compact, modern and sharp RF?

T

Teus

Thijs Deschildre
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I'm so very fond of my Olympus XA, but in the end I feel it falls a bit short. The plastic is a bit dodgy, zone focusing works but the lens is IMHO outdated. Are there any similar cameras that carry more modern, sharper optics?
 
too big

how about the contax T3?
I'm not afraid of the price tag, since I'm thinking of selling my Leica equipment.
 
T3 is great, but not a RF...

There are plenty of 70s rangefinders that are as sharp as "modern" optics, and much more compact than an M.
 
There's the Rollei XF 35 - Sonnar lens but program autoexposure and dodgy manufacturing. There's a reason why Rollei collapsed several times.

There's also the Japanese 1970s-era offerings from Canon, Minolta and Konica, as well as the every popular Yashica Electros. However, all of these are sort of low end and might not be what you're seeking.

There was virtually nothing in the 1980s and 1990s as the market largely abandoned rangefinders. The Kyocera Contax T is a rangefinder. Not sure about the successor models.

If you want to give up the rangefinder, there are the excellent Rollei 35 cameras with either the Carl Zeiss Tessar, the Rollei-branded Tessar or a Rollei-branded Sonnar.
 
I think the Contax T is exactly what you're looking for.

True split image rangefinder, apperture priority, incredibly sharp zeiss sonnar lens, as small and quiet as the XA, handles much easier (like a minox 35), a bit heavier and better built (but prone to dings and scratches)
 
I have never used one, but would probably agree that only Contax T gives you what you are looking for. What bothers me personally is the minimal focusing distance which is 1 m if I am not mistaken.
 
Yashica 35 CC - Very, very sharp.

oceanshoresdogs.jpg
 
My two favorites right now are the Konica C35, and the Yashica ME. They are both automatic cameras though, and only the Konica is a rangefinder. I have a Fujica GER, but the lens leaves much to be desired. My Ricoh 500G is supposed to be nice, but I won't know until I get the light seals replaced. Now that camera can be shot totally manual if wanted, even without a battery. The Canon QL17 G III is also highly thought of.

PF
 
The Yashica CC or CCN are good choices. Between the two I prefer the CCN as it has a few internal improvements over the CC. These Yachicas are not what I would call "low-end", their 35mm f/1.8 lenses are the fastest wide-angle lenses available in a fixed-lens rangefinder camera. They are solidly constructed of cast aluminum and brass, and their Copal shutters are quiet and accurate. I carry a Yashica CCN along with my M4 and M6, and it holds it's own with them.

Another camera to look for is the Konica C-35 FD, which offers more manual control than the standard C-35, as well as a faster lens. Unfortunately, all of the above cameras are a little hard to come by, and priced a bit on the high side.
 
Hmm, I had a Contax T for a bit, I found it very fiddly to use, and I don't have especially large hands. I was not blown away with the lens either, my Fujfilm Klasse S is dramatically and noticeably sharper.

If it must be a fixed lens range finder, then I don't know much about these, but if you're open to non-rangefinders, then the Klasse is nice, or maybe look at the Hexar. I've often considered a Rollei 35 too.
 
I second thegman's comments about the Contax T. In theory, it sounds like an ideal compact camera. In reality, it's somewhat disappointing. Pity.
 
Yashica Yashinon lenses are very good. The Yashica Lynx series will work without a battery and the Yashica Electro series is battery dependent. I'm getting my Electro GT ready for some summer shooting. Visit http://www.yashica-guy.com/ for more information on these cameras and battery adapters he makes. Often the Yashicas need some repair, however. If you go that way, get one that you know works. Many are advertised here from time to time.

However, you asked about compact and modern rangefinders. A Yashica Electro is not compact and not modern, but the Lynx 5000 is smaller.

Also look at the Canon GIII QL17....they are very good, IMO.
 
oktyone said:
I think the Contax T is exactly what you're looking for.

True split image rangefinder, apperture priority, incredibly sharp zeiss sonnar lens, as small and quiet as the XA, handles much easier (like a minox 35), a bit heavier and better built (but prone to dings and scratches)
Click to expand...

I second the Contax T. Wonderful zeiss lens, and compact body. I had 3 over the years, and loved the images made by this little gem.
 
What ferider said...

although I really like the CV35/2.5 on mine.
(Just pretend it's fixed and revel in the quality.)

Note: XA, XA-2 and GSN sitting on the shelf.
 
Vivitar 35es

Minolta 7sII

Konica s3

Olympus 35rc

Chinon 35eeII - an interesting mini Yashica 35cc clone with slower 38/2.8 lens

Konica c35fd looks interesting
 
+1 contax t

With the flash attachment removed has got to be the smallest rf outside of the xa. Very sharp lens that beats the xa hands down IMHO. I have owned both..

Gary
 
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