Cute Fixed Lens Rangefinders

[clarence]

There have been many rangefinders with interesting designs, but these are often ignored in our discussions, which tend to focus on speed, lens quality, automation and other technical features.

I'm interested to know what fixed lens rangefinders have bodies that make them stand out from the rest of the crowd.

Off the top of my head, I can think of the Agfa Optima 1535, the Zorki -10 / -11 and Ricoh Auto 35V, and the Voigtlaender Vitessa.

Clarence

 

[Wimpler]

The AGFA selectronic S is quite cool as well.

 

[clarence]

Here's another; the Voskhod / Yashica Rapid:

http://cameras.alfredklomp.com/voskhod/

 

[Madrigal]

The Argus Autronic 35

It's got to be on someone's scale of cuteness.
It's just got to be 😀

 

[shadowfox]

I always think this guy is one of the cutest Fixed Lens RF out there (sorry if you've seen this picture on other posts here):

 

[dazedgonebye]

That 500G is a handsome devil. I was shooting with it's homely cousin, black Sears 35|RF, just last night.
I still may need a pretty 500G though....

 

[Bluesman]

The Olympus XA has to be a contender. Innovative, hightech (and very early) soapbar design and utterly capable as well - it takes some excellent pictures.

/R

 

[rich815]

I just got one of these (Revue 35CC) and it is definitely cute:

 

[MelanieC]

That Ricoh is ADORABLE.

I think the cutest, however, is the Contessa 35. It's very purty.

 

[Wayno]

If you think of cute as meaning small, then this guy is tiny:


Pal (aka Pax) M4

 

[Kin Lau]

The Olympus XA has to be a contender. Innovative, hightech (and very early) soapbar design and utterly capable as well - it takes some excellent pictures.

I'll second that.

 

[Trius]

I'll "third" the XA, but also nominate the Trip 35. It's cute in an awkward sort of way, and the results are way beyond its modest specs.

 

[erikhaugsby]

I'm up for the 500G. I've always loved the neo-retro styling, if you will, and placement of the leatherette around the sides and top/bottom.
Any idea as to what they go for?

 

[daniel~]

If only XA came in white, too...

If only XA came in white, too...

XA is great. I just wish XA also came in that urban white/grey that the colour variant XA2 got...

If it doesn't have to be with rangefinder focusing, then there are quite some cute VF cameras out there. Minox, for example. Oh and my red Konica EF3, of course! 🙂

 

[clarence]

There's plenty to look at here. I spent hours going through every single one of them. For those who cannot read Japanese, don't worry, because the contents / links are in English and you can still look at the pretty pictures:

http://homepage1.nifty.com/fukucame/

The Revue 35CC reminded me of two other Vitessa-esque cameras that also use barndoor lens covers:

The Makinon MKII:
http://homepage1.nifty.com/fukucame/mk2.htm

Petri CF-35 Ultra Compact
http://homepage1.nifty.com/fukucame/petricf.htm

Clarence

 

[Uwe_Nds]

What about the old Braun Paxette then?
In my opinion, it's also very cute.

Best regards,
Uwe

Edit: Sorry, it's not fixed lens.

 

[iml]

That Ricoh is nice, but I still think nothing beats the Olympus 35 RC.

Ian

 

[PhotoMat]

O.K., if we're talking cute, who couldn't resist a Canon Demi with a custom leatherette covering?

http://www.aki-asahi.com/store/html/demi-ee17/demi-ee17.php

 

[Tigersight]

This Minolta 7 is fairly cute

This Minolta 7 is fairly cute

I just picked this RF up for $25 on Ebay. It has not arrived yet but it is reputedly in mint condition so I'm hoping for the best give it's provenance. But it is a cute one.
(I'm a new member so I'm hoping I downloaded the picture correctly).
By the way, and this is off topic, but what drew me to this sight (I'm also a member of Nikonians) is your great photography! The level of photography here is the best I've seen on any sight.

 

[sweathog]

but also nominate the Trip 35. It's cute in an awkward sort of way, and the results are way beyond its modest specs.

I completely agree with you.
The design is absolutely stunning, in my opinion.

Plus, it certainly gives cracking results.