Deciding on a rangefinder

[cmcarterss]

Hello everyone. I need help deciding on which rangefinder I'd like to buy. First, I'll say a little more information about myself that might help you help me.
I am a student currently attending the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, and have been photographing for a long time now. I have been using a Nikon FM2n for most 35mm and just started to use a Yashica MAT-124G for medium format.
I am deciding to get a rangefinder, because I'd like to be able to take photos more spontaneously, what I mean by that is - I'd like to have an autoexposure mode, whether it be totally automatic or just shutter/aperture priority, a smaller camera, not worry about changing lenses (because I wont have the option too), and be able to fous more quickly and more precisely. After doing a ton of research, and looking on rangefinder forum, and flickr groups, I've narrowed my search down.
First, I am going to purchase an Olympus XA2 (which I know is a zone-focus) because of the low price tag, the ease of use, the size, and the impressive optics. However, I'd also like to have a more advanced rangefinder, still for a low price. I've been looking at the Japanese 35mm compact rangefinders from the 1960s/70s, and my favorites are:

Canon Canonet QL17 G-III
Konica Auto S3 (or C35FD)
Minolta Hi-Matic 7sII
Olympus 35 RC
Olympus 35 RD

Now, I may just end up getting the Canonet because it seems to be the most widely available (I'm having a hard time finding the others, but I have found a few of the Olympus 35RC)

So, could you please share your experiences with and opinions on any of these cameras. Thank you.

 

[CameraQuest]

Of the cameras you have listed,

overall I prefer the Olympus RD because of the way it handles

2nd choice would be the Konica S3 due to its 35/1.8 lens rather the 40 which most cameras of this genre have

3rd choice would be the Olympus RC - a very sharp lens but slower

my 4th choice is not on your list - the black paint fixed lens Yashicas due to their low price in the used market.

Stephen

 

[cmcarterss]

Thanks Stephen!

 

[cmcarterss]

Wait a second, do you run cameraquest?

 

[loquax ludens]

You guessed it, cmcarterss. So it's a very well-considered opinion you were given.

 

[Frontman]

The Olympus 35 SP should be on your list. It has a better lens than the other cameras shown, and it's spot meter function is actually quite useful.

 

[cmcarterss]

Yes, much of my research on rangefinders has come from CameraQuest, so thank you!

 

[Vics]

Some of the '80s and '90s point'n'shoots are very good. I' ve had really good results with the Canon Sure Shopt Supreme, 38mm 2.8 and tack sharp. See my flickr for examples. I'm currently looking for an Olympus Stylus Epic, 35mm 2.8 and lots of cool features. Both of these cameras can be had for under $10. The batteries are another story, but my Sure Shot seems to go on forever on a battery!

 

[cmcarterss]

I have a Canon Super SureShot, that has been working great - but it is entirely automatic - focus and exposure. I am looking for something in-between a point-and-shoot and an SLR. That's why I am looking for at these rangefinders.

 

[cmcarterss]

So, I just purchased an Olympus RC from Ebay for $58 in really good shape. I'll share some pictures once I get it in, but here are the images from Ebay:
http://www.northwestcamerarepair.com/ebay/35rc-14.jpg
http://www.northwestcamerarepair.com/ebay/35rc-2.jpg
http://www.northwestcamerarepair.com/ebay/35rc-7.jpg
http://www.northwestcamerarepair.com/ebay/35rc-9.jpg

I got so excited about the Canonet and other cameras that I might just buy some others too (if the price is right).

 

[loquax ludens]

Congratulations. That Olympus looks nice and clean. I'd say just stick with that camera and use it a lot so that you really get to know it well. Then think about buying a Canonet or anything else that grabs your attention.

No deal on ebay is too good to pass up. No matter what camera you're looking for, there'll always be another one. Don't let GAS deter you from getting to know your Olympus.

 

[cmcarterss]

That's what I'm thinking I'm gonna do. This Olympus RC and the Olympus XA2 will definitely be enough for now.

 

[Corto]

You made good choices, Now get yourself a nice old school medium format camera like a Agfa isolette 🙂

 

[cmcarterss]

I'm still getting used to using medium format with my Yashica MAT-124G

 

[btgc]

2nd choice would be the Konica S3 due to its 35/1.8 lens rather the 40 which most cameras of this genre have
...
my 4th choice is not on your list - the black paint fixed lens Yashicas due to their low price in the used market.

Technically, KAS3 has 38mm lens which anyway is wider than most of other fixed lens RF's, usually having 48/45/40mm lenses, and focal-length-wise is close enough to choice #4 with unique to fixed lens RF - 35/1.8 Yashica CC/CCN.

As always, I'd suggest to choose by features and ergonomics. Ones meal is other's poison - it's not uncommon that some people don't get excited about cameras praised by others. Say, for me Yashica 35 MC with slower lens and no rangefinder works way better than larger and heavier GSN with sub-f/2 lens. Size, weight, focal length and simplicity do it for me.

 

[Spicy]

Hey, drop me a line if you wanna go shooting sometime. I just got back to boston last mo after 3yrs abroad - been shooting pretty much what you have (Nikon F/M4-P and I just picked up a yash 635 for my first foray into MF 3mo ago).

 

[cmcarterss]

Hey, everyone, I'm happy to say the first roll I shot on my new Olympus 35RC came out perfectly. Here's one of the more crisp and colorful ones:

I am excited to continue to use it. I'm still getting used to using a rangefinder, especially the focusing, and I wish the lens was faster, but I'm happy with it (I can always use 800+ speed.when I need it). I especially like how small it is.

 

[Chrisrw]

Congratulations on your new RF. My first RR was the Canonet, it's 40/1.7 lens is real nice and sharp, so if you really find that you want a faster lens, keep your eye for one of those. Otherwise enjoy your new toy and have fun!