donald (07/07/82)
This may be beating a dead horse, but on the subject of camera reliabilty and cameras for novices: At this time I am not aware of any group which publishes reports or statistics about incidences of breakdown in various camera models. The closest I've seen are the mechanical stripdown reports in various magazines. There is no scientific (i.e. statistical) evidence as to the "reliability" of most camera models on the market, although we can make good guesses based on examination of their mechanical cons- truction. Anecdotal claims made under nebulous circumstances simply cannot be taken as good indications as to the reliability (whatever that may mean) of a particular model of camera. Anecdotal claims do not give the full circumstances or nature of the complaint; neither is the background of the complaintant clear. A "pro photographer" is not necessarily an engineer. "Photography teachers" don't exactly constitute a large sample size. Statements like "my friend had an XYZ Super Reflex and it broke down on him" don't prove anything unless they are echoed in droves across the country. Then again, just what does constitute "reliability"? Certainly a Canon AE-1 is sufficiently robust for an amateur such as myself, but it would definitely fall short of the standards of a war correspondent who has to lug his equipment through desert and jungle, or a sports photographer who churns 10 rolls a day (motor driven!) through his camera. I wouldn't want to go to Antartica with a Konica TC either, but I'd go for a Nikon F or a Leica M4. Does this mean that the TC isn't a good camera for general photography or that people should stick to Nikon F's and Leicas? Nikon F's don't work for years because people treat them well, they work for years because they're made to high standards. The statement that Sunpaks are preferable to Vivitars because you get the same features for a lower price reminds me of the argument that all 135mm f/2.8 lenses are equivalent, so you should buy the cheapest one. No flames about Sunpaks now, I think they're nice flashes, I just think the argument is too simplistic. Don Chan