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.
- Rolleiflex Old Standard 622 – I love this camera. It is sharp, has a lot of history attached and I installed a new mirror. How can you not love it?
- Kiev 88 – I have found myself using this camera more and more. Despite the weight, as I get more familiar with it my love for it grows.
- Nicca iiiL – I put this one my list even though I don’t own it, but I know the owner and I can try it when I want 😉 it is a great example of a rangefinder.
- Contax 137 MA Quartz – I love my example of this camera. I love that it was almost washed away in a typhoon. I love that it is covered in Japanese stamps. And of course, I love that it has Zeiss glass attached.
- Yashica A – I have a new to me 6×6 Yashica and I love it. It is light and sharp.
- Holga 120 GCFN – I know it is a toy camera, but it is such fun to use.
- 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.
- 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.
- Kodak H35N – I bought this for myself, a new camera for a change. It is a half-frame, but so sharp. I love it.
This list is subject to change as I try more cameras.