Basic 35mm film RF

[msinderson]

Ok, I think the film bug has bit. I recently got a Rolleicord Va and love it. I'm now thinking about getting a small, affordable, 35mm rangefinder. The budget is relatively low, probably under $200.

A buddy has a Canonet which he really likes so I've done some investigating on those. The prices for a good example seem to be well under $200, even for the GIII with the 1.7 lens. What do I need to be aware of on these cameras when buying?

Are there any other cameras I should be considering?

Thanks!

 

[NeeZee]

As with all old cameras you need to be aware that it's almost impossible to get one that works like new. Also the 70s fixed lens rangefinders all take mercury cells which are no longer available - there are replacement of course. Also it's very likely you will have to replace the light seals. And if you don't really need f1.7 (1.8,1.9,2 depending on the model) consider an f2.8 model as they are often cheaper and more compact. If you don't mind a meterless camera, there are good deals for the kodak retinas (IIa is nice for example) or 50s and 60s fixed lens RF's in general at the moment.

here's a good (but by far not complete) list of 70s fixed-lens RF models: http://www.cameraquest.com/com35s.htm (scroll down)

 

[NeeZee]

or you could always get a soviet m39 RF from Oleg. He's got a good reputation of selling only working cameras: http://www.okvintagecamera.com/cameras.html

Good thing is you won't be restricted to one lens...

 

[hipsterdufus]

If you can live without a meter, I recommend a FSU combo. Something from a reputable dealer like fedka. Check this one out:

http://fedka.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=22&products_id=107

It's really all you need. Plus, it fits your budget.

 

[raytoei@gmail.com]

hi,

for a small 35mm RF, there are many choices, though each comes with certain caveat, here are my top 3 choices:

* Olympus XA
+ Excellent image quality, small & compact
- Watch out for failing shutter electronics and dim RF patch

* Olympus 35 RC, RD or SP
+ Again, excellent zuiko lens, small and compact for the RC &RD
- RD needs a CLA every few years due to sticky shutter
- RC has low speed of only 1/15 or B.
- SP are quite large-ish compared to RD or RC

* Canon Screw Mount RF bodies
+ interchangeable lenses, more affordable than Leica screwmount, framelines 35, 50, 100 (depending on the model)
- have have to stretch abit to get inexpensive lenses

there are other excellent choices, like FSU LTM bodies or fixed lens RFs like the canonet or Minolta Hi-Matics, also scale focus cameras like the minox or Rollei 35 series.

raytoei

 

[imush]

I think the cheapest starters would be any fixed length Japanese RF in working condition (i.e. Konica, Olympus or Yashica).

A step up from that, my favorite is Voigtlander Vitessa, you can get a good one with Color-Skopar 50/3.5 or 50/2.8 for well under $200. Perhaps slightly more for Ultron 50/2. That folder has been my workhorse for years without a problem. I think it's an all time masterpiece.

You can get the later Vitessas with interchangeable lenses, I think it is also a good value among the dead lens mount systems.

I do not trust the quality of the Fed/Zorki and Jupiter lenses. I've grown up with these, you can sometimes get an excellent Jupiter which is a perfect Sonnar clone, but too often you can get a crippled one instead. I know determined photographers could get good LTM systems after several tries, but I think it is not a good beginner experience. However, there may be reputable sellers that filter the lemons out.

 

[msinderson]

It seems that I am zeroing in on the Canonet GIII and the Olympus SP. Both appear to be very nice cameras, with maybe the Olympus a bit better than the Canonet. There are quite few of both available on *bay. Choices, choices...

 

[denizg7]

always remember when you buy from the bay when they say everything seems good but have not tried to test with film , that means they are complete bs..


may looks excellent cosmetically but the internals will be faulty..

If I was you I would save up and buy a new voigtlander r2a or whatever is their entry level new rf. you can get them for i think 300 new. This will save you money in the long run becuase you won't need to hassle with cla's and overhauls etc...

 

[ColSebastianMoran]

I have several of the small fixed lens rangefinders.

My favorite is the Yashica GX. Yashica GSN/GTN is bigger and also nice. Frontman here has the knack for finding both of these and putting them into good shape. b1bmsgt repairs the GSN/GTN.

I have a Canonet QL17 G-III and it's a very nice package. The meter on mine is intermittent; I use it manually which is a bit of a pain.

Lenses are really good on all of these, as well as other cameras mentioned in this thread.

The big question for cameras of this era is whether they will work reliably. Unless you want to tinker, I suggest finding one that's had the attention of a good repairer.

 

[panerai]

Yashica CC or CCN

Vivitar ES

Konica S3

4 smaller cameras with good lenses

In good condition. Under $200. In excellent condition. Will be more than $200

DON

 

[ornate_wrasse]

I just saw a Konica S2 rangefinder for $115 on Fred Miranda.

I have no connection with the seller, I just happened to see the listing after reading this thread and seeing that some have recommended this camera.

http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1157208

Ellen

 

[panerai]

I just saw a Konica S2 rangefinder for $115 on Fred Miranda.

Auto S2 is not a small camera

I have my father's. Solid as a rock. Manual or Auto

S3 model was much smaller and shutter priority only

DON