Is there an autofocus film camera that has old-style controls?

Question

I've got a variety of older Yashica, Konica, and Pentax cameras. I've found that I really prefer the older shutter speed dials to manually control the exposure. I use a Canon Rebel X when I need to shoot quickly, but I hate the interface for controlling this type of camera manually. Is there a camera with older-style controls that can still be autofocus, autowinding, etc?

Answer 1

Check out the Nikon N80. It can be used totally manual with auto-focus but the best part is that it also has on-command grid lines to assist you with keeping the horizon level. Also, it has Average (Center-Weighted) metering, Matrix Metering and Spot Metering. Oh, yes, it has a Depth of Field preview, too. This camera can be used on aperture priority (you set the aperture and the camera sets the shutter speed for you automatically) OR in shutter speed priority (you select the shutter speed and the camera will select the correct aperture for you). It will set your film's ISO automatically for you but you can override it if you wish to do so; it will advance the film and rewind it for you when you take the last shot. You can also use the N80 totally automatic ("P" Mode), too. It has a real no-nonsense feel to it, it's made ergonomically to fit your hands comfortably. It is sturdy and does not have that light, cheap feel as other cameras that are supposedly in the "same field" as the Nikon N80. This is one of those cameras that you will want to keep for many years to come, believe me.

One of the best things about Nikon is that you'll find is the great array of available lenses new and used. Check out www.keh.com and see for yourself (don't get the one with the silly databack; you'll hardly use this feature).

This is the perfect camera for students that need to use a manual camera, and it was also known as the Poor Man's Pro-Level Camera because its features mimic the pro-level Nikon F100. I always recommend it to those taking classes. I know how good it is because even though I have 2 Nikon F5 cameras and a Nikon D80, I STILL have my two N80 camera bodies for everyday walking around purposes... I never leave home without them.

Additionally, I would recommend the Nikkor AF 28-105mm f/3.5-5.6D lens because it can be used as a wide angle lens, a regular lens, a portrait lens, a short telephoto lens and as a Macro lens, too. IF, however, you're on a limited budget, and can't afford the 28-105mm lens, then check out the older version which is as good as the newer version. Look for the Nikkor AF 35-105mm f/3.5-5.6D macro (and make sure it says Macro OR Micro; there are two versions and you WANT the one that you can use as a macro lens). Again, check with www.keh.com and if you don't see what you want, go back in a couple of days but be ready to buy as soon as you see what you want because the cameras and lenses do not stay on their shelves very long!

IF you want more information, check out this URL:
http://www.photosig.com/articles/1227/article

EDITED: you may also choose to add a Nikkor AF 50mm f/1.8D or even a slightly more expensive Nikkor 50mm f/1.4D for low light situations; it's a life saver for when you can't use a strobe. I have the AF 50mm f/1.4D and it has saved the day on many occasions (some dark churches do not allow use of flashes).

Good luck and best wishes.

Answer 2

I don't know which controls you want to control, but if you can find one, check out Nikon N70 or Nikon's in general.

If memory serves, they have f-stop controls on the lens like the older cameras, but I don't recall where the shutter speed control is.

Also, look at Elan 7 and some of the other mid range Canon's. You can have the shutter speed controlled by the dial next to the shutter and the f-stop controlled by the dial on the back of the camera (with your thumb). I've found it to be easy to quickly adjust while looking through the viewfinder with just a little practice and use.

Answer 3

I still pull out the film cameras from time to time I love the old style control myself, I have 2 nikon f4s that I will probably keep forever, it is a high quality camera was once the top camera of the pros, you can get them on ebay today dirt cheap, has all the knobs and dials to keep you in a control knob frenzy for some time to come.

Answer 4

I am not particularly fond of Canon and Nikon cameras, but I would thinkt hat the Rebel that you have has a manual mode in which you can set all the things yourself.