Recommend me a (prop) camera

[Colin Creevey]

Hello all,

I am looking to buy a few cameras to use as props for people to hold during some portraits. I like the rustic look that some of the SLR style cameras had but I am open to any suggestions.

Just because a camera may be expensive as a prop doesn't rule it out. I wouldn't mind collecting some older cameras anyway, so if something looks good but is expensive I will still consider it.

If you have any recommendations then please list them along side a photo of the model you are referring to.

To get the ball rolling, here is an example. While not a SLR, I do like the aesthetic this Olympus PEN-F has.


Credits to Sean Archer

 

[BBbuilder467]

Hello all,

I am looking to buy a few cameras to use as props for people to hold during some portraits. I like the rustic look that some of the SLR style cameras had but I am open to any suggestions.

Just because a camera may be expensive as a prop doesn't rule it out. I wouldn't mind collecting some older cameras anyway, so if something looks good but is expensive I will still consider it.

If you have any recommendations then please list them along side a photo of the model you are referring to.

To get the ball rolling, here is an example. While not a SLR, I do like the aesthetic this Olympus PEN-F has.


Credits to Sean Archer

KEH Camera in the US carries used 35mm film cameras from Excellent to Bargain condition. They show multiple views of each one for comparison.

 

[robgendreau]

Hello all,

I am looking to buy a few cameras to use as props for people to hold during some portraits. I like the rustic look that some of the SLR style cameras had but I am open to any suggestions.

Just because a camera may be expensive as a prop doesn't rule it out. I wouldn't mind collecting some older cameras anyway, so if something looks good but is expensive I will still consider it.

If you have any recommendations then please list them along side a photo of the model you are referring to.

To get the ball rolling, here is an example. While not a SLR, I do like the aesthetic this Olympus PEN-F has.

I recommend you try these sites:

https://shopgoodwill.com/home

https://www.goodwillfinds.com/

Lots of old cameras for not much (as well as TONS of other prop stuff). And you're saving something from the junk pile, especially the "parts only" cameras.

This old kodak would look cool: https://www.goodwillfinds.com/elect...matic--35-film-camera./10013-0000-145701.html

Maybe an old Polaroid Land? https://www.goodwillfinds.com/elect...land-camera-model-80-a/10013-0000-143094.html

 

[Colin Creevey]

That's a great idea! Thanks

 

[Andersonm]

Olympus OM-1, the old analog one. And the E-M5 silver version.

 

[OpticsEngineer]

for a slimmer look, I really like how my old Olympus OM1 looks

other ones with classic looks are Minolta SRT101. Pentax K1000. Canon AE1. And Nikon F2. The F2 is more for the clunky big look

you can find pictures of these with a web search as these were popular models with hundreds of thousands sold. but for the olympus OM1 you will need to search for Olympus OM1 film camera because they reused the OM1 name for a modern digital camera that just came out a two or three years ago.

 

[iljitsch]

I'm really fond of the Nikon FE from ~ 1980.

They may come with different lenses, so make sure you also like the lens.

 

[Overrank]

I'm really fond of the Nikon FE from ~ 1980.

They may come with different lenses, so make sure you also like the lens.

I’ve seen quite a few ads using the FM or FE as props. Including one where the image was flipped so the model had it in their “left” hand (of course the wind lever and rewind spool were then on the wrong sides…,)

An old TLR if you’re going for a 1950’s / 60’s look (think early James Bond films)

 

[JohnSil]

Hello all,

I am looking to buy a few cameras to use as props for people to hold during some portraits. I like the rustic look that some of the SLR style cameras had but I am open to any suggestions.

Just because a camera may be expensive as a prop doesn't rule it out. I wouldn't mind collecting some older cameras anyway, so if something looks good but is expensive I will still consider it.

If you have any recommendations then please list them along side a photo of the model you are referring to.

To get the ball rolling, here is an example. While not a SLR, I do like the aesthetic this Olympus PEN-F has.

I suggest a Speed Graphic 4x5 complete with flash. Or even the baby model. THAT could be really COOL!!!

John

 

[thinkinginimages]

What fun! I usually go with snapshot cameras or Polaroids. Old Instamatics, Brownies, various Polaroid 600s. If I want a bit of vintage, an Arguc C3. There are some fantastic bakelite cameras out there in all sorts of colors.

These are touchstone cameras. Everyone can relate to them. SLR cameras can get distracting, TLRs are awkward.

 

[MarshallG]

The Nikon FE and FM are iconic Nikon models from the 70’s.
The Canon AE-1 is Canon’s most iconic.

Broken cameras are cheap. I’d go with the chrome, not the black bodies.
For the lens, a 50mm f/1.4 or, if you find a broken one, an f/1.2. As you show in your example, lots of glass, and the f/1.8 lenses don’t have as large a front element.



Some others? The Contax RTS, nearly any Leica.

 

[Ellis Vener]

Hasselblad 500 C/M

https://i.pinimg.com/736x/50/9f/60/509f60ea32567e4f113a80374433a0c8--elvis-costello-lp-covers.jpg

Nikon F

https://narrativabreve.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/David-Hemmings-protagonista-de-Blow-Up.jpg

Nikon SP

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/8a/b9/df/8ab9df210bc6ab8212b11869f1fbd3c7.jpg

Minox

https://collectiblend.com/Cameras/images/Minox-VEF-Minox-Riga.jpg

Gowlandflex

https://i.pinimg.com/474x/14/4e/ef/144eef2596149290191f920d27f2ebf3--for-everyone.jpg

Polaroid Swinger

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/b5/0b/1d/b50b1d82ef66ac7fe586914b78adeada.jpg

 

[bobn2]

Hello all,

I am looking to buy a few cameras to use as props for people to hold during some portraits. I like the rustic look that some of the SLR style cameras had but I am open to any suggestions.

Just because a camera may be expensive as a prop doesn't rule it out. I wouldn't mind collecting some older cameras anyway, so if something looks good but is expensive I will still consider it.

If you have any recommendations then please list them along side a photo of the model you are referring to.

To get the ball rolling, here is an example. While not a SLR, I do like the aesthetic this Olympus PEN-F has.


Credits to Sean Archer

I would suggest that this photographer does her trousers up. Otherwise she might suffer camera shake if they start to drop at an inopportune moment and she has suddenly to grab her waistband.

--
Is it always wrong
for one to have the hots for
Comrade Kim Yo Jong?

 

[MarshallG]

Hello all,

I am looking to buy a few cameras to use as props for people to hold during some portraits. I like the rustic look that some of the SLR style cameras had but I am open to any suggestions.

Just because a camera may be expensive as a prop doesn't rule it out. I wouldn't mind collecting some older cameras anyway, so if something looks good but is expensive I will still consider it.

If you have any recommendations then please list them along side a photo of the model you are referring to.

To get the ball rolling, here is an example. While not a SLR, I do like the aesthetic this Olympus PEN-F has.


Credits to Sean Archer

I would suggest that this photographer does her trousers up. Otherwise she might suffer camera shake if they start to drop at an inopportune moment and she has suddenly to grab her waistband.

--
Is it always wrong
for one to have the hots for
Comrade Kim Yo Jong?

I didn’t notice. I was going to suggest that she hold the camera level, with the left hand cradling the lens.

 

[bobn2]

Hello all,

I am looking to buy a few cameras to use as props for people to hold during some portraits. I like the rustic look that some of the SLR style cameras had but I am open to any suggestions.

Just because a camera may be expensive as a prop doesn't rule it out. I wouldn't mind collecting some older cameras anyway, so if something looks good but is expensive I will still consider it.

If you have any recommendations then please list them along side a photo of the model you are referring to.

To get the ball rolling, here is an example. While not a SLR, I do like the aesthetic this Olympus PEN-F has.


Credits to Sean Archer

I would suggest that this photographer does her trousers up. Otherwise she might suffer camera shake if they start to drop at an inopportune moment and she has suddenly to grab her waistband.

I didn’t notice. I was going to suggest that she hold the camera level, with the left hand cradling the lens.

She has to hold it like that to get full advantage of those vibration dampers she's resting her arms on.

--
Is it always wrong
for one to have the hots for
Comrade Kim Yo Jong?

 

[Colin Creevey]

Thanks, great options

 

[Ian Stuart Forsyth]

Hello all,

I am looking to buy a few cameras to use as props for people to hold during some portraits. I like the rustic look that some of the SLR style cameras had but I am open to any suggestions.

Just because a camera may be expensive as a prop doesn't rule it out. I wouldn't mind collecting some older cameras anyway, so if something looks good but is expensive I will still consider it.

If you have any recommendations then please list them along side a photo of the model you are referring to.

To get the ball rolling, here is an example. While not a SLR, I do like the aesthetic this Olympus PEN-F has.


Credits to Sean Archer

I would suggest that this photographer does her trousers up. Otherwise she might suffer camera shake if they start to drop at an inopportune moment and she has suddenly to grab her waistband.

I didn’t notice. I was going to suggest that she hold the camera level, with the left hand cradling the lens.

She has to hold it like that to get full advantage of those vibration dampers she's resting her arms on.

PFD's don't make good vibration dampers

--
The Camera is only a tool, photography is deciding how to use it.
The hardest part about capturing wildlife is not the photographing portion; it’s getting them to sign a model release

 

[PhotoTeach2]

Hello all,


Credits to Sean Archer

First of all i LOVE this shot, (for several reasons).

Depending on the purpose/mood you are trying to convey i have a couple of suggestions ..

1) Crown/Speed Graphic (for an old-time "professional" look)

2) Twin-Lens Reflex (does not have to block the face/eyes because they were used "waist" high/low)

3) Rangefinder (as a "typical" camera -- as used above)

4) A "black" SLR/dSLR (for a more modern "pro" look)