameras equipped with a manual film advance system? Yes, but the Yashica "A" requires you to advance the film using the film wind knob - independent of the shutter. This means it is very easy to create a double exposure image - or if you're like me - triple exposure. Everywhere I go, people wonder at this little camera. I've taken it to a few of the parks at Walt Disney World, and a lot of the cast members came up to me to see it. In my experience, people love having their picture taken by it. See my B&W and color 6x6 Yashica images.
My Yashica "A" TLR camera was the second film camera I recently acquired, but it was the first to work (more about that later). It's a classic entry-level medium format camera. I love it because it is a very simple camera to operate and built like a tank. Everything is manual, including the film advance. Well, you may be asking Aren't all your film cameras equipped with a manual film advance system? Yes, but the Yashica "A" requires you to advance the film using the film wind knob - independent of the shutter. This means it is very easy to create a double exposure image - or if you're like me - triple exposure. Everywhere I go, people wonder at this little camera. I've taken it to a few of the parks at Walt Disney World, and a lot of the cast members came up to me to see it. In my experience, people love having their picture taken by it. See my B&W and color 6x6 Yashica images.
YashicaMat
My YashicaMat was the first film camera I recently acquired. Long story short, I was offered a "one or the other camera deal" and was going back and forth between the "A" and the "Mat" for about 2 days. The YashicaMat had quite of few filters (Bay 1) and lenses that were included, so I went with it. Unfortunately, it did not focus very well. One of the two rails was hobbled. Not to be deterred, I decided to try and fix it myself. After a few YouTube videos and several hours later, I had completely wrecked it. It was gone. Kaplooey. Kaplunk. I went back and got the Yashica "A" because of this, but because I loved the "Mat" so much (and the accessories), I hunted around and bought another. I had the shutter stick once, but I bought a spanner and gently fixed it. So far, so good. I love this camera because it reminds me on an old Rolleiflex I had about 20 years ago. I possibly love this camera more because it is part of the history related to Japan's rise in photographic equipment production.
My YashicaMat was the first film camera I recently acquired. Long story short, I was offered a "one or the other camera deal" and was going back and forth between the "A" and the "Mat" for about 2 days. The YashicaMat had quite of few filters (Bay 1) and lenses that were included, so I went with it. Unfortunately, it did not focus very well. One of the two rails was hobbled. Not to be deterred, I decided to try and fix it myself. After a few YouTube videos and several hours later, I had completely wrecked it. It was gone. Kaplooey. Kaplunk. I went back and got the Yashica "A" because of this, but because I loved the "Mat" so much (and the accessories), I hunted around and bought another. I had the shutter stick once, but I bought a spanner and gently fixed it. So far, so good. I love this camera because it reminds me on an old Rolleiflex I had about 20 years ago. I possibly love this camera more because it is part of the history related to Japan's rise in photographic equipment production.
UPDATE: Not quite on TSoBCs, but the shutter still sticks.
Yashica D
The Yashica D is considered the top-of-the-line Yashica TLR knob-wind camera. This sentence has a lot of qualifiers. Basically, the YashicaMat was Yashica's best TLR, but it has a crank. If you take away the crank, you have the Yashica D. Sort of. I bought this Yashica after failing with two different YashicaMats. (If you read about my experience with the sticky shutter on the Mat, you can just feel the sadness. I can no longer trust it, so it sits in a box.) Anyway, the D is shooting great so far, and since it's a bayonet I camera, it takes all my accessories that I had for the Mat.
Ihagee Dresden Exakta VX IIa
I got an Ihagee Exacta the same day I got the Yashica "A" camera. The Exacta didn't work. It's now on the Shelf of Broken Cameras. A few days later I was at an old camera store and I saw and Ihagee Exa with a really cool 135mm lens. I got both for $35. Neither purchase worked, but I still loved the cameras. They're very unique - like if a TLR and SLR had a baby, it would be an Ihagee. Plus it was a cool camera and the one used by Jimmy Stewart in "Rear Window" (Go check!). Undeterred, I bought another Exa online. That doesn't seem to work. It's now living on the S.o.B.C.s. There are now three Ihagees there. So what did I do? I got another Exakta - this time a VX IIa made in "Germany U.S.S.R. Occupied." For those who don't know, the USSR was a former communist country that produced years and years of media antagonists for the West, from Karla to Boris and Natasha. This 1950s model is supposed to be the ones produced during Ihagee's heyday. We'll see if it works. ALERT! ALERT! After taking this camera around the neighborhood, and later to, EPCOT, I think it suffers from light leakage. I'm testing the lens on an Exa to see if it's the body or the lens.
I got an Ihagee Exacta the same day I got the Yashica "A" camera. The Exacta didn't work. It's now on the Shelf of Broken Cameras. A few days later I was at an old camera store and I saw and Ihagee Exa with a really cool 135mm lens. I got both for $35. Neither purchase worked, but I still loved the cameras. They're very unique - like if a TLR and SLR had a baby, it would be an Ihagee. Plus it was a cool camera and the one used by Jimmy Stewart in "Rear Window" (Go check!). Undeterred, I bought another Exa online. That doesn't seem to work. It's now living on the S.o.B.C.s. There are now three Ihagees there. So what did I do? I got another Exakta - this time a VX IIa made in "Germany U.S.S.R. Occupied." For those who don't know, the USSR was a former communist country that produced years and years of media antagonists for the West, from Karla to Boris and Natasha. This 1950s model is supposed to be the ones produced during Ihagee's heyday. We'll see if it works. ALERT! ALERT! After taking this camera around the neighborhood, and later to, EPCOT, I think it suffers from light leakage. I'm testing the lens on an Exa to see if it's the body or the lens.
UPDATE: Now on the shelf of broken cameras.
Ihagee Dresden Exakta
The Ihagee Exa now in rotation is my second Exa. The first one suffered from a "droopy" shutter (to use the technical term. I'm not sure if this one works since I opened the camera back, exposing the roll of film I had in there. I think it works since I bought it from one of my go-to online camera stores. It shares a lense with the Ihagee Dresden Exakta VX IIa described above. In fact, for all of the Ihagees, there is only one working lens. I'm hoping this camera works since it is so interesting and part of a pretty interesting system of lenses, viewfinders, and accessories.
The Ihagee Exa now in rotation is my second Exa. The first one suffered from a "droopy" shutter (to use the technical term. I'm not sure if this one works since I opened the camera back, exposing the roll of film I had in there. I think it works since I bought it from one of my go-to online camera stores. It shares a lense with the Ihagee Dresden Exakta VX IIa described above. In fact, for all of the Ihagees, there is only one working lens. I'm hoping this camera works since it is so interesting and part of a pretty interesting system of lenses, viewfinders, and accessories.
UPDATE: Now on the shelf of broken cameras.
Nikon F4S
This camera is heavy. Super heavy. It's the first thing you notice when you pick it up. It's also magnificent. This was Nikon's last SLR that didn't bury everything in menus. Every function and every setting is adjusted by a knob or a switch. At first you might think this is a bad thing. It's not. It's a breath of fresh air. I wanted this camera because it was Nikon's flagship camera for years, and it was the first professional camera with autofocus and built-in motor drive. It's the motor drive (and the 6 AA batteries) that provide its heft. I've seen others use the optional handgrip that removes the motor drive, but one has to wonder: "Why do that to such a beautiful piece of machinery?" See my B&W and color images.
This camera is heavy. Super heavy. It's the first thing you notice when you pick it up. It's also magnificent. This was Nikon's last SLR that didn't bury everything in menus. Every function and every setting is adjusted by a knob or a switch. At first you might think this is a bad thing. It's not. It's a breath of fresh air. I wanted this camera because it was Nikon's flagship camera for years, and it was the first professional camera with autofocus and built-in motor drive. It's the motor drive (and the 6 AA batteries) that provide its heft. I've seen others use the optional handgrip that removes the motor drive, but one has to wonder: "Why do that to such a beautiful piece of machinery?" See my B&W and color images.
Nikonos II
The Nikonos II is part of Nikon's completely underwater camera system where nearly all of the lenses are interchangeable. The last iteration, the Nikonos V (the body changed after with the Nikonos RS) uses the same lenses as the Nikonos I. It has a viewfinder and a lens that you measure according to your estimation of range (meters or feet), also called scale focusing, that is practical yet challenging. It's heavy and sturdy and I love taking pictures underwater with it. I also love taking land-lubber pictures, too, because it has classic Nikon glass. See my B&W and color images.
The Nikonos II is part of Nikon's completely underwater camera system where nearly all of the lenses are interchangeable. The last iteration, the Nikonos V (the body changed after with the Nikonos RS) uses the same lenses as the Nikonos I. It has a viewfinder and a lens that you measure according to your estimation of range (meters or feet), also called scale focusing, that is practical yet challenging. It's heavy and sturdy and I love taking pictures underwater with it. I also love taking land-lubber pictures, too, because it has classic Nikon glass. See my B&W and color images.
Nikonos IV-A
The Nikonos IV-A is the automatic -assisted (the LED lets you know "eh, okay to take a picture.") version of the previous I, II, and III models, and definitely feels more like a standard camera than its predecessors. Even though it's been totally redesigned, Nikon decided to keep the same lens mount - an interesting decision to utilize the vast inventory of Nikonos lenses. I love the lenses because they are pure Nikon glass. I love the camera because, in a weird way, it feels so basic. See my images here.
Pentax ME Super
This camera started out as part of a donation that was for my library. Actually, this model came to me broken as part of a donation to my library where I work. After feeling how small and comfortable (albeit broken) the ME Super was, I decided to look on eBay to see if any were available. I was surprised at how cheap they still were, despite being a 1) film camera, 2) Pentax, and, 3) camera that was automatic and manual. I haven't run any film through it yet, but I was able to get it moderately clean. Included in the sale was a 28mm lens, the standard 50mm f/2 lens, and a power winder that doesn't work. I'm not worried about the winder because I got an off-brand winder for $9 at the local camera store. Edit alert: See my B&W images here.
This camera started out as part of a donation that was for my library. Actually, this model came to me broken as part of a donation to my library where I work. After feeling how small and comfortable (albeit broken) the ME Super was, I decided to look on eBay to see if any were available. I was surprised at how cheap they still were, despite being a 1) film camera, 2) Pentax, and, 3) camera that was automatic and manual. I haven't run any film through it yet, but I was able to get it moderately clean. Included in the sale was a 28mm lens, the standard 50mm f/2 lens, and a power winder that doesn't work. I'm not worried about the winder because I got an off-brand winder for $9 at the local camera store. Edit alert: See my B&W images here.
Praktica MtL3
The Praktica MTL3 is often described as a tank - and rightly so. The "Kerchunk" of the shutter and general heft of this camera makes it one of the most enjoyable pieces of East German equipment ever produced (over 8000,000 I think). I once scared a family of rabbits while taking a picture. It's that loud. It can also double as a lethal weapon. It's that heavy. There's not much to it and that is what makes this one of my favorites. The 42mm screw mount means that you don't have to invest much for a lens. The lens on it right now? A decent 28mm Sears piece of glass. I also have a K-Mart lens just in case. (Edit: I got more lenses for about $13 each. One is a 55mm with a speed of f/1.7. That's pretty fast for 13 bucks.) See my B&W and color images.
The Praktica MTL3 is often described as a tank - and rightly so. The "Kerchunk" of the shutter and general heft of this camera makes it one of the most enjoyable pieces of East German equipment ever produced (over 8000,000 I think). I once scared a family of rabbits while taking a picture. It's that loud. It can also double as a lethal weapon. It's that heavy. There's not much to it and that is what makes this one of my favorites. The 42mm screw mount means that you don't have to invest much for a lens. The lens on it right now? A decent 28mm Sears piece of glass. I also have a K-Mart lens just in case. (Edit: I got more lenses for about $13 each. One is a 55mm with a speed of f/1.7. That's pretty fast for 13 bucks.) See my B&W and color images.
Nikon F2 Photomic
There's nothing like a good atomic power reference in a camera name. I got this camera at a thrift store on a Wednesday. I mention the day because nothing really happens in the middle of the week. This day, however, was different because I found (for cheap) what some call the greatest SLR in history. It's completely mechanical, which means that it does not need batteries to take a picture. It does have two batteries, but that's only for the light meter. It was Nikon's flagship camera in the day, and the last professional mechanized beast the company produced. According to the serial number, it was produced in either November or December of 1972. Pretty specific. To me, it seems so odd, but back then, the ability to switch out almost everything (including the prism and mirror) was a real bonus for the professional. I was so surprised when I found it. It was spotless and the batteries were removed, which to me meant that it was cared for by a person who knew about cameras. This is now my main kit and I have purchased some pretty amazing lenses for it. See my B&W and color images. Edit alert: I now have two of these. I'm prepping for the camerapocalypse.
There's nothing like a good atomic power reference in a camera name. I got this camera at a thrift store on a Wednesday. I mention the day because nothing really happens in the middle of the week. This day, however, was different because I found (for cheap) what some call the greatest SLR in history. It's completely mechanical, which means that it does not need batteries to take a picture. It does have two batteries, but that's only for the light meter. It was Nikon's flagship camera in the day, and the last professional mechanized beast the company produced. According to the serial number, it was produced in either November or December of 1972. Pretty specific. To me, it seems so odd, but back then, the ability to switch out almost everything (including the prism and mirror) was a real bonus for the professional. I was so surprised when I found it. It was spotless and the batteries were removed, which to me meant that it was cared for by a person who knew about cameras. This is now my main kit and I have purchased some pretty amazing lenses for it. See my B&W and color images. Edit alert: I now have two of these. I'm prepping for the camerapocalypse.
Nikon f with original(ish) Finder
I got this camera one day at my local camera store. I was purchasing my Nikon FG and saw the outline of an early F series wrapped in bubblewrap. I asked the clerk if I could see what was in the bag. There were two other Nikon bodies that I didn't pay attention to at the time (but now I think I should have since maybe one might have been an FM3a. No, it wasn't. I am going to keep telling myself that.). I was looking for a second body to go with my F2 and all its non-AI glass. It's a wonderful camera and also more different than I expected from my F2. It took me a while to get used to metering with this thing, but I think after my first roll of film, I might get some good shots. See my color images here. My B&W ones are here.
I got this camera one day at my local camera store. I was purchasing my Nikon FG and saw the outline of an early F series wrapped in bubblewrap. I asked the clerk if I could see what was in the bag. There were two other Nikon bodies that I didn't pay attention to at the time (but now I think I should have since maybe one might have been an FM3a. No, it wasn't. I am going to keep telling myself that.). I was looking for a second body to go with my F2 and all its non-AI glass. It's a wonderful camera and also more different than I expected from my F2. It took me a while to get used to metering with this thing, but I think after my first roll of film, I might get some good shots. See my color images here. My B&W ones are here.
Nikon FM3a
Okay, I do remember saying that I thought the FM3a was a great camera, but definitely not worth the price. That's probably true, but it really does depend on the price. I have the FG, an auto-aperture priority camera that also has full program mode. It tops out at 1/1000th. I have the FA "Technocamera," an amazing piece of machinery with full PSAM, 1/4000th top speed, and both evaluative and matrix metering. Price for each was reasonable, and they seem to have all the features. Then what about the legendary FM3a? Many still consider the F2 the best mechanical SLR camera. Ever. So does buying the FM3a make sense? I've looked for this camera for years. I got excited about it, ignored it, purchased it, and returned it. I couldn't make up my mind. Then I got a very cheap one. Its reduced price was due to a missing shutter speed indication dial and a bad translation of a bad description. Overall, I would say the condition is pretty much perfect. Testing soon, so let's see how it performs.
Mamiya 645 1000s
I wanted to change things up a bit and try doing more medium format. My two Yashicas are great, but sometimes I feel a bit limited. Actually, the Yashica "A" is great. I just needed a change. So I did some research and found that there are quite a few types of medium-format cameras besides the classic TLR - and many of them are a tad expensive. There were some cheap ones out there, but with the cost of film, I didn't want to be wasting too much money if the images didn't come out right. So I settled on an M645 1000s. It's heavy enough to be solid, but not too heavy to be overly cumbersome. It came with two lenses and the AE prism (which I don't know how to work). It's pretty much in manual mode and I meter with my handheld Gossen. The images are amazing and this camera is rising up the ranks quickly!
I wanted to change things up a bit and try doing more medium format. My two Yashicas are great, but sometimes I feel a bit limited. Actually, the Yashica "A" is great. I just needed a change. So I did some research and found that there are quite a few types of medium-format cameras besides the classic TLR - and many of them are a tad expensive. There were some cheap ones out there, but with the cost of film, I didn't want to be wasting too much money if the images didn't come out right. So I settled on an M645 1000s. It's heavy enough to be solid, but not too heavy to be overly cumbersome. It came with two lenses and the AE prism (which I don't know how to work). It's pretty much in manual mode and I meter with my handheld Gossen. The images are amazing and this camera is rising up the ranks quickly!
UPDATE: I gave this camera away. I loved it, but I felt it was a tad too heavy for my style. You can still see the pictures from this camera by navigating in the images tab.
Kodak Tele-Ektralite 600
Yes, I bought a 110 camera. Actually, this is my second one, because the first one I bought, a Kodak Instamatic 50, takes a weird battery that is no longer produced. Don't get me wrong, the Instamatic is beautiful for a 110 camera, but I had already bought the 110 film and I didn't want to wait around. This one cost about $8.00 and might be my cheapest camera in my collection. We'll see. I think that 110s have a certain aesthetic like polaroids. Growing up I had two of them. I have more 110s in the mail.
Russian 1000mm F/4 lens
I don't know the make of this lens because it is in Russian. Doesn't matter because it fits well with it's comrade camera. I'm not sure I need a 1000mm lens, but when I saw it at the camera shop (and that it was a M42 screw mount) I decided I wanted it. I hope it was a once-in-a-lifetime-opportunity because I really don't need two of these things.
I don't know the make of this lens because it is in Russian. Doesn't matter because it fits well with it's comrade camera. I'm not sure I need a 1000mm lens, but when I saw it at the camera shop (and that it was a M42 screw mount) I decided I wanted it. I hope it was a once-in-a-lifetime-opportunity because I really don't need two of these things.
Voigtlander VC-Meter II
My main goal during this project has been to use as much old tech and gear as possible. I do use my two hand meters quite often. I have found, however, that the constant back-and-forth-from-my-pocket with the meter is a little annoying when I am traveling since I often need my pockets for something else. So, to remedy this, I broke down and bought a Voigtlander VC-Meter II. It's designed for vintage cameras like my Leica IIf. Initial review: it works like a charm. I love it's ease and simplicity of use. Additionally, I find it useful that the readings are not just limited to those one the dial but can include those in between (I think they call this variable) since the Leica shutter speed selections are different than ones generally shown on a meter.
My main goal during this project has been to use as much old tech and gear as possible. I do use my two hand meters quite often. I have found, however, that the constant back-and-forth-from-my-pocket with the meter is a little annoying when I am traveling since I often need my pockets for something else. So, to remedy this, I broke down and bought a Voigtlander VC-Meter II. It's designed for vintage cameras like my Leica IIf. Initial review: it works like a charm. I love it's ease and simplicity of use. Additionally, I find it useful that the readings are not just limited to those one the dial but can include those in between (I think they call this variable) since the Leica shutter speed selections are different than ones generally shown on a meter.
Gossen N100 light meter
This has been my go-to meter and it has not failed me yet. I got it for free. I think it would have cost about $100 new back in the 70s, which, according to my calculation, is the equivalent to three Mercury Monarchs using inflation-adjusted 1970s vehicles. But seriously, it was pretty expensive. For me, I like the option of "under", "over" or, "just right."
This has been my go-to meter and it has not failed me yet. I got it for free. I think it would have cost about $100 new back in the 70s, which, according to my calculation, is the equivalent to three Mercury Monarchs using inflation-adjusted 1970s vehicles. But seriously, it was pretty expensive. For me, I like the option of "under", "over" or, "just right."