Jason Schneider
the Camera Collector
I compiled this comprehensive magnum opus 20 years ago in 2000, so some of the entries, especially the digital models, may be out of date. However, it's still a fascinating, informative fun piece that I've posted by popular demand on my new website, jasonschneiderthecameracollector.com. I welcome your comments, suggestions, impassioned arguments, etc. It's far too long to post here, but here's a link for your convenience:
https://jasonschneiderthecameracollector.com/f/100-greatest-cameras-of-all-time
BTW, if this doesn't display as a live link, please copy it and paste it into your bowser.
https://jasonschneiderthecameracollector.com/f/100-greatest-cameras-of-all-time
BTW, if this doesn't display as a live link, please copy it and paste it into your bowser.
sreed2006
Well-known
Thank you for posting this!
Ambro51
Collector/Photographer
I have 9 on that list.
Ko.Fe.
Lenses 35/21 Gears 46/20
Too gearheadish. If not discriminate against of two lomography icons.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8TiAsvYgyqU
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diana_(camera)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8TiAsvYgyqU
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diana_(camera)
Bill Clark
Mentor
Thank you for the article.
I own a Yashica Mat-124. Over and out!
Also a Mamiyaflex C 1956. Mine has one knob for focusing.
My goodness, I see you have the 500c. Still use mine every once in a while now. Mainly a studio camera outfit for me.
Of course there is the M3.
I did own a SRT-101 but it didn’t last. Weird wide open f stop with the 50 that came with the camera.
What about the iPhone and iPad? Electronic devices have kind of taken over. Next is 5g.
Your link worked just fine with my iPad.
I own a Yashica Mat-124. Over and out!
Also a Mamiyaflex C 1956. Mine has one knob for focusing.
My goodness, I see you have the 500c. Still use mine every once in a while now. Mainly a studio camera outfit for me.
Of course there is the M3.
I did own a SRT-101 but it didn’t last. Weird wide open f stop with the 50 that came with the camera.
What about the iPhone and iPad? Electronic devices have kind of taken over. Next is 5g.
Your link worked just fine with my iPad.
CMur12
Well-known
Thanks, Jason. I enjoyed reading through your list. It would have taken a lot of careful consideration to rank 100 cameras in this way.
I was pleased to see the Minolta Autocord and Mamiya C-series TLRs. I would have placed them higher, but that speaks to my own bias/enthusiasm for TLRs.
Minolta and Mamiya solved, most elegantly, a problem with the Rolleiflex TLRs and their more direct copies. Rolleiflexes draw the film up and bend it over a roller before the exposure, which can leave a kink in the film if left in the camera and not exposed in one session. Minolta solved this in the Autocord by drawing the film from the top, only bending over the roller after exposure. Mamiya created a straight film path, with no bending at all.
I was also pleased to find the Minolta SR-T 101 on the list, though I've always read that it was introduced in 1966 (rather than 1967). I think Topcon beat Minolta to full-aperture metering by a year, making them both pioneers in this area.
- Murray
I was pleased to see the Minolta Autocord and Mamiya C-series TLRs. I would have placed them higher, but that speaks to my own bias/enthusiasm for TLRs.
Minolta and Mamiya solved, most elegantly, a problem with the Rolleiflex TLRs and their more direct copies. Rolleiflexes draw the film up and bend it over a roller before the exposure, which can leave a kink in the film if left in the camera and not exposed in one session. Minolta solved this in the Autocord by drawing the film from the top, only bending over the roller after exposure. Mamiya created a straight film path, with no bending at all.
I was also pleased to find the Minolta SR-T 101 on the list, though I've always read that it was introduced in 1966 (rather than 1967). I think Topcon beat Minolta to full-aperture metering by a year, making them both pioneers in this area.
- Murray
JeffS7444
Well-known
I don't know that I've seen absolutely pristine examples of original 1950s Nikon SP, Leica M3 SS or Canon VI-T, but get the impression prices have really fallen since you wrote your article!
Inclusion of Compass at #100 is intriguing, hope to try one someday.
Inclusion of Compass at #100 is intriguing, hope to try one someday.
Pál_K
Cameras. I has it.
An epic and enjoyable list! Thank you.
Although I have 11 cameras which appear on that list, there are two art-deco gems which I wish I had: the Kodak Bantam Special and the Kodak Super Six-20. The latter is just an amazing camera.
Although I have 11 cameras which appear on that list, there are two art-deco gems which I wish I had: the Kodak Bantam Special and the Kodak Super Six-20. The latter is just an amazing camera.
Huss
Mentor
Have 16 on the list. The only thing that really needs updating is the pricing!
kshapero
South Florida Man
Fun to read. To me most where quite obscure, some, of course, are iconic. Many great ones left out. To me this is not a greatest list but a, my favorite list. And that's OK.
oftheherd
Mentor
Interesting to read your list and short description. Thanks. It must have taken a lot of soul-searching to come up with that list.
nikon_sam
Shooter of Film...
I have 7 or 8...sold the Canon A-1, bought the Nikon F4s over the Nikon FA...
ChrisPlatt
Thread Killer
Thank you for posting that. Your list is an interesting read. There are so many milestones there!
It reminds me of a time - not that long ago - when we had our choice of many new film cameras.
I always looked forward to reading your column in a new issue of Modern Photography each month.
Chris
It reminds me of a time - not that long ago - when we had our choice of many new film cameras.
I always looked forward to reading your column in a new issue of Modern Photography each month.
Chris
Jason Schneider
the Camera Collector
Lomograhy icons
Lomograhy icons
For the record I do not stand foursquare against the Holga and Diana, or crappy plastic cameras in general, or the whole Lomography concept (movement?) for that matter. I just think there are many low-end vintage cameras that are more satisfying to use and can capture a "dreamy" Vintage Look just as effectively and more predictably. Any old Kodak box camera that can take 120 film (such as my beloved Box Brownie #2) or the fancier but still stone simple Zeiss-Ikon Box Tengor, or any number of British box cameras, such as the Ensign, come to mind. Try 'em--you'll like 'em. Suggestion: affix a Velcro donut over the red window, and cover it with a matching round Velcro patch to prevent light leaks when you're not actually winding to the next frame. And always wind in subdued light. Have fun!
Lomograhy icons
For the record I do not stand foursquare against the Holga and Diana, or crappy plastic cameras in general, or the whole Lomography concept (movement?) for that matter. I just think there are many low-end vintage cameras that are more satisfying to use and can capture a "dreamy" Vintage Look just as effectively and more predictably. Any old Kodak box camera that can take 120 film (such as my beloved Box Brownie #2) or the fancier but still stone simple Zeiss-Ikon Box Tengor, or any number of British box cameras, such as the Ensign, come to mind. Try 'em--you'll like 'em. Suggestion: affix a Velcro donut over the red window, and cover it with a matching round Velcro patch to prevent light leaks when you're not actually winding to the next frame. And always wind in subdued light. Have fun!
BillBingham2
Registered User
A great read, thanks for writing and sharing Sir.
B2 (;->
B2 (;->
Out to Lunch
Menteur
Perhaps 'Yesteryear Cameras' would be a more appropriate title for this thread. Cheers, OtL
Jason Schneider
the Camera Collector
The Original Mamiyaflex C
The Original Mamiyaflex C
If your Mamiyaflex C of 1956 has a single focusing knob and long "feet" on the front part of the base, it's an original Mamiyaflex C which was made from 1956-1958. These cameras are heavy and lack many modern conveniences added on later models, but they'r charming, indestructible, and quite collectible since they're far less common than the Mamiyafex C2 of 1958 which had a flat base and right- and left-handed focusing knobs. Both are great user-collectibles, and I hope you'll run some 120 film through yours. Good shooting!
The Original Mamiyaflex C
If your Mamiyaflex C of 1956 has a single focusing knob and long "feet" on the front part of the base, it's an original Mamiyaflex C which was made from 1956-1958. These cameras are heavy and lack many modern conveniences added on later models, but they'r charming, indestructible, and quite collectible since they're far less common than the Mamiyafex C2 of 1958 which had a flat base and right- and left-handed focusing knobs. Both are great user-collectibles, and I hope you'll run some 120 film through yours. Good shooting!
Bill Clark
Mentor
Yes, it is as you have described.
I have run some 120 through it. I think that most if the leader gets used as it takes quite a lot of it to get the arrow on the film to the arrow in the camera.
I re-skinned the camera, a few years ago and it looks brand new.
The film counter is in the knob that’s for advancing the film.
Have you looked at thissite for info?
http://www.gapatterson.org/
Smiles.
Jason Schneider
the Camera Collector
Rollfilm TLRs and their discontents
Rollfilm TLRs and their discontents
I agree that the film path of Minolta Autocords and especially Mamiyaflexes may have marginal advantages in terms of film flatness compared to the system used in all Rolleifexes starting with the landmark Rolleiflex Automat of 1937. However the basic problem lies in George Eastman's original invention of 1885, namely paper-backed roll film, which can never lie as flat in the film plane as glass plates (the ultimate) sheet film, or just plain film as in 35mm and 70mm. The problem is worst at the beginning and end of the roll, and as you note, it's exacerbated if the film remains in the camera for a long time and takes a "set." Cameras with film plane focusing like the original Mamiya Six are said to provide better film flatness, and some sticklers who shoot with Rollei TLRs make sure their most important images never wind up at the beginning or end of the roll.
Rollfilm TLRs and their discontents
I agree that the film path of Minolta Autocords and especially Mamiyaflexes may have marginal advantages in terms of film flatness compared to the system used in all Rolleifexes starting with the landmark Rolleiflex Automat of 1937. However the basic problem lies in George Eastman's original invention of 1885, namely paper-backed roll film, which can never lie as flat in the film plane as glass plates (the ultimate) sheet film, or just plain film as in 35mm and 70mm. The problem is worst at the beginning and end of the roll, and as you note, it's exacerbated if the film remains in the camera for a long time and takes a "set." Cameras with film plane focusing like the original Mamiya Six are said to provide better film flatness, and some sticklers who shoot with Rollei TLRs make sure their most important images never wind up at the beginning or end of the roll.