Favorite non-Pentax camera?

K David · 03-17-2016, 10:33 PM

So the other day I uploaded my Pentax LX review over at YouTube. I open it noting that the LX is my second-favorite camera to shoot. So, logically, a number of people have commented or e-mailed to find out my favorite.

For me, it's the Minolta Alpha (Dynax/Maxxum) 9

Ergonomically, it's ideal for me. I've actually gotten to, on a number of occasions when I've made the reason to, gotten to use the 1/12,000th fastest shutter speed (what a gas -- you should to over-expose 1/3 of an aperture stop to account for film reciprocity failure because the shutter speed is faster than 1/10,000th). And it's just a joy to use.

So what's your favorite non-Pentax camera?

Why?

Have an image from it?

My dog Cheever, Kodak 400 TX @1600, D-76 stock for 4:30. Here I was testing the flash sync, which is 1/300th.

Jonathan Mac · 03-18-2016, 02:15 AM - **2 Likes**

Originally posted by K David

So the other day I uploaded my Pentax LX review over at YouTube. I open it noting that the LX is my second-favorite camera to shoot. So, logically, a number of people have commented or e-mailed to find out my favorite.

For me, it's the Minolta Alpha (Dynax/Maxxum) 9

Ergonomically, it's ideal for me. I've actually gotten to, on a number of occasions when I've made the reason to, gotten to use the 1/12,000th fastest shutter speed (what a gas -- you should to over-expose 1/3 of an aperture stop to account for film reciprocity failure because the shutter speed is faster than 1/10,000th). And it's just a joy to use.

So what's your favorite non-Pentax camera?

Why?

Have an image from it?

My dog Cheever, Kodak 400 TX @1600, D-76 stock for 4:30. Here I was testing the flash sync, which is 1/300th.

Wow, I didn't realise there were film cameras that go to 1/12000s - I want one!!

If we're talking film then I think my favourite non-Pentax camera would be my Yashica Mat 124G. Fun to use, compact for a 6x6 TLR and great image quality.

Here she is:

Yashica Mat 124G by Jonathan MacDonald, on Flickr

And a few favourite photos from her:

Portra 400 Granada 011a by Jonathan MacDonald, on Flickr

Portra 400 Granada 008a by Jonathan MacDonald, on Flickr

Yashica 124G Fuji 160NS 006a by Jonathan MacDonald, on Flickr

If we're talking 135 format then I'd have to say either my Minolta SRT-101b or the recently-acquired Ricoh XR-M. The Minolta has a great classic camera feel in use, wonderful shutter sound and is just the right size for my hands. The Ricoh is good and solid and has a nice big grip full of four AAs to run the noisy film advance motor and has some pretty advanced features for it's day. The only motorised 135 format SLR I really enjoy using.

pathdoc · 03-18-2016, 03:50 AM - **1 Like**

Ricoh XR-1. Although I generally like my film cameras tiny (ME), the Ricoh feels a little more ergonomic in my hands than similar-sized Pentaxes (e.g. Spotmatic) for some reason. Alas, last night something really bizarre happened - the match-needle bar that the camera uses to dictate correct exposure (as determined by the light meter) is no longer visible in the viewfinder. I had been planning on sending it in for a check of the meter, CLA and repair of light seals; now I have a sick feeling I'll be sending it in for donation of spare parts...

Don't know if I'll get another one if that happens - there may be something else on the horizon.

**Jacquot** · 03-18-2016, 06:14 PM - **1 Like**

For 135, the Contax RTS II (just serviced) because of its large viewfinder with simple but easy read out, nice feel in the hands, and great controls layout. Aperture priority is there if you want it, otherwise well organized manual, Zeiss lenses... It looks great, too. ...I still love my Pentax!

Fenwoodian · 03-18-2016, 06:33 PM - **1 Like**

I love my Pentax K3II and use it for landscapes and still life photos taken from a tripod. Pixel shift is a terrific feature.

However, when I'm looking to shoot quick/handheld/with little post processing, I often use my Fuji X-E2 and shoot JPGs. It produces better OOC JPGs than does Pentax, and its' the only camera that offers true "ISO bracketing" (which enables you to make one shot HDR images).

Here's a photo I took with my Fuji X-E2...

K David · 03-19-2016, 11:04 AM

Originally posted by Jonathan Mac

Wow, I didn't realise there were film cameras that go to 1/12000s - I want one!!

They're absolutely worth the investment, especially since they're cheaper than LX bodies right now.

pathdoc · 03-19-2016, 11:21 AM

Originally posted by K David

They're absolutely worth the investment, especially since they're cheaper than LX bodies right now.

But what's the lens selection like, and is there any support for MF legacy glass? I had a Dynax 3xi once and it was nice, but I often wondered what the growth potential and support structure would have been like if I had stayed with Minolta instead of swapping to Pentax.

K David · 03-19-2016, 11:40 PM

Originally posted by pathdoc

But what's the lens selection like, and is there any support for MF legacy glass? I had a Dynax 3xi once and it was nice, but I often wondered what the growth potential and support structure would have been like if I had stayed with Minolta instead of swapping to Pentax.

Good. They support Sony (Minolta) Alpha lenses, but there's some distance-checking thing that not all Alpha 9 bodies support. The modification for support was rare, I'm told, but I don't know if that means they don't support the lens at all or just not some aspect of focusing.

I only have one native lens for it, the really good 50mm 1.7. I have an M42 to Alpha adapter with AF chip that allows me to use all my M42 lenses at infinity. Most of my shooting with it is with M42 lenses.

If Pentax announced tomorrow that they were going to stop making cameras, I'd be a Sony customer. But I won't jump ship to them because I'm not a billionaire and I hear mixed things about Sony's plans, or lack thereof, for future Alpha support. Son'ys lenses are simply amazing and they charge for the amazingness, too. There's a lot more lens oomph for a much better value in Pentax.

As for my one Minolta Alpha lens, I can't afford a second one. I'd love to upgrade to the Alpha 50mm 1.4 and get a 28mm 2.8, but I also have rent. Because Sony DSLRs and DSLTs use the Minolta Alpha mount, the old Minolta glass has really held its value.

**TomB_tx** · 03-20-2016, 01:23 AM

Leica rangefinders, both film and digital. I've used them for 50 years, as most of my shooting is suited to normal to wide angle lenses. I also use Leica SLRs (Leicaflex SL, R4, R6). For digital "SLR"-style work I prefer a Sony A7 body with adapted SMC-M Pentax lenses and Leica reflex lenses.

redrockcoulee · 03-24-2016, 01:07 PM - **1 Like**

For me it is the Hasselblad 500 C/M. You might be able to find one or two pictuers of one on the web if you are lucky

For my wife I think she would have to choose between her Hasselblad SWC or the Zero 2000. Close to the same field of view, slight differences in quality

Pinhole camera by Zero Image: Zero 2000 pinhole camera

clockworkrat · 03-24-2016, 01:40 PM

My Sony RX100i. The 28-100 eq AoV lens with the strong 1"-type sensor just lets me shoot. Being a real pocket-sized camera I can - and do - take it everywhere.

K David · 03-24-2016, 02:35 PM

Originally posted by redrockcoulee

Pinhole camera by Zero Image: Zero 2000 pinhole camera

That looks a bit like an up-market Ondu. Nice pinhole cameras!

**wtlwdwgn** · 03-24-2016, 03:27 PM

I liked the images I got from a D700 with its tremendous dynamic range. If Pentax had the Nikon 51 point AF I would be in heaven!

loco · 03-24-2016, 03:54 PM - **1 Like**

I still have an old Fuji F10 6mp compact camera. I rarely use it now, but I refuse to give it up because it sort of started my interest in photography. This is my favorite photo taken with it...

indy · 03-24-2016, 04:51 PM - **1 Like**

This may be cheating a bit, but my favorite non Pentax camera is the Ricoh GR. My other would be the Nikon F3. I love them both for the same reason: they represent what happens to a product when it is refined over multiple generations to near perfection. They feel and operate very differently, but are equally amazing to use.

03-17-2016, 10:33 PM	#1
K David Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Colorado Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,437	Favorite non-Pentax camera? So the other day I uploaded my Pentax LX review over at YouTube. I open it noting that the LX is my second-favorite camera to shoot. So, logically, a number of people have commented or e-mailed to find out my favorite. For me, it's the Minolta Alpha (Dynax/Maxxum) 9 Ergonomically, it's ideal for me. I've actually gotten to, on a number of occasions when I've made the reason to, gotten to use the 1/12,000th fastest shutter speed (what a gas -- you should to over-expose 1/3 of an aperture stop to account for film reciprocity failure because the shutter speed is faster than 1/10,000th). And it's just a joy to use. So what's your favorite non-Pentax camera? Why? Have an image from it? My dog Cheever, Kodak 400 TX @1600, D-76 stock for 4:30. Here I was testing the flash sync, which is 1/300th.

03-18-2016, 06:33 PM - 1 Like	#5
Fenwoodian Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,874	I love my Pentax K3II and use it for landscapes and still life photos taken from a tripod. Pixel shift is a terrific feature. However, when I'm looking to shoot quick/handheld/with little post processing, I often use my Fuji X-E2 and shoot JPGs. It produces better OOC JPGs than does Pentax, and its' the only camera that offers true "ISO bracketing" (which enables you to make one shot HDR images). Here's a photo I took with my Fuji X-E2... Last edited by Fenwoodian; 11-14-2016 at 08:49 PM.

03-24-2016, 03:27 PM	#13
wtlwdwgn Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Billings, MT Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 13,839	I liked the images I got from a D700 with its tremendous dynamic range. If Pentax had the Nikon 51 point AF I would be in heaven! Last edited by wtlwdwgn; 03-24-2016 at 03:38 PM.

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03-18-2016, 02:15 AM - 2 Likes	#2
Jonathan Mac Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Madrid, Spain Posts: 10,897	Originally posted by K David So the other day I uploaded my Pentax LX review over at YouTube. I open it noting that the LX is my second-favorite camera to shoot. So, logically, a number of people have commented or e-mailed to find out my favorite. For me, it's the Minolta Alpha (Dynax/Maxxum) 9 Ergonomically, it's ideal for me. I've actually gotten to, on a number of occasions when I've made the reason to, gotten to use the 1/12,000th fastest shutter speed (what a gas -- you should to over-expose 1/3 of an aperture stop to account for film reciprocity failure because the shutter speed is faster than 1/10,000th). And it's just a joy to use. So what's your favorite non-Pentax camera? Why? Have an image from it? My dog Cheever, Kodak 400 TX @1600, D-76 stock for 4:30. Here I was testing the flash sync, which is 1/300th. Wow, I didn't realise there were film cameras that go to 1/12000s - I want one!! If we're talking film then I think my favourite non-Pentax camera would be my Yashica Mat 124G. Fun to use, compact for a 6x6 TLR and great image quality. Here she is: Yashica Mat 124G by Jonathan MacDonald, on Flickr And a few favourite photos from her: Portra 400 Granada 011a by Jonathan MacDonald, on Flickr Portra 400 Granada 008a by Jonathan MacDonald, on Flickr Yashica 124G Fuji 160NS 006a by Jonathan MacDonald, on Flickr If we're talking 135 format then I'd have to say either my Minolta SRT-101b or the recently-acquired Ricoh XR-M. The Minolta has a great classic camera feel in use, wonderful shutter sound and is just the right size for my hands. The Ricoh is good and solid and has a nice big grip full of four AAs to run the noisy film advance motor and has some pretty advanced features for it's day. The only motorised 135 format SLR I really enjoy using.

03-18-2016, 03:50 AM - 1 Like	#3
pathdoc Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2015 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,381	Ricoh XR-1. Although I generally like my film cameras tiny (ME), the Ricoh feels a little more ergonomic in my hands than similar-sized Pentaxes (e.g. Spotmatic) for some reason. Alas, last night something really bizarre happened - the match-needle bar that the camera uses to dictate correct exposure (as determined by the light meter) is no longer visible in the viewfinder. I had been planning on sending it in for a check of the meter, CLA and repair of light seals; now I have a sick feeling I'll be sending it in for donation of spare parts... Don't know if I'll get another one if that happens - there may be something else on the horizon.

03-18-2016, 06:14 PM - 1 Like	#4
Jacquot Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: May 2008 Location: Sun City Center, FL Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,544	For 135, the Contax RTS II (just serviced) because of its large viewfinder with simple but easy read out, nice feel in the hands, and great controls layout. Aperture priority is there if you want it, otherwise well organized manual, Zeiss lenses... It looks great, too. ...I still love my Pentax!

03-19-2016, 11:04 AM	#6
K David Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Colorado Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,437 Original Poster	Originally posted by Jonathan Mac Wow, I didn't realise there were film cameras that go to 1/12000s - I want one!! They're absolutely worth the investment, especially since they're cheaper than LX bodies right now.

03-19-2016, 11:21 AM	#7
pathdoc Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2015 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,381	Originally posted by K David They're absolutely worth the investment, especially since they're cheaper than LX bodies right now. But what's the lens selection like, and is there any support for MF legacy glass? I had a Dynax 3xi once and it was nice, but I often wondered what the growth potential and support structure would have been like if I had stayed with Minolta instead of swapping to Pentax.

03-19-2016, 11:40 PM	#8
K David Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Colorado Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,437 Original Poster	Originally posted by pathdoc But what's the lens selection like, and is there any support for MF legacy glass? I had a Dynax 3xi once and it was nice, but I often wondered what the growth potential and support structure would have been like if I had stayed with Minolta instead of swapping to Pentax. Good. They support Sony (Minolta) Alpha lenses, but there's some distance-checking thing that not all Alpha 9 bodies support. The modification for support was rare, I'm told, but I don't know if that means they don't support the lens at all or just not some aspect of focusing. I only have one native lens for it, the really good 50mm 1.7. I have an M42 to Alpha adapter with AF chip that allows me to use all my M42 lenses at infinity. Most of my shooting with it is with M42 lenses. If Pentax announced tomorrow that they were going to stop making cameras, I'd be a Sony customer. But I won't jump ship to them because I'm not a billionaire and I hear mixed things about Sony's plans, or lack thereof, for future Alpha support. Son'ys lenses are simply amazing and they charge for the amazingness, too. There's a lot more lens oomph for a much better value in Pentax. As for my one Minolta Alpha lens, I can't afford a second one. I'd love to upgrade to the Alpha 50mm 1.4 and get a 28mm 2.8, but I also have rent. Because Sony DSLRs and DSLTs use the Minolta Alpha mount, the old Minolta glass has really held its value.

03-20-2016, 01:23 AM	#9
TomB_tx Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Texas Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,446	Leica rangefinders, both film and digital. I've used them for 50 years, as most of my shooting is suited to normal to wide angle lenses. I also use Leica SLRs (Leicaflex SL, R4, R6). For digital "SLR"-style work I prefer a Sony A7 body with adapted SMC-M Pentax lenses and Leica reflex lenses.

03-24-2016, 01:07 PM - 1 Like	#10
redrockcoulee Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Medicine Hat Posts: 2,306	For me it is the Hasselblad 500 C/M. You might be able to find one or two pictuers of one on the web if you are lucky For my wife I think she would have to choose between her Hasselblad SWC or the Zero 2000. Close to the same field of view, slight differences in quality Pinhole camera by Zero Image: Zero 2000 pinhole camera

03-24-2016, 01:40 PM	#11
clockworkrat Veteran Member Join Date: May 2015 Location: Black Isle, Scotland Posts: 405	My Sony RX100i. The 28-100 eq AoV lens with the strong 1"-type sensor just lets me shoot. Being a real pocket-sized camera I can - and do - take it everywhere.

03-24-2016, 02:35 PM	#12
K David Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Colorado Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,437 Original Poster	Originally posted by redrockcoulee Pinhole camera by Zero Image: Zero 2000 pinhole camera That looks a bit like an up-market Ondu. Nice pinhole cameras!

03-24-2016, 04:51 PM - 1 Like	#15
indy Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Indiana Photos: Gallery Posts: 274	This may be cheating a bit, but my favorite non Pentax camera is the Ricoh GR. My other would be the Nikon F3. I love them both for the same reason: they represent what happens to a product when it is refined over multiple generations to near perfection. They feel and operate very differently, but are equally amazing to use.