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Post by Randy on Nov 1, 2005 7:58:58 GMT -5
When you have as many 35mm SLRs as I have, and you use them, you get used to each cameras traits. I get used to each models strong points and weaknesses. I can tell you which of my Minoltas work best, and which ones don't. Same with my Pentax cameras, Chinons, Cosinas, and so on. I can also tell you which cameras literally suck, and don't get used at all. I can pretty much tell you what cameras I use most often. But there is one camera in my collection that is just 'TOO DARN EASY' to use, that 'ALWAYS' takes great pictures regardless of the weather or lighting conditions. In fact, I don't use it much because I'm trying to give all the other cameras in my collection a chance to redeem themselves and show me why everyone else raves so much about them. What is this camera I call THE SHOCKER? What is this camera that's just too darn easy to use and always takes great pictures? THE SHOCKER is my FUJI STX-2!!! And after a day of fighting with F-stops, Speed Settings, and Meters....I've pretty much had it! THE SHOCKER is going back in my camera bag full time. So is THE SHOCKER'S Uncle...my Fujica ST-605. And here's the real shocker...the STX-2 cost me $12.80 and I paid $9.50 for the ST-605! These are the best working cameras I own out of 80+ cameras.   |
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Post by vintageslrs on Nov 1, 2005 8:15:25 GMT -5
Randy
I know exactly what you mean.......Fujica ST 801's have been among my favorites for 32 years and the AX-5 never takes a bad photo.
So some may be shocked, but not me!
Enjoy
Bob
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Post by John Parry on Nov 1, 2005 10:05:48 GMT -5
Randy,
I left my son's girlfriend to put on a late bid on that site for me for a STX-N1 last Sunday night. It went for peanuts, but she was watching a soap and forgot to post the bid.
I don't ask her for much.....
John
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Post by herron on Nov 1, 2005 11:48:23 GMT -5
Randy: I know exactly what you mean. I have a LOT of cameras...my favorite has long been the Mamiya NC1000, but the camera I would call my SHOCKER is even older than that.  It's a black Mamiya 2000 DTL. It's simple to use, the Mamiya lenses are fantastic, and the camera body is built like a tank. I paid a bit more for the 2000 than for some of my silver and black DTL's...because of the all-black color and faster shutter speed...but it really didn't set me back all that much and, being all mechanical, it still takes great pictures even without the meter (which happens to still work)! It's older brother, the 1000 DTL, was my first new camera (I still have it, and it still works, too). |
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PeterW
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Post by PeterW on Nov 1, 2005 17:38:45 GMT -5
Hi Randy, Glad you posted that. I think I said in one of the threads that a week or three ago I picked up a Shocker's Uncle, Fujica ST 605, all working - even the meter. BUT I got sidetracked finishing off the old Voigtländer folder, and a few other things, and would you believe I completely forgot about the Fujica!!!  . You posting has prompted me to get it out and put a film in it - and leave it out on my computer desk so I don't forget about it again. It will be my current user, and I'll let you know what I think about it when I eventually get the chance to get out and take some pics. Peter |
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Post by Randy on Nov 1, 2005 19:09:23 GMT -5
John, you don't ask her for much, I wouldn't ask her again. LOL Ron, I must have got one of the Mamiyas made on a Monday. Peter, let me know how it turns out. What's amazing about the Fujicas is the fact that you don't hear of many praising them. Maybe it's for the same reason, they are too good?
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Post by Just Plain Curt on Nov 1, 2005 23:11:29 GMT -5
Agree 100 %. I have 2 601's, a 701 and a 605n and as you said they've never let me down (yet). My newest Mamiya 500 DTL looks to be a great camera too but is currently suffering film advance gremlins. Sometimes the shutter cocking/advance lever catches fine, sometimes seems to only grab air? Could be a bit of TLC required here, hmmm. As far as price goes, my only extravagant buy lately was my Canon FTb black beauty. Hope to run a film through it tomorrow weather permitting. Extravagant for me is usually + $50 Can. or + 40 US but I shot the dice and paid $65 US for the FTb.
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Post by heath on Nov 8, 2005 23:23:58 GMT -5
I have a Fujica 605N and I love it. I agree that the Fujica's are so easy to use and the feel of them is spot on.
Recently I was on a trip when the only 2 lenses I had for my EOS's gave up the ghost. I had the 605N there too and it worked flawlessly with a handful of lenses and a 2x converter. I am glad I had her with me.
Heath
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Post by Randy on Nov 9, 2005 6:22:50 GMT -5
I have an M42 adapter for the STX-2, and I can use all of my Pentax mount lenses on it. So that makes for a great pair in the camera bag. The adapter lets me switch lenses from the 605 to th STX. I also use a T-Mount adapter so I can use my slide converter with the STX...as the viewfinder is the brightest I have.
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PeterW
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Post by PeterW on Nov 9, 2005 15:18:19 GMT -5
By slide converter, Randy, I take it you mean a fixed-focus device that fits on the camera and either duplicates slides or makes negs from slides, depending on the film you use. How do you get on with one? I've got a Panagor and an Ohnar, and I don't rate them all that much. Neither quite covers the full area of the slide, and the definition is a bit disappointing, though not too bad for slide projection, so I haven't used them for ages. I think the lenses are quite cheap affairs, probably doublets, working at about f/16. I get better results with extension rings, a light box and a copying stand.
Peter
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Post by Randy on Nov 9, 2005 18:03:04 GMT -5
Mine is a CAMBRON, it has a zoom and works quite well. I can get the whole slide or zoom in and get what I want. It's a new one, just bought it this year.
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