Could you recommend a cheap RF??

[Jupitercrash01]

Hello everyone, I'm new to rangefinders! (I didn't even know what a rangefinder was until today) I recently acquired a Nikon L35 AF, it's a cheap point and shoot camera. I like it's compact dimensions but I'm looking for something a little different. Could you please offer me some suggestions? Here are some of the factors I'm dealing with.

1. One of my greatest concerns is that the camera doesn't require exotic batteries. They seem to be an inconvenience as they aren't readily available.

2. My Nikon has a 35mm lens, I feel more at home with the 'standard' 50mm lens. Even something like 45mm would be reasonable. Honestly if my L35 had a 50mm lens I would probably be content.

3. Of course, cost is an issue I'm looking at $50 or less. I doesn't bother me if it's a cheaper point & shoot model as long as it accepts filters.

Any advice would be appreciated. 🙂

 

[ZeissFan]

For the most part, the last rangefinders (real rangefinders not autofocus cameras with manual focus-by-knob options) were made in the 1970s and used a 1.35-volt 625/PX13 mercury cell. You can use the alkaline version or the zinc-air version or with some cameras a hearing-aid battery, which you usually can buy in bulk.

Try to find one that has new foam seals. Otherwise, you'll face the task of replacing them yourself.

There are a number of Japanese rangefinders made by Konica, Canon, Minolta and Olympus, as well as Petri, Ricoh and numerous others.

From the 1950s, you can choose from German and Japanese cameras, but the prices of some might be beyond your budget. The German cameras include the Kodak Retinas, some Zeiss Ikon cameras, Voigtlander, Agfa and Balda. German cameras don't use foam seals, but with 50-year-old cameras you have other issues -- most will need to be serviced.

The Konica I is a very good camera, if you can find one for that price. Petri and Ricoh also had rangefinders. The Canon (Leica clone/compatible) and Nikon cameras will be way out of your budget, unless you get lucky at a yard sale or something like that.

Some will say that you should increase your budget, but you decide what you want to spend.

 

[NickTrop]

Yashica Electro GSN.

Probably the best value proposition out there. Yashica made essentially the same camera for 17 years and sold a million of them so they are very common and also very good. A good one can be found in your price range. It takes common photo batteries but you'll have to use tin foil to make contact and wrap it in gauss or something to fatten it up. Or, "the yashica guy" sells an adapter for around $12. The good news is the GSN has a capacitor which enables it to handle the different voltage of the modern batteries. It has a stellar, fast 1.7 lens and is aperture priority.

Here are some links:

http://www.yashica-guy.com/
http://www.photoethnography.com/Cla...meset.html?YashicaElectro35GSN.html~mainFrame
http://mattdentonphoto.com/cameras/yashica_gsn.html

The "Yashica" blog here on RFF is about 90% devoted to the GSN. Lost of info and sample pics.

 

[gb hill]

Fed 2. Doesn't require batteries and usually they come with a 50mm lens plus loading film is easy since it's not a bottem loader. If you don't know what a Fed2 is it's a Russian made camera and gives good results.

 

[chair_man]

Voigtlander Vito B.
I bought the camera by $50 in Japanese auction.
Color scoper 50mm is excellent may surpass the Tessar.

 

[gb hill]

Here is a Fed 2

http://www.kensmithart.com/fed-2.htm

 

[thirteen]

As an example of what you can find I just picked up a Konica Auto S2 with a 45mm 1.8 Hexanon lens ( has auto, shutter priority and full manual control). A good 60's rangefinder in ex. condition for $50 from the classifieds on this site.

 

[murrayatuptown]

Is the Argus C3 so lowly no one is recommending it?

I bought 3 for $20 once....3 different vintages, and people say I paid too much. The shutters are almost unbreakable.

I don't do much 35mm anymore, but I drag out a C-3 Argus before a Minolta SLR.

As far as filters go, yes it'll take filters...but you have to have Series V unthreaded filters for the C3 Matchmatic or a screw-in Series V adapter (19 mm?) for the earlier C3's.

eBay prices got a little goofy when one appeared in the 2nd Harry Potter movie, but should have settled down by now (movie 5 just came out, and only 4x5 press cameras were featured in that movie).

Stay away from antique stores when camera shopping; prices are rediculous. (Selling OK, buying no)

 

[Superbus_]

I think a yashica electro 35 could be a good first and cheap rangefinder. You can replace the battery easier, not such a huge problem for example here in my city they are selling replacement batteries.

Recently we were arguing about the cost of a yashica: so don't forget to calculate with a possible CLA because these cameras are 20 30 years old ones. On the other hand mostly the other recomended cameras are old too...

My other suggestion a zorki 4. It is so nice works without batteries and with a jupiter 8 lens... Amazing.

Don't waste too much time to get a rf camera do it and shoot: you will be addicted after the first roll... 😉

 

[Jupitercrash01]

Thank you so much for your responses! I'm new to rangefinders and 'vintage' cameras in general so your help[ is appreciated! I took a quick look at the Yashica GSN and I must say I am impressed. It looks to be just the camera I'm looking for! How sharp is the lens on the Yashica? Is there anything I should know when I'm shopping for a yashica?

 

[gb hill]

I don't have a yashica but the lens is very good from the examples i've seen. You stated something about batteries, so make sure the type of betteries are available to you.

 

[tedwhite]

Yashica GSN's lens is to die for. By the way, it doesn't detach from the camera.

The Zorki mentioned above, with a Jupiter 8, can be had quite reasonably. Probably someone on this forum has one they'd sell you.

I'd go for the GSN. Whisper quiet shutter, also.

 

[Shin Oyama]

I would highly recommend the Bessa R2A. It's viewfinder is excellent and there is service available should it break down.

 

[Shin Oyama]

An Excellent RF that is Cheap

An Excellent RF that is Cheap

I would highly recommend the Bessa R2A. It's viewfinder is excellent and there is service available should it break down.

 

[ruben]

Another vote for the Yashica GSN, or its black parallel. The Biggest bargain nowadays (the most quality against the lowest price).

Just avoid an eBay seller signing as jbeckwith.

Cheers,
Ruben