$300 Rangefinder

[Kolame]

Have you used FSU's?

I havnt tried Bessa's yet. What do you think thhe difference between the two is? FSU and Bessa R.

Sorry, almost forgot this.
Well, no, I didn’t try them. But, afaik, they only go for 50mm, most ones don’t have light-metering, and a Bessa R is just a quite „complete“ camera, I’m not sure in how far you may say this about FSUs as well...?

 

[chris00nj]

$300 is a reasonable budget.

There is a Canon IVSB in the classified for $165.

Igor's Camera exchange has a Canon IVSB with Canon 50/1.8 for $245. I got my Rollei from him.

A guy on ebay has a Canon IIB with Canon 50/1.9 for $295 BIN

A Bessa R may be within reach, with a cheaper lens. I got mine for $195. A guy in the classified have two for sale, unsold at $250. Collectible cameras has a Jupiter 50/2 for $59: decent lens without the Russian roulette of buying some other russian gear.

 

[shadowfox]

Come on... the Ultron alone goes for $300. 🙄

I did get a Canon P + Ultron 35/1.7 for *below* $300.
I wouldn't have written it like the above if I just made it up.

And yes, patience is a large part of how I did it.
🙂

 

[rbiemer]

I own and use FSU cameras and the Bessa R. If you're patient, you should be able to get a Bessa and lens with in your budget. I use the Jupiter 8 as my main lens. And use several other FSU 50mm lenses as well.
For features, the R is way ahead of any FSU camera; a seriously good viewfinder, multiple frame lines, meter, and made this century.
For fun, (for me) it's about even.
Good luck,
Rob

 

[alexnotalex]

Hi!
Do you wear glasses? If yes, the Bessa R (or R2) finder will be easier than the Canon P. (in my experience at least). And a ttl meter is a bonus as written above.
You won't get that serious retro feeling though with a bessa.

Summar's are also a huge bargain right now and you WILL get a big retro kick from that.

best,
Alex

 

[Spider67]

The danger of being bashed for my words aside I would not use a Bessa R or any old Canon screwmount with a Jupiter 8 as long as Canon 50mm 1.8's are plentiful (keh has the old chrome ones at reasonable prices )
So a used Bessa R for under 300 is well possible...and I support the argument that it was built in that century

 

[conradyiu]

Canon P + any 50 LTM you like, should be a reliable combo !

 

[richreidjr]

FED 2, CLA'd, with the Jupiter 3. I am loving it and well in your range.

 

[mwoenv]

In the class of Canonets and HiMatics, you can get a Konica Auto S2 in mint condition (refurbished, CLA'd) for $200 from Greg Weber (webercamera.com), including a 6 month warranty. This is better than buying junk on ebay.

 

[jsrockit]

I did get a Canon P + Ultron 35/1.7 for *below* $300.
I wouldn't have written it like the above if I just made it up.

And yes, patience is a large part of how I did it.
🙂

That's not patience, that's luck (and someone else's stupidity).

 

[batterytypehah!]

I hadn't seen this thread originally. In case you're still looking, consider a Contax. My IIa body was $140 on ebay. User condition, but far from ugly, and functionally perfect. Add a Helios-103 ($20 from Fedka at the time, I think it's $35 now) or J-8 and you're all set for your 50mm needs with money left for other lenses.

If you think you'll also need 35mm FL, keep in mind that the most affordable lens (J-12) is not compatible with post-war Contax bodies. This leaves you with Zeiss and Nikon options for 35, which will easily bust your budget. A Kiev with a J-12 would be better for you then.

Any lens other than 50 requires a separate finder on the Contax.

That said, you should also be able to find a nice Barnack Leica with one of the more common Japanese lenses within your budget. (FSU lenses on a Leica may require some work for accurate focus.)

 

[Steve M.]

The difference between the FSU cameras and the Bessa R is that the Bessa R camera will actually work 🙂

Seriously, that's probably your best shot, and if you're patient you can find one for $300. It's reliable and has a great meter. Still leaves you needing a lens though.

KEH has a black R for $286, and a silver one for $205. Best prices I've seen, and they have a warranty. Jump on one! The silver one leaves you funds for a FSU lens or two.