Looking For My 1st..

[zerocool]

Hello All, this is my first "offical" post/thread lol


well ive decided to try different things.... i currently shoot with a Nikon N75 SLR | 28-90mm | 17-200mm, and a P&S Canon PowerShot A540, also i have a Konica C35 AF that is a drawer collection dust. Im looking to broaden my spectrum a bit and aquire my first RangeFinder, any suggestions on what to look for? brands? etc etc? my price range is under 100 bux and looking for something great working order that im not going to have to put 100+ in it to work...suggestions?

 

[fishtek]

Hard to go wrong with a Canonet. There a whole raft of permutations of this model line, and all enjoy good reputations. The Konica Auto S2 is great, as is the Vivitar 35 ES or one of it's clones. There are many good ideas, and I'm sure you'll get lots of suggestions here.

Merry Christmas and Welcome!
Don

 

[wolves3012]

Welcome to RFF, zerocool!

$100 isn't going to get you a wonderful setup, although it's surprising just what can be got with a little homework. It'd get you a good FSU (Russian) RF with interchangeable lenses but QC issues and age are going to mean it's a lottery if it'll work properly. They are quite amenable to DIY servicing, however. There are quite a few fixed-lens RFs around for that sort or money, many of which are good quality.

Stick with a well known make (Olympus and Yashica, for instance) and get assurances that it all works. Also be aware that some of them require hard-to-find batteries for light-meters, which can be a problem. I don't know a great deal about fixed-lens models but I'm sure others will point you in the right direction...

Good luck anyway!

 

[zerocool]

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[Trius]

For $100 you have any number of choices, and could even get two or three great cameras. I personally prefer the Olympus 35SP (should get one in good condition, etc., for that price, though they often go for more) because of the great lens, excellent viewfinder and handling, etc. The Minolta 7s is also great... bigger than the 35SP and doesn't "feel" as solid, but has a great lens and viewfinder. Konica S2 and the Yashicas are other good choices. The Yashicas are the largest of the lot.

If you get something and have money left over, try the Konica C35, not autofocus. It's one of the best bang-for-the buck little RFs ever made. It only operates in programmed auto mode (unless you use the flash mode and fool it), but the exposures are generally right on and the lens is sharp. They go for $5-35 depending on condition, the phase of the moon, etc.