TEN Awesome 35mm Film Cameras you should look to buy. Whats yours?

00:00 Intro
01:13 K1000
02:08 OM-1
02:57 OM-10
04:56 Spotmatic F
05:59 Electro 35
07:05 FED 2
08:37 AE-1
10:14 Nikon FE
11:27 F100
13:05 Nikon F5
VIDEO LINKS
OM10 - • OLYMPUS OM10 - 35mm Fi...
ELECTRO - • Yashica Electro 35 GTN...
Nikon F5 - • Nikon F5 35mm SLR Atti...
Nikon FE - • Nikon FE Camera. House...
Spotmatic F - • Pentax Spotmatic F 35m...
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[@paulhicks3595]

I’ve been a professional photographer for nearly 50 years and have owned and/or used, literally, dozens of cameras - from 8x10 down to to 1/2 frame - and my take on this is that a camera and shutter is simply a light valve with a lens. The reason cameras like Nikon have high esteem is that they were made with the rigours and applications of professional use in mind, and I used many for years for this reason, but that doesn’t mean they were better at making a good image or particularly enjoyable to use for other applications. Because they’re made for hard professional use they tend to be heavy and sometimes a bit clunky. It all depends on the application When I wasn’t working I tended to use an Olympus OM type camera which is much lighter and more pleasant to carry about and takes pictures just as good, but wouldn’t survive out in the field for very long. I also liked small automatic point and shoot 35mm for social occasions etc. - which is what they’re made for. Almost all cameras are OK.

[@mrca2004]

Exactly. the most important part of a camera is the 12 inches behind it. Ansel Adams. And a 35 mm film camera is just something that transports film with a shutter. It makes little difference whether the image captured is meaningful. People who master the craft and use those skills to tell a story can take great photos with simple cameras. My digital camera can photocopy what is in front of it without me setting anything. What I put in the frame, that takes skills and creativity.

[@jonathanbacon8085]

The Olympics OM1 was an excellent camera, but the OM10 while extremely popular was notorious for sticky shutter solonoids and required to be regularly stripped and serviced. The Minolta X series were excellent and incredibly reliable. The laser matte focusing screens made the viewfinder brighter than real life with a f1. 7 lens and the film transport felt as smooth as a Leica M6.

[@toddthreess9624]

Always been true. The 'best' camera is the one you like and actually use.

[@paulhicks3595]

I might add that occasionally when someone complained about not having a prestige camera I’d borrow whatever they were using and shoot part of a pro job with it. I once shot part of a job, for instance, with an Olympus Trip ‘point and shoot’ camera. The trannys went off to the agency and no one noticed. Another time I used a $50 Seagull TLR. The only a very sharp eye would pick that the tranny’s frame edge didn’t have the little Hassleblad magazine notches the other trannys had.

[@bgoode2903]

@@jonathanbacon8085- I was ‘employed’ in the Photographic Profession for a few years…I’ve used a lot of cameras and enjoyed most of them…Leica and Minolta traded ‘secrets’ between each other for a few years, they both traded their expertise in camera and optics production for their own gains. The Minolta XD-5 (UK Model) illustrated the gains Minolta made from this partnership perfectly it was and still is an absolute ‘Joy’ to use..!😇

[@1973sonvis]

I love the old SLR warriors. Great list you got there. An old beater is a go-to camera when I’m leaving home for photo shooting. It is often a pick and choose between a FTb, a Spotmatic, a Minolta SR-T or a Nikkormat. They are all members of a exclusive club of sturdy, robust peoples cameras that rarely fail when out in the field. Well taken care of they seem to last forever.

[@danem2215]

I love my Minolta SRT-201. The entire range of SRTs are great. They're mechanical with a battery for the meter. I haven't seen one go for more than $120 on the high end. Cheap high quality Rokkor lenses too. If I was in England I'd be shoving one in your hands, Roger!

[@ruthdiazaraque9106]

Olympus Pen F is one of my favourite 35mm cameras - albeit half frame format… it’s solid, small/cute, easy to use and a beautiful design with its little logo in gothic script. Completely manual which I like. Plus a large array of lenses!

[@AnotherCupofTea2]

I loved my Canon A1 back in 1979.

[@JB-ou6fl]

The Nikon FM, FM2, FM2n and FM3a are also great film cameras that are fully mechanical. You only need batteries to operate the light meter but they will shoot at all the available shutter speeds even without batteries.

[@kristen0009]

​@Rob Koch try a N75, i think you can adjust the viewfinder, i think they are like $15 bucks

[@silvestersze9968]

@Rob Koch FM came out in 1977. I believe that first Ai body or the F2 Photomic A… FM and it’s sister, FE compact bodies were mainly targeted to the North America market

[@silvestersze9968]

@Rob Koch FM2 is lighter weight than the original FM since more parts of the body were replaced with plastic. But the FM2 has the fastest 1/4000 shutter speed and syn speed of 1/250 (FM2N) in the world in it’s/their time. The only downside of the FM2 is all non-Ai lenses from 1959 can’t be used. 🎉

[@silvestersze9968]

@Rob Koch There’re diopters/eyepieces or dioptric lenses from Nikon (accessories) I believe from-5 to +5 choices for you to choose from. But later AF Nikon bodies have built-in adjustments on the viewfinders.

[@peterlanglois65]

@@silvestersze9968You can shoot "stopped down" no problem in many situations. I have even shot non-AI Nikkors on my D200 stopped down.

[@colinclark3218]

I have an Olympus OM2 and a 2n, plus a few lenses. Excellent quality. Love them to bits. I would recommend them to anyone.

[@cw7422]

Great video. My dad bought a Voigtlander Vito B in 1957. It worked until about 20 years ago. I just bought a mint condition one that is fully functional for $200 with a pristine case.

[@ShootFilmLikeaBoss]

Awesome!

[@bbuysal]

Minolta XD (XD11/XD7) is a true classic. It's greatly underappreciated and can be found cheap. If you're looking for a pro body with autofocus, Minolta Alpha 9 (Dyxum 9/Maxxum 9) is a beast of a camera.

[@symbioticsystems]

This is a major omission.

[@logtothebase2]

My Favorite Camera (that I used or owned) of the era was The Minolta X300

[@hawaiifiles]

I agree on the Minolta XD11, XD 7 and its slightly lower end sibling the XD5. Adding the Minolta X700 and X370 to the list here.

[@peeweebarney]

My first camera that I bought in 1972, when I was a teenager, was Minolta SRT-101 with a 50mm f1.8 lens from K-Mart for $209. Then, after I lost it (I put my camera gear on top of my car and drove off), I bought a Minolta XD-11 with a 35mm, 50mm, and 200mm MD lenses, along with a power winder. I used it for youth sports photography. I later bought a used Minolta XE-7 as a spare camera. I gave them later to my two sons and they sold it back in the early 2000s....augh! I should have kept them myself.

[@pascalvallinoto6913]

Without forgetting that Minolta used these cameras to create the Laica R (The R3 is an XE-7, the R4/R4S is anXD7/11. He also built some of his own lenses, Vario Elmar 35-70 f3.5, 70-210 f4, Elamrit R 24mm and others...all Minolta Rokkor MD

[@debtoralive4693]

Although I only shoot digitally now, I started with film cameras and my first SLR was a Canon AE 1. I loved that camera because of the awesome focus system and the accuracy of the internal light meter (once I figured out how to compensate for inaccurate readings such as backlighting and such). I could get great results. I actually have two of them now, both in near perfect condition.

[@michael195b]

I still have my OM2n I bought in the 1980's. It was in the roof space and I'd forgotten about it to a year ago. Put new light seals on it, it a bit of a service and works perfectly. It got me back into film photography and still takes great pictures. Love it. Keep up the excellent videos!

[@ShootFilmLikeaBoss]

Amazing!!

[@OLDMANTEA]

The OM 4T is the pinnacle of that line but the OM 2N(which I won myself) is one of the greats. The OM 1,2 and 4 are all solid.

[@brucebuckman5165]

I’ve got my dad’s old Pentax KM and I used the Pentax ME Super as my first SLR in the 80s. But the Pentax MX is my favourite Pentax SLR. It’s so compact and light. I took one on a six week road trip a few years ago and really valued it small size and weight.

[@GreenCurryiykyk]

ME Super was my high school graduation gift! I used it into the ground. As I recall, the electronic board that failed was more expensive to replace than a new camera (at least that's what the local camera shop said).

[@Dempseybrothersband]

Was lucky to pick a Pentax MX up on eBay recently after a friend showed me his which he’d inherited. Mine’s in mint condition and a beautiful camera. My other one is a Fujica ST801 which I love too. I’m a novice though so very much learning how to use them. I actually did use an OM10 back in the day but didn’t know anything about photography. I still remember the feel of it though-great camera.

[@stevensampliner4460]

I love my KM. Recently gave an ME Super to a friend that wanted to start film photography but had very little photography experience. So far, she loves it. I think it’s compact size, ease of use and low price point make it a great entry camera

[@alexhaselden4623]

The MX is the best camera Pentax ever made.

[@bsimpson6204]

MX was a great camera, it was the Pentax match for the Olympus OM1 in terms of size and specs.

[@FreakTimmah]

I have an OM2n I inherited from my grandfather who bought it new. The Olympus OM cameras are really special, they were basically Leica sized SLR's with a fantastic selection of lenses. The OM cameras are still a great deal, the only maintenance I've ever had to do was light seals and batteries.

[@tompoynton]

OM-2 for life here, greatest camera ever. I dread the day the KZbin hype machine gets wind of the OM system and the prices rocket beyond all sense

[@GabrielGGabGattringer]

I love my Oly OM2n which I found at a fleamarket last year for just 120 Euro! I had to invest into new light seal foam & batteries but that was absolutely worth the money.

[@stratocactus]

oh yes. My 1st SLR was an OM-1n a few years ago. I then bouught an OM-2n with the 50mm 1.4 for 130€ ! It's my go-to camera for anything "serious". Very reliable camera, super compact, and awesome lenses. Since, I've bought an Olympus 35 RC (40€ ^^) and found a Mju Zoom for 5€ at a charity store. I may have an Olympus addiction ahah

[@tompoynton]

@@stratocactus Alongside my OM-2n I also have an RC, a mju ii & mju zoom 80, and an original XA

[@mynewcolour]

It’s worth taking the deteriorating foam off from around the prism. It can stain the prism and mess with the view through the finder. How is battery life with the OM2? My OM4 will drain itself if the batteries are left in.

[@chucklanholm5680]

In the early 80s, I bought my first SLR when I was 16. It was a Pentax K1000. Shooting slide film on a manual camera was the best way to learn for me. Slide film was not forgiving like negative film. What you shot is what you got. I used that camera for about 15 years until the Nikon N90 came out. 40 years later the K1000 still works.

[@ShootFilmLikeaBoss]

Those Pentax mechanical cameras were and still are awesome. With the K Mount lenses also being plentyfull

[@101wonderment]

impressive

[@Beentryingtochangethisforages]

Me too, bought my K1000 in 1980. Stopped using it when digital came along, but so incredibly chuffed when my daughter did photography at Uni and gave it a new life.

[@n0w3lly90]

That was actually a great starter SLR and gave access to the excellent range of Pentax K-mount lenses

[@n0w3lly90]

@@ShootFilmLikeaBoss yep, Pentax k-mount lenses are definitely highly regarded

[@scottmurphy650]

I have been doing photography since 1973. I have, and still use, my Nikon FTN, F2A, F3HP, F4E, F5, FE2, Nikkormat FT2, Nikonos V, Canon F-1 and EF and Pentax Spotmatic F. And of course, my favorite film camera, my Hasselblad 500 CM.

[@TigercatDesign]

My first camera was an OM-1 I received from my parents in 1976 when I became my high school newspaper's "staff photographer". Had it refurbished to use alkaline batteries instead of the mercury ones a few decades ago. Picked up an OM-10 and an OM-4Ti as well back in the '80s, and numerous Zuiko lenses. They're still going strong after all these years. Recently purchased the last Olympus-branded camera made before they sold the camera business to OM Systems--the mirror-less OM-1. Figured my photography hobby might as well go out the way it started.

[@brineb58]

My first ever SLR was an Olympus OM1 when I was in college ...I love the Yashica Electro, I use mine for IR film and love it!!!I have a bunch of Feds and they suffer from the holes in the shutter like the Leica!!! I love Pentax cameras, everything from the Spotmatic thru the current digital stuff ... Nothing better than Takumar glass!!!

[@philipdahl9001]

I have two OM-1s that I bought new in the mid 70s, both are still in regular use. Also an OM-1 10 that has seen a little use but it is a battery hog like you mentioned. I should get some batteries and give it another try. My favorite old SLR is a Mamiya dtl500 that I also have had since new. It's very similar to the Pentax Spotmatic with a 5 degree spot meter. It always traveled with me at my work as a locomotive engineer (driver) over four decades and it went through a lot of film documenting my trips.

[@Tom-te2mu]

Great list of cameras you showed in the video. I have purchased the below over time from charity shops /boot sales etc a couple sadly don't work but the rest do and I enjoy using them as well as my dslr. Keep up the good work 😊📷👍 Early 1980's Miranda ms 1 super film camera. 1979 Olympus om 10 film camera 1972 Yashika 35 ME film camera 1937 Zeiss icon nattar 515-16 1968 - 73 Zenit b film camera Circa 1960's halina 35x super film camera Circa 1950's koroll bencini film camera 120 1939-mid to 1950's ensign ful-vue film camera Circa 1957 ilford sportsman film camera 1948 coronet 12-20 box camera 120 film 1972 Yashika 35 gs 1976 - 1997 Pentax k1000 1974 Pentax mv

[@greggschwabauer6241]

I’d put the Nikon F3 on the list. A rock solid camera with an outstanding viewfinder. Get a good one, have it CLA’d, and you’ll have a camera that will last you the rest of your life, and should be put in your will for the next generation. Plus, it can use pretty much all of the manual focus “capable” Nikkor lenses ever made. As my eyes get older, I really appreciate cameras with high eye point finders.

[@greggschwabauer6241]

I’d also add that they were made at the time when electronics were becoming more reliable, in the long term, then micro mechanical mechanisms.

[@stevensampliner4460]

That’s great to hear. I’ve just picked up an F3 that has been CLA’d by my local official Nikon retailer guy, who happens to still be a film shooter. The F3 wasn’t on my shopping list but I touched it and the decision was made for me hahaha

[@emielv7677]

I've got the f3 as well. It's my favourite camera

[@siypic]

F3 great great camera.

[@peterthomas5792]

Agreed. Had one, loved it.

[@tommycoombs]

I have a Nikon F that I bought near-mint from Japan for < $100 and a Yashica Mat 124g bought here in the US for my first toe dips into manual film photography. Really enjoying both of them so far.

[@davidalexander-watts6630]

I’ve had my Nikon FE from new in 1982 and it’s still perfect. At the time I considered an OM10 and Canon AE-1 and still think I made the right choice. Also have an F100 for AF and love it. Previously had an F80 which is 80% of an F100 for less money. Had a K1000 but never took to it. Seriously thinking about getting an OM-1 to try.

[@TristanColgate]

Along the lines of the FEDs, the Zorki 4k is a great choice. Really bright range finder, diopter adjust, m39, thumb wind, and they are a bit newer than the FEDs so are less prone to duff shutter curtains. The shutter speed selector is a bit annoying (bit of a cheese grater). They are also pretty cheap (circa £150). Great range finder.

[@hansjzeller]

I'm glad you added the Nikon F100 to your list! What's great about that camera is that it works with my Nikon DSLR lenses. I take that one when I go out with the DSLR and lenses and want to shoot some film as well. All I have to add to my backpack is the F100 body. So, I think the F100 makes a lot of sense if you already have F mount lenses (D or G type, but not the recent lenses with an electronic aperture). Less so if you don't. The camera feels surprisingly similar to my old D700. It doesn't give you the manual feel of some of the older bodies, so if I just am taking a film camera I go for one of those (the Minolta XD7/XD11 in my case), with a 50mm on it. That's a much smaller and lighter package and a real pleasure to use.

[@MichaelMellen]

I had the Canon F1n. It was a sweet 35mm camera and they are still fairly pricey online for a 35mm camera, you can find a nice workable F1n for about $400US. It was my go-to camera, and it lasted me many many years.

[@stephenmatthews5437]

Loved both my OM1 & OM2, could never afford the OM3, and OM4 at the time. Olympus had a brilliant advertising campaign in that era.

[@rogershore3128]

The OM4 is amazing and i still use it. Allows you to adapt to your own eyesight. Very smart. The spot metering is superb. And believe it or not, easy cameras to obtain and get repaired.

[@thephotographersbag]

Hey Roger, nice selection mate, well explained, enthusiastic as ever, happy to see a FED 2 made the list, LOL

[@sourcebased]

Great selection! I chose Olympus OM-1, the digital version I have inspired me to look for its film ancestor with the same name. Also picked up a Trip 35, as my favourite focal length of 40mm is insanely priced for the old OM System. The Trip was broken beyond repair making sense, the OM-1 had the infamous damage to the prism from the foam acid residues and needs service. But I got it with the fantastic 50mm f/1.4 in great shape and an original leather case, for just 120€! The camera gets professional service now and I get a new Trip 35 prepared there as well, can’t wait to get them back and start using them for real.

[@daviddrake8433]

I started my SLR life with my Canon FTb in the 1970's. I ended up with lenses from 17mm to 600mm plus a variety of accessories. A great camera system and I produced many wonderful photos with it. I still have that camera and lenses/accessories and they all still work just fine. I ended my film life with the Canon A2E that was probably near the top of the Canon line before they abandoned film and went digital. I still have that camera but only with the one kit lens. I, too, have abandoned film and went fully digital, changing brands to Nikon. I loved film but I can do absolutely amazing things with my high-end digital cameras now that I never dreamed of in my film days. But my wonderful film cameras will remain with me forever, complete with their fantastic memories.

[@peeweebarney]

Wait until the holographic or 3d cameras comes out, then you will ditch your digital cameras. And with a double function as a mobile phone...haha.

[@DanielWOstler]

On the Olympus front, the OM-1 was my goto camera back in the days of film. I still love it and the compact size and ease operation (shutter speed on lens mount) still remain my gold standard to this day. However, I would (have recently gone) go for an OM-2, because then you will be sure that it operates with current day batteries.

[@DanielWOstler]

My story exactly! The OM-1 is my gold standard for the measurement of a camera.

[@mollyfilms]

I was a film cameraman in the Bosnian civil war back in the early 90s. I was shooting on Betacam but I carried an old Nikon F2 with me also. That camera was so reliable. I could have bought any camera of the time, but there’s a good reason why press photographers back in the day used the F2. They just worked, rugged & you could clean them so easily in the dark if you had to.

[@peeweebarney]

Do you still have it? I bought a used one two years ago and it came with a Nikomat camera, along with accessories and a case. What lenses did you have for your F2?

[@marshalltravis3217]

I have the F5 and F100 and love them both. Recently bought a couple of F bodies and I have to say I am very happy with them. Rugged and reliable all around.

[@robertmathieson97]

There are so many great film cameras out there that can cater to all needs, taste and budget. The Nikon FA is a favourite user. The Voigtlander Vito B, big finder is a joy to look through, the Pentax ME to throw around. Nikon F black eye level to collect :)

[@harbourdogNL]

I have two OM-1 cameras, in superb condition and perfect working order, both with working batteries that I probably last replaced in the early 2000s. I bought the first one 1979 and the second one a couple of years later. I used to have colour film in one, and b&w in the other, and slung both around my neck; a Zuiko 50mm 1.8 on each and I was a street-shooting machine. Printed everything full frame as well, because cropping means you didn't frame right in the first place. I used them extensively back in the day.

[@Gma7788]

A romantic, false account of what happened back in the day.

[@harbourdogNL]

@@Gma7788 What would you know about it? Enjoy the life of a troll, do you, sad little man?

[@ab-du6sw]

I have a Cannon 35mm SLR model A1 which I bought in the late 70's for about $400 (US). I bought the electronic flash - SpeedLite 199A ($50) a few months later. I'm still using it today.

[@dylanhill1640]

I have a few of these cameras in my collection. Film lives!

[@00-chris-0]

I would add the Yashica FX3 Super 2000 to this list. Here in Europe they cost a little over 100 EUR at the moment and it's a fantastic camera. Small, light (and a little plasticy), full manual (with lightmeter) but awesome to use and very tough. And the best part: it has a Y/C mount so you can add some of the best lenses that were ever produced on this little beast. I unfortunately sold mine but using it with the Tessa 45mm 2.8 pancake was such a joy and the image quality was nothing short of amazing.

[@ed209inCA]

My first camera was a Pentax K-1000, which I bought used for $60 in 1990. It was a great camera to learn on because the metering was so simple. I tried several other cameras, but my favorite was the Nikon F4s. Great for photojournalism and portraits.

[@stuartmackie9620]

I traveled to Hong Kong in 1996 where new cameras were very good value. I ended up with a Nikon F90x which proved to be a very good camera in all respects (except smallness) and similar in performance (but cheaper) than the F4, if I remember.

[@robbiemer8178]

Fun list! I have used 9 of the 10 you talked about and have owned 7 of them. So, I think we largely agree on what a camera is. :) The FED 2 was in production for a very long time as you noted and they made a lot of them. A bit more than 2 million over the decades. I think they are a good, basic rangefinder camera with the advantage of being able to use quite a lot of excellent lenses. The down side of the FED 2 is that finding a well working example can be hit or miss. Some cameras that you didn't mention that I think are worth considering are the Nikon 8008, the Minolta Dynax/Maxxum 7, and the Pentax K2. All of these three are what I think of a "prosumer" kind of cameras, situated slightly below the company's professional cameras. They have maybe 80% of the pro camera features but are/were significantly less expensive. I really have not looked at the market in a couple years so I do not have any idea what used prices are like currently, sorry!

[@Richard_Ashton]

After my first 35mm camera, a Canon AV-1, I had a Pentax ME Super and a Pentax Super A. I took a huge amount of photographs - bought my film in bulk and rolled my own.

[@chuckhuckins984]

Having used Pentax cameras since the 1970’s my vote would be for the MX & LX models. Both cameras have a beautiful feel and are solid performers. The LX is probably my favorite Pentax of all time, until I purchased my K1 mark II. And the beauty of the k-mount lenses is that I can used my beloved 50 mm f/1.4 on my K1. Cheers and shoot film!

[@alexhaselden4623]

The KX was also pretty decent. A bit larger and less refined than the MX but much better than the K1000.

[@ianthomson9363]

I started with a K1000, but traded it in for an MX when that became available. It performed perfectly, had excellent handling especially with the motor drive attached, and just felt right. After many years of upgrading (mostly Pentax, but a Ricoh managed to creep in), I now have a K1 and I can't think of any reason to change it. I recently bought another MX for old times' sake and it still feels right. Pressing the shutter release and feeling the precision engineering working inside still gives me pleasure. I'm glad that I've stayed with Pentax with the backwards-compatible lens mount as there are some bargains to be had in the second hand lens market.

[@neilfoddering921]

I would add the Nikon Nikkormat range. I have a near-mint black Nikomat EL (I imported it several years ago from Japan, where these cameras were named Nikomat for the home market). I paid £36 (IIRC) for the camera body, which is Aperture Priority like the later FE, is built like a tank, and takes the early pre-AI (Automatic Indexing) lenses. These are of superb quality and are inexpensive, particularly compared to the AI-S range designed to operate on the Nikon FA.

[@letome]

Best classic camera I ever had. Bought it around 1972, with a standard 52 mm (I think) and the amazing 135 mm Nikkor f:2.8 (lots and lots of live concerts). Dragged i through Asia in 1982, and finally a burglar got away with it in the late 90'ies.

[@dufushead]

back in the day these were the F1 for non professional photograhers. I used to fantise about owning one !!!

[@deadandburied7626]

Still have my Canon A-1, Canon AE-1, Canon AE-1 Program, several Minolta XD-7s, Bronica ETRS, Mamiiya C3 and C330. And all their lenses.

[@Roddy1965]

I love my FE!!! Simple, and wonderful.

[@RCAvhstape]

I would suggest something from the old Minolta SRT line. Built like tanks, work without the battery, fully manual, lots of lenses, and as long as you stick to Minolta Rokkor lenses they are always very sharp.

[@RCAvhstape]

To add: my main 35mm camera is a Minolta X-700, which is a great camera but is also a bit more complicated. There are fewer repair shops willing to fix them because of the electronics, I had to send mine off to a distant shop last year. So for a beginner I recommend an SRT because of their simplicity. I have an SRT-101 I literally picked out of the trash and it works fine after a quick cleanup. The X and SRT line use the same lens mount, which makes it a nice addition to my lineup as well.

[@dufushead]

My second camera was a Minolta AL which I still regret selling 50+ years later. Great tools.

[@peeweebarney]

My first camera that I bought was a Minolta SRT-101 with a 50mm f1.7 Rokkor lens for $209 back in 1972 from K-Mart. I was 16 years old then.

[@maciejapacinski2808]

Feliks Edmund Dzerzhinsky was not the creator of this camera, he was the organizer of the Soviet security services - the most cruel services in the Soviet bloc (nkvd). FED is the name of the factory named after him in Kiev.

[@jjjalistair6880]

The FED commune was in Kharkiv ;) Kiev camera factory was "Arsenal"

[@dmytroyehorov2905]

@@jjjalistair6880please, use Ukrainian transcript Kyiv) But it’s hard while we are talking about film cameras, because I have Kiev-4 camera, with only Russian manual

[@chrisfetto9400]

He was the founder of the NKVD, later to become the KGB. The factory started with orphan labour making cameras and then armaments or munitions when the second world war began - from what I've gleaned.

[@chrisfetto9400]

Edmund... Really?

[@Wiencourager]

A lot of the orphans in the FED camera factory were probably orphaned after their parents were sent to the gulag, or worse.

[@makerspace533]

The OM2 was a great compact camera. I used it for photomicroscopy because the metering system worked so well and it was light weight. The F5 was incredible and the f100 made a good back-up camera.

[@rhodriwilliams2891]

First camera I used was a 1950s Braun Paxette - a mechanical fixed lens rangefinder-style (has a separate rangefinder attachment) with a leaf shutter - which my father gave me when I was young. My first was a Chinon CP5 in the mid 80s… Both still work fine, as do the Pentax ME Super & Nikon F301 I inherited later… I think you hit upon a great point, the wide range of quality lenses available for all these relatively cheap cameras 👍

[@nelsonm.5044]

The Nikon FE is quite a good and very nice camera to shoot, the Pentax K1000 is a camera that is a little too much on the rough side for me, good camera but make me curse from time to time. One camera that you did not mention but is quite impressive for a mid 1960's is the Minolta SRT101, I love using this very well built camera

[@dukenukem5768]

The K1000 is OK but over-rated and over-priced today - it is a very basic camera. The Minolta SRT101 is a better choice.

[@GigiDAmico]

I just bought the srt 101 and the metering is not ok, I think it works with light but not with low light, any idea? thanks

[@nelsonm.5044]

@@GigiDAmico mine is also not as reliable in low light situation compare to outdoor. You also have to remember these camera used to work with 1.35 volt mercury battery, if you put a modern 1.5 Volt battery, it does change how the meter reacts. What I did is do a comparison with my digital camera meter and there is a difference of one stop of light between what my Minolta meter tells me and the right exposure on my digital camera

[@pedrobortoli6852]

Great list! The only thing i would add is to the Pentax K1000. Watch out for what model you buy, later models *can* be pretty cheapily made and unreliable, the best way to go is try to find earlier, made in Japan, models

[@dukenukem5768]

Not only were later genuine Pentax ones sub-standard, but there have also been fakes made which can fool a beginner.

[@merkury06]

Great list. I have my Pentax MX, still works from new. I used it regularly from 1980 till about 2005. Got into Nikon with the N6006 (aka. F601) a beast of a consumer camera, very well built and has nearly all of the features of the F801 and even F4. The last film camera for me was the Nikon F100. I love it, its fast and light and the battery grip makes it even handier to use. To this day I still want an F4, an F5 and even an excellent condition F2 could have me reaching into the wallet.

[@63MacGuy]

When I was wedding photographer I had 3 Nikon F100’s. The F4 and F5 were mainly used for sports and the news papers. Also I had heard that the Spotmatic never had a spot meter. They thought they could make it, but they couldn’t make it reliable so they decided to go with center weighted. But they had already put the name stamp on the cameras.😢 not sure if that one’s T or F. LOVE your channel!!!

[@mrstandfast2212]

I'd suggest the Minolta X300. Cheap, well built and lovely to use. They cost from £50 - 100. I'd also recommend Zeiss Ikon Contaflex. These are beautifully made and have a simple range of Pro Tessar lenses from 35mm, 50mm, 80mm & 115mm. Still available around the £50 - 100 mark. There are plenty of others, but the above are among my favourites to use, not necessarily the most glamorous or expensive.

[@frankzappa3834]

Second the X300/X370. A camera to fall in love with.

[@DanielWOstler]

Those Contaflex cameras live in a world of their own.

[@matthiasgalus4287]

I still have my x300 that I got for Xmas in 1988 and it never let me down. Great camera you can get without paying crazy money. Most Nikons and so on are totally overpriced

[@donball9777]

Just bought a Minolta X-300 for £10. Mint condition. Got to love charity shops.

[@epstar83]

Awesome series Rog! Maybe I’d add the Pentax LX to that list… I think at the moment a good one can be found between 300-500 USD. Will you do a similar series for 120 cameras?

[@dukenukem5768]

I think he is trying to keep it affordable.

[@fistfulloflenses]

love these old cameras, great review and thanks for sharing

[@thenutter2003]

love my nikon f80 and mat124g also got an olympus trip 35 really great fun little camera to shoot with.

[@WietsedeJong]

Pentax fan here! Look for a Pentax MX (smaler) in stead of a K1000/spotmatic or even an Pentax ME-Super (Cheap)..

[@oudviola]

I'm pretty happy with my ME and MX, although I'd love to trade up to an LX if one came along. Pentax has a beam splitter, a mirror attachment that fits on any 50mm thread diameter lens. It makes two stereo images on one 24x36 frame, which go in a regular slide film holder and are viewed with Pentax' slide viewer to get 3d images. Tons of fun!

[@targetglen]

WHAT ? No Minoltas ?

[@joshpawley5757]

Yer Minolta SRT101📷

[@robertwaffel8248]

pssst!!!! don't tell the internet! keeps the prices low! 😊 I keep collecting them and that sweet, sweet Rokkor glass!

[@3c3c3c]

Minolta is Meg from Family guy of the camera world😂😂😂 No one ever cares about Minolta😂

[@WTFphotography]

what a great video!!! I loved the fact that your choices of cameras were not based on trends or hypes, but in functionality and price. Sure, the F5 is something else, but the K1000, OM10, Spotmatic... they are all are pretty capable and affordable cameras that any film photographer (beginner or pros) will be able to make great images with. Excellent video!!!

[@ShootFilmLikeaBoss]

Thanks!

[@the_grand_tourer]

Canon A1 ... using the one I have owned since the 90's on an expedition to St Kilda next week ... recently restored, works like a dream.

[@dflf]

I've had both AE-1 and the program, They're pretty good cameras but if you don't mind paying a little more I'd get the A-1 instead. It has five shooting modes and the electronics are a lot better than it's AE and P cousins

[@reinhard8053]

Back in the days the A-1 was kind of a dream camera for me, but much too expensive. Some months ago I bought one in the end but didn't have a chance to shoot with it, yet.

[@bennett4490]

I have a K1000 and found it underwhelming as a camera... Konica Autoreflex T series are great and relatively cheap. My favorite manual SLR has to be the Nikon FG though - so small with a fantastic viewfinder and TTL flash metering if you need it. Both should be around $50-100 depending on condition and if they come with a lens or not.

[@johnkaplun9619]

The k1000 is a beginner camera. It's like a Canon ae1, great to learn the basics

[@dukenukem5768]

The K1000 is frustrating because you cannot see the shutter speed in the viewfinder - essential IMHO otherwise you need to take it down from your eye after metering to check you have a sensible speed..

[@terjemyller6573]

Fun to watch! I was a newspaper photog in the 80s and used two Canon F1n bodies with motors, lots of lenses and a Metz 45CT flash. A ton to carry. Sometimes I just grabbed my Leica M4, a 35 and a 50 and just set exposure with my eyes. Oh the times have changed..

[@ShootFilmLikeaBoss]

I bet the Leica was a relief to use.

[@50mmnikonainikkor55]

I always adored and wanted a Nikon FM and that's the only manual camera that I have . Absolutely love it .

[@ConflictCorp]

The only camera you should be looking to get is the Conflict 45AF. Totally unbiased opinion.

[@Nobody-Nowhere]

Conflict CORP paid me to say that the camera is awesome and i love it, its my unbiased opinion.

[@ConflictCorp]

@@Nobody-Nowhere Awesome unbiased opinion from a totally real user. I appreciate it.

[@nevillewatkins4997]

I think Felix Dzerzhinsky was the head of the Soviet secret police. The camera was produced by a children's labour commune in Ukraine, which he was involved with.

[@mynewcolour]

Well that’s terrifying.

[@savinggracechurch4112]

Back in the 80s I worked as a assistant photographer. The shooter had a f3 and fe with five prime lenses including a full frame fisheye and large zoom. Hasselblad 500 C/M very nice. Thankfully it was mainly studio work and not humping them around location all the time. Yeah loved my trusty fe + 50mm f2 nikkor. My dad had a f2 Back in those days with no af my dad bought me a Canon al1 qf with the focus assist as my manual focus was slightly out at time and this camera helped me nail it every time. Incidentally the Canon fd lenses are really good on micro 4/3 cinema cameras, even used adapted for professional use. Think it's to do with the fact that the rear element is closer to the sensor than other brands. Really exotic if properly adapted but they usually adapt the exotic 50mm f1.2 with the radioactive glass. Fancy an f4 Awesome channel only just subscribed.

[@redbank542]

I have an OM10 which I bought new in 1980 along with the manual adapter. Still take’s great shots. I have a Zorki 4K which has an excellent lens. I recently purchased a reconditioned Nikon F75 from eBay. This came with a 35-105 lens. I’ve added a 55mm lens. Very impressed with the results. The only drawback is it’s auto ISO if you are into pushing/pulling. Very “modern” camera for its age. Think it’s possibly the last film camera that Nikon produced. It cost me AUD $175

[@stevenj2380]

Never had an SLR back in the day. From 1973 - 1991 used a Minolta HiMatic rangefinder type, from college, for friends pics and so on. Shared many of those pics. During 2019 being all in on Nikon F DSLR for just a couple of year starting before mirrorless Z, i got a fine, used F100. I love the compatibility with all the auto and manual lens for Nikon I have. Feels great to hold. Found a way to get stickiness off, and is pristine Shot 2 1/2 rolls of film. Paid for scans besides the negatives. I don't print, share or put my own pics on the walls. So the F100 is just sitting.

[@simon1841]

Always loved my Nikon FM2 - 40 years and still going strong (and a 1/4000 mechanical shutter!)

[@yukonchris]

The Pentax K1000 is definitely a good choice. I have a couple of them, along with a Spotmatic. The K1000 was often used as a teaching camera by schools and colleges because of their simple, reliable, no-frills approach. The OM-1 and OM-2 were both beautiful cameras but they suffer from a design feature that relied of mercury batteries which you can no longer buy so if you want to use the built in light meters reliably, you need to find an alternative power solution. Two cameras I particularly enjoy, and which you didn't mention are the Canon AT-1 which was a simpler alternative to the AE-1, and another is the Nikon FM, which was a manual alternative to the Nikon FE. I tend to prefer all manual cameras to their automatic and semi-automatic stablemates. Nice video, by the way.

[@christopherwelch5568]

I own 2 of these and had one other. I have a K1000, a first-generation Spotmatic from the mid-sixties with an original lens and lens hood, an SP500 from '71 and I had an AE-1 but sold it to a photography student. The SP500 is identical to the Spotmatic. It goes up to 500 on the shutter speed dial but you can turn it past 500 to get 1000. All great cameras. The SP500 is my #1. It's unfailingly reliable. I got it in a pawn shop over 20 years ago, never serviced it, no maintenance and it just works.

[@christophermorris7616]

The choices of the top of the line vintage 35mm cameras. For the inexpensive widely available modular components are quite amazing. My top 3 choices for the best analog 35mm camera. I would go with the original Canon F-1, Nikon F and the Pentax LX. For these three wonderful mechanical cameras have detachable viewfinders. Easily equipped with the rotating Speed Finder on the Canon and Pentax. The Nikon does not rotate. But beautiful to use. These finders were designed to be used in underwater housings. So your eye can view the full frame with your eye not having to be pressed into the camera. All three had these and are amazing examples of the last of breed of cameras before plastics and electronics started to be implemented.

[@user-kp1us9gb6f]

Back in the day (1976) I bought my first SLR camera a Konica TC. Simple to use, took great photo's and was bullet proof, in that nothing went wrong up to the time it was stolen 5 years later. It was just impossible to take bad pictures unless you worked at it. Many years later I have a Nikon D5300 which is a low end Nikon, but still useable. Still harking after the old 35mm SLR, saw an advert on Ebay in 2008 for a Konica T3 with a bunch of lenses included for $65.00, so bought it. Had the mercury cell batteries replaced by Silver (?) by a specialist in Wisconsin, and can and still do use it. The original lenses by Konica are first rate.

[@ShootFilmLikeaBoss]

Shame it was stolen! Glad you found that bargain!

[@jackcanine6949]

Shooting film I still use my TC along with my 'T', 'T3' and 'FT-1'. Hexanon lens are great. My favorite is my Yashica 124G.

[@simonwilliams6140]

Great content as ever Rog! My go to recommendation for new 35mm film enthusiasts is the Canon EOS range. As you've shown yourself in recent videos, they're super easy to use and the EF lens range is second to none for image quality and range. Other than the EOS 1 and 3, the bodies are stupidly cheap and lens prices are falling fast too. Battery life and availability is really the only downside. Plus, no one stops you to ask about your camera when you're out shooting...

[@johnsuffill6520]

I would have put the Canon A-1 in there instead of the AE-1. I had the A-1 back in the day and found it perfect to use especially with the motor-drive fitted, until the following year when I got a used Canon FTb QL from 1972. Fully manual instead of multi-mode, it very soon became my camera of choice.

[@mickcookson8009]

Roger I got a OM10 from a car boot last year, it was thrown in a bin as not working, it had a x2 adapter plus the lens and the manual adapter, I bought it for £3.00, I fixed it and got it working, it takes great photo's.

[@iconi1355]

I currently use a nikon f-501 i inherited from my grandpa. As a newcomer using it is really effortless, given its automatic shutter or aperture priority. It also has an early autofocus and employs the nikon f-mount for lenses, which makes finding them easy if not trivial. Having shot with it for a while now, the autofocus gets a bit slow sometimes so i pretty much only ever use it in manual focus mode with the pretty decent automatic shutter on.

[@ellm8089]

I have just bought my first 35mm camera, Pentax K1000 with SMC Pentax-M 1.7 50mm lens. Found your channel and subscribed. Got my first films today, ready for the weekend 🙂 lots of learning to do now

[@sputumtube]

It may be worth mentioning that some advertised cameras are pictured with a lens fitted which is often not part of the deal. Also, if buying from Japan, exercise caution. I bought what was described as an 'as new' Nikon F2AS with a 55mm f1.2 lens which cost almost £500 (UK sterling). I took it for a service at P.J. Camera Repairs (as recommended by Grays of Westminster) and I had to fork out a further £114 for a CLA, light seal replacement and sticky shutter. It works great now of course, but the Japanese adverts are often 'optimistically worded'.

[@Sarge198]

I really like my Minolta a7, its a great SLR that has all the settings. It also uses the a mount system which makes it compatible with a huge variety of really old minolta and newer Sony lenses.

[@thomasfx3190]

I won a F80 last year and I shoot B&W film with it, it’s really a joy to use & takes great pictures on manual settings and or aperture priority.

[@peeweebarney]

How did you win it?

[@lukaszmalanowski9865]

Oh man, a designer Dzerzhinsky, you made my day. Lovely video, btw, personalny I would mention Canon EOS 600.

[@charlessugg3907]

With Olympus, I would suggest that if given a choice, get the ON-1n over the OM-1. Same basic camera, but, from what I know, the OM-1n variant is more robust mechanically as well as newer. I remember news photographers, who tend to run cameras very, very hard, being disappointed in how the original held up. A game changer of the OM-1 was the air piston mirror dampeners, that reduced mirror slap to where, with steady hands, you could use a stop or two lower shutter speed than other SLRs of the era and get a usable shot. Down side to these pistons is that, if crud gets in them, it can slow the mirror action down to where it won't cycle. I'm not sure whether subsequent models of the "pro" line kept this. Another nice feature of the OM-1 is the easy to access mirror lock-up. Affordable lenses to look for -- 28mm 3.5, slow but sharp, 100mm 2.8 is also excellent. (On the other hand. I found the Zuiko 85mm 2.0 to be rather soft. Then again I was switching from the near legendary Super-Multi-Coated Takumar 85mm 1.8.) Can't go wrong with either the 135mm 3.5 or the just plain pokey 200mm 5.0. But, the latter is about the same size as other makers; 135s." Earliest ("silver nose" ?) lenses were not multi=coated, which I've heard is favored by some shooting B&W. Reputedly the last version of the 50mm 1.8 is the best optically. I've read it can be identified by "Made in Japan" on the front bezel rather than on the barrel.

[@tgchism]

My first 35mm camera in 1982 was the AE1 Program with the 50mm 1.8. It was a wonderful camera that I should have kept! I also had a Canon A1 camera which was another great camera! It allows shutter or aperture priority as well as multiple exposure! Today I shoot a Sony A7III which allows me to use just about any lens with the proper adapter. I currently have a Canon 55mm 1.2 which is a great lens. I also have a FD 24mm and a 50mm 1.8. I would love to pick up a AE1 Program or A1 to shoot these lenses as intended again!

[@OLDMANTEA]

I love the OM 1s. Simple yet bomb-proof solid.

[@kencarnley7101]

I agree with you on the Electro 35. Very sharp lens.

[@Thereal111t]

I’ve been having fun with an old Argus C3.

[@kimberleylouiseprance445]

I've got an AE-1 Program and love it.

[@rudedog34]

My K1000, AE-1 and FE (always by my side). Love shooting these to this day.

[@glenjo0]

In addition to the Canon AE-1, I would add the Canon A-1, and the Canon F-1. I owned many A-1's, and they were a battery operated wonder with like six or seven exposure modes. The F-1 was aimed at working pros, is more of a manual camera, and built like a tank. I currently own an Nikon F-100. It is a working pro baby F-5, built like a tank. It is very compatible with the Nikon DSLR lineup, fully compatible with many of the DSLR F mount lenses (every lens works fine up to the electronic aperture lenses (has an E for electronic aperture), and the P stepper motor driven lenses).

[@PhotoBug3042]

I’ve owned 4 of these. I had (and loved) 2 copies of the nikon F100 but the electronics in both died after a couple of years of light use. Can’t beat the all-mechanical cameras: F2, FM etc. they just keep going!

[@onocoffee]

The AE-1 was my first camera way back in the day. Loved that thing. Progressed to the AE-1Program and then the F-1n before getting the EOS1D - and then the exodus to digital. But you've got some classics. I also owned the Nikon FE (my brother had the F5), and everyone I know seemingly learned on the K1000!

[@ShootFilmLikeaBoss]

The K1000 was very popular for students and schools I remember.

[@JasperBunschoten]

The first analog camera I bought for myself was a spotmatic F from a guy I knew from elementary school. I bought it for 40 euros and took some of the best pictures I have with it. It did need servicing, the high shutter speeds not working properly, but that wasn't an issue for me since I tend to shoot ASA 100 speed films.

[@royvarley]

My first SLR was a Minolta SRT-101 with a 58mm F1.4 Rokkor lens. Saved up for ages. I stuck with Minolta for film: Autocord (2 1/4 square), X700, Dynax 9xi, 600si. Lovely cameras.

[@chrisjordan4210]

I have an Olympus OM1 in perfect condition (bought secondhand with a £70 lottery win). Haven't used it for years but fired it up a few weeks ago and the old TTL light meter still works and everything is almost as good as new, a beautiful piece of engineering. Also came across some developments from the days when I used it...and wow, the depth range, colour, and focus beats all of the digital stuff I have now. I was always impressed with the picture that showed the huge array of accessories for this little camera...I'll keep it for as long as I'm around!

[@ShootFilmLikeaBoss]

Congratulations on the win! And it was spent wisely!

[@BarnsleyBob]

Great video & great list- there are so many REALLY good film cameras! Currently I've an OM2n which I love, a Canon EOS50e which I had back in the late 90's, I bought my current one for a tenner though! Oh and a lovely little Ricoh FF70 compact. That thing takes really lovely photos!

[@ghw7192]

Agreed on the K1000. I managed a camera store for 15 years and the made in China modes could be problematic, usually with the film advance. The mae in Japan K1000s are workhorses. Very reliable.

[@davesoverthere]

Nikkormat FT2: it's all-mechanical except for the light meter, it's super reliable, it uses the common LR44 battery, it has the same legendary Copal Square shutter as the FE you showed, and it's a dirt cheap way to get into the amazing Nikon F-mount lens system. It can be had for $25-150 depending on condition.

[@waynelohf7772]

I still have my Pentax K1000 that I bought new in late December 1983 or early January 1984, with my first paycheck after Air Force Basic Training. I recently put the first roll of film through it in several decades, light meter still works, pictures came out great!

[@ShootFilmLikeaBoss]

Thats awesome! And no leaks!

[@one-0-eight108]

I loved using Nikon FM2 and F3, Great cameras.