what, in your opinion, is the best 35mm camera?

[andylynn]

<p>My favorites, in no particular order:<br>

Nikon F100<br>

Nikon F3<br>

Minolta XD11</p>

[Mike Gammill]

<p>My short list:</p>

<ul>

<li>Minolta XE-7</li>

<li>Minolta SRT 102</li>

<li>Konica Autoreflex T3N</li>

<li>Olympus OM-1</li>

<li>Pentax ZX-5</li>

<li>Nikon FE-2</li>

</ul>

 

[jodys]

<p>Canon FTb, w/ 50mm f1.4. Why? That's the one I have an emotional attachment to. Plus, it still works! Never been opened or serviced, in fact, despite abusive treatment by a 13-16 year-old aspiring photographer back in the early 80s. The weddings I shot with it? They're all divorced, re-married, kids in college or in a cult. The f-ing camera still works like it was new.</p>

[john_narsuitus]

<p>For me, cameras that I consider “best” are ones that are dependable, rugged, reliable, easy to operate, and capable of producing images of high quality.</p>

<p>Here are the mechanical/manual 35mm cameras that I own and use and think are the best:</p>

<p>Nikon F2 SLR (especially the F2 titanium)<br>

Fujica ST705 SLR<br>

Pentax Spotmatic SLR<br>

Argus C3 rangefinder (not easy to operate but very rugged)<br>

Nikonos III underwater (not easy to operate but extremely rugged)<br>

Canon QL17 GIII rangefinder<br>

Minolta Hi-Matic 9 rangefinder</p>

<p>Batteries may be used for built-in light meter but none rely on batteries for actually taking photos.</p>

[john_narsuitus]

<p>Here are the mechanical/manual 35mm cameras that I have never owned or used but I think are among the best:<br>

Canon F1<br>

Olympus OM1<br>

Leica MP<br>

Leica M6<br>

Nikon SP<br>

Nikon FM (any in the FM series except the FM10)</p>

<p>Batteries may be used for built-in light meter but none rely on batteries for actually taking photos.</p>

[john_narsuitus]

<p>Here are the electronic/automatic 35mm cameras that I have owned and used and think are the best:<br>

Nikon F3<br>

Nikon F4<br>

Pentax ME</p>

[john_narsuitus]

<p>Here are the electronic/automatic 35mm cameras that I have never owned or used but I think are among the best:<br>

Nikon F5<br>

Nikon F100</p>

[alex macphee]

<p>Contax RX.<br>

For sheer feel of oozing quality, I have never had another camera in my hands like it. Put those fabulous lenses on the front, and only my own skills get in the way of fantastic photography.</p>

 

[james_kennedy9]

<p>As the OP of this thread, I realize that there is no single answer. The best is the one than has your confidence, and there are a lot great cameras out there.</p>