Fujica ST 605N

[Randy]

Thanks! I have the 605.

[daveinpasadena]

I've had a couple of ST605's and both had mechanical issues. The really great advantage is that they are quite compact -- perhaps the smallest, lightest M42 camera ever made. I recommend servicing them first if long term serious usage is planned. The ST701 and ST705 are much better machines in my opinion. The Olympus FTL is another M42 compact favorite that comes to mind (but expensive).

[stevedittmar]

The st 701 was my first 35mm. I still have it, and now you guys are going to get me started shooting it again!

[estudleon]

I have Fujica Z1, ST 801 and 605N. The ST801 is the best and solid - and has 1/2000. The Z1 has mecanical 1/60, 1/250 and 1/1000 and B (the rest is electronics). My favorite is the ST 605 N (only 1 to 1/700 and B),is lighter, little, lovely photometer (show 1/2 diaph ). I use four lens CZjena (20/4, 35 /2.4, 50 F1.8 pancolar and 135 F/3.5).

[oftheherd]

Interesting to see interest in ST 601s. I have never seen one, that is, had one in my hands, not the St 701s either. I do own the 801 and 901 and the AZ 1. The 801 and 901 are great cameras. The AZ is OK I guess, and was Fujicas attempt to get more modern. It had a dedicated flash and a motor winder. On the two I have, it also has a funky sounding shutter, with a kind of Whing/Zing sound at the end. I don't know if that is wear or if all were like that. As mentioned above, the AZ had 3 manual shutter speeds that worked if the batteries died. The 801 did indeed have a 1/2000 top shutter speed. It was also the first one to have LED readouts in the viewfinder (of the shutter speeds). First camera ever I think, not just in the Fuji line, contrary to one post above, afaik the 601 nor the 701 ever had that.

My second SLR camera ever was the Fujica ST 901. I got it because I already had three other M42 lenses, and because I could afford it, and because it was auto exposure. I really fell in love with it! Small and light, SBC light meter with -3 to 18 EV, (very accurate!). I have learned to prefer screw mount lenses. I can change them in dim light much easier than any bayonet or breach bayonet system I have ever seen. I have the Fujinon 135mm, 28mm, 50mm Macro, and 43-75mm lenses. Of course, the 50mm f/1.4 and f/1.8. No other lenses beat them in my opinion. The Contax T* 50mm f/1.4 is also tack sharp, and I love it, but I don't think the coatings are quite as good at preventing lens flare. My fujinons just don't flare.

If anyone thinks I like Fuji cameras and lenses, you nailed it. I don't intend to put down anyone else's favorites, but Fuji is it for me in 35mm cameras. Everyone else is of coures entitled to their opinion.

[estudleon]

Oftheherd: You are right, for me, about the fujinon's. My wife has EBC 55 mm 1,8 and EBC 85 SF F/4, and she's very happy with them. For me they are excelents too (but in my taste the carl zeiss...). Juan

[oftheherd]

estudleon: I envy your wife that 85mm f/4. I wish I had a stable of all the lenses Fujica put out in its Fujinon line. Fat chance! ;-) I don't know if you are talking about the older Zeiss, but I would guess not unless they just have a look you like. As I mentioned, I have the T* 50mm f/1.4. It is a sweet lens. Very sharp. And the with Contax 139Q when it was working was an incredible combination. Now it goes with my Yashica FX 103. It doesn't seem to mind, still putting out incredable photos. And the FX 103 is a rather nice camera that just doesn't cost so much.

[estudleon]

I had 20/4, 35/2,4, 50/1,8 and 135/3,5 all carl zeiss jena (the zeiss cheapest ones) the oberkochen's lenses are out of my wallet now. They are really good ( the 35 and the 135 especialy) The 20 isn't tack sharp but is free of distortion and at F/11-16 is OK. Now I'm loocking for the pancolar 80/1,8 (I miss the summicrons 35, 50 and 90 with the m3 d.s. but I can't buy them again). Ah, the 35 F/2,4 is a gem, all pourpose lens, good contrast, sharp and focuosing from 19 cm (actually 18,4).Bye