Film and 35mm Film Cameras Still Made?

Ratmagiclady · 11-17-2010, 05:02 PM

Originally posted by keyser

I'd recommend the Superprogram as the best combo of look, feel and functionality.

They are nice. Not to date myself, but they were one of my favorites to set customers up when they were brand new. (And I've got a Super A myself right now, to back that up.

)

pickles · 11-17-2010, 05:43 PM

Originally posted by Ratmagiclady

They are nice. Not to date myself, but they were one of my favorites to set customers up when they were brand new. (And I've got a Super A myself right now, to back that up.

)

I agree, the Super A was, (and is!) a great camera. One of them in good shape, even now, would be a great find.....plenty of lenses & other things like flash etc available too.
Cheers, Pickles.

noblepa · 11-17-2010, 07:28 PM

To the OP: most college courses that teach film shooting want you to have a camera that is completely manual, or at least has a manual mode.

Some Pentax cameras, like the ME, have only automatic modes, so be careful. You can download the manual for any Pentax camera, film or digital, from the Pentax USA website at http://www.pentaximaging.com. Just click on the support tab and follow the questions until you find the camera you're interested in. Its free.

The classic student camera is the K1000. It is a completely manual camera. You must set the shutter speed and aperture, although the camera's builtin meter will tell you if you have chosen a "correct" combination, but it will not prevent you from using an "incorrect" combination. They're cheap and readily available.

Steve Beswick · 11-17-2010, 11:45 PM

Originally posted by boriscleto

As much as I love Pentax manual film bodies, I wouldn't recommend a K/M/A/P series camera. There is too high a probability of it having "issues" (bad seals, shutter calibration, etc.)

The ZX-M would be the ideal choice, it was the designed to be the successor to the K1000 as a student camera and is compatible with all Pentax lenses including the DA series.

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-manual-focus-film-slr-camera-revie...mz-m-zx-m.html

Any camera in the ZX or MZ series is a poor recommendation due to high failure rates and expensive batteries.

Originally posted by Nesster

The Vivitar K mount is still available new
Vivitar V3800N 35mm SLR Camera with 28-70mm Lens 59890 B&H Photo
Vivitar V3800N 35mm SLR Camera with 50mm f/1.7 Lens 59880 B&H

Also a poor recommendation due to high failure rates.

Your bet bet would be to buy a P3n or P30t with the 50mm lens. Both cameras can be had for under $50 with lens, and a backup body can be purchased for under $30. They are very reliable, are very easy to learn, and are so cheap now that if they are lost or stolen it is no big deal.

magkelly · 11-17-2010, 11:58 PM

Most college level photography courses actually encourage the use of the Pentax K1000 even now. It's a safe bet that her teacher will fully approve of that one. After that I'd say a similar Nikon or a Canon is a good choice, but K1000's do tend to be pretty ubiquitous in Photography 101 for some reason.

Turbo_Spool900 · 11-18-2010, 01:33 AM

Originally posted by magkelly

Most college level photography courses actually encourage the use of the Pentax K1000 even now. It's a safe bet that her teacher will fully approve of that one. After that I'd say a similar Nikon or a Canon is a good choice, but K1000's do tend to be pretty ubiquitous in Photography 101 for some reason.

The photography department at my school has a whole grip of K1000 with Takumar 50mm f/2 lenses for students to check out.

I personally shied away from the K1000 because it does have the "student camera" reputation and is a bit over priced on fleabay.

eddie1960 · 11-18-2010, 06:06 AM

KM is a good K1000 substitute, basically an upgraded K1000. Adds DOF preview and Self Timer otherwise remains much the same and well built. I have one that will likely go up for sale with a M 50 1.7 once my MX is back from the shop in December sometime

**gofour3** · 11-18-2010, 08:21 AM

Originally posted by eddie1960

KM is a good K1000 substitute, basically an upgraded K1000. Adds DOF preview and Self Timer otherwise remains much the same and well built. I have one that will likely go up for sale with a M 50 1.7 once my MX is back from the shop in December sometime

Yes a KM is a good choice over a K1000 and could even be cheaper!

A KX is an even better choice, as it has a better metering system than the KM/K1000 and will not cost that much more.

Phil.

GhoSStrider · 11-18-2010, 02:15 PM

Originally posted by Steve Beswick

Your bet bet would be to buy a P3n or P30t with the 50mm lens.

I second that recommendation. I've been playing with a bunch of Pentax film cameras lately trying to figure out which I like best. The P3n has surprised me. It's not often mentioned, but it's a really, really nice little camera that I've really come to love. The only knocks I have against it are a lack of MLU, a lack of film speed over-ride and the shutter sound.

That last one isn't really a good reason to pass it up, either. I'm just a fan of the pleasing "ka-thwack" of something like a K1000 or a Canon FTb. The P3n kinda squeaks and isn't nearly as acoustically satisfying.

Beyond that, though, the P3n is a great, lightweight user that you can't go wrong with.

HGMonaro · 11-18-2010, 09:35 PM

Originally posted by GhoSStrider

a lack of film speed over-ride

If this camera insists on reading the film canister barcode, you use to be able to buy stickers to put on bulk roll canisters (which are usually plain black) but if the course requirement is to develop your own film, I'd image establishing your own EI would also be part of the curriculum, and so such a camera would be a non starter.

Fiddling Bob · 11-18-2010, 10:01 PM

Originally posted by Steve Beswick

Any camera in the ZX or MZ series is a poor recommendation due to high failure rates and expensive batteries.

Your bet bet would be to buy a P3n or P30t with the 50mm lens. Both cameras can be had for under $50 with lens, and a backup body can be purchased for under $30. They are very reliable, are very easy to learn, and are so cheap now that if they are lost or stolen it is no big deal.

Interesting. I have both the ZX-M and the P3n. The ZX-M I've had for a year, have shot a dozen rolls with it--a wonderful camera, and the battery it came with is still going strong. A couple of months ago I bought a P3n, shot two rolls with it, and then it mysteriously died. I liked it and have bought a replacement, but it's the camera that, for me, I worry about failing. So, just on the basis of my experience (admittedly limited), I would second the recommendation of the ZX-M.

**ChrisPlatt** · 11-18-2010, 10:15 PM

No photo course I ever took required the use of bulk loaded film, nor use of an EI different from the box speed.
But as much as I like the P3n/P30T, IMO a manual exposure-only body like the KM or K1000 would be preferable in this case.
A student must understand proper exposure, a lesson best learned without the temptation to resort to autoexposure.

Chris

**ChrisPlatt** · 11-18-2010, 10:41 PM

Why don't we recommend the ZX-M? All of the ZX/MZ series bodies
have a fatal flaw - a plastic gear on the motor that runs everything.
These invariably break, making the camera completely nonfunctional.

The improved replacement part has a metal gear and will last much longer.
But unless you bought a body that was already repaired or you are capable of
replacing the motor yourself, expect a $100+ repair somewhere down the line.

OTOH I have purchased several used P3n and P30T bodies for friends
and family members. Each has continued to work perfectly for years...

Chris

Fiddling Bob · 11-19-2010, 07:45 AM

Originally posted by ChrisPlatt

Why don't we recommend the ZX-M? All of the ZX/MZ series bodies
have a fatal flaw - a plastic gear on the motor that runs everything.
These invariably break, making the camera completely nonfunctional.

The improved replacement part has a metal gear and will last much longer.
But unless you bought a body that was already repaired or you are capable of
replacing the motor yourself, expect a $100+ repair somewhere down the line.

OTOH I have purchased several used P3n and P30T bodies for friends
and family members. Each has continued to work perfectly for years...

Chris

Thanks for the information, Chris. I didn't know about that fragile gear. Fortunately, ZX-Ms aren't costly these days, and when mine breaks, at least I don't have a lot invested in it--other than sentiment and the memory of lots of good images from it. Rather than spend a hundred dollars on repair, I could probably find another on eBay for under fifty. Same goes for the P3n, and I do like the P3n and hope that my second one outlasts the first.

For a student just learning, maybe the best choice after all is the one most frequently recommended, the K1000.

GeneV · 11-20-2010, 10:02 PM

Originally posted by Fiddling Bob

Thanks for the information, Chris. I didn't know about that fragile gear. Fortunately, ZX-Ms aren't costly these days, and when mine breaks, at least I don't have a lot invested in it--other than sentiment and the memory of lots of good images from it. Rather than spend a hundred dollars on repair, I could probably find another on eBay for under fifty. , .

My ZX-L has performed very well. If I were worried about failure of that gear (and it could be a real issue), then I'd buy several. They are priced so cheaply these days that they are almost disposable. As it is, I have other bodies.

11-18-2010, 10:01 PM	#26
Fiddling Bob Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Virginia Photos: Gallery Posts: 40	Failure Rate of ZX-M? Originally posted by Steve Beswick Any camera in the ZX or MZ series is a poor recommendation due to high failure rates and expensive batteries. Your bet bet would be to buy a P3n or P30t with the 50mm lens. Both cameras can be had for under $50 with lens, and a backup body can be purchased for under $30. They are very reliable, are very easy to learn, and are so cheap now that if they are lost or stolen it is no big deal. Interesting. I have both the ZX-M and the P3n. The ZX-M I've had for a year, have shot a dozen rolls with it--a wonderful camera, and the battery it came with is still going strong. A couple of months ago I bought a P3n, shot two rolls with it, and then it mysteriously died. I liked it and have bought a replacement, but it's the camera that, for me, I worry about failing. So, just on the basis of my experience (admittedly limited), I would second the recommendation of the ZX-M.

11-19-2010, 07:45 AM	#29
Fiddling Bob Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Virginia Photos: Gallery Posts: 40	Plastic Gear on ZX-M Originally posted by ChrisPlatt Why don't we recommend the ZX-M? All of the ZX/MZ series bodies have a fatal flaw - a plastic gear on the motor that runs everything. These invariably break, making the camera completely nonfunctional. The improved replacement part has a metal gear and will last much longer. But unless you bought a body that was already repaired or you are capable of replacing the motor yourself, expect a $100+ repair somewhere down the line. OTOH I have purchased several used P3n and P30T bodies for friends and family members. Each has continued to work perfectly for years... Chris Thanks for the information, Chris. I didn't know about that fragile gear. Fortunately, ZX-Ms aren't costly these days, and when mine breaks, at least I don't have a lot invested in it--other than sentiment and the memory of lots of good images from it. Rather than spend a hundred dollars on repair, I could probably find another on eBay for under fifty. Same goes for the P3n, and I do like the P3n and hope that my second one outlasts the first. For a student just learning, maybe the best choice after all is the one most frequently recommended, the K1000. Last edited by Fiddling Bob; 11-19-2010 at 07:47 AM. Reason: corrected title

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11-17-2010, 05:02 PM	#16
Ratmagiclady Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: GA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 13,563	Originally posted by keyser I'd recommend the Superprogram as the best combo of look, feel and functionality. They are nice. Not to date myself, but they were one of my favorites to set customers up when they were brand new. (And I've got a Super A myself right now, to back that up. )

11-17-2010, 05:43 PM	#17
pickles Veteran Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: melbourne Posts: 937	Originally posted by Ratmagiclady They are nice. Not to date myself, but they were one of my favorites to set customers up when they were brand new. (And I've got a Super A myself right now, to back that up. ) I agree, the Super A was, (and is!) a great camera. One of them in good shape, even now, would be a great find.....plenty of lenses & other things like flash etc available too. Cheers, Pickles.

11-17-2010, 07:28 PM	#18
noblepa Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Bay Village, Ohio USA Posts: 1,142	To the OP: most college courses that teach film shooting want you to have a camera that is completely manual, or at least has a manual mode. Some Pentax cameras, like the ME, have only automatic modes, so be careful. You can download the manual for any Pentax camera, film or digital, from the Pentax USA website at http://www.pentaximaging.com. Just click on the support tab and follow the questions until you find the camera you're interested in. Its free. The classic student camera is the K1000. It is a completely manual camera. You must set the shutter speed and aperture, although the camera's builtin meter will tell you if you have chosen a "correct" combination, but it will not prevent you from using an "incorrect" combination. They're cheap and readily available.

11-17-2010, 11:45 PM	#19
Steve Beswick Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Ontario, California Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,736	Originally posted by boriscleto As much as I love Pentax manual film bodies, I wouldn't recommend a K/M/A/P series camera. There is too high a probability of it having "issues" (bad seals, shutter calibration, etc.) The ZX-M would be the ideal choice, it was the designed to be the successor to the K1000 as a student camera and is compatible with all Pentax lenses including the DA series. https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-manual-focus-film-slr-camera-revie...mz-m-zx-m.html Any camera in the ZX or MZ series is a poor recommendation due to high failure rates and expensive batteries. Originally posted by Nesster The Vivitar K mount is still available new Vivitar V3800N 35mm SLR Camera with 28-70mm Lens 59890 B&H Photo Vivitar V3800N 35mm SLR Camera with 50mm f/1.7 Lens 59880 B&H Also a poor recommendation due to high failure rates. Your bet bet would be to buy a P3n or P30t with the 50mm lens. Both cameras can be had for under $50 with lens, and a backup body can be purchased for under $30. They are very reliable, are very easy to learn, and are so cheap now that if they are lost or stolen it is no big deal.

11-17-2010, 11:58 PM	#20
magkelly Veteran Member Join Date: May 2010 Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,901	Most college level photography courses actually encourage the use of the Pentax K1000 even now. It's a safe bet that her teacher will fully approve of that one. After that I'd say a similar Nikon or a Canon is a good choice, but K1000's do tend to be pretty ubiquitous in Photography 101 for some reason.

11-18-2010, 01:33 AM	#21
Turbo_Spool900 Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Santa Clara, CA Posts: 61	Originally posted by magkelly Most college level photography courses actually encourage the use of the Pentax K1000 even now. It's a safe bet that her teacher will fully approve of that one. After that I'd say a similar Nikon or a Canon is a good choice, but K1000's do tend to be pretty ubiquitous in Photography 101 for some reason. The photography department at my school has a whole grip of K1000 with Takumar 50mm f/2 lenses for students to check out. I personally shied away from the K1000 because it does have the "student camera" reputation and is a bit over priced on fleabay.

11-18-2010, 06:06 AM	#22
eddie1960 Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 13,667	KM is a good K1000 substitute, basically an upgraded K1000. Adds DOF preview and Self Timer otherwise remains much the same and well built. I have one that will likely go up for sale with a M 50 1.7 once my MX is back from the shop in December sometime

11-18-2010, 08:21 AM	#23
gofour3 Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Vancouver, Canada Posts: 8,092	Originally posted by eddie1960 KM is a good K1000 substitute, basically an upgraded K1000. Adds DOF preview and Self Timer otherwise remains much the same and well built. I have one that will likely go up for sale with a M 50 1.7 once my MX is back from the shop in December sometime Yes a KM is a good choice over a K1000 and could even be cheaper! A KX is an even better choice, as it has a better metering system than the KM/K1000 and will not cost that much more. Phil.

11-18-2010, 02:15 PM	#24
GhoSStrider Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: 14er Country Photos: Gallery Posts: 323	Originally posted by Steve Beswick Your bet bet would be to buy a P3n or P30t with the 50mm lens. I second that recommendation. I've been playing with a bunch of Pentax film cameras lately trying to figure out which I like best. The P3n has surprised me. It's not often mentioned, but it's a really, really nice little camera that I've really come to love. The only knocks I have against it are a lack of MLU, a lack of film speed over-ride and the shutter sound. That last one isn't really a good reason to pass it up, either. I'm just a fan of the pleasing "ka-thwack" of something like a K1000 or a Canon FTb. The P3n kinda squeaks and isn't nearly as acoustically satisfying. Beyond that, though, the P3n is a great, lightweight user that you can't go wrong with.

11-18-2010, 09:35 PM	#25
HGMonaro Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Melb. Aust Posts: 840	Originally posted by GhoSStrider a lack of film speed over-ride If this camera insists on reading the film canister barcode, you use to be able to buy stickers to put on bulk roll canisters (which are usually plain black) but if the course requirement is to develop your own film, I'd image establishing your own EI would also be part of the curriculum, and so such a camera would be a non starter.

11-18-2010, 10:15 PM	#27
ChrisPlatt Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Rockaway Beach NYC Posts: 7,696	No photo course I ever took required the use of bulk loaded film, nor use of an EI different from the box speed. But as much as I like the P3n/P30T, IMO a manual exposure-only body like the KM or K1000 would be preferable in this case. A student must understand proper exposure, a lesson best learned without the temptation to resort to autoexposure. Chris

11-18-2010, 10:41 PM	#28
ChrisPlatt Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Rockaway Beach NYC Posts: 7,696	Why don't we recommend the ZX-M? All of the ZX/MZ series bodies have a fatal flaw - a plastic gear on the motor that runs everything. These invariably break, making the camera completely nonfunctional. The improved replacement part has a metal gear and will last much longer. But unless you bought a body that was already repaired or you are capable of replacing the motor yourself, expect a $100+ repair somewhere down the line. OTOH I have purchased several used P3n and P30T bodies for friends and family members. Each has continued to work perfectly for years... Chris

11-20-2010, 10:02 PM	#30
GeneV Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Albuquerque NM Photos: Albums Posts: 9,830	Originally posted by Fiddling Bob Thanks for the information, Chris. I didn't know about that fragile gear. Fortunately, ZX-Ms aren't costly these days, and when mine breaks, at least I don't have a lot invested in it--other than sentiment and the memory of lots of good images from it. Rather than spend a hundred dollars on repair, I could probably find another on eBay for under fifty. , . My ZX-L has performed very well. If I were worried about failure of that gear (and it could be a real issue), then I'd buy several. They are priced so cheaply these days that they are almost disposable. As it is, I have other bodies.