My Top 4 Cameras of 2024

It's time for my review of the best cameras I have used over the last year and there's 4 that got way more time in my hands than any other in my collection. Yes, 4. I normally talk about my top 3, but there's a three way tie for second place. What do you mean a three way tie? Surely there's something that separated them? I hear you ask. There are 2 SLR's and two Folding cameras in my top 4 of 2024 and that pleases me greatly. One stands out above the others, but there's sod all to separate the rest of them as I have enjoyed using them all and I will start with my first folding camera.

Agfa Isolette I

When I had to retire my Agfa Isolette I in 2023 I was gutted as it was a great camera to use. Sadly the bellows died and it was cheaper to find another. I bought my second Agfa Isolette I from ebay for not a lot of cash. It needed some work as it had been unused for a few years, but it was in great condition cosmetically which gave me hope. The previous custodian had looked after it, but a lack of use over many years had hardened the lubricating grease in the focus ring.

 

I gave it some gentle heat cycles on a radiator, with gentle persuasion in between to loosen the focus ring, and soon the grease loosened enough where the camera began to come back to life. After a few more sessions of operating the focus ring and the shutter at all speeds it was time to test it out. My first roll through it was a success and it has been a regular in my rotation in 2024.

Frighteningly simple to use, the Agfa Isolette I is a great way into medium format film for anyone wanting to give it a try. For experienced photographers, a folding camera is a lot of fun and keeps your basic skills in good order. They are also very easy to bring back to life after years of just not being used. A CLA may be the best way to resurrect and old folder, but this camera certainly benefited froma little gentle heat and persuasion, then being used.

Minolta X-700
If you like 35mm film SLR cameras and want one that produces great photos time after time, a Minolta X-700 is one to consider. Minolta brought the X-700 to the market at a time when electronics were starting to make their way into more affordable cameras. Minolta took a big swing at it and in 1981 the X-700 with the lauded Minolta Program System was born.

 

 In "Program Mode", the electronics set the shutter speed and aperture from the built in light meter that reads from the whole frame. It also has superb Aperture Priority and Manual control using the same outstanding built in light meter powered by 2 LR/SR44 batteries. This was a big deal in 1981 and the X-700 soon became Minolta's biggest selling camera, staying in production for 18 years until it was finally discontinued in 1999.

If you fancy one, look for an early model as the later ones started to use cheaper materials to save costs and have been known to have issues. The MD 50mm f/1.7 lens gives you full access to the full Program Mode and will not let you down at events where the speed of a point and shoot combined with the quality of a Professional camera will give you consistent great results.

Olympus OM10
This gift from my dear friend Gren has been a constant in my rotation since I received it and produces superb quality photos. Olympus had already produced the OM-1 and OM-2 aimed at advanced and professional photographers and wanted to have a consumer product aimed at beginners and enthusiasts who wanted a quality camera at an affordable price. Features built into the OM10 were the excellent light meter and Aperture Priority from the OM-2 as standard.

Manual control was available via an adapter that was an optional extra. I have used the camera in manual, but I am very happy to just use it in Aperture Priority and I have not been disappointed with it. Complimented with my Zuiko 50mm f/1.8 and Zuiko 28mm f/3.5, the OM-10 has been giving me consistent great results. Olympus managed to fit the manual controls into the later OM20, but the OM10 is unique in the excellent OM range of cameras and well worth its place in my top four.

Balda Baldax
No surprise here with my top camera of 2024. Quite simply, my half frame medium format folding camera I lovingly christened "Baldy The Baldax" has me in its thrall and is my number one camera of 2024. I purchased Baldy as a substitute for the Frugal Film Project 2023 and decided to keep going with it. I must admit it has been touch and go at times as to wether it would have to be retired, but I persevered with it and I'm so glad I did.

When the Balda Camera Co. based in Dresden Germany, designed the Baldax, Germany was in turmoil. The kaiser abdicated after WW1 and a democratically elected government struggled as the Wall Street crash and war reparations hit the German people hard. Balda designed the 4.5x6 Baldax to take more photos per roll of film than the other medium format cameras of the time and for a much lower price. It was also a "Badge Engineered" camera that was sold under many brands including Porst and Rodenstock. It was also the basis of the very first Olympus camera.

My Baldax was made, as far as I can tell, in 1933. Whoever bought it new had good use of it and it must have passed through many hands over the years. It came to me in 2023 and has been an almost constant companion. Its size means I can keep it in my pocket, one press of a button pops the camera open and it's ready to go in a "New York" second. I have gently coaxed and tweaked Baldy to stop light leaks and "fat rolls" and when I get it right, magic happens. Baldy will be in my regular rotation for quite a few years to come.

Four cameras, four excellent performers and all worthy of being top of my list for 2024. I'm taking a break over the festive season and will be back in January 2025 with more photos to share with you. I wish you all a very Happy Christmas and I sincerely hope 2025 brings you health and happiness. Here's a few favourite photos taken with them over the course of 2024, I hope you enjoy them.