Most reliable gear you ever owned?

With my DSLR in repair for more than 3 weeks and I am still waiting, watching my collection of lenses resting on shelf, (oh well…) – I would like to do a little survey here as ,obviously, we all cannot go for a drink together and chat…

If you could add your thoughts/own experience what most reliable, sturdy, well designed piece of gear you have ever owned or really liked to use (ever) and why, that would be great! I think we all have some “keepers” at home we are never going to sell or pass.
For example for me (depending if the issues with my current cam will be fixed) it always was Pentax SMC 50mm lenses. Even old M and A series, it is just one beatiful lens built as a tank, small, sturdy, delivering crispy images, it is pleasure to use them and they never let me down. In terms of cams (but I have not owned many of them, so I cannot really tell) I was quite happy with Olympus brand for some reason and Pentax. Mixed experiences with tripods, bags, filters, etc…

But I know many of you guys are really good photographers, some of you are already professionals, so I think it would be great to share your gear experience. It is a bit sad that many of us do not share camera and gear details when uploading the photos, because I think that is what it has been designed for.

So, what are YOUR “keepers”?? :)

Peter, I totally agree with your choice of Pentax I have exactlly the same lens and it was used for many years on a Pentax MV. The camera still works as good as the day it was brought, but what I like best about Pentax is you can use all of their lenses on modern day cameras, even the 42mm screw ones with an adapter. Pentax wise I have had, Pentax MV, Pentax ME Super, Pentax Z10, Pentax MZ60 and the one I use know Pentax K100D. I have also owned cameras from other makers, Zenith, Practica, Lubitel and none of these cameras have ever let me down. I, as most, have purchased the wrong bit of kit, flimsey tripod will probably be on top of everyones list. Just to finish I recently did a shutter count on my K100 and descovered it has managed 15161 and still going strong. I used PhotoMe to get the count.

So, the Pentax K100d is definitely my “keeper”.

Thanks Kevin for your input – much appreciated! It looks like it is only you and me who owns any reliable gear as no one else has commented yet. :)

It is funny about the tripod (and you are 100% right and it is also my experience) – it just make me wonder how many cheap flimsy tripods it sometimes takes to realize there really good sturdy one needed… :)

I really like the body shape of K100d, very well made! I am currently stuck with K-x and it is a hell lot of a camera but as always if there is something fully packed with features there is always a higher possibility that something will go wrong. I cannot wait for a replacement body though!