KoNickon
Nick Merritt
Never mind -- looks like the 35RC is the winner.
charjohncarter
Veteran
The Olympus RC can be used without a battery and that is a plus. But the real plus is when you do have a battery that Shutter priority (the 'A' setting) is very handy.
johnf04
Well-known
If you want something a little different, with a range of lenses, there's the Agfa Ambi Silette.
Graemea
Member
I'd recommend the original Canonet, particularly if you're using an external meter
It has a full range of shutter speeds (1 - 1/500) unlike the QL17. Nice big viewfinder with parallax compensation and a decent 45mm F1.9 lens. The FSU stuff is just a bit too crude - I have a Zorki 1 and a Fed 5B. Horrible finders and uncomfortable to use.
So the Canonet is no Leica M Series, but it's easier to use than most and fun with the bottom wind. Available very cheaply too.
It has a full range of shutter speeds (1 - 1/500) unlike the QL17. Nice big viewfinder with parallax compensation and a decent 45mm F1.9 lens. The FSU stuff is just a bit too crude - I have a Zorki 1 and a Fed 5B. Horrible finders and uncomfortable to use.
So the Canonet is no Leica M Series, but it's easier to use than most and fun with the bottom wind. Available very cheaply too.
maigo
Well-known
Olympus 35RC.
All day, every day.
For extra $$ and versatility - Bessa-L or Bessa-T or Bessa-R and lens of your choice.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
All day, every day.
For extra $$ and versatility - Bessa-L or Bessa-T or Bessa-R and lens of your choice.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
leicavidom
Member
Olympus 35RD is comparable to Canonet QL17giii.....I’m remembering this from tests carried out by photo magazines when these cameras were “current”
leicavidom
Member
While I’m remembering things(I used to work in photo trade at the time) Konica Auto S2 and late variants of Minolta Himatic 7s were are also highly regarded.
The benefits of all these Japanese cameras over say a Leica IIIf is leaf shutters so much better if flash is important to you....add a Vivitar 283 and you are covered for those family events where aunts,grannies and godparents still want a print.
Makes a great change from instant gratification of the Iphone age.
The benefits of all these Japanese cameras over say a Leica IIIf is leaf shutters so much better if flash is important to you....add a Vivitar 283 and you are covered for those family events where aunts,grannies and godparents still want a print.
Makes a great change from instant gratification of the Iphone age.