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My Hasselblad is as old as me (27), my two Polaroid SX-70s are from around 1980-82 and the Agfa Ambi Silette is from around 1960. I'm hoping to collect a few more examples of earlier SX-70s as they're so much fun to use.
It's true I love triplets (including tessars - which are triplets really)... curent cameras in use are...
Ikoflex II(second model - 1938) TLR with a CZ Triotar tripler - Efke R50 film
Yashica 44 TLR - with the 4 element Yashinon - Macochrome slide film loaded
Pentax MX SLR - I'm using this for still lives as I can use a long focus lens... Pan F or FP4 in it usually
Agfa Solinette - folding miniature, with a 3 element coated Apotar - FP4 loaded
I've also got film in an Altix V (Meyer Trioplan) and a FED2(industar tessar type)...
Ceri
I have a Zorki - 4k bought in 1977 which works fine 1/60 upwards but in common with its ilk the focal plane shutter sticks lamentably at the slower speeds.
A Russian enthusiast's site claims that the Zorki's record in this respect is no worse than the early (and some later) Leicas. I cannot comment on this claim, however.
After attempting to use the slow speeds it takes some while (repeated operation cycles of the shutter) to get it working reliably again at the higher speeds.
Shame really, as I would like to use for its couple rangefinder, and to buy a longer lens to go with the splendid the std f2/50mm Jupiter lens.
Setting the shutter speeds is very awkward though, and needs good eyesight to read the shutter dial setting marks, some of which are very close together.
Appearance wise it is in very good condition, with no marks or blemishes on the shutter blinds or the body, top and bottom plates.
It would probably be cheaper to buy a working FED than try and get it repaired, but I am loath to confine it to collection cabinet.
jas
The trouble is Ceri, that I am a sucker for interesting well made precision mechanical items, and cameras are so collectible. Which is why I have kept most of my cameras when moving on and bitterly regret those I did part with.
Collectively they represent the various stages of my life.
And they are such fun to use!
jas
I've been spoiling myself with the MX lately and I'm sriously thinking of acquiring a classic German SLR... I can't stretch to a Contarex, so maybe a Contaflex(those tessars!), a Bessamatic, or even an M42 Icarex... I'd go after an Exakta but the collectors are pushing the prices up all the time...
Ceri
A large number of early post war Russian cameras were built from German parts and based on German cameras, Ceri.
An SLR I haven't seen for a very long time is the Edixa. The guys at the Club mostly had Rollie's or Edixas (not me, I'm afraid). The Edixas were generally with waist level finders (focusing on the ground glass screen via flip up magnifier.
Some of the more flush members actually had the removable pentaprism!
The price at the time for the basic Edixa was about 90. I was tempted by a 2nd hand model for 25 but it wasn't in very good condition (cameras held their price then) and nor were my finances, so I didn't buy.
I was earning about 35 bob a week then!
jas
jas
Perhaps using the cameras of one's youth is in response to a secret yearning for one's youthful days again, an attribute of growing old. At least they are a reminder.
Or again, perhaps they are more fun to use.
I find that I am using the S602Z when I want to sure of getting a good result and when I am having a day out just to enjoy myself I take one of my older cameras and a roll or two of film.
Hopefully I am off to the Arundel Wetlands Centre next week.
Re the Miranda, I thought you were looking at a Topcon at one time?
jas
The postman brought a Voigtlander Brilliant this morning - I'm not to sure about the exact date but it's metal bodied so pre-1936. It has a Compur shutter up to 1/300th working on all speeds, and a Skopar lend (there's a little dusting between the elements but shouldn't make too much difference). It's tiny though, hard to believe it takes 120 film - it's smaller than my Yashica 44!
Ceri
It's a fact that since I bought my S602Z I have taken more pics on film than in the preceding 5 or 6 years. Before reading too much into this, it is probably because shooting digital has re-kindled my interest in picture taking.
As many of my cameras are now 'classic' a lot of the re-newed activity has centred around them.
I changed to SLR originally because I needed the accurate framing, focusing and ease of use for close up work in my profession.
The SLR is nice to use but why put up with a clunking mirror if you don't really need it.
I have been looking at the rangefinder type of camera. I have in mind, say, a Voigtlander Bessa R body, if only I could afford the lenses. So I may have to be content with my Zorki! if only it were more reliable.
I guess I will have put a cassette of delta 400 through it and see how I get on. I think the camera has forgotten what film is!!! No big deal if I loose a few frames.
Time to remind it!
jas
There is an attraction in the engineering that must have gone into making these classic cameras. I find myself wondering how I would get on with my old Minolta SRT100 these days...
Having said that my "old" Fuji MX1700 (well old for digital) is the shape and size of a packet of fags. Its handy because you can carry it in your trouser pocket. I don't think I would get away with carrying my 300D in my trouser pocket, might cause the occasional comment.
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