Fantasia on a Theme

[Fiddlefye]

For me this is my "Big Three" of all-mechanical manual focus 35mm SLRs. I love all three and shoot with them often, but sometimes I ponder what might be if I could combine what I like best about each of them into one camera. Anyone else ever have such ponderings?

 

From the Nikon F2s - I like the mount, the body size and shape and the general level of reliability and durability and the extended slow speed range on the self-timer is kinda cool.

 

From the Canon F-1n - the self-timer/stop-down lever/mirror lockup is brilliant. I like the way the prisms mount and dismount and the metering being in the body. The bright and colourful meter display is appreciated as well, though I'd welcome having the f-stop in the finder.

 

From the Leicaflex SL2 - The shutter speed dial/release/wind lever confluence is wonderful - top plate in general for that matter. Biggest, brightest, easiest to focus finder of the three. Readouts in the finder are very nice as well. The "black chrome" finish is superb.