I dreamt of owning an OM-1 when I was a kid and I finally got one not long after I turned 50. I was not disappointed, it's every bit as good as I imagined it would be.

I refuse to accept the idea of a world where I can use only one camera. Monstrous. It must never be allowed to happen.

I would like to nominate what was one of the most successful slrs in its history, the venerable Pentax K-1000. Built like a tank, very reliable, and have a multitude of excellent quality lenses available…..it was one of the most used cameras for photography students, and in the hands of an experienced user, it could deliver the goods.🙂📸

High quality compact rangefinder additions to your list: Kodak Retina IIc and Konica IIA. Just as compact as the Barnack Leica and both built as well with superb lenses. My Leica M3 is probably my most revered camera - it makes me feel good just by holding it. It is the camera that I would least like to lose. I would go for the OM1n as my only camera but my copy has a wind on action that is not very smooth. If it was as perfect as my FE that would easily win for me (I prefer the Zuiko lenses against the Nikkors). This is a very close call above my Pentax MX which I bought new in 1982 and is still perfect without the need so far for a service.

I had the electronics on my Nikon FE fail while I was taking photos of my son’s wedding, and the electronics of my Nikon FA also failed a few years later. I decided that this wasn’t going to happen again while I was photographing something important with a 35mm, so I bought a Nikon F2 with the plain prism. I have light meter apps on my iPhone, so I’m (hopefully!) bomb proof. With the plain prism, it has the added advantages of being lighter than those with the metering prism attached, and of accepting pre-ai and ai/ais lenses without having to go through the rigmarole of the “Nikon Shuffle” (my Nikomat EL), or stop down metering if I want to use pre-ai lenses on my FE. (Yes, I replaced the dead one!).

I have or had most of those cameras over the years but the two Leicas, III and and III F are the two that I keep going back to for the 45 years I've had them! Totally agree with your opinion! Just beautiful cameras! Never had a problem with either of them, just had them serviced a couple of times, must have put a thousand rolls of film through the pair over the years, just keep on rocking!!!!

Thank you for a very nice round-up of classic 35mm cameras. Apart from the Yashica, Nikons and Cannon I have good examples of your collection. My favourite for many years was the Leica 3 and the Oly 1 and 2n for daily use until the Digital Oly M1 came along. All my cameras get at least 1 film run through a year. 2 years ago I found a mint condition Japanese Barnack copy, a Nicca 3F, which is has fantastic build quality and is even quieter than the My Leica. This gets the most use these days as it is brilliant for unobtrusive street photography and always draws attention from camera buffs.

The finalists being the OM1 and a Leica really goes to show just how successful Olympus were at making a SLR that could compete with Leica , Size , Glass , Amazing viewfinder the OM1 has it all and while I own a Nikon FM2 and a Leica 3 the Olympus is what I use the most just because it is such an incredible SLR even with its small quirks.

I fell in love with the Pentax Spotmatic SPII that my father gave me. It might out live me for real.

Interesting comparison. I would have decided upon the Praktica F.X 2 if I had to choose in those categories. Even far more than the Leica IIIf. Why? It's a highly reliable M42 all mechanical SLR with a waist level view finder and a prism viewfinder adapter, a MLU and a self timer. And the "old" Praktica models are really easy to maintain. As my choice is a SLR, the range measuring will always be very exact on the point, whilst especially the IIIf requires a lot of patience if it came to the exactness of its rangefinder system. Its closest competitor would be a Kiev 4 or a Contax range finder without a light meter. Additionally, I am afraid, I could throw one more category of 35mm cameras into the ring: The "compact cameras" of the Fifties like the Voiglaender Vitos, the Contessas of Zeiss and many more. They are not only perfectly compact, especially, if it comes to the folding subtypes of those machines. They are also brilliantly produced engineering artifacts that work like Swiss clockworks. And If you had a Vito II or even a Vito B or BL, you'd might stop considering the value of changeable lenses compared to have a camera around that must even be searched in larger trouser pockets ;)

My first SLR was a used OM-1 that I bought used in 1977. I made the mistake of giving it to a charity shop after I went digital… now I’m about to experiment with film again! I had my late Dad’s old Taron 35 III and a beat up FE that I got for $30 in for CLAs. My repair specialist fixed the Taron, which he said was basically scrap and the FE, which had suffered a hard whack that had broken the mirror and buggered the shutter release and film advance mechanisms. Snow they’re refreshed and I’d better get some film! I still kick myself for giving away the OM-1… it was a jewel! Thanks for the video!

Nikkormat FT. I still have it! My dad won in a card game on the aircraft carrier Coral Sea.

FM3a for me

If it's cameras I have, it would have to be my M3/35mm Summicron. If it's cameras I don't have (though I used to), it would have to be an FM or FM2. That, because I have about a dozen Nikkors sitting around that I use on my D200.

Good shout……and with Canon ltm lenses the quality of negs is still very hard to beat. I think you’d be doing everyone a huge favour by making a short video comparing different approaches to light meters and how to use them specifically for Barnaks…..

Olympus OM1 was the camera I grew up using. The strengths of the camera are the enormous and bright viewfinder, the shutter speed is situated around the base of the lens rather than a knob on top of the camera, is small and light with dinky lenses that focus so smoothly.

Nigel you had the actual winner in your hand not long from the end: the Nikon FM. Yet, it is a good idea to start cleaning up the clutter, and sell off what you don't need.. can't take them with you as time closes. Cheers

Great episode enjoyed that some lovely cameras on show. For me it’s an impossible ask I shoot many brands and formats for work and pleasure. I feature many cameras in my KZfaq life I love them all but if absolutely pushed to the limit for pure pleasure / leisure use alone I’d pick my Canon L3 with the elmar 5cm it produces cracking results I’d like to add a 35mm lens to the package too. If I had only one choice for 35mm film camera for professional work it would be the Minolta dynax 9 I’ve had it since brand new in 98 it never lets me down. I need to sit down now grab a coffee smell some white roses and remember this is all theoretical I can still shoot whatever I want life is good live once shoot loads 📷📸

Thank you for the reviews! Although I would have chosen the Nikon FM, it's an excellent choice. It would be nice to see some pictures taken with the Leica camera.

If I could only use one, I’d choose the canon F-1 original. All mechanical, modular, FD mount so easy to adapt to other SLR mount lens.

I am a Nikon shooter, so I instantly went to the FM. Could nominate the FM2 if I had ever shot one. Always wanted an OM1 tho- that zuiko glass is nice.

Pentax MX with the 40mm pancake lens. The most compact SLR there is.

An interesting thought process to undertake. ONE (film) camera from my collection? The Nikon F5 but my F2as is a tank that I love using as well. My commemorative Zorki 4 is neat in its own right. I wish I could afford a proper Leica, to give one an opportunity to compete with everything else I've owned/used.

I am # 2! Mine is my Canon AT1 I love it

Nice overview of different types of cameras. For all my 35mm film cameras I'd go for a rangefinder too. It suits my shooting style and I like them. A mechanically working like my Leica M6 would be my choice rather than electronic like my M7. If the battery runs out, you are just without a light meter with M6. Been there, done that and shooting did not stop due to battery run out.

I have a small group to choose from. I already have a Nikon FM. I like it. I also have a Konica Autoreflex T ( bought it in '71) Between those two.... I just do not know what to say. I enjoy your perspective and process going through this.

Interesting video. I've had a couple of electronic cameras repaired and it's usually just the capacitors that dry out. My most lovely camera is probably my M3 but if I could only choose one it would be my Canon Eos 1. Not very Zenography, I know, but the metering is outstanding and it has 100% coverage in the viewfinder. This is important to me when taking portraits. The Eos 1V is better again but my particular EOS 1 is unique in a way that isn't relevant to the discussion. A keep forever camera.

I own most of the cameras you reviewed, except for the Barak's. Tha OM 1 would be in my short short list but my Rollei35 T is the one I'd chose. It's a pity you didn't have one to get in the contest. VERY good video, though. Thanks and congratulations.

First I hit the "Like" button. Then...well let me enjoy this video.., It's like going to a restaurant...I'm enjoying this menu !😉 I know for sure that I'm gonna like it!

I worked in a camera shop when I was young and got some great equipment at good prices. Mamiya 645, Olympus OM 2n and a Pentax (can’t remember which one). All gone years ago. If only I had the benefit of hindsight to keep them.

the last native mount alive appears to be Leica M. it is also the one that has the easiest access to repair people. for me, as color film appears to maybe truly be on its way out, these considerations weigh heavily.

I would choose my Nikon F5. Yes, it is a huge beast; but I love that camera and I would have no problem using it on the odd occasion where I actually do street photography. Of course the idea of being limited to using only one of my many 35mm cameras would be a tortuous ordeal for me. As always, I love your videos.

It was fun to see you walk through your options and analysis. You didn't mention your use-case, or I didn't catch it. I would choose the OM1 (of your short list) simply because its lenses will focus a bit closer than the rangefinder's. I often like to make captures of things close up and enjoy the way vintage glass renders those images. I am not talking macrophotography; I just like to work close with relatively open apertures. The primary shortcoming of the OM1 is that it requires a mercury cell for the internal meter. It also doesn't have an integrated shoe, so mounting an external meter is not an (easy) option. I put a set of alkaline cells in my F2as and its meter works correctly. (I compared metering results with an external meter.) I think that means that Nikon included a voltage regulator in the metering circuit, even though mercury cells have a pretty flat discharge curve. I don't have a schematic for the metering circuit of the camera, so I can't confirm my assessment. Aside: I recently bought a Bronica S2A for use as my square medium format camera. I also bought a Pentax Spotmeter V to support it. Although the Pentax instructions call for GX13 mercury cells, Pentax must have included a voltage regulator in the power supply side of the design because it meters correctly (confirmed with an a second meter) when used with LR44 cells. I was very pleased to learn this and these are such lovely instruments to work with. Thanks for the video!

If I had to choose. My choice would be the praktica MTL any of the MTL's. The reason being, I have repaired so many of them. I know I could keep it running

I'm lucky enough to have quite a few leicas including an M3. Two Nikon F cameras and quite a few more.If I could only keep one I think it would be my Pentax Spotmaitic SP2. Maybe because I bought it brand new in around 1973 so its a long standing friend or simply because it feels so right, its beautifully constructed and easy to use. Added to that the four SMC Takumars are a pleasure to use too.

I had guessed before watching the complete video that you would choose the OM-1. I was close! I have several rangefinders myself (Leica III, FED 2, Contax, Nikon S2) but I find the refurbished Olympus M-1 (not OM-1) I have to be the smoothest of all of my mechanical cameras, followed closely by my Nikon F2 Photomic. A lot of reviewers call the Olympus shutter speed interface "quirky" but I think it is a better solution. Like the Nikkormat the shutter speed is more easily adjusted when the camera is to the eye. It just requires re-training yourself and I honestly think that people do not want to do this and that is why it is labeled as such. Just my opinion. As for the aperture ring being located close to the front, a lot of reviewers of Chinese lenses (TTArtisans for example) comment that this is an odd placement. Again, I disagree. I find it more intuitive and really harkens back to the old lens designs of the 50's and earlier (i.e., Leica). All of this said, it then comes down to the viewfinder experience, and here the Olympus wins hands down IMHO. Great video. Stimulated me to to try and answer the question for myself. Now, off to shoot some B&W through my R7 with 90mm Summicron.....

O.K., your choice is easy for me to understand, even if I am - and certainly every individual person is - emotionally attached to other cameras from one's own experience. My rangefinder era ended in 1967, then I tried out almost any SLR brand for 35mm and medium format film - with one permanent constant: Nikon due to the highest reliability of all. And what I love most about Nikon: Nikkormat EL and Nikon EL2 which are much more solid than those downsized FM/FE/FA etc... Today I also own & like my Voigtlaender VITO rangefinder camera (since 1958 still going perfectlystrong), my 'Black Beauty' Pentax Spotmatic SP (sadly not as reliable as the Nikons), and Nikon F2S, the mentioned Nikkormats, the perfect Nikon F801s and the very easily to AI-Nikkors compatible Nikon D300. But I cannot favour any of them over all the others - that would be unfair and untrue. Emotionally, but not rationally, I am most attached to the pure Nikon F with eyelevel finder because I owe my entire photography career to it. @philosimot

I have always been a Nikon user from the beginning the company I worked for in 1972 used A Nikon F and a Pentax spotmatic In 1982 I bought my own FE2 and 50mm 1.4 from new I think 40 years is pretty good for reliability. I also have the fantastic Nikorrmat FT and FT2, like you I have a Lieca iii made in 1936 but I would not choose it. My Favourite is the FE2 or FM2 with the F4 a close runner up.

Pentax MX because, well I’ve got lots of different K and M42 mount lenses so it’s makes sense but the reality is that if you have only one camera, you can still have many lenses and the flexibility of SLR system over rangefinder is hard to argue. I’ve got a Leica IIIf as well as a few SLRs so while the Leica is simply lovely, the MX SLR with its big high magnification through the lens view is way nicer to craft images with.

My pick wud be the nikon f2 series. Can also be use as a defensive weapon.

Just had my first walk with a Zorki 1. I fell in love with it. That one and my Seagull 4A TLR medium format are my favourite film cameras.

If I could chose a camera I don't own, I would go with a Hasselblad 500 or 501 (no matter which sub-model) … 😁 Okay, or a Nikon FM2 for 35 mm. Both are on the reliable side. If I would have to pick from what I (currently) own, it would be the Rolleicord III (if I could upgrade the screen eventually, or the Yashica Mat-124 G instead) or the Leica IIIf. Hmm, thinking about it - maybe rather my Chamonix 4x5 F2 … 😁 (I would *not* go with Olympus, because I had very bad experience with several OM cameras - they are actually hard to repair and very finicky.) … A, well, you chose the Leica III, and from what you showed I would chose the same camera. The "Barnack" Leicas are a very special breed (I had several Leica M models, and only kept the Leica IIIf in the end)!

Hello there... A single 35mm film camera to use? Hard question indeed. I am a Praktica ''hooligan''. I have 2 MTL5 B, BC1, BMS, BCA, B100 and B200. I have also some Zenits... ET, 122 (aka 12 mark 2), 122k, Auto. I have also a Fujica STX1-n, Carena CX-300, Revue AC 8, Kiev 19m, FED3, Voightlander Vito CLR and... Nikon F100. But... As a Praktica hooligan, if i only choose a single 35mm film camera i'll choose... Zeiss Ikon Contaflex with pro Tessar optic version. For pro Pantar optic version i have also 85mm f/4 end lens but I HATE THAT PRONTOR SHUTTER!

As always, great content; however!!! in going for "The One" I can't believe that you haven't considered, or even given an honourable mention to one of the greatest cameras in history, the daddy of all SLR cameras, the Pentax Spotmatic. It's relatively small, pretty, wonderful to handle, fully mechanical, and absolutely bombproof. With the M42 mount, the world is your oyster, including access to those absolutely sublime Takumar lenses. I've owned both the Nikon FM, and the FE; in fact, right up to the present I'm like a stick of rock, Nikon through & through, but for a thousand different reasons, I would take the Spotmatic over an FM any day of the week. Moreover, to favour a Praktica over a Pentax Spotmatic, I really have to ask, have you taken leave of your senses?

I have a very similar collection, and going through them, I came to similar conclusion. I picked my Barnack Zorki over the OM-1 for the same reasons. The Zorki with the Insdustar-50 lens is almost as sharp as the Zuiko on the Olympus. I can also fit the Zorki in my pocket and I can't fit the OM-1, so I'm more likely to carry it around with me.

I am #1 ! (actually, I haven't watched this somewhat alarmingly-titled video yet, but couldn't resist being #1 for a change)

Pentax MX, KX and LX in that order - largest range of usable lenses that exists with A, M, K and M42 with adaptor. Build quality that is excellent - much better than later K1000 and K 1000 is a limited KX.

good choice. 5*

I really got go with nikon fm2 or maimiya c series for medium format.

I have used some of cameras mentioned and sold most of them except Leica M3 and Leicaflex SL2. These two Leicas will out last me for sure.

If I were choosing and didn’t “need” an all mechanical camera, I’d go with an OM-2n. It uses modern batteries, so the meter will likely be accurate. It is an aperture priority camera, BUT… with a virtual OM-1 inside. Switch it to manual and it works just like an OM-1. Two birds with one stone.

I’ve had an Olympus OM4Ti and ended up hating it, in the UK you get cold weather and the concentric shutter speed dial is a pain when wearing gloves, or big fingers, unlike a Nikkormat with a good lever to use. So I say as a Leica user….. a Nikon FM3a is the camera to keep. Full auto and full manual if the battery fails, the ultimate in one small package.

Sometimes i wish I could go back to the 60s when i had just one camera and one lens. Today i have so many fine cameras and lenses and accessories. Sometimes with so many selections, the choice is paralyzing to the point i may seldom take any camera with me. And, it can be limiting in any

I'm going on holiday next week on my motorcycle I've decided to take my 1938 Leica with me out of about 40 cameras in my collection It's compact and easy to pack even with a couple of lenses I will also take a tiny Lumix with LTM adaptor.

I really enjoyed this video. Is there a company in the uk that you would recommend for a cla? My OM2 needs a service..

My first choice would be one of the two Nikon F2 titanium bodies I once owned. Of course, this assumes I can use my two dozen lens inventory. My second choice would be my Leica M6 rangefinder with my 21/35/90mm lenses. My third choice would be my Fuji X-Pro2 digital mirrorless with six prime lenses and two zoom lenses.

Nikkormat FT2 for me rock solid build quality low price to buy access to fabulous Nikkor lenses and more reliable than any Leica ever made. Ps try and find someone to service your Leica the price is astronomical..

How about a similar version with digital cameras ?

The problem with my Zorki 4k is that there are no frame lines and I wear glasses so can't see the entire viewfinder. The painted shutter speed numbers also wear off. And the lack of strap lugs. I prefer my Canon 7 rangefinder. Beautiful 50 mm f1.4 lens that is called the Canon Summilux. It's selenium light meter is unreliable and there is no hot shoe for an accessory meter so the Canon P might have been better, but is way more expensive.

Nikon FM3A

Not mentioned my Nikon F301 (N2000) said to be poor man's Nikon F...love it..some say it is Contax built but who knows,.......??

My initial thought was syrup of figs then realised it was a cap

Contax RTS II would be my choice

this reminds me of a football coach having to let go a potential team member ... you dismissed all the runners with both frankness and courtesy. My fav is a Nikon FE2 (I think)

Did you do one of digital version of "if I could choose one" too? I think you chose Olympus. I would say om1 mark 2 or 3 or X pro 2 for the used price if it's under $500

If I had to choose only one, it would be Dad's Hassleblad 500.

Right now it is my m4 but in future who know :3

For me Canon IlD2 and Nikon Fe

Thanks Mr Nigel ! I've never used the camera you chose, or any like it. Can you suggest any of the Soviet iterations of that particular Leica? Be seeing you👌

Nikon IS allegedly of a bit more quality in regarss of cameras, if you can get around the fact that the advancing leaver, must be open in order for camera to operate. I guess it all depedds on what you do. Had the FM2 for years, now I'm sporting OM1n and I'm really happy with it. Would I get the FM2 agin if I had some extra cash? Yep, in a heartbeat...

You failed to mention the film loading faff of the screw mount Leicas. Also a pity you don't have a Canon F1(n) to test.

I have 3 Zorki 4s but not a 4K (my 3 are non functioning) some will say the 4K shouldn't have a lever wind cos it looks odd and not quite right.....??

Only Pentax LX ❤

Zenit B or Zenit E/EM for film, best camera every, yes has its limitations but never had any faults with the ones I used over the years.

Nikon F4S or FM2

Olympus OM-1 or Nikon FM2.

Do you know of canon RF Leica 3 copies? You usually mention the USSR copies, but not the Japanese, which I consider even better l39 mount cameras than whatever Leica ever made.

It's not Sunday 😂 is it?

iPhone !

Does anyone still have a Canon ae1 where the battery door didn't fall off within a month? 😂😂

Being that I've lived on the far West coast of North America since 1961 or so, I've NEVER even seen these Russian built cameras anywhere! Not in a shop, not in use by a Tourist. I imagine that, since the early 1960's I can well recall the Russian leaders speech at the United Nations in New York threatening to "Bury" us ! As he pounded the podium with his shoe 👞 (Yes! That actually happened! He took off his own shoe and beat it on the podium!) So I'm thinking that Russian Communist products didn't sell well in the USA ! 😅

Aggravatingly slow to the point.