As much as I love the solid feel of old manual cameras, and -- like Mike -- would like to figure out how to senisbly own a fully manual system, I think the reality lies elsewhere. The LX I dearly loved spent more time in the shop than any body I've owned. The MX I bought from KEH went right back for too many little wear-related problems. My K1000 is still in good shape, and I still use it. Likewise my MV. But I can always tell at a glance -- by frame spacing -- whether I used an old manual camera (uneven to overlapping) or new wunderplastik model (perfect) to shoot with.
The sad truth is, a cheap auto-everything all-carbonate SLR from any of the new manufacturers today is a hell of a camera. They're light weight, they meter well, and they're amazingly reliable. Best of all they're really cheap. Not robust? You can wear out three or four entry-level bodies (especially bought used) for the price of one FM3 or LX. The best feel to a camera just might be a reliable one. Bob Keefer www.bkpix.com
