It is tricky to make a list of your favourite cameras, like making a list of your favourite songs. The list depends on a number of factors.

• The camera I am using right now. The one I used last is often high on my list.
• The cameras I have tried in the past. It can’t be in the top ten if I haven’t tried it.
• The condition of the example I have tried. Of course, if I have only tried a crap example it will be low on my list no matter what other people might think of it.

So all that aside, here is my current top ten.

1. Pentax ESII – I absolutely love my example of this camera. It looks like it has been through a lot and seen a lot. Mine has great patina, quite brassy. It works with or without a battery. And best of all, I fixed it 🙂
2. Konica Auto-Reflex – This camera has to appear here. You can switch between full and half frame. It has a meter, but works in manual. The meter on mine doesn’t work, but I intend to get that fixed at some point.
3. Canon IV SB2 – This was the first camera that I had CLAd. I had to sacrifice a number of other cameras to pay for it, but it was worth it.
4. Chinon CE-4 (or CE-5)- This choice is based on looks and value. I made mine into a Spiderman camera and it is unique-ish. The Chinons accept Pentax K-Mount lenses, but are relatively very cheap.
5. Contax 137 MA – I love this camera, my stamp version especially. It looks great, handles well, is quite light, and has great lenses. It has dropped a place under the CE-4 as that is better value for money.
6. Fed 2 – This was one of the first cameras I tried after returning to film. It made me realize that film has a quality and look that digital just can’t capture. Plus, the photos I took using it are very meaningful to me. This choice is due to emotions rather than functionality.
7. Olympus OM4 – None of the other SLRs I have tried has the spot metering function like this camera.
8. Kiev 88 – I have found myself using this camera more and more. It is my go to camera for medium format, despite the weight. As I get more familiar with it my love for it grows.
9. Yashica FX-D Quartz – I love my example of this camera. I love the effort and story behind its acquisition. The fact I can attach my Contax lenses makes it even more special.
10. Voigtlander Brillant S – This is a great 120 camera from the 1940s it is light and sharp, great to carry around.

This list is subject to change as I try more cameras.