are antique cameras still practical for regular use?

Discussion in 'Film Discussion and Q & A' started by scyzoryk_o4, Mar 30, 2007.

Page 1 of 2
  1. Mar 30, 2007 #1
    scyzoryk_o4

    scyzoryk_o4 TPF Noob!

    Joined:
    Mar 11, 2007
    Messages:
    60
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    Hamilton ON
    Can others edit my Photos:
    Photos OK to edit
    http://cgi.ebay.ca/ZENIT-12XP-Relia...093487803QQcategoryZ15241QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

    I was searching my house when i came across my parents old zenit 12x camera... Instantly I fell in love with it. The feel and just about every thing about it just feels solid. Now my question is even though its an old camera it will still take just as good pictures as lets say a newer nikon or cannon right? I mean the 35mm senser will still produce just as good quality pictures right?
    My second question is...im still just learning to play around with aperature and shuter speed to get right exposure. Now if I bring my digital camera and just use the automatic modes as a guide, can I apply those shutter speeds and aperature settings to the zenit?


     
  2. Mar 30, 2007 #2
    Mitica100

    Mitica100 Moderator Staff Member Supporting Member

    Joined:
    Nov 11, 2003
    Messages:
    9,784
    Likes Received:
    54
    Location:
    Ahwatukee, AZ
    Can others edit my Photos:
    Photos NOT OK to edit
    Old cameras can take good pictures by all means. They won't be of the Nikon/Canon quality but they will be decent.

    Using your digital camera for aperture/shutter speed combinations as a guidance should work, provided you have the same ASA (ISO) in both. But for better results use a hand held meter.

    My first SLR was a Zenit B.
     
  3. Mar 30, 2007 #3
    fmw

    fmw No longer a newbie, moving up!

    Joined:
    Sep 30, 2006
    Messages:
    3,656
    Likes Received:
    473
    I don't know what a Zenit 12X is but antique cameras are perfectly practical as long as film is still available for them. Some films for older cameras is either impossible or difficult to find.
     
  4. Mar 30, 2007 #4
    terri

    terri Administrator Staff Member Supporting Member

    Joined:
    Sep 2, 2003
    Messages:
    27,569
    Likes Received:
    2,914
    Location:
    In the mental ward of this forum
    Can others edit my Photos:
    Photos NOT OK to edit
    Gracious, if the link you provided is an exact replica of the camera your parents have, I don't even consider that an *antique*. :lol: If it's clean and operates smoothly, shutter is firing at all speeds, etc., then drop some 35mm film in that bad boy and try a test roll. You may have a new best friend! ;)

    Some of the reeeeally old cameras that I consider *antique* are from the 1920's and '30's, and the main problem with some of them are slow shutter speeds, often only up to 1/50, pretty much requiring constant tripod use. This camera appears to go up to 1/500, so I can't imagine you'd have much trouble with it. Looks great!

    Check out this *antique*, a Kodak #1 pocket - it still takes pictures with 120 film, and they have a lovely soft vignetted edge. :)





    [​IMG]
     
  5. Mar 30, 2007 #5
    scyzoryk_o4

    scyzoryk_o4 TPF Noob!

    Joined:
    Mar 11, 2007
    Messages:
    60
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    Hamilton ON
    Can others edit my Photos:
    Photos OK to edit
    haha, well it's an antique for to me...Ya thats deffinetly some encouraging news. I cant wait to get some film now and test the beast out!!
     
  6. Mar 31, 2007 #6
    jwkwd

    jwkwd TPF Noob!

    Joined:
    Oct 26, 2005
    Messages:
    630
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    Western N.Y.
    How old does a camera have to be before considered an antique ? I kind of figured that my F and F2's were just getting broken in at 30+ years old ;)
     
  7. Apr 18, 2007 #7
    keedokes

    keedokes TPF Noob!

    Joined:
    Apr 17, 2007
    Messages:
    27
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    Southeastern WI
    Can others edit my Photos:
    Photos OK to edit
    Isn't the general rule of thumb that anything is considered an antique at 100+ years old? It's only vintage if it's younger than that. That's why I get so annoyed at Craigslist...people advertise 'antique' sofa's from the 70's. :roll:
     
  8. Apr 18, 2007 #8
    Mitica100

    Mitica100 Moderator Staff Member Supporting Member

    Joined:
    Nov 11, 2003
    Messages:
    9,784
    Likes Received:
    54
    Location:
    Ahwatukee, AZ
    Can others edit my Photos:
    Photos NOT OK to edit
    That depends... A car can be 30+ years old and considered antique or historical. A camera as well, especially if it was produced in small numbers. The very first digital camera can actually be called an antique due to its historical value. Furniture can be called 'antique' even after a few years though, even if it's not an 'antique' per se. What I think they meant on Craig's List is that the sofa was antiquated (read 'out of fashion').
     
  9. May 3, 2007 #9
    Hank

    Hank TPF Noob!

    Joined:
    May 3, 2007
    Messages:
    2
    Likes Received:
    0
    I have a 1956 Argus C-44 and it still takes excellent pictures. I am looking forward to trying slide film with it, too. I remember my grandfather and father using that style of camera and I still have the slides. The projectors are cheap on Ebay. I also have a Cannon 400D digital camera, so I am not really old fashioned, but can appreciate the old and the new.
     
  10. May 3, 2007 #10
    panocho

    panocho TPF Noob!

    Joined:
    Feb 7, 2005
    Messages:
    425
    Likes Received:
    2
    Location:
    Compostela, GZ
    Can others edit my Photos:
    Photos NOT OK to edit
    right
    I would just say: antique is when "old" is a value, and not "how old"

    ...well, or probably my english is just not as reliable as I hope...
     
  11. May 8, 2007 #11
    spazoid1965

    spazoid1965 TPF Noob!

    Joined:
    Apr 8, 2007
    Messages:
    76
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    Cottonwood Shores, TX
    Can others edit my Photos:
    Photos OK to edit
    Hey Scyzoryk, If it still works, Use It! You may need to check the light seals.
     
  12. May 8, 2007 #12
    mysteryscribe

    mysteryscribe TPF Noob!

    Joined:
    Feb 1, 2006
    Messages:
    6,071
    Likes Received:
    3
    Location:
    in the middle of north carolina
    Can others edit my Photos:
    Photos OK to edit


    antigue is older than me... vintage is anything made before i shot my first roll of film.
     
Page 1 of 2

Share This Page