Re: ATM 35MM- Camera

["Peter D. Brooks" <pdbrooks@pacbell.net>]

Scott Barrie wrote:
> While I use my Nikon F2 for astrophotography I also like to use a Nikkormat
> FTN. It is a very basic, rugged, SLR that is totally manual and uses all
> the same lenses. It, too, is an all brass camera that can operate
> independent of the battery (except for the meter). It's readily available
> on the used market and quite inexpensive.

You'll get my F2 (purchased new back in 1977 or so) when you pry my cold dead
fingers off it....  Mine fell off a top bunk in a sailboat (well, it was
downwind when I put it there, and was too seasick to remember to move it) and
it just got a minor dent.

I also have a third or fourth hand (at least) Nikkormat that I bought before
the F2.  It could use a good cleaning, and the battery is obsolete (I've heard
the zinc-air ones will substitute for a mercury), but it's a good backup. 
> 
> A camera that hasn't been mentioned here is the Olympus OM1 series. I have
> no personal experience with this camera but several fellow club members
> swear by them 

We have one at work, and my only grip is that it's too tiny for my big paws. 
The F2 is more my size, but since I wear a size 10 glove (XL or even XXL), the
OM1 is a bit too tiny.  My own opinion only, but otherwise it's a nice camera.

Pete Brooks