High quality alternative to Bessa T? (attn. Leica fans)

[hoot]

Is anyone aware of something that matches the following checklist:

* handsome, high-quality metal chassis for interchangable lenses
* no electronics inside
* relatively low top plate
* accessory shoe centered above lens mount, OR built-in wireframe finder that can be used differently for different focal lengths, à la Ikodot
* possibility to advance the film without removing the camera from the eye, i.e., via integrated or mountable bottom winder à la Leicavit / Rapidwinder
* rangefinder either built into the top plate à la Bessa T, or next to tiny, negligible viewfinder à la Leica II
* shutter release should be possible to release sharpshooter style for reduced vibration, either through ideal placement or via mountable Softrelease
* film rewind should not be flimsy (with some cameras, like the Oly XA, I'm always afraid of breaking it off) - it doesn't have to be the modern type, though
* built-in light meter is unnecessary and even unwanted
* bottom line - should be a user camera, not a collectors' item; i.e., affordable and usable

This is the camera I would like to use for allround photography - street, travel, snapshots and casual portraits - with a wireframe finder such as the Ikodot and both eyes open, mounting either a 21mm or 50mm lens. It should have the feel of a "back to basics" camera, forsaking electronics and plastic.

Ring a bell, anyone?

 

[rover]

Well, you more or less described the knob wind Leica and Canon cameras. With some shopping they easily can be had for under $300, often with the Canon bodies under $200.

Um, why not a T rather than an alternative to the T?

For a lower cost the early Feds and Zorkis probably would work too. I think the Fed 2 is quite handsome.

 

[ChrisN]

I think you have just described the Canon VT, with accessory finder, and the built-in viewfinder/rangefinder set to the RF (maximum magnification) setting.

 

[former member]

A Leicavit trigger winder will cost you a small fortune. The Canon Vt or VIt will cost less than the winder alone, with a CLA and lens.

I just sent my VIt out for cleaning, as I did the Vt. I'll post how the finders compare after CLA. The VIt has a 1x magnification and parallax corrected framelines for 50mm. Both cameras have variable magnification finders with settings for 35mm, 50mm, and 135mm. I have used the 200mm F4.5 Komura with the 135mm setting, using just the patch for framing, for good results. You do not need more accuracy than that.

See this page in Camera and Coffee for details of the folding trigger winder of the Vt and VIt.

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?p=110659&highlight=trigger#post110659

 

[ChrisN]

Oh my! And just look at this beauty on ebay. . I didn't know they made an early model with a trigger winder! Wow.

 

[P C Headland]

hmmm,

Not sure if this is really worth considering, but there was the Soviet Leningrad camera. Certainly meets the back to basics and no electronics criteria, interchangeable lenses and a clockwork motor drive.

 

[former member]

The Canon Vt and VIt should run a LOT cheaper than what that seller thinks he'll get for the early one. He is not crazy on everything, just when he has something unusual.

A Vt or VIt body should run in the $200(need CLA)~$350(serviced) range.

 

[kiev4a]

hmmm,

Not sure if this is really worth considering, but there was the Soviet Leningrad camera. Certainly meets the back to basics and no electronics criteria, interchangeable lenses and a clockwork motor drive.

The Leningrad is not considered a "shooter" although it is innovative. Difficult to load--fairly heavy and bulky. KMZ made the trigger wind Droug that came equipped with a Jupiter 8 lens. It seems to get mixed reviews--hard to find a nice one and the release is on the front.

 

[kbg32]

Just get a T and leave the battery out.

 

[hoot]

Thanks a lot, guys; knew I could count on ya!

Chris - The "beauty on eBay" is nice to look at, but 1) it's too expensive and 2) it doesn't meet the "sharpshooter" qualification because the shutter release is inappropriately placed, and won't take a softrelease. Thanks for that link, though!

Wayne - The Droug comes fairly close to what I'm looking for, but allegedly the trigger winder mechanism can fail easily because of some complex chain mechanism inside. Do you have experience with the Droug?

Hmm, looks like I'll definitely be on the watch for a VI-T now.

 

[jdos2]

Prominent. Built like a tank. Kinda looks like one too. You could hammer nails with the film rewind. No electronics. Rangefinder in the top housing which isn't that high. Focusing mechanism in the body- quite strong. Interchangeable lenses. No "Leicavit" but lever is available. Shoe mount over the lens, and the finders are simply Best of Breed for the era. Lenses (at least the 35mm and 50mm's) are in competition for the best of the era, too.
Pretty cheap.

 

[former member]

JD Reminded me!

Voigtlander Vitessa. Toilet Plunger film advance. An Idea whose time has come back...

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=1771

So that'll get you looking really hard for a Canon VIt.

 

[rogprov]

How about a Yashica YF (Nicca) ? Seems to meet most of your requirements.

 

[kiev4a]

How about the Soviet Droug--came with Jupiter 8 and trigger wind. Hard to find a good one, however.

 

[photodog]

Canon Vt fits the bill. There's also a VI-T model. Users can be found for ~$200 for the body.