Tag Archives: SLR

The Poor Man’s F3 ? – The Overlooked Nikon F-301 or N2000

I’ve come across a few more basic cameras that pick up a mythic tag comparing them to a more esteemed classic. But the Nikon F-301 (or in my case weirdly the Americanised N2000) is perhaps the most bizarre of the bunch. That’s because some folks do compare it to the legend that is the F3

Whilst it’s no F3, if you’re on a budget this might be good compromise.

Continue reading The Poor Man’s F3 ? – The Overlooked Nikon F-301 or N2000

It’s All About The Lens Baby – Kiev 19 Review Part 1

Usually when I review an SLR I tend to caveat my reviews by pointing out optical performance depends on the Lens glass and don’t focus on that side of things. But with this Ukrainian beast it really is all about the glass in the form of the Helios-81N ( гелиос-81н )50mm 1:2 lens.

But let’s not ignore the camera and we’ll begin there.

Continue reading It’s All About The Lens Baby – Kiev 19 Review Part 1

A SLR for 99p ? – Pentax MZ-5/ZX-5 Technical Review

One of my targets in my Poundland Challenge of getting cameras for a quid or less was to get a SLR body. I knew this was still likely and I’d come close with a Mamiya camera with a non interchangeable lens (some sneaked in at last minute with a £1.20 bid. I’d also passed on a Nikon F55 (already own) and a Praktica BM series body that went for 99p. Still I was bit surprised when the MZ-5 (ZX-5 in US), a 1996 Pentax prosumer AF SLR arrived for just 99p.

Continue reading A SLR for 99p ? – Pentax MZ-5/ZX-5 Technical Review

History Makers – Part 2 – Guest post by filtr film cameras

Like any technology the camera as we now it has changed many times during its life. It’s a process that continues, even among modern digital SLR cameras.

For every feature, function and design point though there was a first time. Here we take a look our first 5 of those important milestone cameras, the ones that made history, and the ones that continue to have a lasting impact on camera design in the 21st century. Continue reading History Makers – Part 2 – Guest post by filtr film cameras

Over The Limit, Sir ? – Minolta zoom 110 SLR 1 Roll review

This is probably the weirdest camera I own. I wasn’t too sure if I if I should provide a breath sample with it or take photos. Welcome to the Minolta Zoom 110 SLR. Not only is it one of the weirdest looking in the world. But it’s also a fully functioning SLR that takes 110 film and arguably if not a bridge camera then sets the path for them.

Continue reading Over The Limit, Sir ? – Minolta zoom 110 SLR 1 Roll review

Nikon Budget Face off – Does the F75 make the F55 pointless ?

So I’d discussed the weakness of the F55 in the comparison review with the D50 dSLR. The F55 is arguably the cheapest Nikon film bodies you can buy but does spending a bit more snag you  a better camera in the guise of the F75. The reality is it a bit more nuanced. Continue reading Nikon Budget Face off – Does the F75 make the F55 pointless ?

99p SLR v bargain bucket dSLR challenge – Nikon F55 v Nikon D50

In both film and digital land there’s some bargains to be had in the second hand market. This blog like many has focused on the bargains to be had in the analogue world but few discuss older digital cameras in the same way (a notable exception being our sometimes  guest writer Dan James over at  his 35hunter blog). But can you make a real comparison ?

Continue reading 99p SLR v bargain bucket dSLR challenge – Nikon F55 v Nikon D50

K-mount Lens carnage with the infamous Ricoh Pin

I almost goofed badly when selling a lens. I’d picked up a Ricoh KR-5 Super with a few lens for relative peanuts but decided to sell on a Tokina 25-70mm lens as I already had a Pentax SMC KA zoom of similar length. It was only at the last minute I twigged the lens had the infamous Ricoh Pin issue. If you shoot with Pentax  K mount cameras then it’s one you’ll want to know about. Continue reading K-mount Lens carnage with the infamous Ricoh Pin