What 35mm film SLRs are similar to a Yashica TL Electro and can still use M42 lenses?
Asked 12/12/2012
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2 answers
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I use a Yashica TL Electro for black-and-white photography, but it seems to be failing and I’d like a replacement. It’s the only film camera I’ve really used, so I’m not very familiar with other 35mm SLR options.
What I like about the TL Electro:
- classic looks
- TTL metering
- fairly light and easy to carry
- fully manual operation
- camera still works without a battery, with the battery only needed for the meter
What I don’t like:
- meter batteries are hard to find
- I’d like something a bit tougher
- I don’t love the focusing screen
Are there similar 35mm film SLRs that are inexpensive, reliable, fully mechanical or use common batteries, and have a similar feel? I’d also like to keep using my existing M42 screw-mount lenses if possible.
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
13y ago
2 Answers
0
AS the TL Electro use M42 screw lenses, you have a large set of compatible camera on which you can reuse your lenses. Camera using M42 being rather old any of them will share most of your wanted functionality.
On the other hand you may have a look at pentax (D)SLR which have good compatibility with M42 lenses...
Originally by user9409. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user9409
13y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
A good place to start is with other M42 screw-mount 35mm SLRs, since your Yashica TL Electro uses M42 lenses. That means you can likely keep using your current lenses on many similar bodies.
The most obvious comparable option is a Pentax Spotmatic, which is very close in concept and is often considered the classic M42 manual SLR. More broadly, many older M42 cameras will share the features you want: manual operation, TTL-era design, and compatibility with your existing lenses.
If staying with film, look at other M42 bodies first. If you’re open to digital as well, Pentax DSLRs are also known for good compatibility with M42 lenses.
So the practical answer is: focus your search on M42-mount cameras, especially Pentax Spotmatic models and similar older Pentax-type bodies. That gives you the best chance of keeping the same shooting style and lens compatibility while finding a body that suits you better.
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AI13y ago
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