The most beautiful cameras ever made. From the earliest box cameras to today.
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 14 เม.ย. 2022
- This video looks at the most beautiful cameras ever made. Beautiful in my eyes, of course. So please add your favourites below.
The content is divided into the following types of camera, with time links to the main sections:
00:54 Box cameras
04:51 Folding bellows cameras
07:23 Twin lens reflex cameras
09:05 Compact cameras (e.g. point & shoot, fixed lens, film and digital)
17:18 Interchangeable lens cameras (e.g. rangefinder, SLR, MILC)
See other beautiful cameras suggested by viewers here: studio.th-cam.com/users/videoPfEQ...
#beautifulcameras - วิทยาศาสตร์และเทคโนโลยี
Olympus Pen F is technically considered an SLR because there is a mirror that flips sideways (instead of up and down in a normal SLR) and the lens can be interchanged! I have one, and it is my favorite halfframe film camera
The half-frame design translated well into the E300 4:3 digital. Great camera to use and 8mp is plenty for most work. Mirrorless killed the E-Volt line of lenses, now requiring the mirror box adapter.
@@leonarddaneman810I have the G.Zuiko 40mm f/1.4, the one shown in the video on the Pen F, with an adapter for my OM-D EM-5 Mk II micro 4/3 and it's great. Pentagonal bokeh!
Never seen it before. Very beautiful camera
Silver Nikon F2 with Photomic head is IMHO the most lovely looking SLR ever.
I don't find rangefinders like Leica's to be particularly pretty, but holding them is a joy because you get to feel the craftsmanship of their build.
I have really enjoyed this video of classic cameras. My dad owned a number of the Kodak folding cameras from the 1930s and took many photographs of New York. When I was assigned to the US Air Force Photo School in January 1962 the very first camera we were introduced to were 8x10 folding field cameras. We were surprised to find that most of these were made between 1917 and 1918. They still made some very nice photos and taught us how to be careful when loading sheet film into the wooden holders. We then moved on to the standard USAF camera, the Graflex Speed Graphic. We used all the film types of the era, Kodak XX, Plus-X, Pan-X, and Tri-X in sheet and film packs. I especially liked the Polaroid film packs which gave us an instant photo and also a 4x5 sheet film. These films were some of the best in high ASA speeds and smooth tight grain. My first SLR was the Pentax SV and I used it for many years before buying a used Leica M-2. I went back to Pentax in the digital age with the K10D, K-3, and K-1. Thanks for the memories!
Fujifilm X100V! That thing is absolutely beautiful!
When I think of the most beautiful camera, reflect on my treasured Zeiss Ikon Contina II fixed lens camera. It does not star any bling, but rather it reflects a functional simplicity of the Cartier Tank watch. A classic design in an all metal plated brass construction, its proportions, the finely "engraved" logo, the reference marks on the top plate, speed and aperture settings picked into bands of beautiful, black gloss enamel on the lens barrel ... it's a functional beauty and easy in the hand. I obtained my 1954? example in 1971. After many, many photos, it looks perfect with no brassing or scars. .
Alpa 11 (1971) from Switzerland
second this
Was close to get a duo of this one ... but as a fully post modern child I run into money problems. The only almost camera purchase I really regret...
So many others as well. The Pentax Auto 110, and the ME/MX were very pretty designs, as was the Contax 159. Nikon's EM and Canon's EOS 5 were attractive as well. For digital, I think Panasonic's Lumix GM1 in silver is a design classic, and both Leica's SL, and Canon's R3 will age well. Great video. Brings back some memories.
When you talk about beautiful cameras, I didn't expect a history class on cameras. And I am fully loving it!
The Werra 1 is definitely the camera I am going to buy. I was born beside that river “the Werra” , today it’s very beautiful. It took a couple of years to get clean. When I was young you could not swim in the Werra. Now you can. Greets from hessian Peter
SO SORRY I mis-spelled and mis-pronounced Rollei. Unfortunately, I can't correct the video 😞
Plus many thanks to everyone who has commented and made excellent suggestions, and important corrections (e.g. on the Olympus Pen F).
I've consolidated other beautiful cameras suggested by viewers below, in this new video: studio.th-cam.com/users/videoPfEQrBadL6A/edit
I'll be posting a "second/revised edition", probably within the next two weeks. 🤞 If you have strong views you don't feel like sharing below, please contact me at: simons.utak1@gmail.com
Here are the time links to specific camera types:
00:54 Box cameras
04:51 Folding bellows cameras
07:23 Twin lens reflex cameras
09:05 Compact cameras (e.g. point & shoot, fixed lens, film and digital)
17:18 Interchangeable lens cameras (e.g. rangefinder, SLR, MILC)
Panasonic Lumix GM1 in all black!
After testing Asahi, Nikon and Canon I went for: Minolta 303b (old school look - big and heavy) + Minolta X7 (SLR of choice for everything) + Minolta TC-1 (super compact titanium) + Minolta CLE (small powerful leica)
I have an old Hasse 500c and think/feel its the most beautiful camera I've ever seen. I love the older Canon FD cameras too, more than you I see.
Hower, I do respect some of your picks, especially, the really old ones.
Thank you SO much for all the effort you put into this production. I especially loved the fact that I have owned and used many of these cameras for fun and commercial work since 1962! These days it’s a number of Fuji models!
Love the design of my Zenza Bronica S2 , and Asahi Pentax Spotmatic SPII
When I was small my older brother had a Pentax Spotmatic and that set the standard in my mind for a classic SLR. So good looking
I did use the S2A, I was a plank to sell.
A video so good I have to watch it again. I own the OM-1 and Vito II and agree the ate bot functional and beautiful. I'll add my Yashica 35, the original non electro, to my beautiful camera list. Sure a Leica copy but really well done with its own flare.
There are 2 cameras that will always be my favourites - the Olympus OM1 and the Rollei 6006, both of which I have owned (I still have the 6006, though no longer used) and, in their day, used extensively
yes and please pronounce "Rollei" as "roll eye" - but with short "o", like in "toll" or "poll" or "doll" - says a german lover of Fujifilm X-E2s!
@@thepirateshootsRol-lay
That was a fun watch, thanks!
You got my favourites exactly.
What an enjoyable video! As you said "beauty" is very subjective but I like your way of thinking. My Asahi Pentax (AP) and K agree 100% with you. I also find the original Asahiflex very attractive. A contender for my all time favorite is the Pentax SV, the last meterless model. A series of consumer cameras I love is the Kodak Pony series from the 50's, especially the Pony 135 Model C. Bakelite and Arthur Crapsey brought style to many consumer cameras in the mid 20th century. I also love the look of 620 folders from Kodak. Currently shooting with a Tourist II and a Junior six-20 Series II. Love the simplicity of the Brownie box cameras, which I restore and use. An early digital camera I loved was the Fuji S3000 from around 2003 as it looked like a miniature SLR. The Pentax Auto 110 is the cutest miniature. Great topic! Thank you!
Loved that. Lots of great selections, as expected. A little surprised you omitted the Leicaflex SL2. I find it absolutely gorgeous and great to use. Other personal favorites, I love the Nikon F3 Titanium and the Leica M6 titanium and ostrich model.
Tank you so much! I have owned and used many cameras that you have show, starting with my first Baby Browny. Thank you, a real kick.
Thanks again Simon
Great job! This must have been a lot of work. I’ve had the pleasure of owning and shooting some of your list. Glad you mentioned Exakta - even if they never quite made your top picks. I have a near-mint 1956 Varex that I think is quite beautiful.
It is a pleasure to hold and experience the fine build quality of these older cameras and German, Japanese and French lenses.
The Soviet Chaika half-frame, specifically the original model, is one of my favourite compact camera designs. The writing and logotype both have such a great style, and the simplicity of the controls make for a really nicely minimal design.
A wonderful overview, so many interesting cameras in there!
I love the look of Agfa Optima Sensor series, very iconic design.
Yes. I've kept one of those, the Optima 5000 and its flash, as an ornament. Also a Canon Ixus s400 :-)
For ultimate simplicity in a very functional camera I would choose the Olympus Trip 35.
I have just acquired a Konica 11A. This is at the very top of my list of favourite cameras because it looks fantastic and the build quality is superb. I cannot recommend this beauty enough.
I agree with your ultimate SLR as the Asahi Pentax K. One sits on my desk because I love to look at it and feel the beautifully smooth operation. The S2 and S3 are very similar but a lot cheaper to buy.
Personally I think the Fed 2 and Fed 3 are absolutely gorgeous
Fascinating some of the more obscure models in your video, it was very enjoyable to watch. My own personal beauty is the Pentax MX, a simple clean design that I have owned and used for 39 years.
The Pentax MX is a beautifully made camera that has lived in the shadow of competing models such as the Olympus OM1 and Nikon FM. I bought an MX around 10 years ago, not to take pictures, but as a reminder of the SLR I should have bought back in the 80s.
Love the range of cameras you had on show, my favourite would be the Nikon F2 Photomic it is almost brutulistic in design with no sleek line just built for the job of going anywhere in the world and not missing a shot. Cameras I have owned and loved Rollieflex 3.5 T, Minolta Autoflex CDS, Rollie M SLR and last but certainly not least Soligor SM SLR with waist level finder which is bullet proof, one I really did think you missed was the Pentax 110 camera with interchangable lenses, a woman I knew used to get beautiful results from hers, she used it as she was born with only one arm and found it hard to use most SLR's
I love the look and function of my Olympus XA cameras. Also, the svelte, silver Stylus.
I loved the Olympus Stylus. We had one and it was a pleasure to slide open the lens cover. It also took great photos.
Thank you for the trip down memory lane.
Mamiya C220 TLR interchangeable system has superlative optics and the minimalist ethos is pure joy. The 50mm is stunning.
In the fixed lens rangefinder category, I’d like to mention the Graflex “Graphic 35”. While known mostly for the Speed Graphic, this 35mm rangefinder has a very unique focusing mechanism, and wonderful vintage industrial design look to it. Thanks for your really fun rundown of beautiful cameras.
the sigma quattro series are ofen overlooked upon but their designs are quirky and eyecatching
also the pixxii
Really fun video! Cool concept. I love those deco vintage bellows cameras, have almost pulled the trigger on getting one a few times.
13:49 Your thumbnail featuring the Werra instantly caught my eye, for this is the camera that I inherited from my father long time ago. Last year I started selling stuff I do not need anymore, just to simplify my life. But this camera will *never* go, because it's connected to the memory of my parents through hundreds of pictures from my early childhood, which my father took with this very camera. Wonderful to find it in your list - thanks a lot!
What a great overview, bringing my attention to so many beautifully designed and well-engineered products of their time.
Great video. My first camera was a 126 Kodak Instamatic. You really made me feel nostalgic for that camera. Such a simpler time.
Excellent!
What a great list of amazing cameras. The Spotmatic SP is my most beautiful camera of all time. The clean lines, the simplicity, the weight and the handling are all just perfect to me. I love replacing the leatherettes to give them even more character.
I agree. I've got a black Pentax SL, which is the spotmatic without a light meter, so it doesn't have that tacked on plastic stop-down lever, and it's by far the prettiest camera I've owned. Second up would probably be the Zeiss Ikon Nettar 517/16. The ugliest.. probably the Zenit E.
Great review!! The new hasselblad is gorgeous!!
Hi Simon. I like your videos! I am a camera collector with about 400 cameras, you have made a very good choice! A little correction for Rollei (never Rollie!) and for Voigtländer. Almost nobody knows, that the letter i is an old German sign for spelling the o longer: we spell "Voogtländer".
just outstanding! liked and subscribed.
Wonderful history of cameras. Thanks
I have loved cameras all my life. I still have my grandfather's Kodak bellows camera from 1907, and I loved this video's review of classic cameras. I am familiar with many of them!
For a modern camera design , I'd like to nominate the KanDao Qoocam EGO, a 3D stereo still and video camera, which is helping to bring back 3D to a new generation of people using VR headsets and lenticular, glasses-free tablets like the Lume Pad 2.
I bought the Qoocam EGO recently, and I am still evaluating it. The design and the concept are absolutely brilliant. The camera itself is not that intuitive, however, but young purchasers will catch on quickly and love it.
I think the best 3D digital camera of the last decade is the Fuji FinePix 3D W3, introduced around 2011 and which I also purchased recently. The design of this camera is absolutely wonderful.
I have worked with stereo photography for much of my life (I inherited my dad's Stereo Realist from the late 1940s) and there's an almost continuous archive of stereo 3d in my family collection.
I am now ready for stereo video. I live in Hawaii, I have four different stereo rigs (all used except the Qoocam) and I will be uploading stereo video to my TH-cam channel soon. I realize this is a niche and there won't be many viewers yet. But it's Hawaii.
I also deplore "exploitative" photos and videos which emphasize dramatic visual effects instead of the normal 3D we all see all the time. 3D should NOT be a "gimmick".
It also should not hurt peoples' eyes when watching it. That comes from poor depth editing.
Thank you so much for this. I've noted your TH-cam Channel and look forward to seeing your stereo videos.
Excellent review. Delighted.
Thanks for the time line and history. Beautiful cameras are plentiful.
I just discovered some cameras I had no idea even had existed. thank you!
Rollei had a wonderful Art Deco TLR ..... love the look !!!!!
Enjoyed this very much, thank you!
I agreed with all your picks…some beautiful works of functional art…subscribed!
I bought Minolta 7000 in 1986 in London with two zoom lenses and a flash and it cost almost 9000 pounds. That was stolen in St. Peterburg in 1988 from a student hostel storage, later coming to Canada bought a 9000 version in the mid-90s or a little later 2nd hand and later resold it to a realtor. As I remember Minolta 7000 was the first autofocus camera. I bought 3 more cameras from 1974 to the 80s. Russian-made Kiev and Zorki cameras. They are produced in factories that were dismantled during WWII in Germany and looted by the russian army. The whole factory was brought by train to the USSR. I was fascinated after watching Pentax semi-electronic or semi-automatic don't remember in a Camera store in Brighton in the UK in 1979. I was working in the summer in Brighton and did not have much money. half my 2 months' salary from the restaurant bought that Camera. Later I gave it to my younger brothers in Bangladesh. He used many years. in the 80s I bought 2 Zenith Cameras, made in the USSR and the lens was very good the East German Contex and Russian Zeniths sold in London electronic shops for less than 100$. I have many photos taken by Zenith Camera and I developed myself by buying an enlarger at a hostel. The development chemicals and papers were very cheap(20 Kopek each). Developer and fixer chemicals and dried on window glass by sticking on them. when it dried, fell off the window glasses. It was fascinating.th-cam.com/video/6TUZSSb8_VQ/w-d-xo.html
A thoroughly enjoyable and informative video, thank you for sharing it. I was always a great admirer of my Minolta SR-T101 SLR. For me it was the perfect blend of tactile functionality and aesthetics - loved by many I suspect.
Amazing !!!
What a wonderful and thoughtful video! Thank you for sharing with us! It clearly took a lot of preparation and effort, with a fine result!
Your selections are excellent, as are a number of suggestions already in the comments. I’ll add another vote for the Fujifilm X100V in black.
I know this video is already old, but I think the most beautiful SLR I've seen is the Miranda Sensorflex. I just love the symbol on it and the shine of the metal metal it's made of. I'd like to buy one eventually, I can afford one, but I wouldn't spend 80 dollars for a camera, a beautiful camera, that will just be sitting in my desk.
I absolutely adore your videos. Simple. Well made. Not over-producded. AND without some generic 'royalty free' soundtrack overdub.
Perfectly said!
Just by chance I came across this video. I'm fascinated by the beauty of these pieces of art. I had no idea that camera manufactures went to such extremes so many years ago. Now I want to start a collection of my own. Oh and BTW I subscribed to the Chanel as it all looks interesting to me.
The Pentax K1000 always brings me back. The tooth pick light meter. Older brother had, had one (1975-2014) and found one in a swap shop had to take it. Been my most used and most elegant for several Christmas portraits. Also have a Canon rebel eos xs from a thrift shop both of which are in my bag including the so ugly it’s cute Holga 120z
A great Video, ended up picking up a Zeiss Werra after this video. I would definitely say the agrus c3 would have a place on this list for me!
Great video!
I enjoyed this a lot, a real trip down memory lane... My first camera was a Kodak Instamatic 155X, bought in 1974. I now own and use a Fujifilm X-H1.
Great video! Hard to skip even a second.
I have a Rolleiflex Automat and I love the camera. Beautiful and a joy to use.
My retro Olympus Pen EE from the 1960s is quite pleasing to the eye.
absolutely right about the Fuji x-pro3
Great video! I wouldn't put the Instamatic 100 in my list even if it's iconic, but I think that the Minox 35 GT could be in it, and I would certainly add the Canon A-1, my favorite Canon SLR. I love the design of mine, that I bought in 1984, as if I had got it yesterday!
Well done Simon for this excellent video
Superb video, nice production. A joy to see some of the cameras I have used/owned and will maybe come across in the future. Thank you!
13:36 The Olympus Pen F is a half-frame SLR camera with many interchangeable lenses and accessories...
Thank you for making this video. As I was watching I kept thinking of cameras I was hoping you would mention then you did, like the Polaroid SX70, Rolleiflex TLR and the Rollei 35, (the Queen, her husband and sister all had a gold plated one) and the little Minox. I had a lot of these cameras, even the Minox, I used to have to make my own film for it by cutting down 120 stock in a home made jig. You even mentioned all the parts in the Contax, they were so hard to work on when they broke. You really know your stuff 👍
Many thanks for your kind words. They are much appreciated.
Glad to see our tastes are similar I have a good few of those and now know a few to look for.
I do love the Ferrania Zeta Duplex, the camera that smiles and the Olympus XA series. Also the Durst Automatica from the early 1960ies is a beautiful camera.
Can't go wrong with the Yashica Electro 35. The later models weren't hugely different from a design standpoint, so any of those is worth considering. Easy to use too.
Same can be said of the Canon AE-1. It's the quintessential 70s camera, I think. A bit plastic-y, but still nice to look at.
Agree, I personally love the Nikon D4s model, over any other camera for pure beauty! As a lifelong Nikon user and NPS member, my second choice would be the F6. Currently I’m shooting Nikon D6 and D500. Great combo, and the D6 is the best autofocus DSLR ever made! As far as beautiful though, my ultimate favorite piece of kit is the Nikon 13mm f/5.6 lens. Ken Rockwell brought one into the camera store I used to work at, it was impressive. Although for $25,000-$30,000 I’d rather have something else. However it’s such a beautiful lens inside and out. I can’t remember but I think we tried out with a D800E or something. It held up to todays standards. It’s extremely sharp and just incredible overall. As far as beautiful cameras, I’d have to pick the new Leica Q2 Reporter. I know it’s new, not a classic and it’s certainly not film. But if I had a spare $5k you could bet I’m buying one!
I have, and use, an Electro 35 as well as quite a few DSLR and Mirrorless cameras. The Yashica is great.
@@oc2phish07 I understand. Yashika made some lovely cameras
I had an Electro 35 back in the 70s as my first camera. A GSN model to boot. Never liked it for its lack of manual exposure controls and ended up giving it away. Imagine my surprise years later when I found that it had become a collectors model among Yashica enthusiasts.
It is too easy to forget some of these cameras. Though I've been into photography since I was ten years old, (1960 ), I've not owned very many cameras. Yes, I've gone digital, but I still shoot some film as well. Thank you for the memory lane trip. I spotted several cameras from the past that I saw family using at our gatherings. Every body had the cameras out!
A very fun video. I enjoyed every minute of it!
Loved this video (especially seeing a couple models I own and love)! One addition I would vote for is the Zeiss Ikon Contessa, which I (subjectively) find to be an exquisite design. (It’s also a great performer: if I don’t keep track, I can, and have, mistake photos I’ve taken with it with those from my Leica M3).
I have quite a few of these. I'm most proud of my SWC. I was hoping it would be in here. It really is perfect. I leave it out on my tripod in my studio. Its gorgeous. And the images are next level. Sharp from corner to corner wide open.
Amazing video Simon!! Really happy to see three cameras from my own collection featured: my turquoise beau brownie, voiglander vitessa, and Hasselblad (though mine is a 500 C/M) :)
I’ll add a camera that I find quite attractive and compelling: the Ilford Advocate. Produced from 1949 to 1957, it’s regarded as the first English-made 35mm camera. It was produced in a striking white-enameled cast aluminum body, and features a Dallmeyer 35mm lens which was quite wide for a fixed lens camera. It is remarkably simple and elegant, and really looks like no other camera before or since. I’d love to see a part 2!
A favorite of mine not covered here is the Zeiss Ikon Ikonette 35 scale-focus camera from the late 1950s. Made mainly out of gray/blue plastic. Discontined due to light leak issues. Looks sharp on a display shelf or table, though. ☺️
Marvellous video. I’m literally out of the darkroom, watching with a glass of wine. Love your choices and am proud to say I own a number of these - very little research, just saw and simply had to have…
A very entertaining video. I've got nine of the cameras you listed! I know you weren't covering movie cameras, but the Swiss made Bolex D8 is also a design and engineering beauty. It was the boss of 8mm movie cameras with its three-lens turret.
I always loved the look of the Contax 159mm camera.
Really well done. My current fave is the new French Pixii 1571.. Very well executed design. And it takes good pictures. The Contax II and III are gorgeous, too.
TLRs are just gorgeous!
There were some very pretty early digital compacts, as well, during the period when 2 and 3 megapixel sensors were still premium and the "bar of soap" design had not yet become the standard. Some of those have recently become crazy expensive.
In film SLRs, I've always liked the Voigtlander Bessamatic, with its central selenium cell above the lens. Coupled with the period chrome or zebra-pattern lenses it's a very attractive package.
As a photographer, and for a short while- camera repair tech, great selection! I have several of your selections, and have worked on some of them, too. Wish I had more. Kinda sad that film has become so rare, but I do like my Pentax D100 and the hundred of photos it can take and store (that and the huge selection of K lenses available).. Thanks for the look back.
My xpro 3 looks amazing everytime I get it out my bag! I love it
Pentax Spotmatic and Olympus Trip 35 have always been my favourites.
Thanks for the nice video. I like the old Pentaxs, but the ME Super is also a really clean and functional design. Edixa B is also one of my favorites and I own a Werra 1 in olive green finish, probably one of the cleanest and most accomplished designs ever. But a camera that is missing is the Robot II, a very beautiful miniature spring motor camera (24 pictures on fully extended spring). Robot II is just as beautiful with the 16 mm deep Zeiss Tessar 30/2.8, the very special Zeiss Biotar 40/2, or the really cool looking Schnieder 75 mm lens.
i like my Canon 5D ergonomically as well as for handling and operation with vintage lenses. i never considered it to be a 'beautiful' camera but very practical and simple, fun to use.
Fabulous video. Contax RTS worth a thought.
The Olympus Pen 3rd gen is very nice, minimal, and classic lines.
I spent 10yrs in the photographic business most of them in sales so I had access to all the "current" cameras of the film era (talk about a kid in a candy store).
Never warmed up to the Leicas ... RF or SLR. My all time favourite film camera for both looks and use is the Contax G2 - a gorgeous design, a joy to hold and those Zeiss lenses ... and oh those Zeiss lenses😗.
I also owned a Rollei 3.5F for 17yrs as my only camera so I'm 100% with you on the Rollei TLRs. A lovely camera to look at and use and the 75mm Planar handled light like no other lens I've see before or since ... absolutely gorgeous with a colour depth that has to be seen to appreciate.😍
I bought a Maxxum 7000 in 85 when they hit the market and instantly hated it ... horrible camera to use; see those rectangular buttons on the left top; miserable to use with bare hands and totally impossible with gloves of any kind ... TERRIBLE design. Their later designs were much better but I always had a love hate relationship with Minolta - owned two and never liked either of them.
I also owned Pentax gear (so-so) and an OM1 system (great little camera but never used it much). I've also owned a Speed Graphic, a Linhof 23 kit with matched lenses (Hated it!!! Awkward and clunky to use, especially in cold weather) and a Nikon SP (difficult to find lenses for even in the 60s. Wish I'd kept it, they're worth a fortune now).
My longest running camera affair was 1988-2015 with Canon. In 2015 I went completely Fuji and have no plans to change anytime soon - or ever.
I find the Pentax Q very appealing and recently bought one
I think the 1998 Nikon Coolpix 900 deserves mention. A revolutionary rotating split body design allows multiple shooting angels. And it's just damn cool looking!
Simon, you are an icon also....I coul listen to you for hours!!!