49SLR CAMERAS B+W
The Single Lens Reflex camera, or SLR,
needs little introduction: this is the direct
antecedent of today’s digital SLR and was, for
decades, the number one choice for enthusiast
photographers the world over. In addition
to a through-the-lens (TTL) viewfinder, a
large part of an SLR’s appeal comes from the
versatility afforded by interchangeable lenses
and the array of accessories available.
It’s hardly surprising that the popularity
of the SLR led to a huge number of cameras
being produced across most film formats,
from 110 to medium format. In between these
extremes were hundreds of 35mm SLRs from
a multitude of manufacturers. Some, such
as Canon, Nikon, Olympus and Pentax, are
still with us, while others, such as Contax,
Praktica and Topcon are now just names in
the history books (at least in terms of their
photographic relevance).
Tips
If possible, check the light-seals (light traps) of any SLR you plan on buying. Over time, the
foam seals that are often used to prevent light leaks will disintegrate, leading to fogged film.
Some SLRs can still be repaired but some cannot. Cameras from the 1980s that use flexible
printed circuits are particularly prone to failure as the plastic circuit becomes brittle over time
and can eventually fail. Replacements are often unavailable.Above
To shoot sports you need a fast camera with a high drive rate and quick AF. For this indoor shoot
at a boxing club I loaded a Nikon F6 with ISO 400 black & white film rated at ISO 3200.
This allowed me to capture all the action.Right
The Pentax ME Super is typical of the type of SLR
that was popular in the late 1970s and 1980s.
Its combination of manual focus and aperture
priority or manual shooting modes makes it
great for anyone wanting to learn the
essentials of photography.
© Chris Gatcum© Shutterstock