Fixed lens rangefinder choices?

[parasko]

Can anyone help me to select a rangefinder?
I have culled my selection down to 3 fixed lens cameras as these fit within my price range: 1. Olympus RD 2. Olympus RC 3. Canon QL 17 G-III

I would like to know how these cameras compare in terms of:
lens quality, reliable exposure system, and ease of focus (as I wear glasses).

I am veering towards the RC just for its portability but I'm concerned that lens quality may not be as good as the other 2.

This camera will be used as a second camera (and my only film camera) to photograph street/people photos and to generally have a camera with me at all times. So I am after something small.

My main camera is a Canon 1Ds (Mk1), which is very impractical for such photos and scares the hell out of everyone I point it at.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

[RObert Budding]

I used an Olympus rangefinder during my college years long ago. I think it was an RC, as it did not have a fast lense. Wonderful camera, whatever it was. But today, I'd opt for the RD because of the faster lense.

Can't comment on the Canon as I've never used one.

Robert

 

[bmattock]

In terms of size, the Canonet is largest, then the RD, then the RC. So if smallness matters, there's that. In terms of lenses, I personally would put the RD above the Canonet, but that's pretty subjective, others would disagree. I have been informed that the RD has a reputation for having shutter problems - mine did, and I had to have it CLA'd to get it really nice - but it surely is very nice now.

The lowly RC is the cheapest, I think, and the smallest for sure. Has fewer shutter speeds, but that's never been a problem for me. Has the lowest quality glass of the three, but you may find that's a big 'so what?' because street shooting is seldom about ultimate sharpness anyway.

I think you'd be making a wise choice with any of the three, honestly - all nice cameras. My personal choice would be the RD, but I would never be displeased with having an RC with me.

If you've got the GAS gene, you'll eventually end up with all three anyway - and probably several of each. So enjoy!

Best Regards,

Bill Mattocks

 

[TPPhotog]

I have the Canonet QL17 and absolutely love it, so much so I have another on the way. The lens is tack sharp and gives me complete control. The only thing that may be an issue is that personally I find it a little uncomfortable using the viewfinder when wearing my glasses (of course that might just be me). I tend to either push my glasses up on my head or even leave them in my pocket until I want to read the settings on the "dials".

I know what you mean about your 1D I have a Nikon F100 that has the same effect (but that's up for sale so I can buy more RFs 😉 )

BTW: Welcome to RFF 🙂

 

[parasko]

Thanks

Thanks

Thanks to you all for your replies and advice.

There are so many of these cameras available on ebay it may come down to bidding price. Based on your comments though, I think I have at least narrowed it down to the RD or the Canon.

Thanks also for the welcome TPPhotog.

This forum looks great.

 

[DougK]

Welcome parasko!

Whichever camera you pick, prepare to be amazed at how much more fun you'll have with photography. Also prepare your wallet... these things are addictive 🙂.

 

[back alley]

having had a canonet and an oly rc, i think the rc has the better glass if somewhat slower lens.

joe

 

[parasko]

Doug,

Yes. My wallet is already empty, having purchased the 1Ds, even though I bought used.

I was hoping to pick up a used 16mp Rangefinder digital for about $500 through this forum...perhaps I'll post this again in 5-7 years.

 

[parasko]

Joe,

From the posts on various forms, the majority agree that the Oly RC lens is superior to the Canon.

..unfortunately, haven't found one on ebay in ok condition.

A Minolta Hi-Matic 7sII would be my first choice but more expensive and seem to be rare on ebay.

 

[breakaway]

how bout rolleis?

 

[Todd.Hanz]

My vote is for the Canon GIII QL17, Olympus 35 SP and the very small Yashica 35CC. The 35 CC has a 35mm/1.8 lens on it and is quite sharp, great second or even main camera for the street.

Todd

 

[Kim Coxon]

Hi,
I like the Canon. Of the Oly's I prefer the 35SP.

If you decide on the RD or don't mind one of the small non GIII Canonets, send me a PM. I may be able to help.

Kim

 

[peter_n]

My only experience is with the Canonet QL-17 and my sample has a cracking lens. If the Olympus RC generally has a better lens it must be really something. I read on another forum where I posted pics from my QL-17 that the Canonet lens quality sample variation was quite high and that some lenses are dogs, so that may account for some of these posts.

 

[bmattock]

My vote is for the Canon GIII QL17, Olympus 35 SP and the very small Yashica 35CC. The 35 CC has a 35mm/1.8 lens on it and is quite sharp, great second or even main camera for the street.

Todd

I've got a CC and it is nice! But no shutter speed control, just like the Electro GSN, and bigger than the RC. Plus, the CC is expensive and a bit on the rare side. If I were on a budget and buying now, I'd still think the RC was the best buy for the buck. If size was not an issue, then best bang for the buck could be something like the Minolta Hi-Matic 9, but it is much bigger than the others mentioned.

I'll say this, though - it is hard to go too far wrong with any of the 'classic' fixed-lens rangefinders if they're in good physical condition. They're all pretty darned good, yes?

Best Regards,

Bill Mattocks

 

[Kin Lau]

I have the Canon GIII QL17, very nice camera, sharp lense. My Oly is a 35SP, also a sharp lense, not as small as the Canon, but very nice also.

For street shooting, I think how it handles is going to be more important than how sharp it is, but they all work quite well. The biggest factor I find, is the focusing tab. Some RF's don't have it, most do have it, and I find that it helps me greatly when I need to focus quickly but all the RF's that have focusing tabs are also very hard to shoot in hyperfocal mode.

 

[bmattock]

My only experience is with the Canonet QL-17 and my sample has a cracking lens. If the Olympus RC generally has a better lens it must be really something. I read on another forum where I posted pics from my QL-17 that the Canonet lens quality sample variation was quite high and that some lenses are dogs, so that may account for some of these posts.

Personally, I don't think the RC's lens is better than the Canonet, but I like the camera better overall, if that makes sense. Smaller, nice viewfinder, and the lack of some shutter speeds don't fash me much. Maybe a tiny trade-off in lens quality - not a big deal. Now, the Oly SP and the RD, those I think have better lenses than the Canonet.

But you know, it's all very subjective. I like my Canonet - very much. I also like my Hi-Matic 9 (gave my 7s's away). Never got a good example of the Konica S2 to work with - mine have always had something wrong with them, so I can't say.

There are also others, less well known. From the same era - the Petri Racer is a nice one - 2.8 lens, but sharp as heck. I happen to be partial to Fujica fixed-lens rangefinders - hard to come by, there just weren't as many made, I guess. I've got a "Compact Deluxe" that has a lens to make you cry, it's so sharp. Makes some of my Canon FD glass look a bit shabby and that's hard to get me to admit.

Hey, the point is - everybody is going to have differing opinions on these. The Canonet has been the 'it' camera for some time now, with the Yashica Electro GSN finally getting some respect recently. But there are many, many, others.

That's part of the fun for me - finding 'em and shooting 'em!

Best Regards,

Bill Mattocks

 

[bmattock]

I have the Canon GIII QL17, very nice camera, sharp lense. My Oly is a 35SP, also a sharp lense, not as small as the Canon, but very nice also.

For street shooting, I think how it handles is going to be more important than how sharp it is, but they all work quite well. The biggest factor I find, is the focusing tab. Some RF's don't have it, most do have it, and I find that it helps me greatly when I need to focus quickly but all the RF's that have focusing tabs are also very hard to shoot in hyperfocal mode.

I think the Canonet focusing tab is one of the best ones going.

But there is another, Obi Wan.

Take a look at the funky Ricoh Five-One-Nine. Lovely tabs on BOTH SIDES of the lens, nice silky smooth lens action, winder on the BOTTOM and so on.

http://www.asahi-net.or.jp/~rd2h-ari/RI_FIVEONENINE.htm

And enough weird one-off variations to keep a collector geek fully freaked out for months.

More fun than it should be possible to have. Oughta be illegal.

And yes, a very sharp lens.

Best Regards,

Bill Mattocks

 

[Kim Coxon]

The S2's are great. A bit larger than the later cameras but I like that. Not only is the lens cracking but the meter works in manual mode as well and I far prefer that. The one camera that is a bit better is the S1.6!

Kim

But you know, it's all very subjective. I like my Canonet - very much. I also like my Hi-Matic 9 (gave my 7s's away). Never got a good example of the Konica S2 to work with - mine have always had something wrong with them, so I can't say.


Bill Mattocks