First Rangefinder Suggestions

[splitimageview]

I know -- but which contacts? I previously removed the shutter and film speed dial and cleaned underneath the film speed disc, which worked for a while, but I think you have to go deeper (and I wasn't prepared to do that). I've never seen an explanation of how to do this properly.

Yes, that's it. Don't have to go deeper.

 

[KoNickon]

Slightly off-the-topic here, but that's me. So here goes.

A Contax G1 (the most affordable) or G2 (the best of the two) with two lenses, the 28/2.8 Biogon and the 90/2.8 Sonnar. Lens hoods, UVs, a table top tripod.

I would then travel the world with this kit, as I've done before. With a dozen rolls of film, ideally better quality color neg as it's good and cheap and can be easily processed almost anywhere, things have greatly changed for the better in the analog world in the last few years.

This kit would keep me as happy as a porker in you know what, and I could still carry it all in a backpack. Win-win.

Um, batteries?

 

[KoNickon]

Yes, that's it. Don't have to go deeper.

I should have been clearer -- I cleaned the underside of the film speed disc and, as I recall, the contacts of the spring directly below it. As I said, that cured it for a short while only.

 

[splitimageview]

What did you clean it with? Removing the oxidation completely will keep it working...until the next round of oxidation. 🙂

 

[raydm6]

How about a Zeiss Ikon Contessa 35.

Lookee here:

Zeiss Ikon Contessa - Found My Everyday Rangefinder

Well, I think I found my new EDC (every day carry) rangefinder, a Zeiss Ikon Contessa 35. I bought it from eBay for $49.00. The shutter needed cleaning, but everything else was excellent, the meter still works and matches up to my Gossen Luna Pro F. The rangefinder is BRIGHT and contrasty...

rangefinderforum.com

Check out this article:

Zeiss Contessa

cameraquest.com

 

[KoNickon]

What did you clean it with? Removing the oxidation completely will keep it working...until the next round of oxidation. 🙂

Can't recall. What should I be using? 🙂

 

[Godfrey]

... Longevity? Think about this: the Voyager I spacecraft, launched in 1977, is 15.4 billion miles away in deep space, and still kickin' butt. All without a CLA during those 47 years. 😉

Um, not quite. V1 and V2 are still kicking butt, yes. And no service personnel have touched the Voyager spacecraft with their hands since it took off in 1977... But, both of the Voyagers have had multiple mechanical and electronic problems along the way. These problems have been repaired remotely, both due to some absolutely incredible hardware and computer design work that went into the creation of the spacecraft, and also due to the amazing team of people who have worked out solutions for every problem that surfaced over the past 47 years.

Of course, there are few other imaging devices that cost an initial $865M plus an annual running cost of another several $M to compare them against... 😉

G

 

[Retro-Grouch]

Drive? Isn't that more like a short putt in your case? Bwhahahahaaaaa

Not even. I don't even have to get off the couch.

 

[Retro-Grouch]

Of course, there are few other imaging devices that cost an initial $865M plus an annual running cost of another several $M to compare them against... 😉

G

Well, wait 'til the M12 makes its debut. It should be close to those figures.

 

[vvilliam]

Low and behold a pretty mint Minolta CL appeared in my local shop! Light meter supposedly working.

This may have made the decision for me.

I think I'll pick this up, get one lens (40mm voigt) and see if RF is for me.

 

[boojum]

Low and behold a pretty mint Minolta CL appeared in my local shop! Light meter supposedly working.

This may have made the decision for me.

I think I'll pick this up, get one lens (40mm voigt) and see if RF is for me.

It is a lovely camera and a joy to use. Good luck!

 

[BillBingham2]

Start slow, either a IIIc Leica or a IIIA or M from Konica.

If you really want to start crazy, a Nikon S2.

 

[rfaspen]

I like my CL. I wish I could use it more......I have too many others 😮

 

[boojum]

I like my CL. I wish I could use it more......I have too many others 😮

The RFF anthem

 

[Retro-Grouch]

The RFF anthem

Yup. It's either too many, or not enough.

 

[wlewisiii]

How about a Zeiss Ikon Contessa 35.

Lookee here:

Zeiss Ikon Contessa - Found My Everyday Rangefinder

Well, I think I found my new EDC (every day carry) rangefinder, a Zeiss Ikon Contessa 35. I bought it from eBay for $49.00. The shutter needed cleaning, but everything else was excellent, the meter still works and matches up to my Gossen Luna Pro F. The rangefinder is BRIGHT and contrasty...

rangefinderforum.com

Check out this article:

Zeiss Contessa

cameraquest.com

Those are sweet, I plan to get one again but a good one will set you back at least a Benjamin these days 🙂

 

[hap]

Start slow, either a IIIc Leica or a IIIA or M from Konica.

If you really want to start crazy, a Nikon S2.

agree...although you have to S mount lenses

 

[wlewisiii]

agree...although you have to S mount lenses

Just make sure it comes with either a Nikkor 50/2 or 50/1.4 and you're golden. Either of those 2 Sonnars will do a person well for years.

 

[lxmike]

If you just wanted to dip your toes you could grab an Olympus 35RC, fixed very sharp 42mm lens. Not a great cash out lay just in case rangefinders are not for you.

 

[vvilliam]

I checked out the CL yesterday, and they were unsure of the light meter, but could ask the refurbishment technician when he came in today.

I stopped by today.... and it sold!

Looks like the search is on.