Advice on buying my first Rangefinder camera and lenses...

[Red Robin]

I suggest you borrow some different rangefinders. Try getting a "feel" for the different units. A choice may need to be arrived at not so much by price tag, as by handling by you. It's like trying to order an expensive meal by only knowing the price on the menu.

 

[btgc]

I wouldn't pick AE-only (like C35) as a first FL RF. Pre-AE era, with short throw release, tough mechanical thing not depending on obsolete cells (even if easily replaceable and/or adjustable to work on current cells) and circuit. But that's very subjective. When they work, they work - but I have had several C35 and likes with bad meter cells, requiring tricking exposure and that changes depending on light levels.

 

[David Hughes]

I suggest you borrow some different rangefinders. Try getting a "feel" for the different units. A choice may need to be arrived at not so much by price tag, as by handling by you. It's like trying to order an expensive meal by only knowing the price on the menu.

Yes. As I tell the girls; you have to kiss a lot of frogs before one turns into a prince...

Regards, David

 

[Ruhayat]

It can be done. FWIW, when I first got an M rangefinder, it was the M6TTL, and all I had/could afford was a pre-ASPH 90mm Summicron. I shot with just that combo for 2 years, mainly Tri-X. Used it like it was a 50mm, on the streets and when travelling. And I had no problem hitting focus since I used it at f4.0 mostly.

Some pics are still in my Flickr(s). I still have the 90mm but use it less now. Mainly because with the M, it's a really heavy kit. Hence all the pancakes.

 

[Bill Clark]

I use Leica rangefinders. They will outlast me. I have only bought one new 50mm lens otherwise everything else was used. I had Youxin work on a Barnack and now it'll be ready for my grand children to use if they so desire. So far, they always work, allowing me to focus on what is in front of the lens.

There is a good supply of used Leica equipment and you can, if you desire, still buy new.

My recommendation is to consider Leica.

 

[ww2photog]

Consider a medium format rf, older bessa, fixed lens, large negs. Cheap compared to Leica or even voigtlander 35 options