SLR film camera guide

SLR stands for 'Single Lens Reflex', which essentially means that when you look through the camera viewfinder, you are looking through the same lens that takes the photo. With other camera types you look through a separate viewfinder.

This has some advantages such as:

• You can see if you have correctly focused the lens
• You can see exactly what will be in the photo, regardless of which lens you are using.

There are naturally many different models available which can either be very automatic(e.g. automatic exposure, and even automatic focusing), or manual where you focus and set the exposure yourself.

There is nothing better than a fully manual camera to learn about photography properly, and it also makes photography a much more satisfying experience, as you will feel that you have actually created each photo yourself.

 

For beginners, we like the following SLR cameras which both offer excellent functionality and build quality and are a great way to enter the exciting world of film photography:

1. Canon AE-1

Sold from 1976 to 1984, this was a phenomenally successful camera, with great build quality and both manual control in addition to automatic exposure. It has simple controls and is a joy to use. It was one of the first electronically operated SLRs.

 

2. Olympus OM-1

The OM-1 was a truly innovative design - aimed at being lighter and more compact than previous SLR cameras. It was created by the same designer that worked on many of Olympus' earlier rangefinder cameras to great success.

The result is a beautiful camera that sits very nicely in the hand and feels great to use. It has some interesting design differences compared to other SLRs of the day, with the shutter speed ring at the base of the lens.

It has manual exposure control, with an exposure meter and a needle in the viewfinder to show very clearly if your are over / under exposed.

This makes it excellent for beginners getting into serious photography, in a very stylish package.
 

3. Pentax MX

While a lot of people look at the Pentax K-1000 as a starter camera, the Pentax MX is actually a much better choice, and similarly priced.

It is a fully manual camera, which can actually operate without a battery. It has a great built-in meter, and good viewfinder information.

The MX was designed a premium alternative to the K-1000 and it scores better having a self-timer, better viewfinder information and a depth-of-field preview lever. It was always made in Japan.

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For added simplicity, autofocus SLRs were introduced from around 1985. These provide the photographer with the combination of true point and shoot capability, along with access to the huge range of lenses and accessories offered by each manufacturer.

Of the early autofocus film SLR models, the Nikon F501 is well worth considering - along with legendary Nikon build quality it also has traditional controls (like a rotary shutter speed dial on the top of the camera) so is a wonderful camera for developing film photographers.

 

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Almost all SLR cameras have the ability to change the lens so you can use a wide angle lens (for landscapes or buildings), a telephoto lens (for sports, wildlife) or a 'normal' lens for general use, portraits. Zoom lenses offer even more flexibility.

This is a great feature, and all SLR manufacturers offer a huge range of lenses and other accessories. This is useful, but nothing beats the convenience of a compact or rangefinder camera that you can take anywhere and take out to capture a fleeting photo opportunity.

We personally take both !