The One (if you must choose) - aka Desert Island Camera

lesmore49 · 10-10-2015, 08:52 PM - **1 Like**

Desert Island....hmmnn. Reliable, durable, no need for batteries.

I have the camera, for this assignment.

It's my '68 Pentax S1a, which I bought new in...1968. No meter, no battery, strictly mechanical. Reliable, durable....still works after almost 48 years. I also have a selenium Sekonic light meter that I bought with the S1a. It has no battery, still works.

BTW, it has a Takumar...55mm (I think) F2 lens. Came with the camera.

nickthetasmaniac · 10-10-2015, 10:36 PM - **1 Like**

Leica M2 (or MA, if I was going to buy something for this 'desert island') - it's simple, beautifully put together, a joy to use, and does everything I need out of a camera without getting in the way.

If it had to be an SLR, probably an LX

lesmore49 · 10-11-2015, 10:17 AM

Originally posted by nickthetasmaniac

Leica M2 (or MA, if I was going to buy something for this 'desert island') - it's simple, beautifully put together, a joy to use, and does everything I need out of a camera without getting in the way.

If it had to be an SLR, probably an LX

I forgot about my old (1952) Leica 11f with it's 50mm collapsible F 3.5, 50mm Elmar lens. I've had it since around 1982, still works and I can use my old battery-less Sekonic,selenium powered light meter.

Then there's my old Mamiya twin lens reflex, medium format camera, with it's 80 mm Mamiya-Sekor normal lens.

I..... like many an oldster have a whole pile of non electronic, non battery powered cameras which would work well in rugged, isolated situations....like the OP's aforementioned desert isle.

**UncleVanya** · 10-11-2015, 02:11 PM - **1 Like**

If it can be any camera - not just one I have - with any film - I will take a 6x7 with a Polaroid back and plenty of film. Then I can enjoy my shots while waiting to be rescued. And carrying the camera will make me strong enough to survive.

Eyewanders · 10-11-2015, 03:36 PM

Originally posted by lesmore49

I forgot about my old (1952) Leica 11f with it's 50mm collapsible F 3.5, 50mm Elmar lens. I've had it since around 1982, still works and I can use my old battery-less Sekonic,selenium powered light meter.

Then there's my old Mamiya twin lens reflex, medium format camera, with it's 80 mm Mamiya-Sekor normal lens.

I..... like many an oldster have a whole pile of non electronic, non battery powered cameras which would work well in rugged, isolated situations....like the OP's aforementioned desert isle.

Ahh, so yes, you have options... Which one is it?

---------- Post added 10-11-15 at 03:37 PM ----------

Originally posted by nickthetasmaniac

Leica M2 (or MA, if I was going to buy something for this 'desert island') - it's simple, beautifully put together, a joy to use, and does everything I need out of a camera without getting in the way.

If it had to be an SLR, probably an LX

We're of similar minds.

**ChrisPlatt** · 10-12-2015, 09:44 AM - **1 Like**

The KX was my first Pentax.
I've tried a dozen Pentax models since.
The KX is still my favorite...

Chris

Eyewanders · 10-12-2015, 10:03 AM

Originally posted by ChrisPlatt

The KX was my first Pentax.
I've tried a dozen Pentax models since.
The KX is still my favorite...

Chris

I gave mine to my father last year. Was the closest thing I had to his old Nikkormat which was stolen. Better even. He loves it. (Though the film shaft is just slightly bent and as a result of him using it more than I ever did, the rewind knob-cap came loose and fell of in the woods two weeks ago. He's trying to source another on Ebay, preferably with the shaft so this doesn't happen again. Expensive little buggers on the 'Bay. Do the earlier K-1000 use the same part for that? a bit off-topic but since we're KX talking...)

lesmore49 · 10-12-2015, 12:33 PM

Originally posted by chickentender

Ahh, so yes, you have options... Which one is it?

---------- Post added 10-11-15 at 03:37 PM ----------

We're of similar minds.

Probably my old Leica rangefinder, with the Pentax S1a not far behind. But both will need my old, hand held Sekonic light meter.

kentishrev · 10-12-2015, 02:48 PM

P30N, paired with the 43mm Ltd. it may not look real cool, and the risk of cracking plastic in the desert island heat is high, but it's never let me down, great for quick street shots, and does some of the work if you need it to.

pathdoc · 10-12-2015, 04:09 PM

There is, I hear, a fully mechanical Ricoh with the meter entirely solar powered. That might be worth consideration. As for the P30 series, that one has an interesting and annoying failure mode which leaves you unable to advance the film (the advance lever shears off the internal spindle). Otherwise my favourite Pentax film camera, narrowly edging out the ME (which is small and neat, but gets a bit awkward with larger lenses and sometimes needs the manual controls it lacks) and the Spotmatic (which can't accept K mount lenses, but I knew that when I started and I have enough to get by).

nickthetasmaniac · 10-13-2015, 08:39 PM

Originally posted by lesmore49

But both will need my old, hand held Sekonic light meter.

Meh, it's always sunny 16 on a desert island

**UncleVanya** · 10-13-2015, 08:54 PM

Originally posted by nickthetasmaniac

Meh, it's always sunny 16 on a desert island

Campfire photos, star gazing, milky way, palm tree against the moon with the shining sea reflections, sunrise, sunset, rare flower blossoms in the rain forest like jungle interior, selfies in the caves off the beach...

malinku · 10-13-2015, 10:43 PM

I'd have to go with my mamiya c33 with the standard 80mm 2.8 lens. I could do everything from macros to landscapes with this combo. all with no betteries. I'd take it loaded with Fuji acros and be set.

Arjay Bee · 10-13-2015, 11:22 PM

Originally posted by UncleVanya

Campfire photos, star gazing, milky way, palm tree against the moon with the shining sea reflections, sunrise, sunset, rare flower blossoms in the rain forest like jungle interior, selfies in the caves off the beach...

You're describing my place in FNQ now. I pine for the 4 seasons - the occasional rain all through the year, the overcast days, the colour of the turning leaves, morning walks on frosty paths, red cheeks and noses and silence of a snow covered landscape.

Grass is always greener...

bibz · 10-14-2015, 05:16 AM

6x7 with the 105

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10-10-2015, 08:52 PM - 1 Like	#31
lesmore49 Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Western Canada Posts: 12,342	Desert Island....hmmnn. Reliable, durable, no need for batteries. I have the camera, for this assignment. It's my '68 Pentax S1a, which I bought new in...1968. No meter, no battery, strictly mechanical. Reliable, durable....still works after almost 48 years. I also have a selenium Sekonic light meter that I bought with the S1a. It has no battery, still works. BTW, it has a Takumar...55mm (I think) F2 lens. Came with the camera.

10-10-2015, 10:36 PM - 1 Like	#32
nickthetasmaniac Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 2,361	Leica M2 (or MA, if I was going to buy something for this 'desert island') - it's simple, beautifully put together, a joy to use, and does everything I need out of a camera without getting in the way. If it had to be an SLR, probably an LX

10-11-2015, 10:17 AM	#33
lesmore49 Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Western Canada Posts: 12,342	Originally posted by nickthetasmaniac Leica M2 (or MA, if I was going to buy something for this 'desert island') - it's simple, beautifully put together, a joy to use, and does everything I need out of a camera without getting in the way. If it had to be an SLR, probably an LX I forgot about my old (1952) Leica 11f with it's 50mm collapsible F 3.5, 50mm Elmar lens. I've had it since around 1982, still works and I can use my old battery-less Sekonic,selenium powered light meter. Then there's my old Mamiya twin lens reflex, medium format camera, with it's 80 mm Mamiya-Sekor normal lens. I..... like many an oldster have a whole pile of non electronic, non battery powered cameras which would work well in rugged, isolated situations....like the OP's aforementioned desert isle.

10-11-2015, 02:11 PM - 1 Like	#34
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,401	If it can be any camera - not just one I have - with any film - I will take a 6x7 with a Polaroid back and plenty of film. Then I can enjoy my shots while waiting to be rescued. And carrying the camera will make me strong enough to survive.

10-11-2015, 03:36 PM	#35
Eyewanders Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Land of the Salish Sea Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,343 Original Poster	Originally posted by lesmore49 I forgot about my old (1952) Leica 11f with it's 50mm collapsible F 3.5, 50mm Elmar lens. I've had it since around 1982, still works and I can use my old battery-less Sekonic,selenium powered light meter. Then there's my old Mamiya twin lens reflex, medium format camera, with it's 80 mm Mamiya-Sekor normal lens. I..... like many an oldster have a whole pile of non electronic, non battery powered cameras which would work well in rugged, isolated situations....like the OP's aforementioned desert isle. Ahh, so yes, you have options... Which one is it? ---------- Post added 10-11-15 at 03:37 PM ---------- Originally posted by nickthetasmaniac Leica M2 (or MA, if I was going to buy something for this 'desert island') - it's simple, beautifully put together, a joy to use, and does everything I need out of a camera without getting in the way. If it had to be an SLR, probably an LX We're of similar minds.

10-12-2015, 09:44 AM - 1 Like	#36
ChrisPlatt Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Rockaway Beach NYC Posts: 7,692	The KX was my first Pentax. I've tried a dozen Pentax models since. The KX is still my favorite... Chris

10-12-2015, 10:03 AM	#37
Eyewanders Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Land of the Salish Sea Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,343 Original Poster	Originally posted by ChrisPlatt The KX was my first Pentax. I've tried a dozen Pentax models since. The KX is still my favorite... Chris I gave mine to my father last year. Was the closest thing I had to his old Nikkormat which was stolen. Better even. He loves it. (Though the film shaft is just slightly bent and as a result of him using it more than I ever did, the rewind knob-cap came loose and fell of in the woods two weeks ago. He's trying to source another on Ebay, preferably with the shaft so this doesn't happen again. Expensive little buggers on the 'Bay. Do the earlier K-1000 use the same part for that? a bit off-topic but since we're KX talking...)

10-12-2015, 12:33 PM	#38
lesmore49 Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Western Canada Posts: 12,342	Originally posted by chickentender Ahh, so yes, you have options... Which one is it? ---------- Post added 10-11-15 at 03:37 PM ---------- We're of similar minds. Probably my old Leica rangefinder, with the Pentax S1a not far behind. But both will need my old, hand held Sekonic light meter.

10-12-2015, 02:48 PM	#39
kentishrev Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Posts: 180	P30N, paired with the 43mm Ltd. it may not look real cool, and the risk of cracking plastic in the desert island heat is high, but it's never let me down, great for quick street shots, and does some of the work if you need it to.

10-12-2015, 04:09 PM	#40
pathdoc Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2015 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 6,381	There is, I hear, a fully mechanical Ricoh with the meter entirely solar powered. That might be worth consideration. As for the P30 series, that one has an interesting and annoying failure mode which leaves you unable to advance the film (the advance lever shears off the internal spindle). Otherwise my favourite Pentax film camera, narrowly edging out the ME (which is small and neat, but gets a bit awkward with larger lenses and sometimes needs the manual controls it lacks) and the Spotmatic (which can't accept K mount lenses, but I knew that when I started and I have enough to get by).

10-13-2015, 08:39 PM	#41
nickthetasmaniac Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 2,361	Originally posted by lesmore49 But both will need my old, hand held Sekonic light meter. Meh, it's always sunny 16 on a desert island

10-13-2015, 08:54 PM	#42
UncleVanya Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2014 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 28,401	Originally posted by nickthetasmaniac Meh, it's always sunny 16 on a desert island Campfire photos, star gazing, milky way, palm tree against the moon with the shining sea reflections, sunrise, sunset, rare flower blossoms in the rain forest like jungle interior, selfies in the caves off the beach...

10-13-2015, 10:43 PM	#43
malinku Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2014 Posts: 402	I'd have to go with my mamiya c33 with the standard 80mm 2.8 lens. I could do everything from macros to landscapes with this combo. all with no betteries. I'd take it loaded with Fuji acros and be set.

10-13-2015, 11:22 PM	#44
Arjay Bee Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Horn Island, Torres Straits, Q Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,715	Originally posted by UncleVanya Campfire photos, star gazing, milky way, palm tree against the moon with the shining sea reflections, sunrise, sunset, rare flower blossoms in the rain forest like jungle interior, selfies in the caves off the beach... You're describing my place in FNQ now. I pine for the 4 seasons - the occasional rain all through the year, the overcast days, the colour of the turning leaves, morning walks on frosty paths, red cheeks and noses and silence of a snow covered landscape. Grass is always greener...

10-14-2015, 05:16 AM	#45
bibz Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Newcastle, AU! Posts: 276	6x7 with the 105