cly (01/27/83)
The recent discussion about full manual metering brings up another point: in the 200-250 dollar price range, there are no cameras that have ALL of the "good" features. For instance, my Nikon FG has FULL manual metering but does NOT have arpetures in the viewfinder and does not have depth-of-field preview. It took me quite a while to sift through all the possibilities of features and lack thereof before picking out a camera. One should carefully look through buying guides, ads, etc. before choosing. Carl Yaffey cbosgd!cly
donald (02/01/83)
I might add to Carl Yaffey's remark that no camera in the ~$250 range has all the features you might want: NO camera has ALL the features you might want. Period. For example, take the "big three": Nikon F3, Canon F-1 (new), and Pentax LX, the most expensive and flexible 35mm SLR's in production. - The F3 has exactly TWO non-battery-dependent speeds: 1/90 and B. You can't even use the regular shutter release to get 'em because the release button is an electric contact! The F3 also doesn't have provision for shutter priority automation or variable metering fields. - The new F-1 doesn't have a mirror lock up (!!) or an exposure lock button for the auto modes. There is also no TTL flash metering. To get shutter priority auto you have to mount a bloody winder! The AE finder won't let you have 1/2000 in aperature priority auto, and the aperture display is *reflected off the lens*. - The LX can't be powered off a motor drive or winder (very important in cold weather or Upper Mongolia where silver oxide batteries are rare) No shutter priority auto on the K mount of course. The shutter speed dial and wind lever are poorly designed. The display in the viewfinder intrudes into the picture and can't be lit. - None of the Big Three provide programmed exposure automation. Sure you can sneer at program, but I'll bet lots of pros use it secretly. - None have a viewfinder that shows 100% of the picture like the old Nikon F did. - None give you the slow speeds 1 sec to 1/30 without a battery. - I could go on but you get the idea. All three cameras cost a bundle. They are supposed to be state-of-the-art machines which cater to pros. You might argue that I'm picking nits, and I might even agree, but when so much is charged for a hunk of metal and plastic, I don't expect any nits at all! Don Chan