SLR Cameras: Ratings of Sources
Total of 17 Sources
For an explanation of how we rank reviews, see our ratings criteria page.
Resources for Film Photography
by Phillip Greenspun and Contributors to Photo.Net
Our Assessment
This is one of the best sites for reviews of 35mm film SLR cameras and lenses. Phillip Greenspun's latest article covers the why and how of film photography, but his 1997 article, "Canon vs. Nikon" is still… adding responses from readers, and the information is still relevant and important today. Another important article is titled "Building an SLR System." The site devotes a large section to 35mm film cameras, and both SLR cameras and lenses get expert in-depth reviews. The forum includes recent discussions of which 35mm film SLR to buy.
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The Report: The war is over -- the digital-vs.-film war, that is.
by Michael McNamara
Our Assessment
This article notes that digital SLRs have "won the war" because it's no longer true that film SLR cameras perform better in low light conditions. Indeed, the Popular Photography 2005 gear guide that picks… the best film SLR cameras has been removed from the site (though the back issue may still be in your public library.) It's ironic that a Feb. 2008 topic in the Popular Photography Forum discusses "Best Film SLR Camera Ever." The detailed single-product reviews and ratings of 35mm SLR cameras are still available on the site, but they're easiest to find via a model search at Google.
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Battle of the Titans: Nikon F6 vs. Canon EOS-1v vs. Leica R9
by Bill Katzenstein
Our Assessment
This excellent review compares the Nikon F6, Canon EOS-1V and Leica R9, highlighting both the features they have in common and the differences that prove significant.
My Not So Objective User Nikon Film SLR Buying Guide
by Stephen Gandy
Our Assessment
This guide to Nikon film SLR cameras is especially useful because it takes maintenance and repairs into account. It's also better balanced than most reviews by Nikon aficionados, comparing models with a critical eye. Skimming through these reviews will even help in selecting the appropriate Canon model, since it puts various features into perspective.
Voigtlander's VSL 43; A New Entry-Level Film SLR
by Roger W. Hicks & Frances E. Schultz
Our Assessment
This review of the film 35mm camera, new at the time, is only one of many in-depth reviews of film SLR cameras at this site. Expert reviews include Stan Trzoniec's 2005 review of the Nikon F6. Peter K. Burian's 2004 and 2005 comparison reviews cover all the film SLR models available at that time.
35mm SLR Reviews
by Contributors to PhotographyReview.com
Our Assessment
Owners post reviews and ratings of film SLR cameras here. If you're shopping for a current model you have to sort through a long list of discontinued cameras, but the reviews here are still quite useful.… Reviews include not only the main strengths and weaknesses of the camera, but also how long the owner has used it, the owner's level of expertise and similar cameras the owner has used, plus an evaluation of the manufacturer's customer service.
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Reviewed Photographic Equipment & Services - 35mm Film Cameras
by Contributors to BetterPhoto.com
Our Assessment
Owners rate and review 35mm film cameras here. Several types are mixed together here, but it's easy to zip to the 35mm SLR camera you want. Many cameras have accumulated lots of ratings here, so this site is one of the more helpful in narrowing the field.
Consumer Guide: Film Cameras
by Editors of HowStuffWorks.com
Our Assessment
Four entry-level 35mm SLR cameras - three of which are still in production -- receive brief reviews at this site based on tests for exposure (under various lighting conditions), as well as for features and ease of use. Each camera is also rated for value.
Why did I choose Canon EOS?
by NK Guy
Our Assessment
Part of a larger site with reviews and comparison charts for Canon film SLRs, this article compares Nikon and Canon systems, important since the choice of lenses is as important as choosing the camera body. The author notes that Nikon has the advantage for macro and manual photography, manual lenses, eyeglass wearers and spot metering - but Canon has a wider selection of autofocus lenses.
35mm Film Cameras -- SLR
by Contributors to BHPhotoVideo.com
Our Assessment
This major camera retailer publishes owner-written ratings and reviews of equipment, and several film SLR cameras have accumulated useful reviews here. The list of cameras includes not only the average rating, but the number of reviews on which it's based. Reviews of the Nikon FM10 identify its advantages and disadvantages very well.
Buying guide: Bargain-hunting in the film camera department
by Jason Schneider
Our Assessment
This review by one of the leading retailers recommends five specific film SLR cameras, noting the strengths of each, but two have been discontinued. However, the owner-written reviews at this site are current, quite useful and very easy to browse.
Nikon Camera Reviews
by Thom Hogan
Our Assessment
A former editor of Backpacker Magazine reviews many Nikon cameras here, but the only one still in production is the Nikon F6. This review will make more sense if you've already owned at least one previous Nikon film SLR, but is still reasonably explanatory. A few comments from readers note useful details.
Free Full-Frame Digital SLR!
by Ken Rockwell
Our Assessment
This site serves as an excellent antidote for ads and the natural "camera lust" for the latest and "best" camera. An earlier 2004 article here, "How to Choose and Buy a First 35mm Camera," recommends two entry-level film SLR cameras as better than heavier, more expensive models. Both models have been discontinued, but the overall principle still applies.
SLR Film Cameras
by Contributors to Epinions
Our Assessment
You can filter these owner-written reviews by brand, which helps eliminate most of the discontinued models. This site is also a good place to read owner-written reviews if you're shopping for bargains or second-hand cameras. Few of the current 35mm SLR film cameras have accumulated many reviews here.
35mm SLR Cameras
by Contributors to Amazon.com
Our Assessment
So many 35mm film SLRs get good reviews here that the ratings don't narrow the field much. It's a good site to find discontinued models, and once you've narrowed your choice to two or three cameras, it's not a bad idea to check out what owners say about them here.
35mm & SLR
by Contributors to Pricegrabber.com
Our Assessment
This site makes its owner-written ratings and reviews easy to browse, but few reviews have accumulated for most film SLR cameras.
FAQ: What camera to buy
by J. Ramón Palacios
Our Assessment
This site, founded by two engineers, is devoted to "all things Nikon." This is a good site for checking out various discontinued Nikon film SLRs, but the reviews here don't compare the Nikon models with any other brands.