This Vintage Camera

Thoughts on Film Photography and More | By Li Fan

Category: Camera Review

  • First Impression of the Canon EOS 1 V: A Film Photographer’s Dream Camera

    Recently, I got my hands on the legendary Canon EOS 1-V, a camera often hailed as the pinnacle of Canon’s 35mm film SLR lineup. After shooting a roll of film with it, I’m excited to share my thoughts on this iconic piece of gear. If you’d rather watch than read, I’ve also covered my experience in detail in my YouTube video. But for those who prefer the written word, let’s dive in!

    First Impressions: Built Like a Tank

    The moment I unboxed the Canon EOS 1-V, I was struck by its build quality. This camera is solid—literally. It’s weather-sealed, rugged, and feels like it could survive a drop or two (though I wouldn’t recommend testing that theory). The grip is comfortable, and the controls are intuitively laid out, making it easy to adjust settings on the fly. It’s clear that Canon designed this camera with professional photographers in mind, and it shows in every detail.

    Performance: Speed and Precision

    One of the standout features of the EOS 1-V is its autofocus system. Even by today’s standards, it’s incredibly fast and accurate. I tested it with a variety of lenses, and it locked onto subjects with ease, even in low-light conditions. The 45-point AF system is a game-changer for film photography, especially if you’re shooting fast-moving subjects or working in challenging environments.

    The camera also boasts a continuous shooting speed of up to 10 frames per second with the Power Drive Booster PB-E2 attached. While I didn’t have the booster for my test, the standard motor drive was more than capable of keeping up with my needs. Whether I was capturing street scenes or portraits, the EOS 1-V delivered consistent, reliable performance.

    Image Quality: Classic Film, Modern Precision

    Of course, the real test of any film camera is the images it produces. I loaded a roll of Kodak Portra 400 and headed out to shoot. The results? Stunning. The combination of the EOS 1-V’s metering system and the sharpness of Canon’s EF lenses produced images with beautiful colors, fine details, and a timeless film aesthetic.

    The camera’s metering system deserves special mention. It’s incredibly accurate, even in tricky lighting situations. I didn’t have to worry about over- or underexposing my shots—the EOS 1-V handled it all with ease. For film photographers who value precision, this camera is a dream come true.

    Usability: A Seamless Experience

    One of the things I appreciated most about the EOS 1-V is how user-friendly it is. Despite being a high-end professional camera, it’s surprisingly easy to use. The menu system is straightforward, and the viewfinder is bright and clear, making it easy to compose shots. If you’re already familiar with Canon’s EOS system, you’ll feel right at home with the 1-V.

    That said, this camera is heavy. If you’re used to shooting with lighter, more compact film cameras, the EOS 1-V might feel a bit cumbersome at first. But for me, the trade-off in weight was worth it for the durability and performance it offers.

    Final Thoughts: Is the Canon EOS 1-V Worth It?

    In short, absolutely. The Canon EOS 1-V is a masterpiece of engineering and a joy to shoot with. It combines the best of analog and modern technology, offering film photographers a level of precision and reliability that’s hard to beat. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a serious enthusiast, this camera is a worthy addition to your kit.

    If you’re on the fence about picking one up, I’d say go for it. The EOS 1-V is a camera that not only performs exceptionally well but also inspires you to get out and shoot. And in the world of film photography, that’s what really matters.

  • Comparing Olympus OM-2n to Minolta XD11 and Leica

    The Olympus OM-2n is a classic 35mm film camera that blends compact design with powerful functionality. In my latest video, I review this iconic camera, discuss why I reacquired it, and compare it to other film cameras like the Minolta XD11 and Leica alternatives. If you are considering the OM-2n for your film photography setup, this video will guide you through its features, metering system, and overall usability.

    Video Chapters for Easy Navigation

    ⏳ 00:00 – Introduction
    📸 00:55 – Why I sold my Olympus OMs
    🔎 01:35 – How I found this OM-2n
    🛠 02:43 – How to test the OM-2n during purchase
    📷 03:19 – 35mm F2.8 Lens Overview
    📷 03:27 – 75-150mm F4 Lens Overview
    🤔 03:40 – Is this a Leica Alternative?
    ❌ 04:05 – Why I ditched the Leicas
    📜 05:07 – Brief history of the Olympus OM-2n
    📏 05:51 – Olympus vs Minolta compactness comparison
    ⚖ 07:07 – XD11 vs OM-2n feature comparison
    🔊 08:18 – OM-2n Shutter Sound
    🔊 08:38 – XD5/XD11 Shutter Sound
    📏 09:41 – OM-2n vs XD11 size difference
    🎯 10:23 – If you could only choose one system, which one?
    ⚙ 11:10 – OM-2n operations
    ⚡ 12:55 – Hotshoe adapter discussion
    📊 13:58 – OM-2n metering system
    📷 15:46 – 35mm lens size comparison
    🔚 18:16 – Conclusion

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    🎞 More Film Photography Content

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  • Local Marketplace Find: Minolta X700, XD11 and Legendary Rokkor Lenses

    In a world dominated by digital photography, there’s something undeniably special about shooting with film. The nostalgia, the anticipation, and the timeless charm it brings are unrivaled. Recently, I stumbled upon a treasure trove of vintage photography gear at my local marketplace, and among my finds were two “top-of-the-line” Minolta 35mm film camera bodies: X700 and XD11, and a set of remarkable Minolta Rokkor lenses: 28mm F2.5, 35mm F1.8, 50mm F1.4, 100mm F4 Macro and 200mm F3.5. You’ll notice there is also an interesting Minolta Panorama Head II adapter for seamless panoramic shooting.

    Look what I found yesterday from local marketplace!

    The Minolta 35mm manual focus film cameras are a true classic. XD11 is the last metal body 35mm manual film camera Minolta produced before switching production to a slightly more advanced but fully plastic X700 in the early 80s. Renowned for its exceptional build quality and reliability, these cameras represent an era when craftsmanship was at its peak. Holding it in my hands, I couldn’t help but admire its solid metal construction, clicky dials, and precise controls. Every click of the shutter feels like a testament to the dedication put into its creation.

    One of the highlights of my vintage camera find was the collection of Minolta Rokkor lenses. These lenses are renowned for their exceptional optical quality, rendering images with stunning sharpness, contrast, and vibrant colors. Compared digitally to my previous collection of Olympus OM lenses, the Rokkor lenses provided smooth and beautiful bokeh above all the OM lenses I’ve had in the past. Creamy, balanced color and, of course, that vintage look when shooting wide open.

    Among the collection of Minolta Rokkor lenses I acquired, one gem stands out—the 35mm f1.8 MD Minolta lens. This lens has gained legendary status among photographers for its exceptional performance and versatility. The 35mm focal length is often considered the “standard” for many genres of photography. It provides a natural field of view that closely resembles what the human eye sees, making it ideal for street photography, environmental portraits, and capturing everyday moments with a sense of intimacy. With an impressive wide aperture of f1.8, this lens excels in low-light conditions, allowing for stunning shots with minimal noise and beautiful bokeh. The 50mm f1.4 MD, on the other hand, is a true workhorse, the lens can usually be obtained for less than $50 bucks and produces excellent sharpness from F2.8 and beyound. At f1.4 the 50mm is a bit soft, but if you are shooting 35mm film, the softness will add to the “glowy” effect when developed.

    Rediscovering the art of film photography allows us to slow down, appreciate the process, and capture moments with a timeless quality. So, if you ever come across a vintage Minolta camera and Rokkor lenses, I urge you to take the plunge and unlock a world of creativity waiting to be explored.

    Below, I’ve also included some early “digital” samples that I’ve snapped of our cats, with various lenses mounted on my Sony A7 IV mirrorless camera. The cats oftentimes pose a real challenge to focus, but the Rokkor lenses all performed flawlessly.

    28mm F2.5
    35mm F1.8
    50mm F1.4
    100mm F4 1:1
    100mm F4 1:2
    200mm F3.5
    MD 50mm F1.4
    MD 50mm F1.4
    MD 50mm F1.4
    MD 50mm F1.4
    MD 50mm F1.4
    MD 50mm F1.4
    MD 50mm F1.4

    Stay tuned for reviews coming out based on this collection!

  • Rollei 35 RF Rangefinder Film Camera: Light Meter, Frame Lines, Shutter Sound + Film Loading

    I bought mine on eBay for around $1000 (as of mid 2022). You can check on the current price here: https://ebay.us/tu6HRq A film camera that’s quite rare (less than 2000 copies made due to lack of demand back in the day), A solid performer and better bang for your buck compared to any Leica M film camera. This one also has a built-in light meter. If 40mm is your favorite focal length, this camera is your best friend (or Bessa R3A/R3M). Hint: It’s pretty much a Bessa R2 with improved grips! (Those grips may deteriorate quickly in certain situations; if that happens, buy a replacement Bessa R2 leather cover to replace said grips. Or you can order a nice leather cover for the camera to further protect the body from damage and enhance its appearance.

  • Minolta XD5 35mm Film Camera Overview

    In this video, I give you guys an overview of the features of the Minolta XD5 35mm SLR film camera. 35mm Films: https://amzn.to/33hmo2N 35mm Film Scanner: https://amzn.to/3qA9lCo

    Later on, I will do a detailed comparison of the Minolta XD/7/11 compared to the XD5.

  • Minolta X570 Review

    In this video, I give you guys an overview of the features of the Minolta X570 35mm SLR film camera. 35mm Films: https://amzn.to/33hmo2N 35mm Film Scanner: https://amzn.to/3qA9lCo

  • Minolta X570 vs XD5

    In this video, I talk about the differences and similarities between Minolta XD5 and Minolta X570 (X500), both of which are very capable auto exposure aperture priority cameras made in the 70s and 80s.

    Some key differences will make your purchase decision lean towards one or the other. I’d pick X-570 for AE lock, full aperture + linked shutter speed readout in the viewfinder, and a physical on/off switch with a beeping option.

    I’d pick XD5 for a more compact camera body (though less ergonomic without molded grips), half metal construction for durability (bottom plate is metal, top plate is plastic), exposure compensation dial, shutter-priority auto exposure, and if you don’t want to worry about replacing the low-quality capacitor on bottom of X-570!

    Both cameras have a bright, easy-to-focus viewfinder with 94% frame coverage, and will provide excellent exposure in auto mode and manual using the newer silicon blue cell light meter, which responds to changing light much faster than older CdS cells used in SLR bodies prior to mid-70s. Since both are fully electronic, always bring extra batteries when out on the shoot.

    Cheers!

  • Olympus OM1, OM2, OM2S Program, OM4 | Which Is The Best One To Buy In Year 2022?

    In this video, I discuss my honest opinion on which Olympus OM single-digit manual focus camera is the best buy in the year 2022.

  • Olympus OM-1/1n VS OM-2/2n | 35mm SLR Manual Flim Camera Buying Guide

    Dilemma, dilemma, dilemma! This video is my opinion on which camera you should buy if you are stuck between an Olympus OM-1/1n or OM-2/2n. In this video, I break down the critical points of purchasing one camera over the other, based on my analysis.

    All OM-1/1n/2/2n models suffer from the famous foam deteriorating defect that requires an immediate prism cleaning remedy. See my detailed repair video here: https://youtu.be/hcawBMezOv4

    The “n” models added direct contact at the camera back to use with cordless Recordata Backs (Older back can also be used with PC terminal), a flash ready LED in the viewfinder, and regardless of the position of the FP/X switch is set at, automatic X-sync with Shoe-4 when any of the dedicated flashes are used.

  • Olympus OM-1/1n VS OM-2/2n | 35mm SLR Manual Flim Camera Buying Guide

    In this video, I review and compare two very popular 35mm manual focus SLR film camera choices from Olympus.

    All OM-1/1n/2/2n models suffer from the famous foam deteriorating defect that requires prism cleaning remedy. See my detailed repair video here: https://youtu.be/hcawBMezOv4

    What does the “n” model improve upon the original? Well the “n” designation added direct contact at the camera back to use with cordless recordata backs (older back can also be used with PC terminal), a flash ready LED in the viewfinder, and regardless of the position of the FP/X switch is set at, automatic X-sync with Shoe-4 flash attachment when any of the dedicated flashes are used.