One of the oldest lens mounting technologies is surprisingly simple, a thread. Leica would be the first with the Leica Thread Mount or M39 as it became known in the 1930s with the Leica I (C), in the 1940s Zeiss Ikon would put forward a much larger diameter thread mount, known as the M42. The camera would be the Contax S and marked the start of the modern SLR. Eventually, the M42 mount would take on additional names like Universal screw mount, Pentax screw mount, and Praktica screw mount. In this episode, the gang takes on some of their favourite screw mount cameras.
Cameras Featured
The following cameras were featured on today’s episode.
KMZ Zenit E – The only Soviet era camera that Alex actually likes and the first camera of James. The Zenit E is a basic, no-nonsense SLR with a Selenium Light Meter (UnCoupled). While these aren’t the best cameras out there, and finding ones with working shutters are getting rare. But if you do find one that works, you’ll have a decently built Russian camera. And if the camera doesn’t work, you might just have a rear lens cap for the iconic Helios 44.
Make: KMZ
Model: Zenit E
Type: Single Lens Reflex
Format: 135 (35mm), 36x24mm
Lens: Interchangeable, M42 Mount
Year of Manufacture: 1965-8
Yashica YF – The YF is the Leica for those who don’t like Leica cameras. Based on the Nicca 3L, took everything good about the Barnack Leicas and the Leica M3 and put together a sweet little bottom load rangefinder that can be had for less than a thousand with a lens. While on the rare side, if you do come across one, and are in the market, totally worth the money to pick it up.
Make: Yashica
Model: YF
Type: Rangefinder
Format: 35mm, 36x24mm
Lens: Interchangeable, Leica Thread Mount (LTM/M39)
Year of Manufacture: 1959
Canon P – While not a new camera for the show, Bill’s P having been previously owned by John, is another Leica alternative. The P or Populaire is a wonderful mechanical rangefinder that has a yes, full open backloading. Not to mention some amazing Canon M39 glass to complement. Unlike the Canon 7, there’s no meter on the P, but that shouldn’t stop you! For Bill, this is a great little camera to carry around when you don’t want to lug everything plus the kitchen sink.
Make: Canon
Model: Populaire or P
Type: Rangefinder
Format: 35mm, 36x24mm
Lens: Interchangeable, Leica Thread Mount (LTM/M39)
Year of Manufacture: 1958-61
Yashica TL-Electro – When it comes to first cameras, you’re going to have to pry this one from John’s cold-dead hands. Purchased as a teenager with the help of his parents he doesn’t use the camera as often as he did, but he isn’t getting rid of it any time soon. Plus with the ability to use Zeiss glass on it, who can blame him!
Make: Yashica
Model: TL-Electro
Type: Single Lens Reflex
Format: 35mm, 36x24mm
Lens: Interchangeable, M42
Year of Manufacture: 1972
Praktica L2 – We’re back in the Soviet Block again with Mike’s L2, not the best camera on the market, and there are plenty of flaws with it such as over advancing the film. But in the end, you might end up with a sweet lens on the front of it that you can use on another camera.
Make: Praktica
Model: L2
Type: Single Lens Reflex
Format: 35mm, 36x24mm
Lens: Interchangeable, M42
Year of Manufacture: 1970s (approx)
Voitlander Bessa R – Trevor now has regrets getting rid of this extremely modern rangefinder, and the Bessa R is a true modern LTM rangefinder, metered, and having the ablity to use any M39/LTM lens, if you have one, never let it go, if you find one at a bargain, get it!
Make: Cosina
Model: Voigtlander Bessa R
Type: Rangefinder
Format: 35mm, 36x24mm
Lens: Interchangeable, M39
Year of Manufacture: 2000
Screw Ups
Shooting Film has a way of keeping you humble and never letting you forget your mistakes. And goodness knows we have done a lot of them. From developing in Fix, or Fixing in another Developer. Forgetting what film we had loaded and shooting Ektar 100 at 400. Mis-Developing, forgetting to close the lens before pulling the darkslide. Not stopping down when firing the shutter, double exposing sheets, not cleaning up developing tanks. Thankfully in some cases, we get some fun results, the other times it’s just another learning experience.
Looking for a good spot to get your gear and material fix check out Burlington Camera (Burlington, ON), Downtown Camera (Toronto, ON), Film Plus (Toronto, ON), Belle Arte Camera (Hamilton, ON), Pond’s FotoSource (Guleph, ON), Foto Art Camera (Owen Sound, ON). Out West there’s The Camera Store (Calgary, AB) and Beau Photo Supply (Vancouver, BC). Additionally you can order online at Argentix (Quebec), buyfilm.ca (Ontario), the Film Photography Project or Freestyle Photographic.
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