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Category: Traditional Film Photography

Photography Question 

Shobin George
 

Review of Nikon Pronea 600i


Anybody has got any idea about Nikon Pronea 600i. It is APS. Is it worth buying. Anybody has got any experience, please help


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February 21, 2007

 

Christopher A. Vedros
  I haven't seen any reviews of this particular camera, but I did find some data on it HERE.

Yes, it is an APS film SLR camera, released 11 years ago. It won't use the same lenses as your Minolta 35mm SLR. It won't use the same film, either. You'll get a smaller negative, so you won't be able to make enlargements as easily. You will have a harder time finding APS film for it, since that film has been all but discontinued. You may also have a hard time finding a lab that can still process APS film. The format just didn't really catch on too well.

So if you are considering buying this camera to actually use, I would say no, it's not worth buying.

If you're thinking that it might be worth something as a rare collectible one day, I'd say probably not. Very few cameras, like some Leicas and Hasselblads, actually appreciate in value over time.

If you're like me, and you collect cameras of all types and eras just for the heck of it, and you've found this oddity in a garage sale or thrift shop, then by all means go for it and drop a few bucks. I would have a special place for it on a shelf next to my mint-condition Kodak Disc camera with genuine pleather case, acquired some time ago for about a dollar. ;-)

Chris A. Vedros
www.cavphotos.com


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February 21, 2007

 

Christopher A. Vedros
  Shobin - all kidding aside, if you are dead-set on getting an APS format camera, and have a bunch of Advantix film carefully stored somewhere, then this may be a camera you would consider.

Most of the APS cameras that were sold were cheap, amateur point & shoot compacts. The Pronea may have been one of the nicest APS cameras made. I would be it was pretty expensive in its day, also. But so were Betamax cameras and VCRs. ;-)

Nikkor IX-series lenses that were made for it probably had very good optics, but reportedly had very cheap build quality compared to other Nikkors. These lenses will supposedly fit on a Nikon digital SLR like the D70, if you hack off the plastic ring protruding from the rear of the lens mount. But why bother? I've seen determined individuals post descriptions of how they used a hacksaw to modify a Canon EF-S kit lens so they could mount it on a 10D digital SLR - but again, why bother?

Chris A. Vedros
www.cavphotos.com


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February 21, 2007

 

Shobin George
  Thank both of you for your valuable reponses. I think I should consider 35mm rather than going for an APS. I am very clear now, Thanks again.


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February 22, 2007

 

Alice Bobby
  I appreciate your retro bowl thoughtful responses, you two. Instead of getting an APS, I believe I should think about going with 35mm. I understand now. Thank you once again.


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January 28, 2024

 

Jeffree Star
  It's a well-built camera from a reputable brand, and if you're able to find compatible film and slice master enjoy the unique features of the APS format, it could still be worth buying for personal use.


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March 06, 2024

 
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