35mm film cameras
 | Every self-respecting photographer should have at least one film camera at home. Not just for decoration, but to shoot something with it at least once a month. If you don't have one, here's an introduction on what to finally get for yourself. |
35mm
Why is it needed? There are several reasons. The first is to discipline yourself so that the digital camera or mobile phone doesn't become a waste of pictures. The second - film photography provides a kind of meditative rest. Unlocks your brain from all the non-essential stuff. Frame hunting, frame evaluation,不允许犯错 - all of this puts you in a task worthy of a real photographer. Let's start looking at cameras that I recommend from cheapest to most expensive.
€ Zenit 11 (1965-1986)
The most economical option is the Zenit 11 (1981-1990) or Zenit-E (1965-1986). You can buy them on ss.lv, at the junk shop on Lāčplēša iela 56, or on eBay. Generally, any film SLR camera with a interchangeable lens will work here. I would recommend getting one that is made of metal. The main requirement is to be able to manually set focus, aperture, shutter speed, and actually have it work. The biggest problem with such cameras is that the light meter doesn't work. That's not a problem. There are apps on phones (Light Meter) that will replace the light metering device.
I recommend Zenit because it's easy to find here, but on eBay you can also find many other alternatives, only they will be harder to repair. Zenit is still a popular camera in our latitudes.
Price 30-50 euros with lens.
€€ Nikon FE (1978-1983)
Nikon FE (1978-1983) or Nikon F (1959-1973) will be the right classics and I would recommend saving up for it. Nikon FE will be lighter and simpler, but F will be for real manual enthusiasts. Nikon F is a true classic used by professionals. Alternatives could also be Nikon FM, but I would prefer Nikon FE. With Nikon FE you can shoot 38 or 39 frames from one roll of film, shooting from frame 0 to 37 or 38. FE series has an electronic shutter, but FM has a mechanical shutter. The mechanical shutter works without batteries. It's easier and faster to shoot with the FE series.
Price 50-150 euros with lens. eBay. Also available on ss.lv from sellers for the price.
€€€ Nikon FE2 (1983-1987)
Nikon FE2 (1983-1987) has extended features compared to the FE model. FE2 model has a fastest shutter speed of 1/4000 seconds, while the FE model has 1/1000s. This allows shooting with brighter lenses during daytime. An alternative could be Nikon FM2.
Price 150-300 euros. eBay. Rarely seen on ss.lv.
€€€€ Nikon FM3a (2001-2006)
Nikon FM3a (2001-2006) is one of the cult cameras. It has a mechanical shutter, so it works without batteries. It combines the features of FM and FE series in one camera. The last of the quality Nikons in a metal body.
Price 500-800 euros. eBay.
€€€€€ Leica M3 (1954-1967)
Leica M3 (1954-1967) is one of the best and most mechanically precise cameras. I have a Leica M3 from 1953 which has never been to service/repair. Everything still works on it, even the timer. It can be said that this is the benchmark of cameras and in my opinion the sexiest camera. Leica M3 was designed primarily for shooting with a 50mm lens.
Price 1000-1500 euros. eBay.
€€€€€€ Leica M6 (1984-2002)
Leica M6 (1984-2002) is the most popular and sought-after Leica film camera. More modern than M3. If M3 is completely mechanical, then M6 has an electronic light meter
Price 2000-3000 euros. eBay.
€€€€€€€ New Leica M6 (2022-)
The cult camera is reborn. Leica launches production of a new M6 based on the Leica MP. I would say this is for thick lawyers or doctors. I would buy one myself if I had spare money. Alternatives are the new Leica MP or M-A.
Price 6500 euros with new lens. Riga, Vaļņu iela 12 at the Leica store or www.balticoptics.lv
35mm films
Film is still available locally BFS store https://bfs.lv/analogais-foto/filmas and MasterFoto store https://www.masterfoto.lv/lv/392-foto-filminas
If anyone is interested in more, you can watch my video:
