Collecting early AF

[belgiumreporter]

I am slowly trying to build up a collection of early AF cameras ( and lenses) This is part of what i've got right now. When more cameras are added, the lot will probably make more sence. Sadly the crown piece of my early AF collection, a nikon F3 AF got stolen and i don't think i can justify the expence of buying another one.

In the pic you can spot a 1981 canon 35-70 AF (on a F1), a 1985 canon T80 with75-200AF zoom, a 1978 polaroid sx 70 sonar ( here the later 680version) the 1988 olympus 101 power focus (not really AF though), the 1977 konica 35AF, the 1985 minolta7000, a 1982 chinon(revue) 50/1.7 AF lens (on a cm4 body) and a 1981 pentax Me F body with 50mm mf lens ( af 35-70 is on its way)

In this segment you can find practically anything you want on Ebay and such, however not at prices i am willing to pay, most of what i've got upon till now was found at reasonable prices in second hand shops or private sellers. As this is only a small part of what i am collecting i'm not in a hurry to "get them all" just see what comes my way and enjoy a good bargain.

I am not buying them to speculate that they will be worth something sometime, i just like them to compare how AF technology has evolved.

[genazzano]

When I saw your thread I immediately wanted to ask about the F3 AF... It must be infuriating to have had it stolen. They are not only uncommon, but too expensive, as you said. Anyway, it is a very interesting subject. Good luck.

David

[philbirch]

I have the first Canon and Nikon compact AFs and a Canon T80 with short zoom. The only old AF cams I have.

The Polaroid SX70 was a unique system it used ultrasonic sonar. You could take a perfectly focused flash photo in the dark. They were that good.

[hannes]

The Nikon F501 to F801 are very cheap right now. Got a F801s recently as add on to the early Nikkor 80 to 300 AF zoom lens.

[hannes]

Meanwhile I also found a cheap F501 in working condition. It came with the 35-70 zoom lens. 1st roll of film is allmost through. It makes fun using it. I played with the Nikkor 50mm 1:1,8 and a 2x converter. 100mm is nice.

To add something on the other end of the Nikon AF cameras I could not resist getting a F90X body for 25€.