My Four BEST VALUE Manual Film Cameras - UPDATED!

[@vorman3456]

Zorki in translation from Russian means something like "Sharp-sighted", and as for letter K in 4K - it stands for Russian word "Курок" which means that this camera has a film advance lever instead of knob ("Курковый взвод затвора").

[@zenography7923]

Thanks for the info!

[@ovash1]

Great video. A couple of years ago I bought an old Nikkormat SLR. I didn't use it, but my 17 year old son went crazy with it. Now he's shooting 35mm film and loving the old school simplicity of the Nikkormat while learning the complexities of photography without modern digital wizardry, or a werking light meter. And now, because I've been watching this channel, I have discovered old Soviet film cameras. I have a Zorki 4 , and a Zorki S, coming from Ukraine, and I very much want a FED1. Now I can only hope the 35mm film industry will survive. Vintage cameras are great to look at on a shelf, but they are infinitely more fun to use. Thank you very much for the videos, God bless.

[@anthonygainsford1893]

You saved the best until last again! (My opinion, my type of creative eye)The beautiful Pancolar. Thank you for the insights on all of the other beauties too. You present the ascetic without losing why this exists because of aberrations that we might call artistic expression. If that isn’t enough to make Creative photographers take note. Well done, as ever, thank you.

[@pentlx]

Actually, Praktica originated the M42 mount along with Contax, in 1949. It was called the Praktica screw mount, until some time after Pentax adopted it, then it was commonly called the Pentax/Praktica screw mount. The popularity of Pentax eventually caused it to be known as the Pentax screw mount.

[@zenography7923]

Thanks for the correction!

[@hansrudolfschelling7987]

Pentax didn't invent the M42 mount; Pentax (originally Asahi) didn't even invent the name "Pentax"! The name was bought from the East German photo industry that invented the Pentaprism Contax. Pentax was a possible alternative name for Pentacon (PENTAprism CONtax vs. PENTAprism contaX) that was then not used by them, so they sold it … 🙂

[@rogeramdahl4992]

I love my Zorki 4K. Purchased after watching a previous video of yours.

[@zenography7923]

The 4K is very hard to beat - simple, reliable, good-looking, cheap - with some fantastic lenses too! Glad you're enjoying yours.

[@alanmoulsdale6172]

I look forward to Sunday mornings, Zenography & a nice cuppa! Thanks for posting.

[@zenography7923]

And thanks for watching, glad you enjoyed it!

[@marcelfrehse]

great channel! (i subscribed) i am in love with the old Russian model, as a kid born in the GDR 1979, and use my beloved Zenit-E camera from 1979 with different lens, such as the Helios 44-2 and Mir1B wide angle and the Granit-11M 4.5 80-200mm zoom lens and a Jupiter-37A 3.5/135mm. Now i am looking for a good middle range zoom lens, between 50 and 150 mm. Can you suggest me some, that would be very kind! thank you

[@sakeboersma]

I fell in love with Olympus OM when I started photography… and I still am! Beautiful build and amazing quality… From the OM 1, the 2, the 10… the Zuiko lenses!! And then we didn’t talk about the Pen and Trip…. 😊

[@zenography7923]

I'm a big fan of Olympus gear - as my back catalogue will attest!

[@dhavalvyadav]

I always smile when I see you at that age, being so passionate about these videos. Keep up the work :P

[@zenography7923]

Thanks for watching, glad it made you smile!

[@OscarGomez-oo7im]

As a amateur photographer first and a professional photographer later I found several soviet cameras in my country. First the Zenit M-3, a s.l.r. equipment that had m39 mount lenses. It was impossible to find another lens except the 50 mm that came with the camera. Later at the late 60's I found the first Fed, just a copy of the first Leicas. During 75' - 76' time I meet the Zorki 4 and the Zorki 4k. At the same time the Kiev 4 And the Kiev 4 a III just two perfect copies of the Contax II and Contax III A from 1939. In the market I found the Zenit B and the Zenit EM probably the worst of the pack of Soviet cameras because the standard lens, Helius 44-2 was a soft 58 mm, more ready to be a portrait lens that a walk around objective. on top of that, the mirror had the tendency to stick up due to the use of rubber not ready for tropical environments and the viewfnder show just so small area that to take a group is necesary to go back... and back,,,and back. The Zorki series was in my humble opinion the best equipment due the quality of the optic: Jupiter 8, very sharp and with nice shadows. The other camera with the same optic was the Kiev, Jupiter's in 50mm, 35 mm and 85 mm. All this lenses were copies of already discontinued Carl Zeiss Sonar series. During the Post War during the Russian occupation of Germany (May 1945) full factories of every kind of products were moved from Germany to different parts of Rusia. In that time, Carl Zeiss and Contax factories ended up in Kiev, (Ukrania), part of the URSS. A there was born the photo industry in Russia. Pentacon, Contax, Practica, Exacta, were names used by this factories to put in the market copies very weel made but with a terrible quality control. The lens mount M39 was creation of Leica and the M42 was create for the original Praktica - Pentacon before the soviet occupation. You are absolutely right in this, Saying M42 from Pentax is a mistake. I love the Kiev 4 because the lens available for it ( in Contax rangefinder mount) and I love the Zorki because look and handle like a Leica M3, only thathe film transport in the Zorki 4k is very delicate. ( Handle it with care)... In general, when you are using any of this cameras you have in your hands the product of the pre-war German technology and probably from there came the quality after so many years. As a incidental I like say that the Svema film from Russia was very good as was the ORWO film . Thank you for showing the colection, I love this equipment too...

[@mcbrian]

I'm really liking your channel. The eloquence of your dialog is great.

[@zenography7923]

Thanks so much for your kind remarks, glad you're enjoying the channel!

[@GeorgeK356]

As you say, some of the nicest cameras and lenses ever made. I have, in my collection, a number of Russian rangefinders, the Zorki 4K being one of them. It's a solid, sturdy, camera, built to function equally well on the Russian Steppes as well as in the Red Square or at a Black Sea dacha. The other cameras, too, are icons of their time. We really ARE spoilt for choice when it comes to film cameras, I'm sure that you could have just as easily added a Pentax, a Canon, a Minolta or a Yashica to that list and not devalued it in any way. Great Sunday morning ramble through photographic, and useable, history. Thumbs up all round.

[@zenography7923]

We really are spoilt for choice - fortunately! Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@davidangel-blair9358]

"Cameras of the future.". Love it! Great video.

[@zenography7923]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it!

[@mmadmic]

The best digital camera lasts maximum 10 years before obsolesence, film camera last forever (at least as long as their film format is still available).

[@ManCalledMif]

22:50 great tip. Thanks for the very helpful video. Love these cameras.

[@tonycanning8518]

I have the Olympus OM-2n with the 35-70 Zoom lens. I find its absolutely magical to use and the image quality is fantastic. I also have the Nikon FE-2 with a couple of lenses ... But to use and for the image quality the Olympus wins every time.

[@vladaloshyn5433]

I can't stop loving my om-1

[@zenography7923]

I know exactly how you feel!

[@awwal7375]

I love this channel more and more…

[@zenography7923]

Thanks, glad you're enjoying it!

[@jimgraves4197]

I really enjoy using my OM-1, I had wanted one since childhood and managed to finally get on a couple of years back. It needed a service, but hey, who doesn't when you're in your 50's....

[@zenography7923]

I know exactly what you mean!

[@captainzamzabam]

The Olympus OM-1 is maybe my favorite 35mm SLR camera. The view finder on that camera is amazing and it's very compact and travel friendly. Also the Zuiko lenses are great.

[@zenography7923]

I love the old Olympus gear - veary capable kit and small and stylish too!

[@honzavlcek4021]

@@zenography7923 In my opinion, OM-1 and OM-2 are best looking SLR's ever made:-)

[@youngoldboy3430]

I wish some would make a digital camera like these. These days I feel I'm always fighting the camera to get it to do what I want.

[@Funktrainer]

Most digital cameras have shutter speeds, an aperture and a variable ISO control. There’s not much to fight with when leaving out all that automatic stuff.

[@davidwarwick7968]

That's why I love my Fujifilm XT20!

[@Funktrainer]

@@davidwarwick7968 It is not too hard for a human to control three settings and seeing light, it is much harder to figure out all the helpers the industry tries to sell us all the time.

[@twagn]

Nikon Df

[@Funktrainer]

@@twagn Strange camera, not the real thing.

[@colnagocowboy]

I love the Praktica I have the L, LTL3, MTL 5, and LLC. As well as Mamiya Sekor 1000 dtl, and Petri FT EE

[@MikeTheCamelKing]

Have you ever tried the Minolta SRT-101? I feel like it would perfectly fit into this lineup of beautiful cameras. It's up there with any Nikon of that era, my favorite SLR right after the OM-1, which is just so beautifully jewel-like.

[@zenography7923]

I'll certainly try one, if it should come my way - thanks for the tip!

[@pentlx]

@@zenography7923 I want to second the Minolta SR-T101or 102. Elegant and lovely machines.

[@ChristopherAndersonDP]

I picked up a Praktica MTL3 a few months ago and am having a blast shooting with it! Great build quality and a really pleasant user experience.

[@zenography7923]

They're nice old cameras for sure - enjoy!

[@ronwhite8503]

Thanks for the thumbnail, saved me thirty minutes.

[@zenography7923]

?

[@nilzthorbo5437]

My Minolta SRT 303 is one of the most reliable cameras i've ever held in my hands. i love this tank.

[@mmadmic]

Nice video, I've all the OM line, and the OM1 is indeed an amazing machine but I prefer the OM4 (its multi spot metering is one of the best metering option I never have on a camera), I also have some FED and Zorki; the Zorki 4 is a good camera but I prefer the 2 (for its pre-wII look). My "best"/favorite vintage camera is quite unknown, it's the Chinon Memotron CEII, this camera has everythink I like, and imha evertything photographer needs, M42, good metering system, relatively clear and bright viewfinder, auto (Ap) and full manual modes, exposure memoriziation , exposure compensation +/-2EV, B->1/2000th, X/FP sync, built like a tank, has a button to close the viewfinder for long exposure AND on top of that, use regular 4SR44 (or 4xSR/LR44) batteries. OK this camera is not refined as a OM1 or not sexy as a Nikon FM but it's a great workhorse, capable to use nearly all M42 lenses (auto or not), reliable, fully manuel (no electronic shutter), easy to operate and quite exotic. I found this camera with an Tomioka 55 1.4, a Revuenon 28 2.8, a Revuenon 135 2.8, a Revuenon 300mm 5.6, a flash, its original leather cover, sold as "with defective viewfinder" for 40€ (incl shipping) on Ebay, the problem was the viewfinder "curtain" was closed (for long exposure), I opened the curtain and it works fine since then. I replaced the seals to be sure but worked fine immediately. Great camera, probably the bargain of my life.

[@tonyjedioftheforest1364]

Great video as usual. The only one of those I didn’t own was the Zorki but I did have the Kiev with a full set of lenses and turret finder that I learned about photography on in the early 1970’s. I wish I still had it. Out of the rest the Olympus is my firm favourite. I still have mine along with a bucket load of lenses that I have had 45 years or so. Outstanding camera and great system, never let me down. Still got about 8 Olympus bodies along with 20 odd lenses that I still enjoy photographing with.

[@zenography7923]

I do love the Olympus cameras, beautiful little things for sure!

[@petersnow389]

Good morning, Thank you for an excellent, and interesting video. I feel, however, that I must point out that Pentax did not invent the M42 lens mount. It was a Zeiss Ikon/KW introduction, circa 1949, simply adopted by Pentax, and numerous other manufacturers.

[@zenography7923]

Thanks for the correction, I didn't realise that!

[@nowayout5249]

Hi - I've just come across your videos and have subscribed to your channel Great stuff!

[@zenography7923]

Many thanks, and welcome aboard!

[@ericlarson2444]

I have a Nikon FM and love it. It’s currently my favorite film camera. With your video, I’m really interested in the Zorki 4K now. Lots to choose from on ebay

[@zenography7923]

I too love the FM, but I've always had a soft spot for the Zorki. Good luck with the hunt!

[@mo8guy]

I wish I had seen this video yesterday, I’ve already purchased a Kiev-4AM. Very informative video, I love the style of these manual cameras.

[@zenography7923]

The Kiev is a really nice camera - enoy!

[@steveandthedogs]

The MTL50 came slightly later. It had a couple of red LED's instead of the match-needle. If you get a chance of a VLC or PLC series, they have open-aperture metering with electric lenses, will work as stop-down with a non-electric.

[@zenography7923]

Thanks, I'll look out for one!

[@grahvis]

Years ago I always wanted a Praktica VLC with its waist level finder as well as a pentaprism. Later I picked up a Pentacon right angled finder which served the purpose.

[@kevinroberts1888]

Thanks for the video. I trained in photography in the 80's and though I love digital cameras, I really miss the simplicity of film and have been thinking of getting back into it. Since I already collect M42 mount lenses which I like to use on my Canon EOS 70d, I'd like to get a camera body that uses that format. The Prakticia looks like it would be a pretty good one to try. I've also heard a lot of good things about the Pentax Spotmatic too. Maybe I'll get both and see what I think.

[@gustavorivera27]

Fantastic cameras! Nice the timing you have to explaing us all! Grettings from sweden

[@zenography7923]

Hello there, glad you enjoyed the video!

[@rocheuro]

i got OM30 from Olympus with 50mm 1.8 Olympus Zuiko Lens. I love this old analog camera thou I never made any picture with it. I put real light brown leather in the place of original black material

[@experienceolympus7368]

Love my OM1n’s and recently managed to pick up an elusive OM3 the other week!

[@zenography7923]

That was indeed a lucky find - enjoy!

[@georgemorley1029]

“Elusive”. What you wrote does not mean what you meant at all. I wouldn’t normally be that pedantic but it’s a totally different meaning. Sorry. I would also add that I completely agree that the OM1 is a brilliant camera. That is my manual film camera, inherited from my father.

[@experienceolympus7368]

@@georgemorley1029 Well spotted, now corrected 👍

[@experienceolympus7368]

@@georgemorley1029 Well spotted, now corrected.

[@WolfQuantum]

When I dipped into medium format I traded in my Nikon F4s and most of my lenses. To stay in 35mm I picked up a black Nikon FM with the 50mm f1.8. It was a little worn with some brassing. I used that doing news and events for a small publisher. As you said, it was fast in the hand. Natural. The three LEDs did fine with the metering. A bit of experience and you could quickly read your scene through the viewfinder and adjust your exposure as you went. I really miss that camera. Pure simplicity and capable.. I had, I believe it was the Tamron Adaptall II 85-210 also. Whatever it was, it was sharp. I may have to break down and get another FM someday.

[@va5715]

Just did the 700th like, what a nice video sir! I do have a Zorki 4k in my collection with the same jupiter 8 lens. I would not have thought that the shutter is very loud. But it is very nice to hear your opinion on its qualities and you do understand a lot about the difference between soviet and western products. It just had to do the job according to the government standard, and the CP set the standard high where it mattered the most, according to their opinion.

[@jameswburke]

Had a Zenith B for years when I was a young chap - taught me all about the settings, as you say. I think the Zorki 4K is a design classic. I bought a refurbished one recently. When we are free to roam the world again, I'll be using the Zorki 4K for slow, considered black & white photography. When you have to process and print or scan the negs, it makes you think twice about banging off a shot.

[@zenography7923]

Indeed it does - film photography, especially with a rangefinder, slows you down quite a bit - much more time to create and evaluate a shot, and a nice way of working!

[@marciano-jones]

Bought a zenith b for 5€ lol. Shot one roll. It's a heavy girl 😅

[@georgehuman7253]

Thanks for the video. I'd say the most underrated mechanical cameras are Minolta SrT series, srt 102, 202 being my favorites. Minolta optics you get with them are fantastic. Also Nikkormats (Nikomat in Japan) are also underrated, they have all the same Nikon F mount and Olympus OM like shutter dial. Canon FTB, EF(mostly mechanical) are also good mechanical cameras, Fujica ST series; Mamiya DTL and DSX, MSX series, Konica T series; Pentax MX, KХ, KM... Most of these jewels I named can be had for less then 100$ in 2021 with lens.

[@mmadmic]

If you search for underated camera, at least in Europe, go for Bonica ETRs, they are great professional cameras, with excellent optics, comparable with a Mamiya, a Pentax 645 or even an Hassy, solid, reliable, accurate metering and it's possible to find the "full set", all lenses for less the 500€. I bought one for 380 on Ebay with its 40-75-150mm/TTL viewfinder, motor drive and 2 backs, I found the 200mm for 80€. It's an amazing camera, I use it more often than my Mamiya. Minolta are also great cameras, underated, probably due to their link with "photocopy" machines.

[@georgehuman7253]

@@mmadmic Bronkca made only medium format cameras with Nikon lenses as far as i know. Never had one but would like to try. But I ment 35mm cameras.

[@robertspeicher5047]

I have a 202 and my favorite lens is the 35-70 lens.. Still have it.

[@georgehuman7253]

@@robertspeicher5047 Just bought 35-70mm macro. Waiting for delivery :)

[@Flying_Basset]

Thank you for giving your honest opinion on Praktica, I'm tired of western snobs giving this camera a bad rep.

[@zenography7923]

It's an honest and simple machine, and a very capable one too - and I do rather like it for that!

[@mmadmic]

Praktica cameras are workhorses built to last long with no or very few CLA. I personnaly don't like the viewfinders on Praktica and Zenit, often too dark (not specific to "Commies" cameras), but the cameras from former soviet republics are often very reliable, for some only if manipulate correctly (FED, Zorki, Kiev 88, Zenit ...), never change the speed prior to advance the film. And in terms of optics, DDR and Russian engineers did an excellent job, they produced cheap lenses able to compete with some of the best Japanese or German (BDR) ones, to be fair, a lot are just copies of "pre-WII" designs but great copies with often nice enhancements.

[@douggoodhill]

The reality is that while japanese manufacturers never understood the 35mm rangefinder camera, Europe never understood the SLR. I recently had a Canon VL and it was OK, and one of the better Japanese RFs. After my Spotmatic I have used only Nikon F and F2.

[@rojin8301]

Nice! Thank You very much!

[@zenography7923]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it!

[@MrGibsonguy335]

That was an enjoyable and interesting video. I thought you dwelt on the Russkie a little too long. I have one more nominee; the Pentax MX. Slightly shorter and 10 grams lighter than the OM-1, it is an all manual camera although they seem to be more rare and perhaps demand too high of a price these days for this club.

[@manuelodabashian1089]

I bought a Zorki I didn't realise it needed a M39 mount not an M42. Which cameras M42 rangfinders are there apart from the leicas? The pracktica is very interesting. The shutter button intrigued me. It's in the same position as a Hasselblad which I think is the right place

[@robertspeicher5047]

Liked this video. My very first "35mm" was a Petri 7s. A range finder fixed lens. Next came the Petri FT. Then I bought the Minolta SRT 202. MY PET CAMERA.

[@zenography7923]

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks!

[@crazygeorgelincoln]

I found I can get further into a zenit em than a praktica and still be able to put it back together again. Temperature extremes can upset the ribbon glue on randefinders and zenits. The wrong type of vibration or a knock can really jam up a praktca metal shutter if it's a bit sticky. Button cell battery's don't last very long compared to what they replaced. (Maybe my magnetic field disrupting them regardless of device 🤦‍♂️) Had some fun with the lomography/Diana/holga range, my aproximative zenit external metering practice came in usefull. Ie shoot'n'c

[@zenography7923]

Shoot'n'c indeed - a technique I've often used myself!

[@sponserusplz]

I love my zorki 3c with its Jupiter 8 lens!

[@Enrico2806]

Another great, great video. Thanks!

[@zenography7923]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it!

[@py1824]

Very informative and useful. As per your previous Nikon FM/FE comparison I bought a Nikon FE (I like the match needle!) and don't regret it. I also have a Praktica PLC3 that I really Iike. I agree the Praktica line of cameras are loud but very functional. Now I am looking for a Zorki 4 :)

[@zenography7923]

Many thanks, glad you enjoyed it. Good luck with the Zorki hunt!

[@tuftufclub159]

Very intresting video ! Thanks alot for sharing your knowledge with us all ! Take Care, greetings, Roger.

[@zenography7923]

Many thanks, glad you enjoyed it!

[@Blue_Newt_01]

I’ve got the Nikon FM2 which is the camera I grab when doing serious film shooting and will pair it with the Voigtlander F Mount nokton 58mm f1.4. The Olympus looks interesting. Esp since I’ve collected a few of the Zuiko lenses ...thanks to this channel, for the Fuji X-T1. And did pick up the Zuiko 50mm f1.8 which is wonderful! The smaller form factor, compared to the old Nikkor lenses is really nice when using the adapters. Thanks again.

[@zenography7923]

No problem, glad it was useful!

[@pascalbornat6209]

Hello from France, I got a Zenit TTL few weeks ago and I made some investigations on the battery replacement. I was not sure that the PX625A battery could replace the original PX13 battery as the voltage is a bit different. I removed the top cover of the camera and tried to make the schema of the electonic device. Actually, the electronic system is a bridge, and I can confirm that light measurement system is independent of the battery voltage. On my camera, I only made the adjustment of the variable resistor to better calibrate the lightmeter by comparing the camera light reading with my Pentax K1000. If you have the opportunity to talk about this topic during a session, I'm sure this information will help people. Thanks a lot for your videos. Pascal

[@zenography7923]

Thanks Pascal, that's very useful information!

[@DanielMontenegro140982]

When you twisted the lens it closed the aperture blades so maaaaybe that is the reason. Great info as usual, thanks!

[@teshaksnake783]

Right in time boys, let's watch it

[@zenography7923]

Thanks for watching George, hope you enjoyed it!

[@alexblaze8878]

Just bought a zorki 4K and a jupiter 8 lens in mint condition based on your review. ($86 with free shipping). I’m excited! Edit: 12 hours later i also bought the Praktica MTL 5b AND the Helios 44 58mm. You might wanna stop making recommendations or I’m going to have to find a Camera Addicts Anonymous 12-Step Program . Lol

[@zenography7923]

Sounds like a case of GAS (Gear Acquisition Syndrome) to me - it can be very difficult to cure!

[@alexblaze8878]

@@zenography7923 nah, I’ve been looking for an m39 and m42 mount camera for a while. You just nudged me over the edge.

[@chrissoclone]

Actually, Praktica was the first with the M42 mount, Pentax just adopted it - but of course in the West nobody wanted to hear about it being a "socialist invention" so they called it the Pentax screw mount. :D For real, up until the 60s the East German camera industry was highly inventive and often industry leading, but that soon changed, I think with the end of the Ulbricht era.

[@zenography7923]

I didn't realise that - thanks for the info!

[@Flying_Basset]

Contax S was actually the first. Zeiss Ikon and KW were still separate companies back then.

[@chrissoclone]

@@Flying_Basset Yeah, you're right, just read it up again - but I think my anti-socialist theory still stands. :D

[@sputumtube]

I'd love to see you do a review of the humble Ricoh KR5 (entry level) camera.

[@tadeusz1]

I still have my Practika LLC with Pancolar 1.8. but unfortunately no battery. Can be used with my Weston V Light meter, definitely no battery required there. Great stuff, thanks for these vids.

[@alexaudiovisuals]

Get the MTL5B, works with run of the mill modern lr44s :)

[@tadeusz1]

@@alexaudiovisuals so kind, thank you.

[@tadeusz1]

@C K so kind, thank you.

[@Flying_Basset]

@C K I think you are confusing LLC with LTL, the LLC takes those same big 4.5V (it's PX21) batteries as the PLC.

[@philhodgkinson1460]

Just wondered if you have ever considered using for example a Nikonos III which is an underwater camera but can be used as a land camera if that's right term... It's got a kind of back wards lever wind lever with shutter button on end... very imaginative engineering... very mechanical camera...and you like that!!!

[@simon.revill]

My first SLR was a Praktica MTL 5. At the time, the M42 mount felt very old fashioned and with only a couple of local second camera shops available to me, lens choice sempt quite limited - it was all bayonet. I know have an OM1n and a FE2... agree with your thought. They feel really special.

[@zenography7923]

Agreed, both are very nice cameras - must admit I do have a soft spot for the Prakticas though!

[@studiosnch]

Asahi Camera Co. actually thought of naming their camera Praktica, but decided to name it after "pentaprism" and "Contax".

[@ykcinasak]

Beautiful video thx. There is one for me important aspect and that is flash sync (I am an owner of Zorki 4k, Practica MTL and Nikon FM). Nikon FM has 1/125 s, Zorki and Practica only 1/30s. It's a crucial parameter only if you want to make pictures of fast moving object.

[@zenography7923]

Indeed, thanks for the info - I ought to have mentioned flash sync speed!

[@busqda]

Nice update! I liked your opening term green cameras. Which is what applies as well to mechanical watches. It would be nice to have new cameras with manual winding mechanism just to take the shot and store in the memory card. A mix of back to the future and old time mechanics. My full manual camera is what was muy first camera back in1980: Fujica ST 705W. Not so attractive as my OM-2n, but solid as a tank and much greener. Thanks for the vid.

[@zenography7923]

I love the old mechanical technology, and mechanical watches are really quite a miracle in themselves - micro precision engineering, powered by hand! Wind up gramophones, another hand powered technology, are wonderful too - mechanical reproduction of sound by the simplest possible means, precision engineering, no batteries required!

[@carbo73]

Well, I have to say that, of these, only the Olympus is still missing. I have the others or very very similar models: -Zorki-4K -Praktica MTL-3 -Nikon FM2n I have to shoot with the Zorki, it's bought quite cheap just a couple of weeks ago. But the Nikon and the Praktica are two of my favourite cameras, very sturdy and easy to use.

[@zenography7923]

Agreed, both are very nice - and kind of similar in design philosophy!

[@alexaudiovisuals]

Great List, I personally would replace the olympus with a pentax mx, same small form factor, nice build quality and an amazing viewfinder and i ncontrast to the olympus it works with modern batteries without modifications.

[@zenography7923]

The MX is a lovely little camera, for sure!

[@mmadmic]

I think PX625 batteries is the only weakness of a lot of old cameras. I tested the 2 usual options : -Physical adapter (no voltage reducer), it works on some cameras but always with metering error. What's weird, it works great on an old Sekonic lightmeter without reading errors (I compared with a new Sekonic and the measures are very close). I prefer to avoid physical adapter as old electronic could have a very bad reaction when over-powered (>10%) -Physical adapter (voltage reducer), works on a lot of cameras but is often not accurate as the LR/SR44 batteries don't have constant voltage output as PX batteries had. The "less bad" option I found is using ear-aid batteries (PR44), voltage very close 1.35 vs 1.40v, relatively constant power output (close to PX batteries) and very cheap (

[@urwholefamilydied]

Ehhhh, Pentax MX is sweet. Only as small as it is because Canon, Nikon, Pentax all copied Olympus once they were able to create a camera so small. Olympus metering system is way better. The OM-1 doesn't work with modern batteries (you can still get Wein cells) but the OM1 you can use with NO batteries, just have to meter with your phone, or use the sunny 16 rule. OM2 does take modern batteries. OM also has switchable focus screens. The OM system is highly underrated and was the first for small body SLR's.

[@neilpiper9889]

Cameras with electronics can be repaired as well. PPP repairs are good at that and give estimates here in the UK. I had a Practica Mtl3 with a 50mm f2. 8 Tessar and a 30mm Meyer lydith 3.5 lens back in the 1960s which has a cult following now. I liked that the Mtl3 had a lock on the shutter release. My grandaughter has my old Nikon FM and loves it. I tend to use a Nikon FE because when my friend uses it I switch it to auto for her. I have a 50mm f2 lens on it at the moment. Compact and light. The Olympus Om1 copied a lot of features of the Nikkormat ft2, particularly the shutter control system. The Nikkormat ft2 has a metal shutter and a great viewfinder with the K4 split rangefinder /microprism. I use the legendary Nikkor P non ai 105mm f2.5 lens on mine. Perfect for portraits.

[@zenography7923]

That Nikon 105 sounds lovely - I've heard a lot of good things about it too!

[@kenblair2538]

Good Day , Sir. I was happy to come upon your channel . I have a Fed 5C, been sitting on my shelf for years. Can't remember when I bought it, but I did purchase new. After being into digital for the last 2 decades, I've fired up my Kiev 88, been shooting film again. Never had much use for the Fed 5C, until I saw your reviews on the Fed 4. My Fed5C has a hot shoe and the Industsar 61, 55mm, f2.8 lens. Everything works on the 5C, but the light meter, no problem , I prefer a hand meter I even found a 40.5mm lens shade, to prevent flaring . I just happen to have some 135mm Fomopan film on hand, which I will run through the camera. If I'm not impressed with that lens, what M39 mount lens (cheap is always better) would you suggest ? I prefer the standard 50mm . Great channel, will look through the rest for reviews .KB.

[@zenography7923]

There are quite a few alternatives to the industar some favourites of mine are the jupiter 8 50 f2, the industar 22 50 f3.5 and the fed 10 50 3.5 (coated version gives higher contrast). Hope that helps!

[@kenblair2538]

@@zenography7923 Thank you, I'll go on a search for one of those lenses . KB.

[@wombatwombaffle]

Interesting stuff. Would love to see you review the Canon F-1.

[@tomislavmiletic_]

I just bought my OM1n last week 😇

[@zenography7923]

An excellent choice - enjoy!

[@mauro_music]

I also have zorki 4k and om-1.. Fantastic cameras.

[@zenography7923]

Indeed they are!

[@eagleeyephoto8715]

My list is quite short Leica M3 double stroke, Contax G1&2, Contax 645, Zeiss Icon ZM and Nikon F is stuff I would like to own.

[@Funktrainer]

There is no double stroke M6, all Ms excluding some M3s are single stroke bodies. Of course, you can double stroke any mechanical film camera.

[@eagleeyephoto8715]

@@Funktrainer My mistake I thought on M3 double stroke.

[@zenography7923]

I'm with you on the M3 - would love to try one someday!

[@mmadmic]

@@zenography7923 Me too ;)

[@jd5787]

Say you use the same lens across cameras: does the camera impact the photo or is it more about the experience/feel of the camera? Does owning a Canon Ae1, an olympus om-1 and/or a minolta srt make a real difference? (they all have similar features so I assume that in their day it s really about choosing a "lens family")

[@russseuffert803]

Where in the world did you get that primo Nikon? It looks absolutely MINT. I can attest to the quality of the Nikkor 85mm f2. Super sharp! One of my favorites.

[@zenography7923]

It is in nice condition - I was lucky to find it. And the 85 f2 is one of my favourites too!

[@alexblaze8878]

Get the FE over the FM. The FE has an exposure compensation dial as well as an aperture-priority mode missing from the FM

[@zenography7923]

They're both great cameras in their own ways, but I do appreciate the stripped down simplicity of the FM.

[@alexblaze8878]

@@zenography7923 yes I’ve started to think of the FM with increasing adoration recently.

[@Markeymarc321]

What about the metering. How are you measuring the light on those old cameras?

[@zenography7923]

I use an iphone app called 'light meter', and I also use an old selenium cell meter from the 1960s, which is still accurate!

[@marcelocampoamor4761]

Some time ago I bought a Nikon FM3A at a very good price, it is a very comfortable camera (I don't like the shutter sound) and of known resale value, I still have a single lens for that camera (50 F1.8) very good but not better than others like the canon, Minolta, Pentax or Zuiko. The problem I found is that the accessible lenses are the pre AI's and that the others that are the ones that my camera can use are very expensive in proportion to the optical quality and I always end up buying lenses for my other non-Nikon cameras. The FM does not have that problem because in principle it can use any of the old ones.

[@KEI-kj9cf]

With the m39 you can unscrew the lens from the adaptor (not completely) and you will have much less minimun focus distance.

[@zenography7923]

Thanks for the tip!

[@steveford1276]

Thanks for another great video. I think the MTL5 was sometimes also sold with the Pentacon 50mm 1.8? Not sure if Zenography has ever reviewed this lens but some YTers seem to love it and I would be interested to know your thoughts if you've ever tried a copy

[@zenography7923]

I've used the Pentacon and it's a nice lens - a little soft wide open and the background blur can be a little busy, but a nice lens, and a cheap one too! There's a review on this channel, from about a year ago.

[@philhodgkinson1460]

Nigel which is episode where you mention favourite 35mm films please..... Thanking you in advance.....

[@maciejjarzebinski7643]

Konica T3! +24,40,100 Hexanons ❤

[@cmdredstrakerofshado1159]

I took a quick look on Ebay found Praktica MTL 5B and it comes with Pentacon Auto MC 50mm f/1.8 Lens tested in full working order for $168 usd + 45 usd shipping . Yeah that sounds pricey until you look to see if you just want to buy the m42 Pentacon Auto MC 50mm f/1.8 Lens by itself on ebay. With prices on Ebay ranging from 230.00 to 300.00!!!! usd for just the lens itself not including shipping 😮 the camera lens combo price of $213.00 usd makes that almost a steal . So by buying the camera lens combo on variety used camera sites you better deal of great manual vintage film camera a great vintage lens you can use with the Praktica or adapt to your digital mirrorless camera. I found this video in my suggested video feed this morning , great vintage camera and lens porn video 😉 to watch with my morning bowl cereal and Coffee 👍. Love your channel, I like the video , subscribed , and rang the all notifications bell . Keep up the great work !

[@zenography7923]

Many thanks, glad you're enjoying the channel!

[@danielfulop]

I wish we had Zorki 6K with that 100 MP sensor tho :D

[@loudharley6926]

Vintage soviet cameras chosen over a Pentax K1000 or Minolta SRT101 or 202?

[@zenography7923]

Not if you want an slr - the only widely available fsu slr is (I think) the zenit, and all those you mention are much more advanced and more polished cameras.

[@Funktrainer]

Hasselblad H2, Leica M4/M5, Nikon F2/F5 and the Rolleicord Model I is all I need for the rest of my life regarding film cameras.

[@crystal.machinery]

Anyone who owns an H2 and an M5 has no right to shoot anything else.

[@zenography7923]

You have the cream of the crop there alright!

[@alexblaze8878]

Why do Nikon lenses turn in the other direction when mounting compared to other manufacturers? It’s due to the design of the first Nikon SLR that used pre-ai lenses wherein the aperture prongs were designed to move up into the slot above the lens mount. Subsequent lens were made with the same direction of mounting simply for compatibility and continuity as well as avoiding the need to retool their machines used to manufacture the lenses.

[@zenography7923]

I didn't know that, thanks for the info!

[@Magnetron692]

Hello Nigel, many thanks! I have a Canon AV-1, semi automatic, aperture priority only. Very little nice camera. Sadly it doesn’t fire with a fresh battery. Maybe that’s due to failing electronics. A great advantage of the cameras you present here is the lack of electronics for the most part. Have you an idea what could be the issue of my camera? Do you own one? Best wishes Magnetron

[@zenography7923]

Well, that's a tricky one. Assuming you're sure the battery is good, and the battery compartment contacts are all clean, it could well be a case of failing electronics. It may help to remove the bottom plate of the camera and look to see if you can see any broken or dodgy looking connections - that often works with the Olympus OM1 and 2 - otherwise it's difficult to say.

[@Magnetron692]

@@zenography7923 I’ll see to it - thank you for the hint.

[@denistonti]

Hello Nigel, thanks again for this nice video. The Praktica camera is not made of metal. The top deck and the bottom is not metal. Unfortunately not. This is plastic, but very well made. Looks like metal. There are some good informations about the Praktica in the web and also here on KZbin. But mostly in german. If I remember right, they started to make plastic decks and bottoms with the Praktica L series. Greetings to you from Germany, Berlin, Denis

[@zenography7923]

I didn't realise that, thanks for the info Denis!

[@denistonti]

We have to thank you for every single video! Last week I got my very first Praktica camera.... After 42 years of taking pictures with countless film cameras... 😅 It's a Praktica LTL. And yes, it's indeed plastic.... but extremely well made. Very loud shutter sound... but I love that piece of history. Greetings from Berlin, Denis

[@tfylhk]

My preference of your video is talking film photography/camera/lens

[@zenography7923]

Thanks, glad you're enjoying the content!

[@jonlouis2582]

I agree as usual. I just wish every Praktica camera I have ever seen hadn’t been inoperable. The lenses are excellent.

[@zenography7923]

I seem to have had better luck with prakticas, although I did have one that developed a shutter fault. And the lenses really are quite special!

[@official_lukaswglt1750]

So there are some wrong facts about the Praktica: The M42x1 mount was invented by Carl Zeiss Jena (I think in the 20s). The top-cap is made out of plastic, then vaporized with a thin layer of copper. After that it gets vaporized with a thin layer of chrome, which gives the metal feeling of it. Pentacon (the producer of Prakticas) was the first of all camera makers to invent this sort of proceed. Also they invented the first electrical aperture communicaten between the lens and the camera. There were 3 contacts on ghe camera mount and on the lens. In the lens itself was a potentiometer wich gives, when you turn the aperture ring, a certain electrical resistance value that lets the camera know, wich aperture is set. I hope i got it all together in the right way! My english is a bit rusty... Greetings from the former Esst Germany!

[@zenography7923]

Thanks for the info, that's really interesting! And don't worry, your English is fine - rather better than my German!

[@jonnoMoto]

The only problem I have with my zorki 4k is the lack of strap lugs. Not sure why they omitted it. There's plenty of meat for them to go on the sides of the body. I've had to cla mine and I was pleasantly surprised at the internals. Each section was unitised not a massive collection of parts like some other manual cameras I've taken apart like that praktica.

[@zenography7923]

Yes. the Zorki is relatively simple, fortunately! I've often missed strap lugs on the 4k, however you may be able to find a Zorki 4 with the same shell as the 4k, same body material - but with strap lugs... As you probably know, the shells are very easy to change!

[@mmadmic]

Old Zorki were released with a faux-leather cover, inclunding the strap. But with the time, those covers disintegrated and now, only the camera remains ... unfortunately without strap lugs.

[@srfurley]

The Nikon rangefinder cameras used the Contax mount, which also mounted anti-clockwise, so they probably copied that when they designed the F mount.

[@zenography7923]

I didn't realise that, thanks for the info!

[@Ali.lensman]

Recently bought a 4K in mint condition from a lady and while testing it I found second curtain closing a bit slow at low shutter speed, so I asked for discount and she gave me about 25% discount and went I home and applied little WD-40 at the mechanism at the bottom of the cam and now everything works smoothly 😁

[@zenography7923]

Good to hear you got the zorki working - enjoy!

[@MichaelAddlesee]

What's your view on the older Chinon cameras? I have a CX and CE Memotron that I'm quite fond of.

[@zenography7923]

I have an older Chinon - not sure of the model but it looks very like a Pentax Spotmatic. It's very nicely built and seems like a good quality machine!

[@ellyrion8173]

Hello Zeonography - I've been really enjoying your videos but I am unsure whether or not to start with a Rangefinder (Like the Zorki 4K) or an SLR (like the OM-10 or the Chinon CE-4s). As far as price goes they're all pretty much within the same ballpark on Ebay (the Zorki seems slightly cheaper) so I was wondering what your recommendation would be as far as learning to shoot with film? I've read lots of conflicting info online over which is better so I was just wondering what your opinion would be. Many Thanks, Jos

[@zenography7923]

I've often said in these videos that the best way to learn is on a manual film camera, but of course there are quite a lot of those about! It's possible to learn on either a rangefinder or an SLR, but the rangefinder way will probably be more difficult. If you're an absolute beginner I think a good SLR would fit the bill very nicely - and the OM10 has auto exposure too, which is very handy to have. You'd probably find a rangefinder easier to get used to if you have some experience, but I think a good SLR with both manual and auto exposure modes might perhaps suit you better. And if you go for an OM10 you can use all the fantastic Zuiko lenses! I hope that helps!

[@ellyrion8173]

@@zenography7923 Thank you so much for the advice! Really appreciate it :) - I'll probably be going for the OM10 or the Chinon depending on whats available on eBay!

[@jannevellamo]

My 70's Ricoh XR1 is still in perfect working condition, which is more than can be said about a lot of cameras that cost bags of money at the time. It takes K-mount lenses, so it's a good replacement for all the broken down Pentaxes out there.

[@zenography7923]

Indeed, a nice little camera - enjoy!

[@GSchmitable]

The Praktica LTL/MTL cameras have a chromed finish plastic top and bottom plate. I have taken these cameras apart and verified that they are made of plastic.

[@zenography7923]

Thanks for the info, I didn't realise that!

[@anthonyvaughan1549]

What do you think of the pentax sp 500 ?

[@zenography7923]

A very fine camera - well made, well designed, simple and rugged. An excellent machine.

[@stevenhoelderich9490]

I have, a Pentax K 1000, And the lenses are sharp As a pin. I shot, rolls of film though, the camera The pictures are sharp You can see who's in the photo. Plus I, have a Sam yang telephoto 300 lens It blew me away.

[@zenography7923]

It sounds like you have a nice setup there - enjoy!

[@1stMrSceptical]

My Zorki 4K dose not rattle The Jupiter 8 is built like a brick. check three the side screws on yer focus lens they may need nipping up.. Now where did i put ma y monkey wrench the speed contol needs ajusting..

[@zenography7923]

Thanks, but the screws are tight. Every black J8 I've ever used has had a rattle - maybe I've been unlucky?

[@diba4645]

I almost bought the FM new in 1985 I think but than decided on the at that time brand new Canon T90

[@zenography7923]

I had a t90 about a year ago - it's really quite something, a very powerful and capable camera.