Recommendations for a small SLR and Lens?
Hey all, I was wondering if anyone had any input on this. I’m looking for a small, easy-to-carry 35mm SLR that gets out of my way when I’m not using it. It’ll be carried with a strap or thrown into a backpack. Don’t care about electronics and auto-everything features. I can focus manually with no problem. A reliable meter is important to me, and I plan to shoot slide somewhat regularly. Likewise, I’d definitely consider a decent rangefinder, but I don’t have all the cash in the world (ie, no Leica). Brand isn’t a major concern.
I’m looking for a relatively small normal prime to go with it. I’d pay extra for glass with good contrast and color. If there’s any recommendation for a small profile wide-angle or portrait lens, that’d be appreciated as well. The goal here is to have a decent film system with a small form factor that I can take with me everywhere that I don’t take my RB67.
The Pentax M series (425 to 480 gm for the body) were regarded as the smallest cameras of their time. If you partner it with a 50mm f/2 lens, you will have a fairly light combination. Add a 135mm prime or a 70-200mm zoom.for portraits, etc. The Pentax K1000 will be heavier at 620 gm for the body, but still a good choice.
The M series were smaller than the Canon A-1 or AE-1 Program, which are probably the pick of the lighter Canon models of the early FD mount generation. They normally came with a f/1.8 lens. Older versions of this lens can be a bit heavy, but the newer f/1.8 is a reasonable choice for a light weight kit. All the T-series Canon up to the T90 are under 600gm, with the T60 coming in at 365gm with batteries according to the Canon Museum site. It is about the same dimensions as the ME Super, so it would beat the Pentax bodies if you could find one in good condition. Canon have a very nice 70-200mm zoom or 135mm prime.
Nikon FG is a nice lightweight body. The EM is similar, but is an auto exposure only body, and I personally would avoid it. Nikon did make a 50mm f/2 lens, but I don’t see them come up all that often in the online auctions. I regularly carry an FM2n with a 35-135mm f/3.5-4.5 zoom. Its a good daytime combination for a backpack. I have also used a Tamron 28-200mm on this camera quite successfully on longer trips. Its a bit bigger than I would want for local walks, but covers just that much more.
Ricoh basic bodies such as the KR-5 Super II or the newer KR5sv use a variation of the Pentax K mount. Pentax lenses will fit the Ricoh, but there are some issues with using Ricoh lenses on Pentax bodies.
On rangefinders, my favourite is the Canonet GIII 17. Certainly not a Leica, but with a 40mm f/1.7 lens it is a great little camera. I also have a couple of Ricoh 500 series, but these are hard to find in good condition.
DougF
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