SPENDING MONEY On Cameras You DON'T NEED? 

Man, I wish you all the best in 2024! Good health and many more great photography videos. We all love your work ❤

It's nice to have a selection of cameras to shoot with, as the mood takes. I have a wide variety, from cheap point and shoots, to old folders, rangefinders, SLRs both consumer and pro, and high end 120 TLR and SLR. The shooting experience is a great part of the collecting and it does the heart good to relive the past through these fabulous old machines. Happy 2024 to you and your family, Nigel, and we look forward to a packed programme for this coming year.

Agreed. A old Zenit-B works fine. My Spotmatics work great and both are easy to work on.

Totally agree! OM30 was the first film SLR camera I bought in 2016 and it's a fully featured camera that does more than what I need! Of course since then I am suffering from a severe case of GAS and have gone the slippery slope of hoarding cameras!

Top Camera time-stams: Olympus OM-30 3:04 Praktica FX-2 13:46 Konica FS-1 18:56

I have the T70 but all the raves go to the T90, so it's refreshing to have a thumbs up. I have the 1.8 and two macros - the 50 & 100.

I have ten film cameras that I have on a shelf unit which I enjoy seeing, handling and dry firing . I only use digital cameras now. Can't afford film and processing. My most used camera is a Nikon D40x with the 18 70 afs DX lens and an original Ricoh GR digital camera from 2005. CCD sensor cameras give the look I like. In black and white and colour.

I bought an OM40 a couple of years ago to keep company with the OM1 I've had for decades. Nothing wrong with it, perfectly fine camera and does the auto exposure thing quite well. Bonus, the Winder-1 fits it, too.

I have changed the focusing screens in my OM-1 & 2 from a standard focusing dot to the split range finder focusing screen. Makes it easier to see when I'm in focus when shooting in low light / trying to shoot photos of the moon

I just sold my T70 and loved it but never used it since if I shoot film I’m using medium format now. But I kept the lens! Used it since the 80s

Happy New Year and best wishes for 2024 🎉 Hopefully someday I will add an Olympus OM series SLR to my collection, also looking for a Olympus Trip 35 to go alongside my Olympus Pen ee half frame camera 📷 👍😁

Regarding the FX2: It is my favourite camera having this great shutter release button on the right side of the lens, which is, by the way, not the flash sync access. With this shutter button, the mirror can be swung up before shooting slow speeds. A function that has not been available on the 35mm market outside the "KW" products for decades after!

Enjoying your take on film cameras , I’m still using my Pentax MX had it from new 😊

BC on the Canon is Battery check I believe

I had an OM10 last year (with adapter it cost me £35) and it was the best camera I've ever owned. I loved it, but I wanted to try other SLRs so sold it on. I am still working my way through various cameras but I am 99% sure is that I will come back to the OM system: brilliant lenses, lovely look, great functionality. None of the cameras I've owned since can hold a candle to it- and they've all been decent.

I own a Praktica FX2 but haven't shot with it yet. It was in the bin at one point as I thought the back door hinge had broken off only to discover the whole door was meant to come off :) I rescued it, cleaned it up a bit and still have a bit of work to do on it but being a bit of an WLF fan I'll definitely be trying it out. Mine came with a CJ Jena Tessar F/2.8 50mm. I have the manual that came with it. On the back it says: VEB Kamera-Werke Niedersedlitz Dresden. Yours looks in beautiful condition.

Nothing gives more joy than being able to shoot and verify the shot. It svoids later disappointment. That's why I own a Zf and retro lenses. You can't have a better combination with the amazing manual focus aids of the nikon camera

one of the big differences between an OM 30 and an OM2, is how precise the light meter is, as well as the shutter. As well as the OM2 change can change the metering if the light changes during the exposure, and the OM2 has full TTL flash connection. I could never dream of buying an OM 10-20-30-40 when I can get a pro OM 2n for not a lot of money.

I only buy cameras I dont need when the man on youtube tells me so 🤭 I love using the Canon FD lenses on a Fuji XT camera. I keep thinking I should try them on an old Canon SLR.

Happy New Year to you! Personally, I avoid old cameras with electronic shutters (all but one of these) due to the strong likelihood of them failing and being unfixable. I do agree though that lesser known cameras can be real bargains. For example, I recently bought a Konica Autoreflex A3 (a surprisingly refined camera)+ the acclaimed 50mm f1.7 for just £10! The Chinon CS or CX are also criminally cheap and overlooked. All quite large and heavy, but built like a tank and full of mechanical goodness.

Video @ 21:49 "the AUTO function stopped working" - I've been a camera technician since the late 1970's - As a young tech, I was trained in a shop that was an Authorized Konica service center. These Konica FS-1 units had (& have) fatal flaws that will eventually 'brick' the camera. Among other things, they employed the use of tiny nylon gears that easily fail (heck even without age, those little gears which required critical timing, were failing). Too much torque for such tiny 'squared' holes in the middle of the nylon gears that would spin & then 'strip' loosing that critical timing I spoke of.

Happy New year to you. Great video time to take my Practica out of limbo again . Thanks for reminding me how nice these cameras are👍

13:42 I've been looking into buying a Praktica SLR and this FX2 looks like a winner for me

The OM-40 is a great piece of gear. It's unloved and sacrificed for it's prism to repair OM-1 and OM-2, but takes more of the OM accessories than the other double digit cameras and is actually really nice to use, since you don't have to worry about taking it places and shooting it. It's metering is really nice and exposes film beautifully. I prefer having it as a no frills camera, rather than thinking not to scratch up my OM-1n or OM-4.

I've got the T70, and I do like it, though its controls do take a little getting used to. I've only used it with a 50mm f/1.8 so far- been having trouble finding a f/1.4 in good shape. Someday, though...

Aw... fancy not mentioning the cheap and cheerful Ricoh KR5/ KR10 (compatible with Pentax K-mount lenses).

A prism attachment is available for FX2 and FX. A little cumbersome but it works well

All the very best for 2024 Nigel, I'm really looking forward to more videos from your good self, love the channel. Regards Rob.

A really down to earth & practical presentation, loved it, full of useful information. 👏👏👏👏

The Pentacon lens is from the 70s and was standard on the MTL series for example.

SLR's are endless, but from my limited experience the canon ae-1+1.4 under 150€ is an amazing deal. Also just bought an isolette iii for next to nothing, which is a stunningly well designed camera that takes up *less* space than a smartphone while shooting sublimely sharp photos.

25:08 “ … you’ll need to switch off … “ Or, don’t worry just let it do its thing and use an Ilford film leader retriever afterwards 😅 26:37 “ … I don’t know what that’s for … “ As you correctly pointed out on the OM30, once again it’s a Battery Check button.

Happy new year, Zen! Here's to a photo-filled 2024!

Good video. Nice close-ups of the cameras.

Hello Nigel, many thanks, well done! Olympus cameras are very well made much like the Minoltas back in the day! 40 years ago I had my Minolta XG-M under the Christmas tree! Do you own one? It was the predecessor of the well-known X-700. Best wishes and a happy new year 2024! Ralf

Thanks for the review of these three senior SLRs! In a way, these cameras are still today more advanced than many exorbitantly expensive film cameras of today. And for cheap! Yes, the FD optics are excellent. Among the FD optics, there is one in particular that caused a stir when it was introduced in 1973, the FD 35-70mm f/2.8-3.5 S.S.C. Canon described it as "The world first short zoom lens starting from a wide angle of 35mm ... . A newly developed two-lens-group zoom system achieves the picture quality as high as that of a single-focal-length lens. This lens [was] a pioneer of Canon's many short-zoom lenses coming after this lens. ... The name of this lens will remain in the history of modern optics." What a lens it was and still is!

Isn't that the point? I didn't need any of my cameras when I bought them. Nikon, Canon, Olympus, Chinon, Praktica, Minolta, Ricoh, Pentax, Zenit etc. You don't need all the bells and whistles but if there is a bargain why not.

Nice video.... Nigel thank you and happy new year to you and yours mate!!!

Konica FS1 has poor under voltage protect in its electronic which are susceptible to fry some components when using 1.2v AA which is rechargeable batteries. The battery house does have a sticker stating the fact "NO Ni-Ca BAT". But have said that they are a joy to used (Had 4, 3.5 worked gave one away) just make sure you Use only alkaline batteries. If i may id like to put forward the Yashica TL Electro X to be consider M43 mount electronic control copel square shutter(best sounding shutter?) uses the 4LR44 6volt batteries.

Trabajar con Olimpus OM2 es una de las mejores experiencias de mi vida. Además de mis Barnacks y mi Leíca M3. Las Olimpus OM2 son mis predilectas...

I do not "need" any cameras, but I desire many more and regret selling some, especially the Alpa 9D and 10D. I "need" to stop buying multiple copies of the same cameras, especially Nikon F2s.

I just recently picked up an OM-30. I was walking down the high street on the way to the dentist, but was a bit early, so I thought I'd pop into one of the many charity shops that line it, which isn't something I normally do. And there sitting on a table was a shiny OM-30 in excellent nick, with a pristine 50mm f/1.8 Zuiko lens, for just £45. I didn't hesitate and bought it immediately. It was if it had called me in off the street. Did I need it? Not really. I already have a few OM-1 and OM-2 bodies, plus an OM-4 and OM-40. I refuse to pay the prices being asked for an OM-3, as much as I'd like one. And you're right about the plasticky feel of the OM-40, but I got as part of a package inside a large, original Olympus camera case (in brown vegan leather, aka vinyl, finish) and a couple of Zuiko lenses for £100. I've still not used the OM-30 or the OM-40, much preferring to stick with the OM-1, which I've been using since 1978. Actually, my first SLR was a Praktica L, and it was a solid, utilitarian camera that served me well. I later upgraded to a Topcon, which was a huge beast of a system camera, because I wanted something with an affordable motor winder. The lenses on it were stunning, but limited in range. I eventually sold it and switched to Olympus and stuck with them ever since. I've even gone back to them for digital after a flirtation with Canon DSLRs for a while. In the end, you just can't beat the designs of Olympus cameras and the beautiful look of Zuiko lenses, whether for 35mm or M4/3.

It's been years since I bought a film camera or even shot with one. But I still hang onto my 8008s, my M3, my Rolleiflex, and several point & shoots. What totally hangs me up is the cost of film and processing. If you haven't done a piece on barebones film budgeting, I would sure enjoy seeing one. If you have already, please provide the link. Despite the cornucopia of great old cheap cameras, cost remains an issue for many.

I had to change a focusing screen on an OM 2n because the inner seal on the window of the viewfinder deteriorated putting black splotches on my screen. I read at the time that this was something that happened over time with them. To replace that seal looked to be a little too much for me so I replaced the screen until a couple of months later when black specks started showing up so I got rid of it.

I love the FD series lenses - HUGE variety of lens choices in that series. Unfortunately my A-1 is on the fritz and I need to find someone to fix it. Unfortunately repairmen online have a nasty habit of never replying to inquiries. Hey, if you won't reply to inquiries, you must not want my business!!

I hate the grip on that Konica. I think one of my old Canon has the same grip. Hated it. Otherwise love your vintage cameras.

Just checked out the OM-2n and OM-30 on eBay and some of the sellers are demanding insane prices. Over £450 for an OM-2n body and over £200 for an OM-30 body. Those bargains are disappeaing fast...

Thank you for this wonderful episode! Best wishes for 2024!

Happy new year mate 👍

Like my lovely Pentax MXs...

The problem is NOT the cameras or lenses; it is the FILM itself. It's becoming increasingly difficult to buy film and even more challenging to have it processed. THAT is the biggest issue.

I sold of my SLR and got 2nd hand MF cameras as HB 503 CW, I still need a 50mm or 40mm, and Fuji GW 690II and Mamiya 7ii. I switch to DSLR from Nikon F3, F4 and F6, I used a D300 for 13 years untill it broke down and then igot a 2nd hand D700, last year a 2nd hand D800E and this year a new D850. My problem is that I get to many lenses that I seldom use. I had to upgrade some Zeiss lenses to Zeiss Milvus for the D850 this year but I kept my old Zeiss lenses for use on the D700. As example Zeiss 18mmF3.5, 35mmF2, 50mmF2. I got Zeiss Milvus 18mmF2.8, 35mmF1.4 and 50mmF2

Happy New Year Sir ....the best of 2024 to you .....

If you aren’t connected to the internet it could be difficult to buy film, but otherwise there are more varieties easily available now online than when people just went to their local shop. If you don’t have the patience, if you don’t know what you are doing, if you don’t prefer the look of film don’t use it, but don’t lay the blame that you can’t buy it.

I remember the Olympus OM-2 remained expensive for many years.

BC BATTERY CHECK push it and only the three bars will show as the battery dies less show. Full batter 3 them if only one shows its time to change the battery!

I had an FS-1 back in the early eighties, bought brand new. It came with a 40mm lens, can't recall the f-stop. It was Manual and Shutter Speed Priority auto-exposure. A great camera.

I have too many cameras.... maybe. Several were gifted to me... so I don't count them. None of them are super special but they are all different and fun to shoot. When I load a roll, I shoot that camera until that roll is finished. Can't have too many rolls languishing in multiple cameras. I shoot a mix of color and black and white. Yes... I bounce back and forth with film and digital.

Nikon also has a great bargain. It's called the F-501. Don't tell anyone else. Happy new year!

Very very wise words indeed !

I love my Olympus OM-G

asfaik, only OM1, OM2, Om3 and OM4 had interchangeable focusing screens, not OM10 or OM20.

Pentax LX : )

NICE

I'm guessing your scarf muffled the sound a bit. Not a problem here on my Imac, as I downloaded a free copy of eqMac. H.N.Y.

I think Olympus would have been a much more successful camera maker if they offered a FF line as well, along the lines of the original OM film cameras. I never understood their M4/3 only approach. They could have mirrored Fuji which has APS-C and medium format options, with their M4/3 and FF options. I thought the M1-X would have been their first FF digital line.

cloth shutters horizontal suck

I am so happy not to have to fiddle around with film and ugly chemicals any more, not to talk about external labs ruining my negatives. But digital cameras were, certainly, good enough 10 or 15 years ago, no reason to pay a fortune for the latest and greatest, except for some very special use cases.

Excellent advice, but in my case, about 45 years too late.

Let the people do and buy what they want if that makes them happy...

How many do you have Zen ?

Avoid wasting film: you'll be better off with a body with multispot metering.

Film and no autofocus? Might as well use a phone.

It's not so much the cameras being the expensive problem, it is the cost of film and processing.

Sure, these will take decent pictures.........but you won’t much enjoy doing it.