Lens sharpness in fixed lens rangefinders

[StuartR]

Well, not to rain on the parade, but I think there is another area where interchangeable lens rangefinders do better -- focusing accuracy. Most interchangeable lens rangefinders have a much longer baselength and a larger, clearer viewfinder which can allow you to frame more accurately and focus more accurately. Lens speed is also an issue -- The fastest fixed lens RF I can think of is a f/1.7 lens RF (though there are probably faster ones...), but with interchangeable lenses you can get a f/.95 or a f/1 lens, and there are many f/1.2 and f/1.4 lenses in various focal lengths. Another thing you tend to get is more aperture blades...many of the fixed lens RF's (other than the Hexar AF) give you 5 aperture blades. This can lead to unpleasant shapes in out of focus light sources.

Anyway, I think the fixed lens RF's offer incredible bang for the buck, but they do have limitations. Considering that you can obtain a very good interchangeable RF lens system for comparitively little money these days (voigtlander or used stuff), I think it makes sense to consider the interchangeable lens RF's. No one is saying to go out and buy the 35mm summilux ASPH, but the 35mm ultron will be a better lens than almost any of the fixed lens RF's and you can get it for under 400. Add a used bessa and you are still barely over 500 bucks.

 

[doubs43]

If my cameras and stuff aren't happy on the floor of the truck they look for a new home. My Electro may be in that category. The rangefinder came apart on a ride 🙁 and the now repaired camera will get one more chance. 🙂

Eventually the bumps, vibrations and general roughness of the ride while lying on the floor of a pickum-up truck would ruin even the best-built cameras. I often place a camera behind the seat of my truck but in a padded bag or box to prevent abuse.

This weekend I bought a 28mm f/3.5 Super-Takumar for a good price and the iris blades stopped working about 5 minutes after I got it home. When I disassembled it, I found that the rear element group mount had begun to unscrew and backed out, jamming the arm that activates the blades. Then I found a screw on the "Automatic - Manual" switch was also backed out and the helical lube had liquified some and coated just about everything except the optics.

My guess is that the lens was possibly left in the trunk or interior of a hot car/truck repeatedly and maybe spent some time on airplanes which will unscrew lens parts like nobody's business.

Quality cameras will take a fair amount of knocks and bumps but bouncing around on the floor of a vehicle will surely ruin the best cameras, given time. Of course, YMMV.

Walker

 

[Iskra 2]

Tough Cameras

Tough Cameras

Who can pass the truck test? My Iskra 2's do. My FTBn's do. My RB67 does. I hope my repaired GT can take it. 🙂 There is carpeting on the floor though 😀

The point I was making along with others was, expensive lenses/cameras can intimidate or limit the picture taking process if there is a fear of equipment damage. The results of many inexpensive systems in tough environments will exceed the best equipment which is still in the Domke bag. :angel: Peace.

 

[peter_n]

Peter, nice shot, it looks as if your pic was taken from a low angle. Did you frame it or just point it?

The camera was at my eye and I was sitting at the next table to the couple on the left side of the frame. This was taken in a Madrid tapas bar at about 1:00am - Neopan 1600, lens aperture on the Canonet QL-17 was around f4.

 

[Iskra 2]

Considering that you can obtain a very good interchangeable RF lens system for comparitively little money these days (voigtlander or used stuff), I think it makes sense to consider the interchangeable lens RF's. No one is saying to go out and buy the 35mm summilux ASPH, but the 35mm ultron will be a better lens than almost any of the fixed lens RF's and you can get it for under 400. Add a used bessa and you are still barely over 500 bucks.

Stuart, I have a Zorki 4 on the way with a Jupiter 8 following. After I feel comfortable with the Zorki I'll probably get a Leica lens to capture the Leica "glow". After I can capture the "glow" I might look for an M something body. They will all have to ride in the truck though. 🙂

 

[StuartR]

I am sure they will do fine. I am not sure about the Zorki's or bessas, but I know that the Leica M's tend to keep their rangefinders in alignment pretty well. Keep in mind that these were the serious journalist cameras of the 50s and 60s -- they were built to take a beating.