Characteristic differences?

[Mercycreek]

Hi guys. I've been presented with a question that I'm unsure how to answer.

While I have been shooting for about 2 years on mainly Canon D systems (i.e. 10D, 20D, 1D) I've never really explored the history of 35mm cameras. Both film and digital.

The question I was asked was what characteristics of a 35mm SLR make it different from the rest of the 35mm family?

I couldn't properly answer it and now it's bothering me. I think I'm missing something and perhaps I'm making the question harder than it should be. Heck, perhaps, I just don't know anything about cameras at all. If someone could toss me a bone I would greatly appreciate it. It's bugging me now and I've tried to find some decent source of comparrison with no avail.

I appreciate the feedback.

[PhotosGuy]

Consumer cams were fixed focus, set @ about 1/60 sec at f/22, & used slow film. (Make sure that the sun is over your shoulder before you shoot!) :D
Then adjustable small cams with excellent optics came along. Basic differences:
First 35mm cams were rangefinders. Very quiet & easy to focus in low light. Lenses typically available were 35mm, 50mm, & 135mm.
SLRs were the opposite but allowed you to see exactly what you were getting, & the range of focal lengths improved.
Does that help?

[Mercycreek]

Sorry for the late reply.

This does help me very much. As a matter of fact I came across simliar information finally. This was definately the comfirmation I needed. Thank you for your help.