My search...

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Klikkie

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Hi Guys,

Im new to this forum, so I'm looking forward to learn a lot from you Rangefinder lovers.

Right now Im on a quest to find a decent rangefinder for max. 1000 euro. I've been looking around and the search is more of a quest now.
The tings I'm looking for in a rangefinder are:
- Reliable lightmeter
- Good build quality
- Max 1000 euro
- Good quality glass. I love good sharp and contrasty lenses.
- Fixed lens or not... doesn't matter.

The rangefinders I already came across are:
- Konica Hexar (RF) (A bit over my max)
- Minolta CLE
- Canon QL Giii

I already have a nice Zorki 6 and had (and sold) my Kiev 4. I find the viewfinders on these soviet cameras to be pretty small and dim. Also fast focussing is not very easy with the small dim patches.

But I have a feeling there is so much more to find and doesn't have to be expensive.

I would like to get some advice on this from you rangefinder specialists.

Thanks a lot!
 
I would suggest starting with a fixed-lens rangefinder, as I see the Canonet QL Giii on the list. This will run much less than the others on the list, once adding a lens. Electronics on the Minolta CLE are getting old, but there are specialty repair shops that will still take it on.

The Canonet QL Giii has a fast 40/1.7 lens on it. This camera also has manual mode, but the meter does not operate when turned off of Auto.

Minolta made the Minolta AL-E, compact camera with 40/1.8 lens. The Minolta has shutter preferred auto mode, and manual mode with metering.Minolta_Canonet.jpg

If you do not mind a full-size camera:
The Minolta Hi-Matic 9 has a 45mm F1.7 lens, has full-programmed mode of operation where the camera sets both shutter speed and F-Stop. The camera also has full manual mode with metering. The 45mm F1.7 lens on the Minolta is sharp even wide-open.

RIMG1080.jpg

The Konica S-2 is another good choice. 45mm F1.8 lens, and a unique viewfinder with both auto-parallax and field-of-view correction.

These cameras - the Canonet, Minolta, and Konica are from the early 1970s. You want one that has been serviced, and being sold by someone that has used it.
 
Welcome!
I would suggest a later Bessa R/R2/R4. This may hit your spending limit, but you would have access to a wide range of vintage/new/cheap/expensive lenses.

If you drop the requirement for a working light meter, there are many vintage options.
New clip-on light meters are available and are fairly inexpensive.
And you would have money leftover for a 2nd or third lens.

Suggestions:
Later Canon rangefinder: VL/L/L2/P/7
High quality, access to many L39 screw mount lenses from Canon, Leica, Nikon, Voigtlander, Leica.
Multiple frame lines in the viewfinder, varies by model.

Nikon S2: great viewfinder for 50mm only. Solid camera. Not as wide selection of lenses but both vintage and fairly modern available.
 
KoNickon said:
Agree about the suggestion for a fixed lens camera -- and the Canonet G III is a great suggestion. No need to go straight into "Leicaland."
Click to expand...
He's got a Zorki and has had a Kiev....so he's got experience with rangefinders. Also with a budget of 1000€ + ....... why start at the bottom and climb the ladder again?
 
Thanks fot.the tips so far! I really appreciate it.

The Canon is on my mind, as well as a Voigtländer Bessa (although still looking for the right model). And true enough, I don't want to start at the bottom, but then again, why spend a 1000 euro, when there is a secret gem hiding for, let's say 300 euro.
 
Klikkie said:
Thanks fot.the tips so far! I really appreciate it.

The Canon is on my mind, as well as a Voigtländer Bessa (although still looking for the right model). And true enough, I don't want to start at the bottom, but then again, why spend a 1000 euro, when there is a secret gem hiding for, let's say 300 euro.
Click to expand...
K I think you'd have to look long to find a gem @ 300€.....unless you limit your desires. Do you want to limit yourself to a fixed lens....say 40mm?
Even a cell phone these days offers more choice. IMO it's sure nice to have a camera you can mount your favourite focal length lens. & companies like Voigtlander/Cosina, TTArtisan et al are making many lenses available.
 
"The Bessa with a Summicron, out of reach."
The Bessa in #9 is sporting a Voigtlander lens.
You could get this Bessa with a lens... for 600€
or you could buy a Bessa body and an M Rokkor 40mm...which is a Summicron....
Lots of Leitz/Minolta CL on Ebay for 800-900€
www.ebay.com

[N MINT] Voigtlander Bessa-R Silver Film Camera Body 35mm f2.5 MC Lens JAPAN | eBay

Above condition is based on my own opinion. Lens Hood. No problem in the view. Weekends are not available because office is closed. I send a product byDHL. There are no scratches. There is no balsam separation.
www.ebay.com
 
Light meter is obstacle.
Mobile phones light metering app does it better. It will teach you S16 within few months.

Go with Canon P.

Bessa R will do as well. It just have very non wear resistant exterior.

Or just get Leica LTM. Small and beautiful. No clones are as good.
It doesn't cost a lot, it will be money for lens as well.

Last thing on reliability list are old RFs with electronics.
 
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Ko.Fe "Last thing on reliability list are old RFs with electronics". 👍

Recommended by people with shelves full of expensive cameras and lenses........ to someone with a 1000€ budget....????
Cameras that retailed for $90 when new in the '70s and were pretty much yard sale give-aways until recently.........
😗
 
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Thanks! I'm looking now into the Bessa R, Canon Canon QL Giii and Canon 7 (but I don't know about the reliability of the meters). I was reading up on some other camera's and I started to get a little worried about repairability and dying of electronics. I don't want to waste my money. So maybe I should let go of the lightmeter, unless it's a really reliable one. On my list I put a Canon P. Maybe it's better for now to aim a bit lower than the 1000 euro... Just in case
 
The meters on my two Canon 7 bodies are accurate, they were kept in their cases- meaning "in the dark".

Hand-Held meters are more accurate, and just as easy to use.
 
Klikkie said:
Thanks! I'm looking now into the Bessa R, Canon Canon QL Giii and Canon 7 (but I don't know about the reliability of the meters). I was reading up on some other camera's and I started to get a little worried about repairability and dying of electronics. I don't want to waste my money. So maybe I should let go of the lightmeter, unless it's a really reliable one. On my list I put a Canon P. Maybe it's better for now to aim a bit lower than the 1000 euro... Just in case
Click to expand...
Canon P -- Yes!
 
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