Looking for a camera

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shutterfiend

cheap and lazy
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Nov 16, 2006
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Hi all!

I'm new to this forum, rangefinders and photography in general. I did some research and purchased a few inexpensive fixed lens rangefinders. I did take a few lousy photographs along the way (none of them worthy to be posted here, ofcourse). In a year or two I may even dare to post some.

Since, I've been doing some research on equipment, I thought I'd ask this question. Is there a relatively inexpensive interchangable lens rangefinder with shutter speed quicker than 1/500 and ISO exceeding 800?

Thank you,
sf
 
Shutter speeds go up to 1/1000 on Kievs. I think they also go high on Zorki-4's as well. FSU cams are cheap. The zorki takes Leica thread mount lenses.

The ISO is up to you. Depending on auto-exposure or manual metering, take a look at cameraquest.com at the Bessa's
 
It depends on what you mean by interchangeable, but what Ash said above is definitely true.
Have you considered sticking with one or two of your fixed-lens rangefinders until you feel that you're taking better photos? For over 10 years I used the same camera and lens for everything. One day it dawned on me that I could buy a couple more lenses. Anyway, I feel that I was able to develop a really good understanding of light, composition, and the real advantages and limitations of my equipment. I only bought a second (serious) camera when I needed a specific feature that my first didn't.
Which fixed-lens cameras are you using? The pictures I take with my Yashica Electro are just as good as those I take with my Leica M4 or Canon L1. I just can't change the lens.
 
Thanks Ash. FSU=Former Soviet Union? So you compensate with shutter speed for ISO. I never thought of it before. Thanks.

David, I have a recently acquired Minolta Hi-Matic 7s. Light meter readings are a little off (I don't have a 'proper' light meter). Pictures came out a little dark but sharp. I'll have to over-expose my next roll. But I can't take pictures in bright sunlight without stopping down.

I also like the wide-angle perspective. But the Ricoh GRs are so expensive.
 
I would recommend you get a used Bessa R and a couple of lenses. My kit consists of Voigtlander 35/2.5, FSU Jupiter 50/2 and Jupiter 85/2. That's all I need.

If you're into wideangles you might consider a Bessa L (the one w/o rangefinder) and get some Voigtlander ultra-wides.
 
shutterfiend ~ Welcome to RFF! "Cheap & lazy" ... hmmm, you're definately one of us. That Minolta will serve you well. Shoot the heck out of it! Bang for buck, they're pretty awsome and the Rokkor lens is very capable in just about any light.

As far as Zorkis, the 3, 3M, 4 and 4K all have 1/1000 shutter speed - which, by the way, is one speed I raaaarely use. I just don't shoot fast enough film to go over 1/500.

Hey, take your time looking at other gear and in the meantime, run a bunch of rolls through that Minolta. You'll have a ball!

cheers!
 
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shutterfiend: For the bright light situations with the Minolta, there's an easy fix: get one or more neutral density filters. With a 55mm filter thread, it should be easy to find good ones at reasonable prices. They come in various densities (i.e. 2 stops, 4 stops, 8 stops) of attenuation.
 
Thanks CVBLZ4. I was using 400. That might have been my problem.

Trius, I'll try the filters. But the light meter is inside the rim. Wouldn't that be affected by the filter too? Thanks

Trius, nevermind, I get it! Thanks.
 
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shutterfiend said:
But the light meter is inside the rim. Wouldn't that be affected by the filter too? Thanks.
Click to expand...
Yeah, I would definately think it would. And BTW, as for those "few lousy photographs" you've taken, feel free to post 'em. I can't say I've taken just a "few"... more like "a boatload!" ;) But hey, we're all learning.
 
Only thing I'd add to the above is to go ahead and post the "few lousy" pics you've shot already. I have repeatedly found that the critiques of my garbage has been far more helpful to me than comments on the stuff I already know I nailed... ;)

I have ~300 shots in my gallery. I have 15 in my "portfolio" folder where I place the stuff I'd actually be willing to try to get published. But I've learned far more from the others...

YMWillV.

William
 
Spyderman said:
I would recommend you get a used Bessa R and a couple of lenses. My kit consists of Voigtlander 35/2.5, FSU Jupiter 50/2 and Jupiter 85/2. That's all I need.

If you're into wideangles you might consider a Bessa L (the one w/o rangefinder) and get some Voigtlander ultra-wides.
Click to expand...

I agree, excellent way to start. The CV/VC line will pleasantly surprise you.
 
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