Cheap, M mount RF - question

[whatsilenceknows]

Hey,
I'd like to try out how it actually is with RF photography, thus I'm looking for a cheap (seriously low budget) and good (reliable meter, good, bright, viewfinder - nothing spectacular) RF 35mm camera body which takes M mount (or maybe L39?) lenses. Could you reccomend any which would match my expectations?

Greetings and thanks in advance for responses!

 

[venchka]

My nomination

My nomination

Hey,
I'd like to try out how it actually is with RF photography, thus I'm looking for a cheap (seriously low budget) and good (reliable meter, good, bright, viewfinder - nothing spectacular) RF 35mm camera body which takes M mount (or maybe L39?) lenses. Could you reccomend any which would match my expectations?
Greetings and thanks in advance for responses!

M5. It meets all of your requirements. Even the "cheap (seriously low budget)" when you consider that it is the only M mount body you will ever need or want. 😱 😀

The M5 does fail the "nothing spectacular" criteria.

Otherwise, look for one of the seriously undervalued fixed lens rangefinder cameras from the 60s, 70s and 80s. Canon, Konica, Minolta, Olympus, Yashica...there are lots of them out there.

 

[Huck Finn]

What's your budget?

 

[whatsilenceknows]

venchka: Oh, seriously, funny as hell! 🙂 😀 But after some research I think I'll check what you've mentioned at second: fixed lens rangefinder. Good guess, thanks.

Huck Finn: I'd like to close the deal at ~100$ max.

 

[venchka]

I'm serious

I'm serious

venchka: Oh, seriously, funny as hell! 🙂 😀 But after some research I think I'll check what you've mentioned at second: fixed lens rangefinder. Good guess, thanks.

Huck Finn: I'd like to close the deal at ~100$ max.

Given your stated budget and meter requirement, a fixed lens rangefinder is your only option. Unless you unearth a Voigtlander or Leica M body in a garage/swap meet/estate sale from an unknowing seller.

 

[whatsilenceknows]

I see. I've came through L39 CCCP-made Zorkij's which are pretty cheap here where I live, but I guess japanese fixed-lens would be better choice since Zorkijs runs mostly in seriosly-not-good condition (and I really doubt precision of metering, too).

 

[venchka]

Oops...I forgot

Oops...I forgot

It does help to know where you are shopping I suppose.

In the last month or two several decent fixed lens rangefinder cameras have appeared in the Classifieds here at RFF from EU sellers. Be patient. Be ready. Pounce when the right one appears.

While you wait, try to locate a good repair shop in your area. Many of these cameras require minor repairs to be put "good as new" again.

Good luck!