Your Favourite Camera?

In answer to the make-believe scenario... after some thought, it would have to be a 35mm camera as that's the last film format I think is likely to be discontinued. So it's down to a choice of 2:

My head is saying the Canon EOS-3 as it will work with the same lenses I have for my Canon DSLR. My heart is saying the Canon A1, as it's the first major thing I saved up for when I left school and started work, it's taken some lovely looking photos and, with the exception of auto focus and auto-wind, it will still do pretty much everything I need it to. Are you sure it's just one? OK, it's the A1.

In reality... take just one false step towards my toy cupboard and you'll be wearing your rib cage as a hat! :bat: You're not getting your hands on any of my film cameras! ;)
 
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Tough choice. I'd be torn between my Fuji GS645w and my Hasselblad 500cm.
 
steveo_mcg said:
You can pry my RB from my cold dead hands.
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robhooley167 said:
It'd have to be Arby the RB67! Sure it's a bit battered and bruised, but it's great fun to use!

Although the 645AFD is more convenient, I'll be taking that RB67 to the grave...
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What is it about this particular sledgehammer that inspires such fanatical loyalty? :D:D:D
 
Olympus Trip (metal shutter button) which was a 21st birthday present and my first ever "real" (35mm) camera. It still works fine and I ran a couple of films through it last year, and no battery worries either. :)
 
My first proper camera was a Spotmatic. Loved it but always lusted. over a Nikon F2.
Today I have 2 of them, last to go would be the F2A
 
OMG how can I choose?

A few of the many...
Oly Trip
Nikons F100, FM2n, FA
Bessa R3M
Fujis GW690, GA645W, GS645S

*Sigh

AAAAAAARGH!

Oh go on then... the Fuji GW690
 
Nikon F3

owned a Rolleiflex, Bronica, Hassleblad and a Nikon FE2 but every time I pick up my F3 at the moment I start grinning - perfection in a manual focus film SLR :)

It has pride of place on my computer desk where I can sit and stare at the beauty of it any time I want (I am sad?)
 
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Without a doubt it would be my Olly 35RC that stevelmx5 (Chroma 4x5) 'Radically Customized' for me last year!
Still gets admiring looks when I use it, and not just from me!
 
Argghhhh

Difficult as too many to choose from but it came down to the Pentax 645 and Pentax LX

The LX took it in the end due to the pairing with the rare Pentax-m 85mm f/2 lens...... lovely portrait lens
 
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Hmm a toss up between my RZ67PROII and my chamonix 45F1.
 
My first thought was the Mamiya RZ67, but since I'm going to have to carry this one camera around into my old age, I think I'd settle on my Yashicamat 124G instead. Only needing a battery for the meter and being relatively light and compact would be major plus points.
 
I don't know. It's not that I'm spoiled for choice (although I do have a lot of kit I never use), it's more that I've fallen out of love with photography recently and never think to take any of my cameras with me when I go out. Maybe if I sold the lot then bought back whichever one I missed? :(
 
Strappy said:
I don't know. It's not that I'm spoiled for choice (although I do have a lot of kit I never use), it's more that I've fallen out of love with photography recently and never think to take any of my cameras with me when I go out. Maybe if I sold the lot then bought back whichever one I missed? :(
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You'll have to attend one of the F&C day trips out somewhere, that should rekindle your interest in photography; there's nothing like a bit of good company, banter and light-hearted competition to make photography fun again. There was talk of us revisiting the Black Country Museum in the spring once the weather improves, if so, you'll have to join us there. (y)
 
I love my Rolleicord Va - everything from the smell (?), the look, the way you use it, the IQ... I also loved my Leica M6 but there is something about the rollei I cant put my finger on?
 
Although I take only digital shots now there a couple of old 35mm film cameras that I really liked. A Zenit E with the 58mmf2 Helios lens (which I no longer have) and the Pentax MX, which I still have - must get it out one day.

Dave
 
Woodsy said:
Despite the fact that I've considered - but crucially not followed through with - selling mine once or twice, I do agree... you have to own one to 'get' them.
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I sold mine but only after I had a newer one and tested it was working and even then it was a bit of a wrench.

The world looks better though the massive vf.
 
Mr Badger said:
You'll have to attend one of the F&C day trips out somewhere, that should rekindle your interest in photography; there's nothing like a bit of good company, banter and light-hearted competition to make photography fun again.
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I've been to a few and I think I'm yet to repeat a camera at any of them. I've also started a couple of threads about my dilemmas and indecision in the past so this isn't a new thing although at least I was still taking photographs. I think I enjoy the meets more for catching up with everyone than the photography, I still haven't developed all the rolls I shot through the F100 at the Oxford meet in April last year.

desf said:
Stop it. Now I want one.
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I have one which I never use (well, duh, you don't use any of them, you halfwit). With my customary indecision, having read the other comments I'm now torn between digging it out and seeing if I can get interested in it again or selling it. At least if I dig it out, it'll be there whatever I decide!
 
Strappy said:
At least if I dig it out, it'll be there whatever I decide!
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Dig it out and play with it, you know you want to! More seriously, I just loved the sound of my Nikon F5 motor and mirror, but I don't think I ever took many photos with it. Similarly I could play with my Leicaa M3 without ever really wanting to put a film in it, so it can be quite therapeutic. ;)
 
I have 2 a Olympus XA2 & Vivitar XV2
 
@Strappy Well, if we go back to the Black Country Living Museum (which I very much hope we do) then just take one camera and no more than 2 rolls of film if shooting 120, or 1 roll of 36 exp 35mm. If you can't decide which camera to take then list your working and reliable options and I'm sure the F&C regulars that know the site can choose one for you. The fish and chips was worth the trip there (including the 1930s shop they cook and serve them in). Lots of photo opportunities, lots of things to see, a good laugh and some pleasant company for you to catch up with. I really enjoyed my day out there... and that included losing 36 photos I took... or rather thought that I'd taken, as I didn't load the film properly in one of the cameras (first time I've ever done that in about 40 years of photography!). So it should be a good day out if you're up for it, and if it rekindles your interest in photography then so much the better. (y)
 
I'm in a similar situation to the rest of you, too many cameras and not enough time to use them but still with some sentimental value.

The camera that I'm most attached to (but don't use that often anymore) is my Minolta XD7. It was the first camera that I bought back when I did a photography course in college.

The camera that is an absolute delight to use (though not to carry) is my beast from the east, the RZ67 Pro II. I love the results and composing on that big, bright WLF is a pleasure. I usually prefer all mechanical cameras so I've been wondering recently if I might prefer the RB67 Pro SD but I'd miss the 110mm Sekor Z lens.

The camera that I reach for most often and shoot the most film with is my Leica M2, usually just with 50mm lens even when I take my 35mm just in case. Whether that's because I enjoy using it the most or whether it's because I'm trying to justify the cost I'm not it so sure lol.

I'd probably go M2 in the end because it's just so simple to pick it up and sling it over my shoulder wherever I go.
 
Whilst my dream camera was the RZ67, my favourite camera even having obtained the RZ (which I love), is still my m645 1000S. It was my first medium format camera and i've always found it to produce consistent results and it's always been reliable.

In the world of 35mm, it would be an old canon AT-1 that would be my favourite for practically the same reasons as above, even though the T90 and F5 I have are vastly superior)
 
wontolla said:
Without a doubt it would be my Olly 35RC that stevelmx5 (Chroma 4x5) 'Radically Customized' for me last year!
Still gets admiring looks when I use it, and not just from me!
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Thanks Baz. I'm glad it's still got a place in your bag :0) The 35RC I've got now looks way too standard so it's on the list for a similar conversion.

For me, my favourite camera is probably my Yashica 635. Shoots 3 different film types depending on my mood (135/120/Instax) and always delivers excellent results (technically if not compositionally!). Chroma obviously has to be high up there but I'll come back to that after I've built 125 of them!
 
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