Hey photo friends, Erik here. I recently stumbled upon Photography Monthly’s article on “The 50 Greatest Cameras of All Time”. I was a little surprised that my beloved Olympus E-P3 didn’t make their list, but I put together this little collection of some of my other favorites with some bits of information about them for your perusal.
And whoa are there some doozies in there. The list is fascinating, lots of history and indications of the future. Click thru the gallery tabs above to see the rest of the cameras and then let us know what your favorites are – whether they’re on the list or not. Commentary? Why do you love em? Inquiring minds want to know…
That’s one of the worst greatest of all times lists I have ever seen. The Pen Ep-1 and Panasonic GF-1 are more significant cameras than the Rolleiflex? The GF-1 is the #11 camera of all time? The Nikon D90 is on there? What’s significant about the D90? Where is the original EOS1? Where is Minolta’s first AF SLR? Why is the Contax RTS-3 the #5 camera of all time?
I’m surprised the iPhone’s not there. This list brings back old memories, as I have my grandfathers Kodak Brownie, my dads Rolleiflex TLR & Retina IIIC and my original SX-70. When I was very young, I lusted after the Rollei 35 and I like the Minox at No. 4 🙂 This LIST can really stir-up a debate among seasoned photogs!
How do you define “The Best Camera”, by specs, by experience, by heart? It’s much easier to call it my “most favourite Camera”. And for me, this would be the Nikon FM. It’s not the “best” ever, but it was my first ever, a very very long time ago, and the memories that come with it are priceless. Since then I have touched, smelled and worked with many better cameras, but never felt as special or as adventurous as with my very first camera. Now, the Nikon FM has it’s place in my photo studio, nicely placed next to a Voigtländer from 1902.
I didn’t see the Olympus trip 35. Built in the mid sixties, small enough to fit in your pocket, an f2.8 lens and it never needs a battery because of the solar light meter. Still using mine
Love the Mamiya RZ67 Pro II…