>>4497140I fix and flip cameras so I've used a lot of different stuff.
1) Pentax. Only ancient stuff available but the K1ii still gives amazing image quality. But the winner here are the lenses: they render like vintage lenses and provide a character that's absent on most modern glass. Another huge plus is they "get it". The cameras are super ergonomic. Never have to touch a menu. And the Pentax 17 is cool, too.
2) Sigma. They "get it" in camera design. The fp, fp L, and BF are all studies of human-camera interaction. And their lenses are top-notch, while being more affordable than first party.
3) Fujifilm. They "get it" too. Huge emphasis on providing an enjoyable experience.
4) OM System. They're like Fujifilm without R&D budget.
Yeah -- basically, I highly prize the usability and ergonomics of a camera. Nothing kills my creative flow or inspiration like having a useless camera for the scenario until I find the right autofocus setting in the menu system. The more immediate a camera is to use, the better.
5) Nikon and Canon are tied here. Generally good usability but they don't put an emphasis on that design aspect.
6) Sony. They don't give a fuck about usability. Like, as soon as you pick them up you know they're shit because the grip's too close to the lens and you're scraping your knuckle on the lens.
7) Panasonic. They used to be cool with the S1 -- an amazing camera. Then they decided to be a more affordable version of Sony with spec sheet fagging and caring more about shitty videographers with beans than photographers of any type.
I used a Leica X Vario for a little while. But too old to draw generalizations of the brand. I'd like to try newer Leica because it had some good things going for it.
