is there a light fixed lens rangefinder?

For pocketability, flexibility and quality, it's hard to beat the XA. Auto (aperture preferred) only, but there is a backlight compensation switch, and changing ASA for additional compensation is always there.

The C35 is an amazing camera for what it is ... not as small and pocketable as the XA, but light and, in some ways, more robust construction. The big thing with the C35 is the viewfinder ... I have no problem with the XA vf, but the C35 is better in that respect. C35 is AE program mode only. You can also get a closeup lens for the C35 and it is remarkably good. Also, takes standard screw in filters (43mm??), so is better in that respect than the XA.

I have a HiMatic 7s-II that needs RF alignment and seals ... once that's done, I will likely use it A LOT.

I like the results from the RC, but in manual (unmetered) mode, the controls are fiddly for me. It's a bit weird ... it's larger than the XA, but the XA controls are easier to use for me.

BTW, the "slow" f2.8 on the XA is not an issue for me. The shutter release is so good that you can squeeze an extra stop without too much of a problem; i.e., slower speeds hand held are quite achievable.
 
Just to add an odd camera to the list - GAF MEMO 35 ET!
Based on a similar Chinon design and very much like the Konica C35, I picked up one for a very reasonable price - and it's a black paint version looking very smart! 2.8 lens.

Jesse
 
lufftpablo said:
could you recommend me another camera lighter and if is possible smaller?
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So if size and weight are driving requirements, I'd recommend either XA (despite fiddly controls, VF/RF patch, no-filters, freaky release) or...guess what - Mju ][/Epic with 35/2.8 lens. No rangefinder, no manual focus at all, no exposure controls (except spot meter), but it's small and light camera to carry around.
 
lufftpablo said:
i will consider de xa what i want is a camera that could be always in the pocket of my jacket
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If you would buy a bigger-pocketed jacket, you're in business.

The Canonet isn't that big unless you bought the 28. Try spending some money on the Canonet 17 G-III QL. It's smaller, still not as light as an XA, but the weight equals quality-built here.

Others:
Konica Auto S3
Revue 400SE
Vivitar 35ES
Yashica 35 something (can't recall right now)
Minolta Hi-matic 7S-II
With minor variations, these are all quite identical

Other 'family branch'
Ricoh 500 G (cheapest of them all, but very good!)
Mamiya 135 ee
Chinon 35 EE


I trust you can now manage further with Google, right?
 
The other plus for the XA is the capsule design. Not only does it slip easily into a jacket pocket, but into jeans pocket as well. FWIW, I do not find its controls "fiddly" at all. That may be because I've been using them since they were introduced.

While the C35 and it's variants are metal construction, they are not as heavy as the RC, HiMatic, Konica S2/3, etc.
 
suprised it hasn't been said though, but I really like my canon a35f rangefinder. nice and light with a pretty good lens and a built in flash.
 
Trius said:
The other plus for the XA is the capsule design.
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I'm clearly stating that I don't want to diminish XA, though lately for me capsule design (XA series, Mju II, Konica MG) means - slower. Sure, I can carry them with shell open, though on XA series this means meter activated all the time (while shell opened).

Big deal, right? SR44's are cheap and available, this is just me.
 
ZeissFan said:
I think of the Retina IIa (postwar lever wind) as small but not light.
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He's just asking for a rangefinder that's lighter than a Canonet. I think a Retina IIa qualifies, by virtue of the space taken up by struts and bellows instead of solid metal. However, pretty much the only rangefinder I can think of that is going to be really significantly lighter than a Canonet will be the XA. If it didn't have to be a rangefinder, maybe one of the Rollei 35s would be good though.
 
thanks now i have lots to investigate those cameras.

I don´t think that it is a really heavy camera, but it is bigger ant heavier than i need. for me it is not comfortable to carry it 24 hours a day, it doesn´t feet in my pocket and 620 grams carryng it hung on my shoulder for hours is too much. I think I.ll try an XA 225 grams sound great
 
Old thread, well known problem:
too much stuf in the pockets, small light RF camera needed:

My Recommendations:
Olympus XA (240g with Film)
Agfa Optima Sensor 1535 (325g with Film)
Minolta Hi-matic CS (same an F) (360g with Film)
 
Gabriel M.A. said:
For a 135 format non-coupled rangefinder, can't beat the weight of a Minox 35 GT. If the goal is "most lightweight", of course.
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"non-coupled rangefinder", probably, is most elegant substitution for "scale focus camera with clip-on rangefinder"!And yes, that thing IS small.
 
Leighgion said:
If smallest and lightest with a real coupled rangefinder is the goal, you can't beat an XA. My only complaints about mine is that I wish I could get full manual control instead of just aperture priority, but it's still a great little cam.
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doesnt it have a slider for film speed? Cant you just use that for a shutter speed control. Just pick your aperture and then use the film speed slider until the speed you want shows in the window.

Wouldnt that work. i nver actually saw one in real life but thats my understanding of the controls. Why wouldnt that work? It basically is a shutter speed control in my view. Thats why I thought of getting one.
 
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