Inexpensive Black Rangefinder Recommendations

Steve M.

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I'm in the mood to spend some money. I always say, if you aren't making any money, go out and spend some. Makes no sense on a rational level of course, but somehow and sometimes it activates the income side of things. Go figure.

I want a cheap fixed lens 35mm camera w a meter. Actually, the meter part is optional, but I DO want a black camera. If it's gonna be cheap I at least want a stealthier black one. Any recommendations? The black Konica C-35's are out of my price range, but that's the size I'm looking for. I saw a Rollei XF that looks interesting.
 
I got a black Ciro 35 for about $10.
ciro35bl.jpg


Haven't used it yet though.
 
Leica II...

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Black C35 can vary from $10 to $300 so it's not easy to recommend something....any black camera of the era, I think ergonomics matter more than which lens exactly it's fitted. Ergonomics and flash connection - some have hot shoe with X contact, and some only PC socket, some have both and some - only dedicated flash. Also watch sync speed if you will use flash on it at all.

Black cameras are more demanding - if it's too minty looking, people wil think "he is not a real photographer" :) while chrome finished cameras don't show condition so readily.
 
That reminds me to get out the Soldering Iron and repair a Black Konica C-35 that I picked up years ago. The wire under the battery compartment corrodes easily, and comes off.

Probably the cheapest/best Black cameras are the the Yashica GT and GTN. There was a nice one in the classified this week, needed a battery Cover.

If someone needs a battery cover for a Yashics GT they could put in a WTB ad for it and then send me a PM. Postage. The battery cover is chrome, though.

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/pho...t/30457/title/yashica-electro-gt-and-gs/cat/3
 
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Probably the cheapest/best Black cameras are the the Yashica GT and GTN.

Electro 35FC is great alternative to larger GT/GTN. Smaller and lighter, it's more practical even with slower f/2.8 lens, though it's 40mm instead of 45mm as on GSN/GTN.
 
OK, got some stuff to work with here. Thanks! That Ciro is very interesting. I've owned the Yashicas before, and they're wonderful picture takers, but not small enough or light enough.

Thanks for the tip about the Chinons. I figure a lot of manufacturers made cameras that were clones of the C-35's. The Sonnar on the Rollei attracts me, but I wonder if it's a "real" Sonnar, as that's a plastic little camera, I think.

Sold my Bessa R, so nothing to glue my 61LD lens to Rover. Maybe I can glue it to my digital P&S.
 
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They're "real" Sonnars and Tessars There's a tiny bit of plastic involved in the Rollei's but nothing structural.
They are very small, have excellent lenses and for a premium price, you can get a black one.
 
Canon A35F if you're okay with not having manual control over the aperture or shutter speed. Cheap, sharp looking, sharp lens, nice flash + the flash hides away quite nicely. Designed to take the old mercury PX625 battery though... :(

-Dave
 
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