FILM STARS Copycat cameras
Amateur Photographer|May 02, 2023
Landmark cameras are pricey - so why not cut the cost with a classic copy? John Wade looks at the options available
John Wade
FILM STARS Copycat cameras

Mention landmark camera names such as Rolleiflex, Leica, Hasselblad, Contax, Super Ikonta and the like, and a wistful look comes over the faces of some photographers who hold places in their hearts for marques like these. What must it have been like to shoot with such cameras when their popularity was at its peak? Well of course you still can. The cameras are still available. The problem is that they have become collector's items, meaning second-hand prices have 2012TRM rocketed to levels often far in excess of what they cost new. But if you crave the classic experience without the pain of the classic price tag, there is another way.

At the time when many of these cameras were at the top of their games, rival manufacturers began making their own versions. Some were merely inspired by the originals, others were little more than blatant copies. They too are still around, and at far more reasonable prices. So why not cut the cost with a classic copycat?

Leica versus Fed

The original Leica, which popularised the use of 35mm film when it was introduced in 1925, was a fairly basic camera. The Leica II that followed built a coupled rangefinder into a top plate housing, establishing the shape and style of Leica cameras for many years more. That was in 1932 and strangely Leitz didn't register its patents in Russia, leaving the market open for the Russians to copy the German classics, starting with the first Fed in 1934.

Bu hikaye Amateur Photographer dergisinin May 02, 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

Bu hikaye Amateur Photographer dergisinin May 02, 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

AMATEUR PHOTOGRAPHER DERGISINDEN DAHA FAZLA HIKAYETümünü görüntüle
140 years of change
Amateur Photographer

140 years of change

AP has become the world’s oldest surviving consumer photo magazine because we have moved with the times, says Nigel Atherton

time-read
2 dak  |
September 24, 2024
Preserving history in platinum
Amateur Photographer

Preserving history in platinum

A deep dive into the meticulous art of platinum printing, and the collaboration between the Royal Geographical Society and Salto Ulbeek. Mike Crawford explores how they brought historical photographs to life with enduring beauty and precision

time-read
7 dak  |
September 24, 2024
Life in the past lane
Amateur Photographer

Life in the past lane

What was life like for an amateur photographer in 1884? John Wade takes a trip back in time

time-read
3 dak  |
September 24, 2024
Choice cuts
Amateur Photographer

Choice cuts

How many trillions of photographs must have been taken in the past 140 years? Amy Davies asked some of our regular contributors for their favourites....a difficult task, to say the least

time-read
4 dak  |
September 24, 2024
How good a camera can you buy for just £140?
Amateur Photographer

How good a camera can you buy for just £140?

Three members of the AP team see what they can find for the money

time-read
5 dak  |
September 24, 2024
Round Five: The Best of the Rest
Amateur Photographer

Round Five: The Best of the Rest

The APOY judges choose their favourite images that didn’t make the top ten of our Landscapes category

time-read
3 dak  |
September 24, 2024
Amateur Photographer of the Year
Amateur Photographer

Amateur Photographer of the Year

Here are the top ten images uploaded to Photocrowd from Round Five, Landscapes, with comments by the AP team and our guest judge

time-read
4 dak  |
September 24, 2024
FILM STARS A lifetime of landmarks
Amateur Photographer

FILM STARS A lifetime of landmarks

Cameras that hit the headlines between then and now. John Wade is your guide

time-read
10+ dak  |
September 24, 2024
140 years of Amateur Photographer
Amateur Photographer

140 years of Amateur Photographer

As AP celebrates its 140th birthday next month, Nigel Atherton looks back at its glorious past

time-read
8 dak  |
September 24, 2024
John Wade considers...World War II: Home Front 1940, by A.J O'Brien
Amateur Photographer

John Wade considers...World War II: Home Front 1940, by A.J O'Brien

Say the word 'Wall's' to those of a certain age and two things spring to mind: sausages and ice cream.

time-read
2 dak  |
September 10, 2024