Stealth camera?

[Tuolumne]

I know most people prefer the XA, but my XA2 has never let me down. I have an XA, but don't enjoy using it because the rf patch is so hard to see. The XA2 has a very reliable 3 zone focus system and the lens is sharp as a tack. I used to take great Kodachromes with it. The shutter barely makes a sound, and it can be wound very discreetly with its wheel advance.

T.

 

[oftheherd]

My daughters got me a Sony Cybershot in the 500 series for Christmas. It's not film, but it does amazingly well, is small, and quiet. Not a chest shooter though.

It seems the gist of your query is for 35mm. Believe it or not, you might want to consider a TLR, especially something like a Welta or Rolleicord that is in good functioning shape if not cosmetically. If the cosmetics leave a little to be desired, it just draws less attention. TLRs are chest shooters and they tend to be very quiet. Just a thought against the grain.

 

[sooner]

I'm using an XA and find the lens surprisingly sharp. Had an XA2 a couple of years ago and sold it because the lens was too soft. I had always heard the XA was much sharper, and that's certainly true, IMHO. And you can't get much stealthier. The Hexanon has a great reputation, and probably the lens is sharper but it's also like eight times as expensive as the XA.

 

[kestas]

i vote for XA too. it's cheap, very pocketable, extremly low shutter sound, good lens.

I have an XA, but don't enjoy using it because the rf patch is so hard to see.

T.

try this very useful method:
http://rick_oleson.tripod.com/index-165.html
i use it with my XA. it works. but in my case, i use a tiny piece of dark brown transparent selfadhesive tape.

 

[Ash]

get an old scale focus folding camera. you can't get quieter than leaf shutters.

 

[kuvvy]

mrtoml, I have some of the cameras you are considering and mentioned here.

Ricoh GR-1, superb lens and the shots I took using velvia made you think you could step into the picture.

XA, very neat, small and quiet with the ultra sensitive shutter button.

Mju-II again small, though not as quiet, due to being motorised and AF, still good choice though.

One alternative could be the Penatx Espio Mini. Small as a pack of cards and in my opinion the lens is better than the mju. Very sharp and contrasty and slightly wider lens at 32mm. Takes great night shots, has numerous features and worth considering. Have some shots in my gallery from the espio here;

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/photopost/showgallery.php?cat=5770

Hexar has to be the choice for lens quality and quietness though not pocketable (jacket pocket okay). Although having recently splashed out on two new digital cameras it's the Hexar (mines the Silver version) which will accompany me on my forthcoming trip to the US in May. Some shots from the Hexar in my gallery too.

BTW if the espio interests you I would be willing to part with one of mine (got two) at RFF mates rates.

Any of these cams will give great results so it may come down to 'how small' and handling. good luck trying to decide!

 

[ChrisPlatt]

The Yashica T4 Super might work for you. Features include autofocus, motorized advance,
built-in flash that can be turned off, plus eye AND waist level finders are built-in.
This camera has an excellent lens and is capable of amazing results.

Chris

 

[NickTrop]

If you're willing to sacrifice motorized winding:

1. Konica Auto S3
2. Yashica Electro CC

...both my street shooter of choice.

 

[enochRoot]

stealth camera:

http://www.pimall.com/nais/pivintage/minox.html

sorry...no motor drive 😉

 

[Finder]

Most TLRs with waist-level finders as no one thinks you are looking at them.

Strange, large cameras like a 6x17 as most don't think it is a camera.

 

[kathytoth.ca]

I use an XA as my stealth-cam – it's quiet, tiny and even if people notice you shooting with it, it just looks like some crappy tourist p&s so they just ignore it. Seriously, it's the closest thing to an invisible camera I've found. And while the 35mm lens is certainly no 'cron, it's way better than it has any damn right to be given the dimensions (and better than pretty much every digital compact I've handled).

It's worth picking one up just to try it since they're so cheap – even here in the UK 🙂

I have to agree. When I use my 1n everyone is looking at me, and its quite obrtusive and heavy. The XA however is very sharp with natural light and has interesting qualities at night and in artifical light -- which I happen to like.

I also use to take photos in spaces where I might not be allowed to, not for streetshooting, but have found the camera to be excellent.

 

[Andrew Sowerby]

If you're thinking about getting an XA* you should consider the XA3 because you can use Neopan 1600 in it.

 

[Doug]

My tiny Canon ELPH Jr (fixed 26mm f/2.8, APS film) is AE, AF, motor but extremely quiet and discreet. The only gripe is that the flash defaults to ON, and if one forgets to switch it OFF, that pretty well destroys any stealth!

 

[mrtoml]

My daughters got me a Sony Cybershot in the 500 series for Christmas. It's not film, but it does amazingly well, is small, and quiet. Not a chest shooter though.

It seems the gist of your query is for 35mm. Believe it or not, you might want to consider a TLR, especially something like a Welta or Rolleicord that is in good functioning shape if not cosmetically. If the cosmetics leave a little to be desired, it just draws less attention. TLRs are chest shooters and they tend to be very quiet. Just a thought against the grain.

I already have a digicam (Ricoh GRD), but the quality of the pics is not good enough.

I thought about using TLRs but they stand out and draw attention for other reasons (like 'what the hell is that'!) I used to have a Mamiya 330 and it was a great camera.

 

[mrtoml]

get an old scale focus folding camera. you can't get quieter than leaf shutters.

I have about a dozen of these already, but you really have to stop down the lens to get good results (at least with the ones I have) and again they draw attention because they look funny and they mostly need an external meter which is something else to carry around.

 

[mrtoml]

The Yashica T4 Super might work for you. Features include autofocus, motorized advance,
built-in flash that can be turned off, plus eye AND waist level finders are built-in.
This camera has an excellent lens and is capable of amazing results.

Chris

I was seriously considering this for the lens and the WLF, but how loud is the motor wind? Couldn't find any info on that.

 

[mrtoml]

mrtoml, I have some of the cameras you are considering and mentioned here.

Ricoh GR-1, superb lens and the shots I took using velvia made you think you could step into the picture.

How noisy is the film advance? I would love one of these as I like the ergonomics and size plus the lens of course, but I have read that they are too noisy. The focus noise is not the issue (I would use snap focus anyway) but the motor wind would be.

I am leaning in the direction now of waiting for a Hexar RF to turn up from somewhere, but with an XA as a possibility.

Thanks to everyone for the really useful information. This is a really great forum.

 

[Jeremy Z]

I'll vote for the Olympus XA. I've got one. The shutter is ultra-quiet, the Zuiko f/2.8 lens is sharp, the black color doesn't get attention, and it is designed to be slipped into pockets. The aperture priority autoexposure is nice for the quick shots, and it has a +1.5 stop exposure compensation.

It doesn't have a motor drive, but the thumbwheels is plenty quiet. (motor drive is for chumps & sports photogs, IMO)

It has a rangefinder if you need it, and if you don't, it is great for scale focusing.

It is a LOT smaller than a Hexar.

Another option might be the Olympus Epic; just make sure you remember to cancel the flash, or your stealth goes right out the window.

 

[Jeroen]

The motordrive wouldn't be noticed on the street, train or anywhere else with ambient noise.

That's funny, mine sounds like a coffee grinder sometimes... But it's old, too. And then again, I also have my Hexar AF. One of the best machines I own.

 

[Jeremy Z]

I just finally read the whole thread. There are some good suggestions, but it seems that about 60% recommend the XA, another 30% recommend the Hexar, and 10% other things.

I guess it comes down to what you want in stealth shooting. If you don't want someone to see or hear the camera, the XA wins, hands-down. Sure the Hexar has a quiet shutter and film advance, but it is HUGE compared to the XA.

Another thought would be Rollei 35. That one has character; a lot of us love ours. This one is also big compared to the XA, and forces/allows you to set exposure manually. Quiet shutter, but louder than the XA. Quite a bit more lumpy with more protrusions. It would look funny in a shirt or pants pocket.

Another thought: Olympus XA4. These are bloody hard to find, but have a 28mm lens, so zone focusing is even easier.

Lastly, Olympus RC. I don't know yet how the lens compares to the XA, but I bet it's better since it is the same speed but isn't so compact. It's a little bigger than the XA & Rollei 35, but still small, and it feels kind of like a tiny SLR in the hand. (and control layout)

I love these little fixed lens rangefinders/scale focusers. Less is more! 😉 It's amazing, the quality optics you get for such a small amount of money.

-Jeremy