What's Your Dream "Fun" Camera?

[Snarfy]

For fun, I'll call it a Nikon DM7, and it would be my ultimate walk-around/art camera. I wouldn't sell my DSLR for it, rather Nikon could easily squeeze another $1,200 out of me for it.

Nikon needs to plop my D700 sensor performance (maybe a little updated for even better ISO performance, but it wouldn't be necessary) in a small, "retro," FM2a-esque body! Great design, intuitive knobs and switches, and very little in the way of the photographic process.

Things I want
- Bring back MF lenses with modern coatings and builds - like a pro-quality pancake 50mm 1.4
- A good, bright, split-prism focus screen inside a massive, 100% optical viewfinder
- Good, metal construction, with knobs for shutter speed and ISO
- Small, compact, travel sized body
- Quality design. The Nikon 1 is hideous, the X100 and EP-3 are beautiful. Get it?

Things I don't need
- Video capabilities
- High FPS
- Autofocus (much less insane 61-point phase detection).
- Live View
- Super fancy metering
- Stupid filter modes
- Tons of buttons
- An "info" screen

So, basically, I want the DSLR version of the Leica Experience. Give me that old, classic film-esque experience with the modern of digital and some updated MF lenses. I'll buy in.

[shnitz]

There were already prototypes of that camera, along with rumored specs, about 6 years ago, but with the D2 sensor. Look up the Nikon FM3D!

[Photogdude]

any pro camera that costs less then a car

[darktiger]

well while anyone can dream, my current fun camera is the Fuji X100..

[d2creative]

Originally Posted by Snarfy

So, basically, I want the DSLR version of the Leica Experience. Give me that old, classic film-esque experience with the modern of digital and some updated MF lenses. I'll buy in.

I agree whole heartedly.
Since I already own the M9, i can simplify my request a little bit and dream of an M9 with the low noise of my D700 (but otherwise the same kodak sensor that's in the M9 now) and autofocus.

If nikon would make this, I would seriously consider jumping ship.

[PhotoByLeal]

Originally Posted by d2creative

I agree whole heartedly.
Since I already own the M9, i can simplify my request a little bit and dream of an M9 with the low noise of my D700 (but otherwise the same kodak sensor that's in the M9 now) and autofocus.

If nikon would make this, I would seriously consider jumping ship.

I would love a M9, but love my D7oo!
Hard to believe, but I also like the D7ooo, cause of the size and LOW ISO! I had to order one.....

later.....

[John_A]

Nikon 1 looks neat

[DanielSeth]

Sounds like you're talking about the M9 except for the price. I sold all of my nikon gear for the Leica and couldn't be happier.

[bgpro611]

I'm with you! A camera like that is a dream of mine, I can't understand why Nikon hasn't come out with one yet.

[d2creative]

Originally Posted by bgpro611

I'm with you! A camera like that is a dream of mine, I can't understand why Nikon hasn't come out with one yet.

Probably because they can't make make one that can compete with Leica.

By the time they build a camera that is built like the M9 (brass), has the IQ of the M9, gives us better noise control than the M9, AND build a whole new set of small lenses for this brand new smaller camera, the thing will have to be too expensive to compete, especially when the market would be so small. Also, look at the D3s. That thing is already up in M9 price territory. It's apples and oranges but it's nikon's top of the line, best built camera. And the OP is asking for a 100% optical viewfinder. So is that a rangefinder that has to be developed? Or will nikon have to find a way to squeeze in some kind of mirror system? Or use a hybrid finder like the fuji? These other cameras like the fuji are trying to give people the Leica experience, but at a price they are willing to spend, and with features they are willing to live with like AF, so they are guaranteed to make a profit.

Anyway, I just don't think it's possible. But it's nice to dream!

[Donb10]

I guess you can say that my dream for a "fun Camera" has been fulfilled. Several months back, I purchased an Olympus Pen E-P3. Its really a lot of fun to use and easy to carry. It won't fit in your pocket but its is nice to have in tight spots and crowded places.

I have the 14-42mm kit lens, a Panasonic 20mm f/1.7, a 45mm f/1.8, and the 40-150mm f/4-5.6. The combined weight of the camera body and 4 lens is 29.52 ounces. My 7D body is 28.8 ounces and the 24-105 f/4 IS is 23.52 ounces.

[RexGig]

Well, except for having to load film into it first, and then get the film developed, I have been carrying such a camera recently, the Nikon FM3A, with a Nikkor 50 1.2 AI-s. I may even set-up a darkroom. (I developed film as a school-boy during the 1970s, so a darkroom would scratch one of my middle-aged nostalgia itches.)

I liked my first FM3A so much, that I kept my eye open for spares, knowing the supply is finite, and acquired TWO more that were found to be as-new. It seems the bad economy has folks selling off their investments, and prices have dropped a bit lately. I might feel a bit remorseful buying someone's beloved user camera, but a camera that is in some collector's storage needs to be liberated, and used for its rightful purpose.

I have been reading reviews of such lenses as those fast pancake-y Cosina Voiglanders. I am liking what I am reading, with such positive features as good sharpness at the edges compared to older wide lenses.

The only down-side I have found is that in low light, the amount of time and concentration necessary to focus can be frustrating. I reckon AF still has its
place, that being lower light environments.

[RexGig]

To be clear, however, if Nikon really could stuff a large digital sensor into an FM3A-sized body, I would certainly look into it!

[tml]

Mine is on the way, Fuji x10! OVF, good ergonomics, classic design, decent-to-good IQ, small size...

Tri

[Night Owl]

Arny Freytag's or Suze Randall's.

* NSFW Disclaimer: I strongly discourage anyone who is prudish, at work or in the company of children not to Google those names.