i have been using digital slrs for some time now and i have become somewhat addicted to it...
but somehow i also feel the urge to look into shooting film. i have been thinking about this for quite some time now and would like to buy a film body and a fast prime lens, probably something between 35 and 50mm, as i really like to take portraits at those focal lengths.
the only problem is...i have zero knowledge about film cameras.
i do not plan on buying 'pro' equipment here, just a nice and solid film body - not too expensive - and an affordable yet decent prime lens. i do not mind manual focus!
plus i do not know what kind of film to use...or what brand. i would really like to use b/w film as it kinda serves the purpose i intend my film body for (portraits!)
i am open for suggestions and would be grateful for your help!
There was just a thread about this. I'd say look at Olympus OM cameras. OM 1, OM 1n, OM 2. Pick up a 50/1.8 or 50/1.4, or whatever 35 it is that they made.
As far as film, depends on how you are going to process. If you are going to make the jump and do it at home, I'd suggest Tri-X or Plus-X. They are quite lovely. But so are most other B&W films. You'd get far better results by doing them at home, and scanning or enlarging yourself.
If you aren't developing yourself, maybe try the C41 B&W films, either Kodak BW400CN or Ilford XP2 Super. They get developed like color film and can be scanned with the dust busting technology that pukes on traditional B&W film. Shoot some of that, and maybe check out some color film too. I really like Kodak Portra (160 and 400) and the new Ektar 100. Fuji makes some nice color film too, but I'm not as familiar with them.
If you shoot Canon, Nikon or Sony for your digital, buy the equivalent film body (I recommend the EOS 3, F100 and Minolta Maxxum/Dynax 7 respectively, they can be had for $150-300). Pentax is a little harder to recommend as their AF film bodies are either pricey or crappy, but the MZ-S and PZ-1p aren't bad if you're willing to pay the inflated cost.
For an Oly shooter, pick one of the above or a good manual body and get ready to experience a viewfinder.
85's are good replacements for 50mm's on crop bodies.
Just go to your local camera shop and see what film bodies they have. Tell us what you got so we can recommened a good, fast lens for it
<-- Pentax film bodies rule. LX + MX.
I Am Luna wrote:
<-- Pentax film bodies rule. LX + MX.
Having owned both, I liked the LX, but the MX was an unreliable POS as well as seriously lacking in performance (poor flash sync, low max shutter, a similar era Nikon FM had a sync a full stop higher and cost less both then and now).
Seeing that you already own Canon lenses why switch to another system Just get an EOS 7N or a Rebel, both of which are inexpensive and plentiful. I've used both and they both will work well for your use (portraiture). An EF 85 f/1.8 is an excellent lens for your use.
For film use Kodak 400CN which can be developed and scanned (2000x3000) by Costco, because it is developed in color chemicals (C41). Or custom labs can scan at much higher resolution if you are doing your own inkjet printing.
mawz wrote:
Having owned both, I liked the LX, but the MX was an unreliable POS as well as seriously lacking in performance (poor flash sync, low max shutter, a similar era Nikon FM had a sync a full stop higher and cost less both then and now).
I haven't owned a single MX that has caused me problems, and I have owned many. My LXs on the other hand...I had two. One had the sticky mirror, so I got that fixed. And the other, which I just recently found again buried in some old clothes back home, has an issue with the mirror locking up. I am sending it to Mr. Hendrickson for repair.
I will agree however with the max shutter of the MX. 1000 just isn't enough sometimes. The other 'issues' I could careless about because I don't mind them.
This is probably outside your budget but it wouldn't hurt to have a look at a Canon 1V. I think this might just be the best reflex film camera that will ever be made, considering there's no further development in this area. Very fine spot metering so it allows for very precise exposure measurement. Excellent focusing screens, great shutter release and all the bells and whistles too. I have 2 of them and I can't bear to part with them but I haven't used them in years!
The Leica R8/9 has had it's problems but it is fantastic to use, almost as good as the 1V. The Leica does however have a better focusing screen/viewfinder than the 1V and a smoother shutter release.
Within your budget, yeah, have a look at the old OM's. OM2's are cheap and a very nice camera with a good selection of wide lenses, better than the canons on a dollar for dollar basis. Metering is not the best and shutter speeds are limited compared to other bodies but that might be OK for you.
I Am Luna wrote:
I haven't owned a single MX that has caused me problems, and I have owned many. My LXs on the other hand...I had two. One had the sticky mirror, so I got that fixed. And the other, which I just recently found again buried in some old clothes back home, has an issue with the mirror locking up. I am sending it to Mr. Hendrickson for repair.
I will agree however with the max shutter of the MX. 1000 just isn't enough sometimes. The other 'issues' I could careless about because I don't mind them.
The OM's also have a slow ass shutter speed, but at least they are quiet. Luna, why on earth would you send your camera anywhere? There an AWESOME repair dude here ON OKINAWA!
I'd also recommend a Canon EOS system body if you already have some lenses. All EF lenses will work, but EF-S will not.
I think the EOS 3 represents the best value right now with 1 series features at about $150 for BGN quality and $200 in EX+ (US prices). The Elan 7N or 7NE would be my other recommendation, but they cost the same used as the better featured EOS 3. These two bodies have faster shutter speeds than the Rebels, which can be helpful. They also both work with all current ETTL-II flashes like the 430EX and 580EX. Of course any EOS body will work with your EOS lenses, so its not that big of an issue.
That said, I've got EOS, Pentax AF, and Pentax M42 bodies (6 in all), plus a medium format and 2 large format cameras.
I Am Luna wrote:
I haven't owned a single MX that has caused me problems, and I have owned many. My LXs on the other hand...I had two. One had the sticky mirror, so I got that fixed. And the other, which I just recently found again buried in some old clothes back home, has an issue with the mirror locking up. I am sending it to Mr. Hendrickson for repair.
I will agree however with the max shutter of the MX. 1000 just isn't enough sometimes. The other 'issues' I could careless about because I don't mind them.
The MX's are subject to a notorious issue with the internal metering switch. This means that at any time the camera may be draining your battery despite the shutter being locked. But it's also nearly impossible to get the problem fixed even if properly described as it looks like its working correctly right until you end up with a set of dead 2 day old batteries. I also had shutter issues with them.
Yeah, the LXen have the mirror issues, but at least you can reliably get that problem fixed.
two of my kids have Canon FD cameras, both were free. Superb cameras for that price! Lenses are dirt cheap as well... and mostly very good.
I liked my OM-1 quite a bit too, but lenses are expensive (though good).
Minolta offers great deals currently.
Nikon are still kind of expensive compared to the other film cameras.
They still cost, but a Leica SL, R3 or R4 + 50 Summicron cannot be beat, even when put up against the newest and best.
Have you thought about rangefinders at all?
Something like a German made Kodak Retina IIa (with excellent fixed 50/2 lens) is a whole lot of fun for ~$50. Older Leica (Barnack model) cameras are wonderful jewels and with alternative lens options still quite affordable (forget M's unless you have deep pockets). There are tons of affordable options and if you like 35-50 you can get a great small camera with superb optics.
TWoK wrote:
The OM's also have a slow ass shutter speed, but at least they are quiet. Luna, why on earth would you send your camera anywhere? There an AWESOME repair dude here ON OKINAWA!
I send it to him because I know him and his work. Where is the repair guy here on Okinawa? Can you PM me his info so I can give him a try?
When we meet up, we have to give a OM / MX shutter duel I haven't heard an OM's shutter in awhile.
Some people make the voyage into film a little cheaper by buying equipment cross compatible with their DSLR system. Since I owned all EF lenses and a 40D, I decided the film EOS line was for me. I picked up a Canon Elan 7E for $100 on ebay, and enjoy using my equipment for both.
Just get an EOS 7N or a Rebel, both of which are inexpensive and plentiful. I've used both and they both will work well for your use (portraiture). An EF 85 f/1.8 is an excellent lens for your use.