How much is too much to spend on a 35mm compact?

[aim54x]

I sat down last night to rationalise my camera kit....and there sure was some shocking realisations.....and as I continue this process over the next few days I am sure there will be more shocks to come.

I now have a very good, overly equipped digital kit ranging from a number of high quality compacts through to FX and IR bodies. However my film kit is not as well equipped, I am fine for SLR's but I am lacking a compact...I have known this for a long time, but have yet to find the right camera (or been put off by pricing). I asked about this some time ago http://dslrusers.com/viewtopic.php?f=36&t=40371 but never really got a resolution. So now I pose two questions...one similar to the last (WHICH CAMERA) and the second more in line with my current train of though (HOW MUCH SHOULD I SPEND).

I am still after a true compact camera (ie roughly the same size as a Canon G12 or smaller) that can be loaded up with film and be constantly sitting in my bag. I do prefer a wide-ish lens, and if possible want to purchase new. However I am not sure how much is a reasonable investment in this sort of camera....so im going to public opinion

[Reschsmooth]

Cameron, how do you define "compact"? Do you mean non-changable lens, AF, etc? If you solely define "compact" based on size, I would suggest that something like the FE/FE2 would be small enough. I know they are SLRs, but I find the size, particularly with the 20 2.8 very, very compact with all the latent benefits of SLRdom. You already have one of these, right?

[aim54x]

Compact would be defined in this case as:
-fixed lens
-AF
-Aperture/Program
-lightweight

Yes a FM/FE is a very small SLR but they do have a bit of heft and bulk, even with a pancake lens. I basically am after the film equivalent of a Panasonic LX5/Nikon P300/Ricoh GRD IV/Fuji X10 (or in my case Samsung EX1/Nikon J1)

[Reschsmooth]

Compact would be defined in this case as:
-fixed lens
-AF
-Aperture/Program
-lightweight

Yes a FM/FE is a very small SLR but they do have a bit of heft and bulk, even with a pancake lens. I basically am after the film equivalent of a Panasonic LX5/Nikon P300/Ricoh GRD IV/Fuji X10 (or in my case Samsung EX1/Nikon J1)

Meeting 3 of your requirements (in a way), why not make your own?

[aim54x]

Meeting 3 of your requirements (in a way), why not make your own?

I have one of these already!

[Mr Darcy]

OK then.
How about one of these

[aim54x]

OK then.
How about one of these

It doesnt take 35mm....and I don't fancy my chances on finding one that is "new" or in good nick

[Murray Foote]

It won't be cheap - but what about a Hasselblad X-Pan?

[photohiker]

Not new, but:



Nice compact film rangefinder. About $100 on ebay.

[aim54x]

It won't be cheap - but what about a Hasselblad X-Pan?

Certainly not cheap....a beautiful camera, but it isnt really compact either

Not new, but:
IMAGE OF OLYMPUS XA
Nice compact film rangefinder. About $100 on ebay.

Yes these are pretty cool.....and the 35mm f/2.8 is probably going to be wide enough as well. I'll keep an eye on for one in good nick but something tells me they will be few and far between

[aim54x]

I guess I should round out this topic...I ended up breaking and purchasing a Fuji Klasse W (back in August)...I'm currently half way through a roll of film and will be posting results as soon as I get off my backside and finish this roll.

[gstark]

Klass-eeee

[Reschsmooth]

Klass-eeee

Or Klass-ew

[aim54x]

She is gorgeous....now I just have to remember to set my default flash setting to OFF and her back into my bag. I have had a very lazy few weeks.

[Matt. K]

Lovely camera! Where did you find it?
By the way...Cash Convertors and pawn shops are all full of point and shoot 35mm cameras. They can't give them away.

[aim54x]

Lovely camera! Where did you find it?
By the way...Cash Convertors and pawn shops are all full of point and shoot 35mm cameras. They can't give them away.

This one was shipping in from Japan, brand new...sadly it was Fuji's decision to discontinue this camera in the chrome that triggered the purchase. I have always wanted one but have never been able to justify it, the falling price + the imminent price rise (due to discontinuation...and the price has risen dramatically on the now discontinued Klasse W (chrome) and Natura Classica) meant it was a now or never situation. No regrets though.

I will have to go trawling when I can get some time off.

[aim54x]

I should also add that a few wonderful work colleagues gave me a Natura Classica as a belated bday gift (in May) as well so this thread, despite not having any votes (disappointed!!) and a few suggestions (thanks PhotoHiker!!) and no real indication of sane expenditure (hmmm) has really been completed for me.

http://dslrusers.com/viewtopic.php?f=56&t=42482&p=442605#p442605