Camera reviews

Comments

121 responses to “Camera reviews”

1. 

   ryoko861

   16 December 2010

   Oh, you would have a field day at my house!

   We have vintage Polaroids…the One Step, Pronto and 320
   Kodaks? Brownie, Instamatic that my husband had when we first met back in 1980, Disc Camera, several newer Instamatics, the Kodak “Pleaser” which was their attempt at a Polaroid type camera (quite rare to find one of these), and a Kodak that I can’t remember it’s name but it was long and thin…they boasted you could put it in your pocket. I now have a EasyShare that I just love.
   Aside from the Polaroids and the Kodak Pleaser, most of these are in a drawer. Oh, the Brownie is in my curio cabinet.
   Maybe I’ll do a blog post on these. I’d have to find out more about some of them. I love these older cameras though!

   Reply
2. 

   ryoko861

   16 December 2010

   Oh, and I love your collection! Some are just beautiful in form! You can’t hide them away. Those HAVE to be displayed! Thanks for sharing!

   Reply
   1. 

      Jim

      16 December 2010

      Most of my cameras sit out on shelves and on my fireplace mantle. I only have a few put away — ugly, broken ones mostly. I love to see them out. Unfortunately, that means they need to be dusted from time to time!

      Reply
   2. 

      Jim

      16 December 2010

      BTW, this isn’t all my cameras, just the ones I’ve written about. I have probably 10 more I haven’t blogged about yet.

      Reply
      1. 

         Jan D. Wilt

         5 October 2015

         Too bad you don’t have a Minolta XE 7, probably one of the best cameras ever made. Built tough, excellent Rokkor lenses, I own one and it still takes perfect pics. I bought it new and I have done many weddings with it years ago. What made this camera so appealing was it was basically identical to the Leica R3, or should I day the R3 was identical to the XE 7 since Minolta designed both cameras. With a slide of a lever you could do double exposures easily. It is still my favorite camera. I enjoyed all you cameras!

         Reply
         1. 

            Jim Grey

            5 October 2015

            I didn’t know that about the XE 7! I’ll put one on my must-buy list.

            Reply
3. 

   ashish

   8 January 2011

   Hey Jim,

   I have found Kodak retinette-IA and dont knw how to use this,i dot have the flash part.Please gide me

   Reply
   1. 

      Jim

      8 January 2011

      Ashish, I think your best bet is to study the camera’s manual. Here’s one available for free online:

      http://www.butkus.org/chinon/kodak/kodak_retinette_1a/kodak_retinette_1a.htm

      Reply
4. 

   Zahara

   24 January 2011

   Found your blog via your having been FP’d. Congratulations. I just bought my first DSLR, and in an hour I will head over to day one of a basic digital photography class. Excited.
   Love your collection of cameras and your writing. Take care!

   Reply
   1. 

      Jim

      24 January 2011

      Thanks! I’m glad you enjoyed your visit here.

      Reply
5. 

   paulo corceiro

   10 March 2011

   Your collection has a lot of cameras in common with mine. Minolta Hi-matic is my favorite, just an amazing little box!! I love digital photography and when I´m shoting with my little Lumix Lx5 I pretend I’m using the Hi-matic one. Where do you buy film?

   Reply
   1. 

      Jim

      10 March 2011

      I haven’t shot with my Hi-Matic in a long time; maybe it’s time to use it again! I have six cameras on my desk that I haven’t used yet, though! I buy most of my film a Wal-Mart, a big retailer here — I just use Fujicolor 200, a basic everyday color film, and Wal-Mart has the best price. I have a couple rolls of Fuji Neopan Acros 100 in the refrigerator, too.

      Reply
6. 

   Convoluted Logic

   1 April 2011

   Do you develop your own film or do you send it out?

   Reply
7. 

   Jan Caloia

   29 May 2011

   I have a No. 3A Autographic Kodak Camera & original Manual I’d love to GIVE you. Are you interested?

   Reply
   1. 

      Jim

      30 May 2011

      Hi Jan! I’ve responded to you privately.

      Reply
8. 

   sartenada

   5 October 2011

   I have a photo from my old camera in my About me page. It is from 1952. Then we had Olympic Games in Helsinki and only three cameras of this model were imported and my late father bought one.

   Happy collecting!

   Reply
   1. 

      Jim

      5 October 2011

      Thanks for commenting! I took a look at your old camera. It looks to be in great shape, and its f/4.5 lens probably gives you very nice results!

      Reply
9. 

   Keith Walker

   8 March 2012

   I too have a collection starting with the model I first used when I was about 4 yrs old. I began by collecting specimens of the cameras I have owned but it has grown somewhat to cover the different styles made over the last 100 years
   CAMERA COLLECTION

   No. 1 Autograph Kodak Junior, 120 roll film, 60x90mm, folder, 1914-1927, S/N 510751, Kodar anastigmatic 111mm f7.9 lens No. 25661 Kodak ball bearing shutter, (probably manufactured 1922 from internal evidence, assembled in Canada). Very good condition for its age. Cost US$23.00

   Kodak Brownie Pliant Six-20, 620 roll film, 60x90mm, folder, 1936, No S/N, f11-32 simple lens. Kodol No.0 shutter 1/50, Very good condition for its age. Found 1936 ad for this model although some sources say c1939. Cost US$40
   Kodak Retinette (017), 35mm, viewfinder, folder, 1952-1954, S/N 382408 Schneider-Kreuznach Reomar 50mm f4.5 lens, Prontor-SV shutter. Cost US$59.50. good condition
   Braun Paxette 1b, 35mm, viewfinder, 1954, S/N 368273, extinction light meter, Staeble-Katar 45mm f2.8 lens. Prontor shutter, pristine condition.
   Braun Gloria, 120 roll film, 60x90mm, viewfinder, folder (tube), 1954, No S/N, uncoupled rangefinder, Praxar Bayreuth 75mm f2.9 lens S/N 36894, Prontor SVS shutter,. Very good condition except rangefinder dual image is not easy to see which is a common problem with this model.
   Crystar Koki KK.(COC), Crystarflex, 120 roll film, 60x60mm, TLR,, 1954-55, No S/N, Crystar shutter 1/10 – 1/200, C-Master 80mm f3.5 lens Fungus in lens. Non-operational. This is a rather obscure Japanese company, I can find little about it. It seems to have operated from 1953 – 57 and made several folders and TLRs.

   Braun Super Paxette, 35mm, viewfinder, 1956, S/N 258435, coupled rangefinder, Prontor SVS shutter, Steinheit Cassarit 45mm f2.8 & Roeschlein- Kreuznach Talenar 135mm f5.6 interchangeable lenses, , Non-operational, stuck shutter, fungus in 135mm lens.

   Zeiss Contina 1b, (526/24) 35mm, viewfinder, 1956, S/N 8656, Novicar 45mm f2.8 lens, Prontor SVS shutter, Very good condition, slight rubbing on the back enamel.

   Kodak Brownie Flash II, 620 roll film, box camera, July 1957- 60, No S/N, Single blade shutter, lens: Kodet f14 with close-up lens (one source states f11).. Imitation leather covered metal box with horizontally striped front panel; 2 brilliant viewfinders; pin and screw flash contacts.. Very good condition, slight rubbing on front panel.
   Kodak Retinette (022), 35mm, viewfinder, 1958, S/N 368103, Schneider Kreuznach 45mm f3.5 lens. Compur Rapid shutter, Nickel plating on the camera front body rubbed off.

   Kodak Brownie 127, (model 2), 127 roll film, 60x40mm, viewfinder, 1959-1963, No S/N, plastic Dakor f11, 1/50 shutter speed. Good condition. Non-operational. 127 film not available.
   Agfa Optima I, 35mm, viewfinder, 1959, S/N BN4005, automatic, Color Angar 45mm f2.8 lens. Zone focusing, Prontor-Lux shutter, Immaculate condition. The first ever camera with programmed exposure..

   Agfa Optima II, 35mm, viewfinder, 1960, S/N EH6748, automatic, Color Apotar 45mm f2.8 lens , zone focusing, Prontormator shutter, Programmed exposure, Good working condition, one side of the trim covering the front plate missing.
   Voigtlander Vito C . 35mm, viewfinder, 1960, No S/N, Lanthar 50mm f2.8 lens. Pronto shutter, Excellent condition. Slight scuffing on bottom plate. Cost new 18 GBP (NZ$36)

   Ilford Sportsman, (Style 4), 35mm, viewfinder, 1962, S/N 205115, Dacora 45mm f2.8 lens . Vario shutter, cost GBP12 (NZ$24). Very good condition. In the 1960s the Sportsman range held over 50% of the UK camera market
   Kodak Instamatic 233X, 126 cartridge, 26.5×26.5mm, viewfinder, Sept 1970-71.No S/N, Reomar 41mm f6.6 lens,. shutter 1/40, 1/80, Non-operational. 126 film cartridges made from 1963 to 2008 and not available although Adox expect to release 126 film in 2012.
   Minolta Autopak 470, 110 cartridge, 13x17mm, viewfinder, 1978, 26mm f3.5 lens, electronic shutter, 2 – 1/1000 sec. programmed exposure. Non-operational. 110 film cartridges made from 1972, to Sept 2009.. Adox Pan 400 due to be released in 2012, will be available in 110 size.
   Kodak Disc 4000, HR Disc, viewfinder, 1982-1984, ‘CAMEROSITY’ code ‘YOIA’ (June 1982), 12.5mm f2.8 aspheric lens, shutter 1/100 – 1/200, Cost US$68 new, Non-operational (flash appears u/s), HR Disc film cartridges ceased production 1998 and no longer available. Kodak manf’d 8 million disc cameras in 1982

   Pentax P30, 35mm, SLR, 1985-1997, S/N 3414375, manual focus, K, KA ,KF mount lenses, SMC Pentax-A 35-70mm, f3.5-4.5, Sigma 70-210mm, f4-5.6, 2x Teleconverter, Excellent condition, built like a tank! Cost US$323.00. Has no provision for a cable release.

   Chinon Genesis III, 35mm, ZLR, 1987, S/N 10002878, automatic, fixed 38-110mm zoom f4.4-5.6 lens, 1 –1/ 1000 shutter speed.. Non-operational. This model is effectively a glorified ‘point and shoot’ camera

   Minolta 7000i, 35mm, SLR, 1988, Lenses, Sigma 35-70mm zoom, Sigma 70-210mm zoom, Excellent condition. The 2nd generation of integrated autofocus and automatic film advance. Its autofocus was found to infringe Honeywell patents and Minolta was fined US$127.6 million

   Minolta 500si, 35mm, SLR, 1993, S/N 997031015, Lenses Minolta AF Zoom 28-80, f3.5(22)-5.6 D, Minolta zoom-xi 80-200 mm f4.5(22)-5.6. Excellent condition. Has no provision for remote release.

   .Olympus Superzoom 80 Wide, 35mm, compact, 1994, S/N 1365781, 28-80mm zoom, f4.5-7.8. Contemporary with the Mju series but generally less expensive and more robust. Excellent condition

   Olympus Mju ‘Wide 80’, 35mm, compact, 1998, S/N 1201041, 28-80mm zoom Excellent condition. (I had a 1993 35-70mm model which was stolen)
   Hanimex Vision 1, 35mm, viewfinder, 1999-2003, No S/N, plastic ‘point and shoot’. Hanimex are mostly rebranded Halina cameras. Good working condition.. The company is named after the owner, Jack Hannes , an Aussie, it stands for Hannes import export,

   Minolta 404si, 35mm, SLR, 1999, S/N 00104113, Lenses Minolta 35-70mm zoom, f3.5(22)-5.6 D, Sigma UC Zoom 70-210mm, f4-5.6, good condition.

   Canon Sureshot Classic 120, 35mm, compact, 1999, S/N 3707214, 38-120mm zoom, good condition..

   Canon Sureshot Z135 Caption, 35mm, compact, 2003, S/N 1707836, 38-135mm zoom Still has unfinished film in it, good condition

   Nikon Coolpix P80, digital, bridge, 2008, S/N 70113782, 10Mp, 1/2.33in sensor, Nikkor 18x Optical 4.7-84.2mm zoom VR,f2.8-4.5 (27-486mm, 35mm film equivalent),. 38mm filter thread.

   Sony A350, DSLR, 2008, S/N 2836438, 14.2Mp, APS-C sensor, (23.6×15.8mm), Lenses Sony 18-70mm f3.5-5.6,(SAL1870) Sony 55-200mm,f 4-5.6, (SAL55200), , Sigma APO Zoom Macro 70-300mm f4-5.6, 2x teleconverter. Crop factor 1.5

   Sony Ericsson C905 Cybershot, camera phone, 2008, 8.1Mp, lens 5.9mm f/2.8

   Fujicolor Quicksnap Superia, 35mm, single use, 2009, plastic 30mm f10 lens, shutter 1/140, 800 ISO, Film expired.2009-05

   Reply
   1. 

      Jim

      8 March 2012

      With as much as you have to say about your collection, you should start your own blog!

      Reply
10. 

    gemakatherine

    26 April 2012

    Oh wow, your collection is far more impressive than my own!

    Reply
    1. 

       Jim

       26 April 2012

       Thanks! Glad you like it.

       Reply
11. 

    Richard

    15 July 2012

    Jim,
    I have 8 of your cameras (and others you don’t list).
    I just enjoy bargaining for cameras at sales, learning how to shoot with them, and getting good results with my cameras. Most of all I enjoy each camera’s story when I can find out where they have traveled.

    Reply
    1. 

       Jim

       16 July 2012

       Yes, I’m totally with you on that. I like the experience (good or bad) shooting with each camera and then seeing what turns out.

       Reply
12. 

    reretro

    29 August 2012

    wow wee! i had. no. idea. fantastic collection- and what fantastic condition. i am incredibly jealous!

    Reply
    1. 

       Jim

       29 August 2012

       Thank you! You too can have a collection just like this; I bought almost all of these on eBay!

       Reply
13. 

    Keith Walker

    20 September 2012

    Since I posted my list, I had the collection on display at the local public library – and was gived another camera!

    It’s a 1949 Zeiss Ikon Itonta 522/24, 35mm folder. Prontor – S shutter,, 45mmf3.5 Novar-Astigmat lens
    In 1953 it was renamed the Contina

    Reply
    1. 

       Jim

       20 September 2012

       Score! Sounds like a great camera.

       Reply
14. 

    Derek

    12 November 2012

    I see we share some of the same cameras, great blog by the way, much more details and clearly written on cameras than when I do it!

    Reply
    1. 

       Jim

       12 November 2012

       So many of my cameras are obvious, classic choices — the Canonet, the C3, the K1000. They’re all fun to use, though. I sure enjoy the work you’re sharing on your blog.

       Reply
15. 

    lignumdraco

    23 January 2013

    Wow. Absolutely fantastic collection.

    Some old cameras I own include a Hasselblad 501c, Hasselblad x pan, minox c spy camera, Asahi Pentax S2, Agfa Isolette, Minox 35 ML, Nikon F4, Rollei Rolleiflex, Konica T4, and a Polaroid Land camera (it says colorpack 80 on the front).

    I’ll be following your blog from now on.

    Reply
    1. 

       Jim

       23 January 2013

       Thanks! You have some fine equipment there. As you can see, mine tends toward the simpler or more common — it’s because I can pick them up for under $50, sometimes well under.

       Reply
16. 

    Dennis

    31 January 2013

    Great collection! I just discovered your blog and so happy to see you’re also from Indiana. I do not have as huge collection as yours but I’m also into the old school photography – Pentax Spotmatic, Rolleiflex and Leica LTM.

    Reply
    1. 

       Jim

       31 January 2013

       For a long time I was a collector first, a photographer second, and my collection (size and scope) reflects that! A Spotmatic is on my to-buy list.

       Reply
17. 

    art02003

    26 February 2013

    Nice collection Jim.

    Reply
    1. 

       Jim

       26 February 2013

       Thank you!

       Reply
18. Ye Olde Flex-Master A My Gear Extra | Denny G's Road Trips Blog

    16 June 2013

    […] that I’ve passed a few junk classic cameras his way. Jim not only gets a lot of pleasure from his cameras, he gets some very nice pictures from them, too. I recently asked Jim about the Flex-Master and he […]

    Reply
19. 

    irenadawn

    20 May 2014

    Jim- If I need to feel happy or just relax , I read your blog!!! There is something here for everyone! I want to get into the photography hobby in my mid life. I loved taking pictures when I was younger, but it could never get people to be still. Then, I never could get a good camera. I learned quite a bit about film in a class I had in college in filmmaking as in movies!!! Same terms ?? HA! Of course as a Fine Arts major I had several art classes and I have always dealt with the terminology. Well, I am not rich but I want to start off with a good camera so I do not have to carry so much around. I am thinking to start out with a Cannon as a good basic. But , others are going Nikon or what else could you suggest for a beginner ? I would appreciate a bit of advice. Since your not being sponsored , you can be truthful ! HA! Thank you ! Irenadawn

    Reply
    1. 

       Jim Grey

       20 May 2014

       Irena, if you want a digital SLR, the answer is the Nikon D3100, in large part because it has been superseded by the D3200 and the D3300 and therefore can be had for a song. Adorama Camera offers them refurbished for $349. Here’s a link:

       http://www.adorama.com/INKD3100KR.html?utm_term=Other&utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_campaign=Other&utm_source=rflAID021866

       If you want a high-quality point-and-shoot, go to Amazon and look for the Canon PowerShot S95, or S100, or S110. These are the same camera but updated every year. I own an S95 and use it all the time and really like it. It’s a great, great point and shoot, and the S100 and S110 will be as well. Buy on price, there’s no real advantage of one of these over the others on image quality. Last time I looked, you could get the S100 for $250 on Amazon.

       If you are on a serious budget, buy an entry-level $100 Canon point-and-shoot. I bought matching ones for my parents for Christmas a couple years ago and they do a good enough job. The entry-level camera won’t handle low light as well as any PowerShot S camera, and will have fewer exposure modes, and whatever — but the lenses are good and that’s what really matters.

       Reply
       1. 

          irenadawn

          20 May 2014

          Thank you Jim , I will check these out first!!! Keep writing and I will keep reading. My blog is under construction because the person that writes the thing can not get the technical arrangements set up appropriately!! LOL! When I can take a break writing my reviews I am working on among other stuff. I will call Word and just make them help me!!! HA ! Have a great Day!!!! :) Irenadawn

          Reply
20. 

    Keith Walker

    22 June 2014

    I have added to my collection a bit since I wrote before
    I have just bought this and it hasn’t arrived yet, I’ll supply S/Ns when I can
    Kodak Eastman Retina 1 (119), 135. 35mm, viewfinder, folder, 1936-38, S/N xxxxxx, Schneider-Kreuznach Retina-Xenar 50mm, f/3.5 S/N xxxxx, Compur Rapid shutter. Identical to the type 126 which has a chrome top plate. The type 119 is the third model of Retina produced although the first to be officially called ‘Retina’. The Retinas were made for the 135 film size introduced by Kodak in 1934,. The type 119 cost new US$57.50
    I also have an absolute gem,looks and feels like new, it’s a pleasure to hold and use
    Kodak Eastman Retina IIc (020), 135, 35mm, viewfinder, folder, 1954-1958 S/N 683611 coupled rangefinder, Schneider-Kreuznach Retina-Xenon 50mm f/2.8 lens S/N 4810931, Syncro-Compur shutter. Very good condition. . It was perhaps the apex of Kodak camera quality’. Cost new was US$135 Mfd March 1957, CLA by Chris Sherlock.(see ‘retinarescue.com’)

    Reply
21. 

    irenadawn

    18 July 2014

    Hey Jim – I am so rude not responding to you earlier. I am usually not so up thoughtful. I promise. I have had some family issues, my favorite Ain’t Dootsie died! Then we found out my Daddy has Cancer growing right on his bottom eyelash area . He went to the surgeon today and they will remove it all a they find it and do plastic surgery. It has us all very upset. Especially my Mamma . My Daddy has always been a very handsome man. He is 80 now and looks 60!!! So I have not gotten my blog going very well. But , I would love for you to share my blog and like wise I want to share yours. I really love reading your blog. You know I got into the blog thing really to see if I could do this writing and creative publishing thing. Something meant as a journal , I suppose. As I started reading the wring of other people I find my own writing and enjoyment and appreciation growing for so much talent shared . I feel so blessed. I have a couple of freelance book reviews due for promotions and I may start posting those on my blog too. BUT I HAVE TO GET THE KINKS OUTVOF MY BLOG!!!! LOL!!! I will be on it this weekend. I want to get organized before my Daddy’s surgery. Thank you so much for your help and Kindness. Dawn

    Reply
22. 

    Joe shoots resurrected cameras

    23 July 2014

    Wow.

    Reply
    1. 

       Jim Grey

       23 July 2014

       And I have more that I haven’t shot (and therefore written up) yet.

       Reply
       1. 

          Joe shoots resurrected cameras

          23 July 2014

          I’m sure you don’t want to hear this, but if you ever DO feel like getting rid of some of them, you basically have your own camera store…

          Reply
23. 

    Arun McCandless

    8 August 2014

    which is the best flash unit for yashica mg1?

    Reply
    1. 

       Jim Grey

       8 August 2014

       Heavens, I don’t know. I’ve only ever shot mine outside.

       Reply
24. 

    Jaime Acosta

    3 October 2014

    Love your blog and your collection! I got into film cameras by way of an adapted Minolta MD 50mm f/1.7 (I had just bought a micro 4/3 camera). It came attached to a X-700 which cost me a paltry $10. I got curious, bought some film, a battery, and played with the camera. I am now a film camera junkie!

    No consumer product made today feels as good and well-made in your hands as an old film camera. I sold the X700, bought and sold a Kowa Six MM, and presently I am sitting here with a AE-1 Program (no sneezing sound!) and a Yashica A drooling over your cameras! I hope to get a rangefinder sometime soon, hopefully a QL17…they’re just so sexy!

    Reply
    1. 

       Jim Grey

       3 October 2014

       Thank you so much! That Minolta lens is sweet. And apparently it has sent you down the primrose path toward a camera collection of your own. Have fun! And do buy a QL17, they’re great.

       Reply
25. 

    Erik Aikele

    6 February 2015

    Hi Jim. I had a Minolta 110 film zoom Camerain 80’s or 90’s. It was a pretty cool camera. I did not fully understand how to use it properly. It did take good pictures in both b/w and colour film. I use an olld Minolta SR T 101 slr camera. I mostly use b/w film and some slide film in color. I have a wide range of Lenses. It was nice bumping into you Jim.

    Reply
    1. 

       Jim Grey

       6 February 2015

       The 110 Zoom is fun, but the SR-T is a great camera. You could shoot that one for the rest of your life, and get great images all along the way. Thanks for stopping by!

       Reply
26. 5-5-15 Researching 35mm Film Stock! | Gabriel.Press

    5 May 2015

    […] Here’s a guy who’s done an amazing job shooting analog, check out all the film cameras he’s sampled: http://blog.jimgrey.net/about/cameras/#Nikon […]

    Reply
27. 

    nick

    16 June 2015

    Jim,
    your OM-1 link from this page still leads to the RC35 post…

    Reply
    1. 

       Jim Grey

       16 June 2015

       Thanks – I fixed it.

       Reply
28. 

    eppaar

    16 June 2015

    A couple of links you might enjoy.

    The first is to a blog called “Shot on Film” by a man who collects and uses old film cameras.

    https://shotonfilm.wordpress.com/about-this-blog/

    The other two are to old issues of Popular Photography that Google has scanned and made available. The earliest is April 1938 (six months before I arrived on the scene). There are gaps, but still it is a wonderful look at the past.

    https://books.google.com/books/serial/k2AzAQAAMAAJ?rview=0&lr=&sa=N&start=0

    https://books.google.com/books?id=XPlnY9LIlIUC&dq=pentax+647&source=gbs_all_issues_r&cad=1&atm_aiy=1980#all_issues_anchor

    Reply
    1. 

       Jim Grey

       16 June 2015

       I already follow Shot On Film — but what a resource in all those old Popular Photography magazines! I didn’t know Google had scanned them. Thanks!

       Reply
       1. 

          eppaar

          19 June 2015

          Jim,

          I don’t know if you are member of this forum:

          http://www.rangefinderforum.com/

          If not, you might enjoy it.

          Peter

          Reply
          1. 

             Jim Grey

             20 June 2015

             Thanks for the tip!

             Reply
29. 

    Mitch Zeissler

    11 November 2015

    Awesome camera collection, Jim! You have a lot that I recognize and some that I don’t. Good stuff!

    Reply
    1. 

       Jim Grey

       11 November 2015

       Thanks Mitch! It’s been a lot of fun.

       Reply
30. 

    John Stark

    23 December 2015

    Jim,
    I love your camera collection and your pictures.
    You are also very nice to fave and comment on some of my photos on Flickr (I am Vintage John).
    -John

    Reply
    1. 

       Jim Grey

       23 December 2015

       I enjoy your work, John!

       Reply
31. 

    David Murray

    20 January 2016

    My first Nikon was a shabby Nikkormat FT with non-working meter, so bought a Weston IV.
    Sold my Pentax S1a to a friends dad. The Nikon just had a certain ‘feel’ to it! Very, very tough. One day about 36 years ago, was taking some shots of a run-down area of Sheffield (UK) and a black teenager tried to snatch it. I hit him very hard in the face with it and he ran off, howling with blood pouring down his face. Didn’t harm the Nikon at all!

    Reply
    1. 

       Jim Grey

       20 January 2016

       I’ve always said that a solid all-metal SLR would make the perfect weapon against an assailant!

       Reply
32. 

    chiinvietnam

    25 July 2016

    Hi Grey, I’m Chi and I come from Vietnam. I have had my first film camera 7 months ago. I love your camera collection so much. I hope to see you in Vietnam soon :)

    Reply
    1. 

       Jim Grey

       25 July 2016

       Thanks for stopping by, Chi!

       Reply
33. 

    Jay

    27 December 2016

    Jim,
    Just last week I saw a Argus C3 in good condition for sale at a resale shop in town.
    I asked to see it out of curiosity, the lady working there handed it to me to look over. I was shocked at the overall size and weight. I’m sure it will be there for a long time to come.

    Reply
    1. 

       Jim Grey

       27 December 2016

       The C3 is a heavy thing! Its square stance makes it seem big, too.

       Reply
34. 

    Patty Smith

    11 January 2017

    Jim do you buy vintage cameras, Patty 832/494/8635

    Reply
    1. 

       Jim Grey

       11 January 2017

       On a limited basis. I have a short list of particular cameras I want. If you have some to sell, your best bet truly is eBay. You’ll get fair market value there.

       Reply
35. 

    Nicoletta Cossa

    14 February 2017

    Oh my God what a wonderful list of Polaroid! I only got one 645 Supercolor and I have just bought the Spectra Pro. I would like to buy the SX-70, is it a good idea in your opinion?

    Reply
    1. 

       Jim Grey

       14 February 2017

       It might be helpful for you to know that I got rid of all the Polaroid cameras except the SX-70 (and the Colorpack II). The SX-70 is a beautiful machine. One day maybe the Impossible people will get the film fully right and shooting it will be fully pleasurable too.

       Reply
36. 

    SilverFox

    26 May 2017

    Hey Jim, I’m interested in how you built this page as my camera reviewing list is getting longer being able to make a menu would be a good thing.

    Reply
    1. 

       Jim Grey

       26 May 2017

       I created a Page with this content, and then went into Customize and added it to my menu.

       Within the page, I edited the HTML by hand to create the links from the camera makers at the top to the corresponding subsections. That’s the only way to do that within WordPress.

       Reply
       1. 

          SilverFox

          26 May 2017

          Okay, thanks. I have used categories for now to create sub-menus for now while I investigate options.

          Reply
          1. 

             Jim Grey

             26 May 2017

             That works fine!

             Reply
37. The Necessity Of Narrow Focus – 35hunter

    11 July 2017

    […] realised I can’t collect in the way that my fellow photographers Paulo or Jim […]

    Reply
38. 

    Ashley

    19 July 2017

    Hello Jim – sublime collection, truly. I have only recently begun my journey down the path of a film camera collector and student. My first camera, as an adult, is my Nikon D5000. I love this camera as one does your first pet…despite the chewed electrical cords and midnight barking, so to speak. Now I am on the hunt for my first film camera. I was originally lookimg at the Asahi Pentax k1000. Then it was the Canon AE-1. Then the Olympus XA (or XA2). However, during my research I have become truly interested in the TLRs. For me the style, the waist positioning and age are so very alluring…not to mention my desire to handle one and test it out from shutter snap to development. But, at this point, I fear I have too much information at my fingertips and am frozen in my selection process. I would appreciate any advice/suggestions/helpful hints–anything! That you would feel so inclined to provide. (I would be honored for any of the inquisitive people on this page to chime in!). As I mentioned, this will be my first film camera. I am looking for a camera that I may take with me on a typical day out, (not strictly on a monumental excursion or trip, needing to prep the camera and haul a large case with supplies, etc.), quiet enough to be used on the “street” to catch passers by, quick shots in natural light, subjects moving as well as those graffiti walls that speak to ones soul. I am one of those BW fans, as well.
    My budget is moderate, nothing above $120….if that is possible for a film TLR. Thank you for your time reading my post and thank you for any and all of your comments!

    Reply
    1. 

       Jim Grey

       19 July 2017

       Ashley, if you would like to try a TLR, I recommend Yashica. They can be had within your budget, and they are quite capable. I am especially fond of the Yashica-D. I’ve owned two and I think they’re wonderful. They don’t have an onboard meter, which isn’t for everyone. If you need that, the Yashica-Mat 124 is a good choice, but those could go for more than your budget so you will need to be patient until you find the right deal. But seriously, download a light-meter app to your phone and get the Yashica-D. If you don’t like it, you should be able to sell it for about what you paid for it! Good luck!

       Reply
       1. 

          tbm3fan

          28 July 2017

          Another overlooked TLR would be the Ricoh Diacord which is also well made and costing less than a Mat-124 or a Minolta Autocord.

          Reply
39. 

    charles foreman

    22 March 2018

    Well Jim.. I’m much like you.. collector first , photographer second for much the same reasons you’ve listed here. I will be back to read more… camera junkie… BTW 30 cameras ago I felt the moniker “collector” didn’t fit because it was random…ie whatever fell into my hands or came my way .. pushing 60 cameras now .. I guess I am a collector “sigh”

    Reply
    1. 

       Jim Grey

       22 March 2018

       Wait until you have hundreds. Juuuuuuust wait!

       Reply
40. 

    Wayne

    26 January 2019

    Hi Jim
    I like the clean new layout!
    And all the nice cameras!!
    What still amazes me are the myriad of film cameras produced over the years- its incredible-I never get tired of looking at them all and you feature so many great ones!
    Thank you,Jim
    Wayne S.

    Reply
    1. 

       Jim Grey

       26 January 2019

       Thanks Wayne!

       Reply
41. 

    lasousa2015

    26 January 2019

    Hi Jim, I know you largely purchase and test 35mm cameras. If you are looking for a change of pace, the Franka Solida II is a wonderful little camera, inexpensive. It has a great Schneider fast lens. Great image quality, range focus only. I use a simple auxiliary finder for it that works great. if you want more info, post something to my blog (victoria’s light, WordPress). Hope your new job is going well. L.

    Reply
    1. 

       Jim Grey

       26 January 2019

       Thanks for the recommendation – I’ll have a look! Still learning the ropes at the new job. Here’s hoping I’m able to really contribute soon.

       Reply
       1. 

          lasousa2015

          27 January 2019

          My friend Kevin Rosinbum does some wonderful work with it. If you are on Flickr his name there is chickentender (funny one). He is a wonderful and sublime photographer and fellow member of the Film Shooters Collective. Be well, L.

          Reply
          1. 

             Jim Grey

             27 January 2019

             Thanks for the tip – he really does have a lovely photostream.

             Reply
42. 

    Peggy

    27 January 2019

    I really like how you have organised this page. One fine day I might copy it as mine has become a little unmanageable due to the new blocks on WordPress.

    Reply
    1. 

       Jim Grey

       27 January 2019

       Blocks is what drove me to do this. Copy away — be my guest!

       Reply
       1. 

          Peggy

          27 January 2019

          Ha, thought so. They are good, but annoying to change to for pages like that.

          Reply
43. Blog’s New Look – Camera Go Camera

    27 January 2019

    […] page and the sidebar. That change was due to the new blocks writing format on WordPress. I saw a fellow blogger’s page and decided on updating mine too. I wasn’t able to add floating photos on the side though, he […]

    Reply
44. 

    https://ceapvkenya.org/

    5 February 2019

    This is amazing work, friend.

    Reply
45. 

    Jason Ord

    15 February 2019

    Just got my newly acquired 35rc working on auto thanks to your tip about swabbing the battery bay with vinegar. Looking forward to running a roll through it as soon as I replace the light seals.

    Reply
    1. 

       Jim Grey

       15 February 2019

       Sweet. Good luck with it!

       Reply
46. 

    Slow Joe Crow

    16 April 2019

    Is there any chance of you reviewing a Nikon FM or FM2? They were a significant evolution from the Nikkormat and were a popular alternative to the F2 and F3. I still have an early FM I bought in high school as well as some AI-S Nikkor lenses. Actually my son swiped my 50mm F 1.8 to use as a short tele on his Olympus 4/3 DSLR.
    PS, I followed you from Curbside Classic.

    Reply
    1. 

       Jim Grey

       17 April 2019

       Perhaps one day. I tend to look for camera bargains so I’d have to find an FM/2 at the right price! Thanks for coming over from CC.

       Reply
47. 

    sink luxe

    3 December 2019

    wow take photo with this camera…..

    Reply
48. 

    Giang Alex Dinh

    3 April 2020

    Thanks for sharing Jim :)

    Reply
    1. 

       Jim Grey

       4 April 2020

       My pleasure!

       Reply
49. 

    Khürt Williams

    6 August 2020

    Hi Jim, with your permission I am going to borrow your phrase “experience reports”. 😃

    I think that phrase fits my “reviews” as well.

    Reply
    1. 

       Jim Grey

       6 August 2020

       I stole it from a colleague, so please, steal it further!

       Reply
    2. 

       Téa K

       7 August 2021

       Hi there! I was wondering if you’d be able to help at all. The first camera I bought was a Contessa LK and your blog helped me to understand it so much better, I recently rediscovered it so of course had to subscribe. I’m applying for a photography course at uni and I was hoping to dive more into some more serious slr cameras but I’m unsure where to start since there’s so many out there. Since I’m a student money isn’t too easy to come by so if you have any affordable recommendations it’d be really greatly appreciated :)

       Reply
       1. 

          Téa K

          7 August 2021

          Ah, sorry about that, I didn’t mean to reply to an earlier comment. Technology isn’t on my side right now lol.

          Reply
       2. 

          Jim Grey

          7 August 2021

          Here are a couple articles I’ve written that might help!

          https://blog.jimgrey.net/tag/inexpensive-cameras/

          Reply
          1. 

             Téa K

             8 August 2021

             Thanks so much!

             Reply
50. 

    kelly s jones

    14 March 2021

    So Jim, i have a canon IX Lite, what are your thoughts? I like how all my photos turn out but the shutter seems to stall, quite often, causing some photos to turn out poor and even a blur. Any advice?

    Reply
    1. 

       Jim Grey

       14 March 2021

       Because it’s an APS camera, and APS film is discontinued, I recommend letting it go. Perhaps you can pick up a good 35mm SLR used for little money. Plenty to choose from. Check out the Nikon N60 or N65 on eBay. Get one with a lens. Then you can use 35mm film, which you can still buy at Meijer.

       Reply
51. 

    George Rogers

    3 May 2021

    How come no Fuji’s, Jim? I was greatly surprised to not see them mentioned here.

    Reply
    1. 

       Jim Grey

       3 May 2021

       I’ve just never come across one! I tend to buy cameras as I find them, rather than search out specific cameras.

       Reply
52. 

    Andrea Zardust

    7 November 2021

    Hi Jim! I came through your blog looking for a review of the Miranda camera Sensorex II and you convinced me to buy it! I have a small collection of vintage film cameras (a mix of SLRs, TLRs and range finder cameras) that I truly love. I share with you the approach of keeping the budget under control because there’s an increasing interest towards film devices that made their prices rise (at least in Italy where I’m living). That’s why I would like to recommend to you a test of Fujica cameras, I recently bought a St 801 model with its Fujinon 55mm lens for 30 euros and it really worthed! I would like to get your impressions on these cameras as I really appreciate both your writing style and your shots …I generally get bored when I read excessively long reviews therefore I like your format!

    Reply
    1. 

       Jim Grey

       7 November 2021

       Good luck with your Sensorex! I’m pleased that you find my reviews useful. I do try to keep them short and to the point!

       Reply
53. 

    sonny rosenberg

    15 April 2022

    Great reviews Jim! Thanks for providing such a valuable resource.

    Reply
    1. 

       Jim Grey

       15 April 2022

       It’s been a lot of fun putting this together over the years.

       Reply
54. 

    Elise H.

    28 April 2022

    Hi Jim!

    I came across your site looking for research on John Hermanson and at Camtech Photo Services, but stayed for your camera reviews. You have a great voice, and I’ve enjoyed reading your thoughts on many cameras.

    Like you, I’ve come to love my Olympus OM-1, and want to take care of mine. So, I was wondering about your experience sending in a camera to Mr. Hermanson.

    How long did you have to wait between sending in your camera, receiving an estimate, and getting it back?

    Thanks!

    Reply
    1. 

       Jim Grey

       28 April 2022

       I’m pleased that you enjoy my reviews! John diagnosed my camera within a couple days of receiving it. He had about a three- or four-week backup in his shop, so it took that long for him to get to my camera. But once it was on his bench, he completed it within a day.

       Reply
55. Camera Review: Old Vintage Film For The Love Of Taking Photos – Sly Technology

    8 May 2022

    […] Camera reviews – Down the Road – Jim Grey […]

    Reply
56. 

    Randy Star

    15 August 2022

    I have a Sony Video Hi8 Handycam SC7 – made in Japan in percect condition and woudl liek to know what it would be worth.
    Thanks for you help .Photos avaliable …

    Reply
    1. 

       Jim Grey

       15 August 2022

       I couldn’t tell you. To check a camera’s value I go to eBay, type in the camera name and hit Search, then scroll down and check the Sold Items box. You’ll see what that camera sold for recently, which is a good gauge.

       Reply
57. Woo course site

    22 January 2023

    […] By the way, if you enjoy Minolta SLRs, also check out my reviews of the SR-T 101 (here), SR-T 202 (here), XG 1 (here), Maxxum 7000 (here), and Maxxum 9xi (here). Or check out all of my camera reviews here. […]

    Reply
58. 

    Lonn

    8 July 2023

    Recently gifted a Polaroid J66. Unable to find film (Type 47) and much too expensive to convert to use non-instant film). Plans are to keep as a collector item. Any comments?

    Reply
    1. 

       Jim Grey

       9 July 2023

       It’s a terrific display camera, but unless you’re willing to do some serious McGyvering you can’t really use it anymore. I remember once reading where a fellow modified his J66 to take regular film. Seemed like a huge amount of work for meager results.

       Reply

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