What camera fits these criteria? Grab a beer and let's talk!

[FrankS]

I can recommend a Nikon FG and 801/8008s for bodies. Add a lens. This combo can be found for less than $150 and offers full manual control and auto exposure options.

[jmooney]

Originally Posted by Tejasican

I too suffer arthritis so when I decided to give up on the F3 I tried the OM-1n partly because of size, but also for the real love heaped on it in these forums.. I must say that it is way easier on my hands and, after a few rolls, far more intuitive than I ever imagined.

That's really good to hear. I was reluctant to try them because of the shutter speed ring but I'm going tonreconsider them now.

[jmooney]

Originally Posted by ChrisPlatt

There are countless cameras that meet your criteria; too many to discuss.
But I will gladly have that beer...

Chris

The more the merrier!

[jmooney]

Tons more great suggestions! Thanks everyone. Off to google some more of the recommended cameras.

[NLewis]

I second the Olympus OM-1 idea. A Nikon FE would be fine too. The FE is an awesome camera. There are a lot of 35mm Nikon lenses out there, in 1.4, 2.0 and 2.8 apertures. The 2.8 is a fine lens and would probably fit in your budget. On eBay, I'd look for a dealer that does CLA/new seals Nikon FE's, they only cost a few bucks more.

[Paul Jenkin]

Yashica Electro 45 GN. I know it's a 45mm lens but it's f1.7, you can get wide and tele adapters and it's a great camera. I had one years ago and wish I still had it.

[kshapero]

I picked up an Nikon F with a Nikkor 35/2.8 for $25.

[pagpow]

Canon F1 and FD 35 2.8. KEH has them in your budget. I haven't shot that lens so cannot say. If that is too heavy, move into the A series bodies and make sure the lens is FDn, the later lighter series. The F1 is a wonderful tank and modular, so you can set it up the way you like if you decide to keep it.

[jmooney]

Just an update for those of you keeping score along with the game:

I've got an OM-2N sitting on my desk next to me. I've been playing around with it and I think it's actually too small for my hands. I feel very cramped holding it. Now I do have big ands and my RA has affected my hands a lot and making a fist is not a an easy thing so YMMV. It's a really nice camera though and I highly recommend it. It just may not be for me.

I've also worked a deal for a Nikkormat FT2 and a 35mm lens. That's a bigger body so maybe that will be more comfortable. We shall see when it arrives.

The most comfortable camera I probably ever owned was a Nikon F100. Another one is out of budget right now and to be honest I don't like the rendering of modern glass much. AF is handy but the results from modern stuff from any of the major makers is very blah to me.

More reporting to come when I get the FT2 in my hands.

[paulfish4570]

ok, the oly is too small. then i recommend a nikon fe2 or fm2 with e series 35/2.5. yeah, the lens feels plasticky but it is sharp. if not an fe2 or fm2, then an f2as with the same lens ...

[Dirk]

Minox 35GT or GT-E. The smallest 35mm camera ever made. Great Minotar 35mm 2.8 lens. Aperture priority. But in light of your comment that OM-2 is too small, maybe the following is better:

Konica T3n with Hexanon 40mm 1.8, if you like big, heavy metal cameras. If more plastic but lighter weight is preferred, Konica FC-1 with the same 40mm 1.8 lens.