My Current Top Ten Cameras

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.

Olympus OM4 – None of the other SLRs I have tried has the spot metering function like this camera.
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.
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.
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 🙂
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Voigtlander Brillant S – This is a great 120 camera from the 1940s it is light and sharp, great to carry around.
Yashica 44 – I wanted to add this cameras as it it is just so pretty, unfortunately it is a bit of a pain to use as I have to cut 120 film to 127 to use it.