Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP
Posting-Version: version B 2.10.2 9/5/84; site python.UUCP
Path: utzoo!watmath!clyde!burl!ulysses!gamma!epsilon!zeta!sabre!python!johnm
From: johnm@python.UUCP (J. Montgomery)
Newsgroups: net.rec.photo
Subject: Re: Novice Needs 35mm Recommendations
Message-ID: <145@python.UUCP>
Date: Wed, 3-Jul-85 14:00:30 EDT
Article-I.D.: python.145
Posted: Wed Jul  3 14:00:30 1985
Date-Received: Thu, 4-Jul-85 05:32:21 EDT
References: <24800001@gypsy.UUCP>
Organization: Bell Communications Research
Lines: 59

I've used many different 35mm slr's over the years (Canon, Olympus,
Pentax, Minolta, and Nikon) and have several general comments:

The general level of quality is high, especially optics.  I don't
think it's fair to say one brand is "better" than another.  There
are differences in features, accessories, and available lenses.
If you need fast telephotos, perspective control lenses, long
macro lenses, etc. you should check what each manufacturer provides.
Most have a little booklet on this that I usually get free at my
photo dealer. It's also worth noting that Tamron makes excellent
lenses with interchangeable mounts, so their lenses can be used
on most major brands (the Tamron 90mm macro and 35-80 zoom are
especially good).

It is very fashonable these days to have programmed exposure systems.
I think this is a bit overrated.  I have a program mode camera
(Minolta X-700) and found after a bit that was always using it in
aperture priority mode.  I don't recommend choosing a camera on the
basis of programmed exposure systems.

It IS very important to have a good viewfinder/exposure display
system, and here there is lots to choose from between different
brands.  Some use digital display, some analog, some LEDs, some
LCDs, etc.  There are different types of focusing screens, some can
be interchanged, some cannot.  I think it's very worthwhile to find
a good dealer who can explain the non-obvious differences and let
you look through the various models of interest.  (A side comment
here:  although I am close to NYC, I do some of my photo shopping
at a local NJ dealer that lets me handle the equipment, take it home
over the weekend, and doesn't pressure me to buy it if I don't like
it.  Of course, you pay for this and that's a choice that's up to
the individual.)

I'll put in one product plug here. I've recently started using a
Nikon F3HP.  Although it is quite expensive, I recommend looking
at it if you wear eyeglasses, or have difficulty seeing through
other slr's.  It is the only slr I have used which lets me see
all four frame edges with glasses on, and it is the only one I
know which shows the full frame in the viewfinder.  I like this
very much.  The image in the finder also seems brighter than others.
(My only connection with Nikon is being a satisfied customer.)

To give a balanced perspective, let me mention that the Nikon F3
is large and heavy by contemporary standards (in addition to being
very expensive).  I would love having a Nikon HP finder on my OM-1.
Some people, however, find the OM-1 hard to use because it is so small...

The Nikon FE and FM strike me as quite good value for the money and
can use the same lenses as the F3 (but not the HP finder).  I have
not worked with them, so I can't comment on them in detail.

It's certainly worth a little research, both at home and in the
photo store.  You will enjoy your new camera more if you can see
through it, if it's not too heavy for you, if you can get the lenses
you want for it, etc.
-- 
	John Montgomery
	Bell Communications Research
	...{allegra, ihnp4, decvax, ucbvax}!bellcore!python!johnm