compact RF recommendation?

[atelier7]

looking for something small to complement my bessa R...

Criteria:
1. compact
2. fast lens
3. AE and Manual mode
4. quiet shutter
5. contrasty RF patch
6. inexpensive!
7. does it come in black?

 

[thmk]

With AE only the Yashica CC comes to my mind but AFAIK without manual mode. All other criterias match. Check also http://www.cameraquest.com/yash35cc.htm

Cheers
Thomas-Michael

 

[Chuck A]

How fast of a lens do you want. Most of the smaller fixed lens rangefinders have f/2.8 lenses. The Olympus 35RC or the Olympus XA come to mind for small f/2.8 lemses. The XA is black the RC isn't. The RC has no metering in manual mode. Both sell for about $40-$80 used. I just bought an Olympus SP and an RC and got both for about $115. I will let you know what I think of them after they arrive.

 

[stephen_lumsden]

The Canonet QL17-G3 is very good but I am not sure if it comes in black.

 

[afaceinthecrowd]

I'm pretty sure the Ricoh 500 comes in black. Can't remember if there is an auto mode ... Matt Denton has a nice write up on them. I bought one after reading his review and was very impressed.

dan

 

[jtzordon]

Canonet QL17-G3 does come in black. Black models appear much less frequently, and catch quite a higher price!

 

[cbass]

You mean the Bessa R isn't small enough for you? 😀

Kidding aside, I keep a zone-focus Olympus XA2 as a sidekick to my Bessa R. I use the Oly primarily for cycling trips and dangerous missions where pocketability is a must. It's a simple, sturdy little camera and meets all of your criteria except #5 (no RF) and part of #3 (AE only). The XA2 also uses the same batteries as the Bessa.

 

[former member]

I cannot think of one in black with an F1.8 or faster lens that will fetch under $150. In chrome you can get a Canonet QL17 G3 for ~$75. So yes, inexpensive in chrome and does come in black!

 

[Trius]

I cannot think of one in bacl with an F1.8 or faster lens that will fetch under $150. In chrome you can get a Canonet QL17 G3 for ~$75. So yes, inexpensive in chrome and does come in black!

I agree, though an Oly 35SP (42mm/f1.7) in black might be acquired for < $150 if one is patient and/or fortunate. But it might not meet the "compact" requirement. An RD in black, if they exist(ed) would be more compact and a great choice.

The Konica C35 came in black, but has no manual mode and is f2.8.

Trius