Are miranda 35mm slr cameras any good?
I'm looking at a miranda FV slr, I have never even heard of this brand and it seems pretty old. I need one for a film photography course i'm taking. I'm deciding on which one o buy, found a good deal on the miranda and it is in excellent shape. Have played around with it and it includes some lenses. I was also looking at the nikon fm 10. Still have not decided, any recommendations. I was quality and a great overall camera. I was also looking at a leica R4 just the problem with that would be I would only be able to buy like one lens a year haha!
They are fine old cameras.
If you intent to build a 35 mm camera system or graduate to digital photography, you will want to look at Nikon or Canon 35 mm SLR's that are less than 20 years old
I'm glad to hear that you're taking a film course and are looking at some nice cameras for it!
I haven't personally used any Miranda SLR's but they are supposed to be very nicely made. Be sure that the FV comes with its correct clip-on accessory meter or plan on needing to purchase a handheld. The FV does not have a built-in meter and this is, arguably, required for learning basic photography.
What also important is where you're buying this camera and if it has been serviced recently and comes with a warranty. Often old cameras need maintenance that is not given to them by people who are just looking to turn a quick dollar. There are quality dealers such as KEH.com and CollectibleCameras.com though who offer good warranties with cameras that have been checked and repaired by professionals.
The FM10 is a "new classic" in the student camera world. It's a fine camera but lacks the more enjoyable metal construction of the Miranda. It's much more practical in some ways because it is newer, has a built-in meter and will work with more available lenses (since you seem to be interested in trying several). The Nikon FM or FM2n might be good compromises between the Miranda FV and the FM10. The FM and FM2n are all metal construction with very nice built-in meters and accept hundred of Nikon lenses. I use the FM and FM2n for paid gigs all the time and they are very reliable and capable cameras. Cameras you can probably use your whole life.
Leica, of course makes some of the finest cameras and lenses in the world. This is gear that you will definitely use your whole life if you want to. I shoot on Leica rangefinders but have not used the R4. I can tell you, however, that the R lenses are much cheaper now than the equivalent M (rangefinder) lens, where the M may cost $1500, the R may only be $500.So if you are considering Leica, want an SLR and are on a tighter budget, the R4 may be a good body for you. Check this website for things to look for when buying an R4:
http://www.angelfire.com/biz/Leica/page6.html
Whatever you choose, like I said, be sure to buy it from a reputible seller. Also, be sure to buy a 50mm lens with it. This is what you'll use 90% of the time. I would also recommend avoiding zoom lenses right now as they are confusing to learn Depth of Field on.
Good luck with your camera and class. Please email me at JohnnyMartyr@Hotmail.com if I can be of any more help!
METAL AND MANUAL! FILM FOREVER!
They are all good cameras but understand that they are old. They may not be as good as they've been known to be. Mechanical cameras tend to slow down as years pass and need servicing. It's getting harder and harder to find the right technician to do the job.
There are still brand new film SLR's from Nikon and Canon but they may cost more than a dSLR. Luckily, there's Vivitar which seems to make brand new 35mm film SLR's with photography classes in mind. Their cheapest is the one with a 50mm lens.
The Miranda SLRs (not to be confused with the '80s revival made by Cosina) weren't bad in their time, but I'd worry about the reliability of such an old design.
The Nikon FM-10 is a third-party camera made under license, the FM and FE series will probably serve you better.
The Leica R4 is gorgeous, but as you mentioned, expensive - your grandchildren will love it.