Top ten film cameras

Here is a list of what I think are the best cameras currently available.

1- Canon EOS-1V:

 
I'll never forget when I first saw the report on EOS-1 in a photo magazine. I was taking my dog for a walk in the park. I checked the mail box and saw the picture of a new pro SLR on the cover. My dog and I were both excited and ran to the park. I read the report and couldn't wait to try the camera. I finally got the chance four months later. I rented an EOS-1 and I thought it was fantastic. EOS-1 was later upgraded to EOS-1n in 1994 and to EOS-1V in 1999. The only thing that's kept me from owning one is having to build a whole new system. As you might have noticed, I own Minolta Maxxums.

2- Pentax 645N AF:

 Boy, Pentax shocked me with this one. What else can you ask for in a medium format camera. It has everything those high tech 35mm cameras have and more. This is simply the most sophisticated medium format camera ever built. It is hard to pick anything that's wrong with this camera. I prefer the 6X7 format, otherwise I would have been the first to buy the 645N AF.

3- Minolta Maxxum 9:
 Do you ever miss the good old manual focus cameras? Remember how easy they were to operate? One of the things that disappeared when autofocus cameras began to dominate, was convenience. One button does it all in today's new cameras, which can be a bit confusing. Maxxum 9 takes you back to the days of easy operation. All controls are logically placed and easy to operate. It has only the features a photographer really needs without including unnecessary ones. It is one of the most rugged SLRs currently available with all you need to take great pictures under any condition. I own one and would not leave home without it.

4- Nikon F-100:

 This little guy is a true professional camera. Some may argue that it should be placed on top. Smaller and lighter than its bigger sister the F5, it costs much less. It can do everything the F5 can. It is rugged and full featured. So what if it lacks 100% viewfinder coverage and viewfinder blind is not built-in? These are minor compared to how much you save over the F5. I'd pick the F-100 over F5 and save my money for extra lenses.

5- Toyo 45 AX: Have you ever wanted something you didn't really need? Me too. The Toyo 45 AX. I use large format occasionally for landscape photography. I use Omega 45E which is a monorail type and offers maximum movements. Flatbeds are much more comfortable to carry and work with in the field. This is a well made flat bed model that can be comfortably taken out for outdoor photography. It lacks the revolving back found on other Toyos, but it's more affordable. If I ever decide to switch to a flatbed view camera, 45 AX will be the one.

6- Pentax 67II:

For outdoor photography, no other 6X7 can match Pentax 67II. It looks like a big 35mm camera with similar controls. It has been one of the most successful medium format cameras. Introduced over 30 years ago and only recently upgraded, this Pentax with its large selection of lenses can be used for any outdoor use where other medium format cameras are not considered. The upgraded model has a nice grip and added features including an LCD panel and better metering system (optional).

7- Nikon F5:

 I'm going to get a lot of e-mails over this one. How can I give such a rugged, full featured, and the most sophisticated F series Nikon ever such low ranking? Remember, this is not a list of the top ten 35mm cameras only. F5 is undoubtedly the most rugged and sophisticated F series ever built, but I think F-100 is a better buy for most of us. Some pros who use their equipment in very rough situations or those with very big pockets might prefer the F5. F5 will give years and years of trouble free operation under any conditions. Its high price tag is a major draw back for most people. I have used the F5 on several occasions and plan on giving it a full test (hopefully). I have to admit that the first time I used the camera, I set it to 8 frames per second and kept firing. I just could not resist.

8- Mamiya 645 Pro TL:

The new Mamiya 645 AF has arrived and its awesome. For me however, Mamiya 645 Pro TL remains the favorite. Mamiya 645 was the first medium format I seriously considered buying. If it were a 6X7 format, I would have bought one years ago. I go to a local camera store regularly and play with the toys (I'm a long time customer and know everybody). I still ask to look at this Mamiya when I go there. It is a beautiful camera with superb lenses. I wish it wasn't so expensive. Oh yes, I'm trying to get the guys to let me use the camera with the 200mm f-2.8 lens. What's the big deal any way? It's only a $7000 camera and lens!

9- Any Hasselblad or Rollei. Need I say more?


10- Minolta Maxxum 7:
This is the most sophisticated 35mm camera currently available. It is convenient to use and has the most unique feature of all SLRs. A large LCD panel on the back shows you all the settings and in case you forget, how to use  the controls. Maxxum 7 has the fastest autofocus for action photography. I can't think of anything this camera is missing.

Honorable mentions

• Canon EOS-3: Fast autofocus with 45 CMOS sensors that can activate the autofocus by eye control. It may not be as rugged as the EOS-1V, but it is close to a pro SLR. Its main draw back for me is what makes this camera so unique. Eye control focus. It gets on my nerves.
• Pentax MZ-S: Everything you possibly need in a semi-pro camera. Easy to operate and loaded with features for any occasion.
• Leica M6 TTL: An instant classic. If I owned one, I wouldn't use it. I'd be afraid to scratch it.
• Contax N1: I fell in love with this camera the first time I held it in a camera show. It felt like test driving a Mercedes Benz.
• Pentax ZX-5N: Beautiful, simple to use, and full featured. ZX-5N started the silver finish cameras all over again. It remains a best seller. I want to see Pentax come up with a pro version of the ZX-5N
• Bronica GS-1: I love the 6X7 format. This is a model I was considering before I moved up to 6X7 format. Multi-format options, rugged construction, and auto exposure with TTL flash with optional finder was the major reasons. Why didn't I? Small selection of lenses.
• Leica R9: I just love looking at this camera. It is so beautiful. Never mind it lacks autofocus. It has everything else and very convenient to work with. Why am I trying to convince you? It's a Leica.