Hypothetical - If Pentax brought out a 35mm film SLR today...

filmamigo · 10-02-2015, 06:50 AM

Staff note: This post may contain affiliate links, which means Pentax Forums may earn a small commission if a visitor clicks through and makes a purchase. If you would like to support the forum directly, you may also make a donation here.

"Reasonably priced" M-mount lenses are the challenge...

I am tempted to pick up an R3M with matching 40mm f/1.4. I love that focal length (43mm Limited for example) and 1.4 is fast. But the lens+camera is a LOT of money. And it's one of the cheapest options in the M mount world.

stevebrot · 10-02-2015, 11:55 AM

Originally posted by filmamigo

"Reasonably priced" M-mount lenses are the challenge...

I am tempted to pick up an R3M with matching 40mm f/1.4. I love that focal length (43mm Limited for example) and 1.4 is fast. But the lens+camera is a LOT of money. And it's one of the cheapest options in the M mount world.

Even reasonably-priced LTM can be hard to come by. I took delivery of my R3M yesterday and a used Nokton 40/1.4 is due to be delivered tomorrow. The combined cost was about the same as a new K-3 with decent walk-around zoom. I can adapt some of my FSU rangefinder glass, but sadly the Jupiter-12 35/2.8 is not compatible due to its big rear element. I would love to have a Biogon 35/2 or 35/2.8, but $$$ even used. Voigtlander is a little easier to swallow, but still not cheap for their better stuff.

BTW...cameraquest has a lightly used R3M 250 Jahre Special Edition for $150 less that a new R3M.

Temptation...CLICK HERE!

Steve

Eyewanders · 10-02-2015, 01:16 PM

Originally posted by stevebrot

BTW...cameraquest has a lightly used R3M 250 Jahre Special Edition for $150 less that a new R3M.

Temptation...CLICK HERE!

Steve

I had that one sitting in my cart for 2 straight days.

**monochrome** · 10-02-2015, 01:28 PM - **1 Like**

I clicked Steve's link and went over there . . .

And ran screaming from the room!

Swift1 · 10-02-2015, 06:00 PM

Originally posted by ChrisPlatt

Someone here might be interested in this:

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/photopost-classifieds/showproduct.php/product/47994/title/pentax-smc-43mm-f19/cat/2

Pentax glass for your RF camera...

Chris

If I could properly use a rangefinder, I would likely end up with a Bessa R3A or Ziess Ikon ZM, and the Pentax 43mm L Special

Swift1 · 10-02-2015, 08:14 PM

Originally posted by ChrisPlatt

Rangefinder focusing isn't for everyone. That's a big reason SLR's became so much more popular.

I have thought about making an offer on this:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Voigtlander-Bessa-L-Rangefinder-Color-Skopar-25mm-F4-M39-Lens-/291579147232?hash=item43e378b3e0

I wonder if something like this might work for you...

Chris

I love rangefinder focusing, I can't lift the camera though

That link is basically how I've been using my Bessa R and CV Skopar 35/2.5
I just scale focus, Sunny 16 exposure, compose blind and shoot.

Eyewanders · 10-02-2015, 08:23 PM - **2 Likes**

Originally posted by Swift1

I just scale focus, Sunny 16 exposure, compose blind and shoot.

... and create images 99% of the rest of the world's shooters can't even approach.
(finished that for ya)

**ChrisPlatt** · 10-02-2015, 10:51 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by chickentender

... and create images 99% of the rest of the world's shooters can't even approach.
(finished that for ya)

+1

You have a great eye, Colton.

Chris

**gofour3** · 10-03-2015, 08:41 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by ChrisPlatt

+1

You have a great eye, Colton.

Chris

+2

Phil

JuanEstrada · 10-03-2015, 08:13 PM

I believe that camera makers will never even try to make a new film camera because:

1) Nikon still makes (Cosina does actually) The super ultra overpriced fm10
2) Canon still makes the 1v and it is very very expensive.
3) Why would them make a professional camera if they know people know today we can get a used camera, like new, built like a tank, with lots of lenses (glass lenses) of incredible quality available like the Pentax LX, the Canon A-1, F-1, Nikon F3, Minolta XE-7, Olympus OM-1,2,3.4, for a lot less money we could spend on a new camera built to break in a year and plastic lenses...

I believe there is no reasone to ask for a new film camera... with the amount of used stuff we can find and the quality of the technicians we can still get today, there is no point.

Eyewanders · 10-03-2015, 08:20 PM - **1 Like**

I sure wish there were at least few quality *younger* technicians. Maybe I should learn.

JuanEstrada · 10-03-2015, 11:37 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by chickentender

I sure wish there were at least few quality *younger* technicians. Maybe I should learn.

I am learning from a very knowledgeable technician here in Colombia, he only has a certified course from Olympus in the 90's, however he has over 30 years experience and knows about a lot of different systems... On the other hand, there is a very known and well reputed technician in the USA whom I was thinking on asking for like an internship.. something like, I help him with everything related his work and the payment is his knowledge... that he passes on his wisdom related to cameras, specially mechanical... every time I have the opportunity to see an open camera I feel something really awesome... Those designers and engineers were incredible... the machinery is amazing, the craftsmanship on most of those 40's to early 80's cameras is something we have to preserve... no wonder you can still find and use plenty of cameras from those years, but go and try to find a good digital camera from 2000...

Eyewanders · 10-04-2015, 11:00 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by JuanEstrada

I am learning from a very knowledgeable technician here in Colombia, he only has a certified course from Olympus in the 90's, however he has over 30 years experience and knows about a lot of different systems... On the other hand, there is a very known and well reputed technician in the USA whom I was thinking on asking for like an internship.. something like, I help him with everything related his work and the payment is his knowledge... that he passes on his wisdom related to cameras, specially mechanical... every time I have the opportunity to see an open camera I feel something really awesome... Those designers and engineers were incredible... the machinery is amazing, the craftsmanship on most of those 40's to early 80's cameras is something we have to preserve... no wonder you can still find and use plenty of cameras from those years, but go and try to find a good digital camera from 2000...

^ Yes. ^

Agreed. Modern designs are certainly not the same. Proof can be found in a lovely late model Minolta flash-meter of mine. Quite a bit of circuitry and only the incident meter works - the spot-meter functions do not simply because the plastic bits that the button makes contact with have broken. Just like everything new - plastic and micro-circuitry. Throw-away items, cheaper and easier to be replaced than repaired.

(On a side note, I'd love to visit Bogota. I intended to spend many months in Bogota and Medellin back in 2011 as I finished a 2-year slow round-the-world journey... but I ran out of money. Iwasn't able to save enough working in NZ and Aus like I'd hoped.)

stevebrot · 10-04-2015, 11:13 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by ChrisPlatt

Someone here might be interested in this:

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/photopost-classifieds/showproduct.php/product/47994/title/pentax-smc-43mm-f19/cat/2

Pentax glass for your RF camera...

Chris

Now I am the one running screaming from the room

Actually, that is an excellent price for that lens based on optical quality alone and given the scarcity and uniqueness, a doubly excellent price.

Steve

JuanEstrada · 10-04-2015, 11:32 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by chickentender

^ Yes. ^

(On a side note, I'd love to visit Bogota. I intended to spend many months in Bogota and Medellin back in 2011 as I finished a 2-year slow round-the-world journey... but I ran out of money. Iwasn't able to save enough working in NZ and Aus like I'd hoped.)

If you ever come by, please let me know through here, I will be more than glad to give you a nice welcoming tour through the city!

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Hello, world! And buying a 35mm film SLR...	chiaroscuro	Welcomes and Introductions	4	11-09-2014 07:22 AM
Exposure for asahi pentax mv slr film camera 35mm?	Bigtimedreamer333	Troubleshooting and Beginner Help	4	09-30-2014 01:42 PM
35mm D/SLR? A hypothetical film & digital camera	Joshua A	Pentax Full Frame	8	04-08-2014 09:34 PM
A Good Representative Pentax Film SLR	DavidSKAF3	Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras	29	01-05-2014 05:01 PM
For Sale - Sold: Pentax-FA 28-200mm and ZX-50 35mm SLR Film CAMERA	cambridge	Sold Items	5	09-28-2009 07:27 AM

10-02-2015, 06:50 AM	#121
filmamigo Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 797	Staff note: This post may contain affiliate links, which means Pentax Forums may earn a small commission if a visitor clicks through and makes a purchase. If you would like to support the forum directly, you may also make a donation here. "Reasonably priced" M-mount lenses are the challenge... I am tempted to pick up an R3M with matching 40mm f/1.4. I love that focal length (43mm Limited for example) and 1.4 is fast. But the lens+camera is a LOT of money. And it's one of the cheapest options in the M mount world.

10-02-2015, 11:55 AM	#122
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by filmamigo "Reasonably priced" M-mount lenses are the challenge... I am tempted to pick up an R3M with matching 40mm f/1.4. I love that focal length (43mm Limited for example) and 1.4 is fast. But the lens+camera is a LOT of money. And it's one of the cheapest options in the M mount world. Even reasonably-priced LTM can be hard to come by. I took delivery of my R3M yesterday and a used Nokton 40/1.4 is due to be delivered tomorrow. The combined cost was about the same as a new K-3 with decent walk-around zoom. I can adapt some of my FSU rangefinder glass, but sadly the Jupiter-12 35/2.8 is not compatible due to its big rear element. I would love to have a Biogon 35/2 or 35/2.8, but $$$ even used. Voigtlander is a little easier to swallow, but still not cheap for their better stuff. BTW...cameraquest has a lightly used R3M 250 Jahre Special Edition for $150 less that a new R3M. Temptation...CLICK HERE! Steve

10-02-2015, 01:16 PM	#123
Eyewanders Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Land of the Salish Sea Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,343	Originally posted by stevebrot BTW...cameraquest has a lightly used R3M 250 Jahre Special Edition for $150 less that a new R3M. Temptation...CLICK HERE! Steve I had that one sitting in my cart for 2 straight days.

10-02-2015, 01:28 PM - 1 Like	#124
monochrome Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Working From Home Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 26,276	I clicked Steve's link and went over there . . . And ran screaming from the room!

10-02-2015, 06:00 PM	#125
Swift1 Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Oregon Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,079	Originally posted by ChrisPlatt Someone here might be interested in this: http://www.rangefinderforum.com/photopost-classifieds/showproduct.php/product/47994/title/pentax-smc-43mm-f19/cat/2 Pentax glass for your RF camera... Chris If I could properly use a rangefinder, I would likely end up with a Bessa R3A or Ziess Ikon ZM, and the Pentax 43mm L Special

10-02-2015, 08:14 PM	#126
Swift1 Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Oregon Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 5,079	Originally posted by ChrisPlatt Rangefinder focusing isn't for everyone. That's a big reason SLR's became so much more popular. I have thought about making an offer on this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Voigtlander-Bessa-L-Rangefinder-Color-Skopar-25mm-F4-M39-Lens-/291579147232?hash=item43e378b3e0 I wonder if something like this might work for you... Chris I love rangefinder focusing, I can't lift the camera though That link is basically how I've been using my Bessa R and CV Skopar 35/2.5 I just scale focus, Sunny 16 exposure, compose blind and shoot.

10-02-2015, 08:23 PM - 2 Likes	#127
Eyewanders Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Land of the Salish Sea Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,343	Originally posted by Swift1 I just scale focus, Sunny 16 exposure, compose blind and shoot. ... and create images 99% of the rest of the world's shooters can't even approach. (finished that for ya)

10-02-2015, 10:51 PM - 1 Like	#128
ChrisPlatt Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Rockaway Beach NYC Posts: 7,694	Originally posted by chickentender ... and create images 99% of the rest of the world's shooters can't even approach. (finished that for ya) +1 You have a great eye, Colton. Chris

10-03-2015, 08:41 AM - 1 Like	#129
gofour3 Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Vancouver, Canada Posts: 8,091	Originally posted by ChrisPlatt +1 You have a great eye, Colton. Chris +2 Phil

10-03-2015, 08:13 PM	#130
JuanEstrada Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Bogotá, Colombia! Posts: 87	I believe that camera makers will never even try to make a new film camera because: 1) Nikon still makes (Cosina does actually) The super ultra overpriced fm10 2) Canon still makes the 1v and it is very very expensive. 3) Why would them make a professional camera if they know people know today we can get a used camera, like new, built like a tank, with lots of lenses (glass lenses) of incredible quality available like the Pentax LX, the Canon A-1, F-1, Nikon F3, Minolta XE-7, Olympus OM-1,2,3.4, for a lot less money we could spend on a new camera built to break in a year and plastic lenses... I believe there is no reasone to ask for a new film camera... with the amount of used stuff we can find and the quality of the technicians we can still get today, there is no point.

10-03-2015, 08:20 PM - 1 Like	#131
Eyewanders Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Land of the Salish Sea Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,343	I sure wish there were at least few quality younger technicians. Maybe I should learn.

10-03-2015, 11:37 PM - 1 Like	#132
JuanEstrada Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Bogotá, Colombia! Posts: 87	Originally posted by chickentender I sure wish there were at least few quality younger technicians. Maybe I should learn. I am learning from a very knowledgeable technician here in Colombia, he only has a certified course from Olympus in the 90's, however he has over 30 years experience and knows about a lot of different systems... On the other hand, there is a very known and well reputed technician in the USA whom I was thinking on asking for like an internship.. something like, I help him with everything related his work and the payment is his knowledge... that he passes on his wisdom related to cameras, specially mechanical... every time I have the opportunity to see an open camera I feel something really awesome... Those designers and engineers were incredible... the machinery is amazing, the craftsmanship on most of those 40's to early 80's cameras is something we have to preserve... no wonder you can still find and use plenty of cameras from those years, but go and try to find a good digital camera from 2000...

10-04-2015, 11:00 AM - 1 Like	#133
Eyewanders Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Land of the Salish Sea Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,343	Originally posted by JuanEstrada I am learning from a very knowledgeable technician here in Colombia, he only has a certified course from Olympus in the 90's, however he has over 30 years experience and knows about a lot of different systems... On the other hand, there is a very known and well reputed technician in the USA whom I was thinking on asking for like an internship.. something like, I help him with everything related his work and the payment is his knowledge... that he passes on his wisdom related to cameras, specially mechanical... every time I have the opportunity to see an open camera I feel something really awesome... Those designers and engineers were incredible... the machinery is amazing, the craftsmanship on most of those 40's to early 80's cameras is something we have to preserve... no wonder you can still find and use plenty of cameras from those years, but go and try to find a good digital camera from 2000... ^ Yes. ^ Agreed. Modern designs are certainly not the same. Proof can be found in a lovely late model Minolta flash-meter of mine. Quite a bit of circuitry and only the incident meter works - the spot-meter functions do not simply because the plastic bits that the button makes contact with have broken. Just like everything new - plastic and micro-circuitry. Throw-away items, cheaper and easier to be replaced than repaired. (On a side note, I'd love to visit Bogota. I intended to spend many months in Bogota and Medellin back in 2011 as I finished a 2-year slow round-the-world journey... but I ran out of money. Iwasn't able to save enough working in NZ and Aus like I'd hoped.)

10-04-2015, 11:13 AM - 1 Like	#134
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by ChrisPlatt Someone here might be interested in this: http://www.rangefinderforum.com/photopost-classifieds/showproduct.php/product/47994/title/pentax-smc-43mm-f19/cat/2 Pentax glass for your RF camera... Chris Now I am the one running screaming from the room Actually, that is an excellent price for that lens based on optical quality alone and given the scarcity and uniqueness, a doubly excellent price. Steve

10-04-2015, 11:32 AM - 1 Like	#135
JuanEstrada Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Bogotá, Colombia! Posts: 87	Originally posted by chickentender ^ Yes. ^ (On a side note, I'd love to visit Bogota. I intended to spend many months in Bogota and Medellin back in 2011 as I finished a 2-year slow round-the-world journey... but I ran out of money. Iwasn't able to save enough working in NZ and Aus like I'd hoped.) If you ever come by, please let me know through here, I will be more than glad to give you a nice welcoming tour through the city!