Lynx 14 Size Not A Problem ? Kindly Explain It To Me

R

ruben

Guest
Let's have a nice gear gossip chat, like in the old times when the Flinstones were around.

I have a very good Lynx 14 something that keeps me attracted and dis-illusioned by its size. I mean when I am far from it, I somehow dream about using it and its convenience. But each time I take it out of the closet, its size deterres me from venting it at the streets. And this circular tour goes on and on.

Now, if I were You, I would tell Ruben: Use it once or twice, fill a fillm with frames and then rethink. But, due to the misfortune that I am Ruben, before venting it out, I have to clean and check and perhaps adjust its rangefinding, and black tape its exterior.

Therefore, what in fact I am in need of, is some kind of seduction by you to start the job. So if you are one those wise guys feeling "no problem", concerning the Lynx 14 size, kindly tell me about this "no problem" whatever stories you have experienced with it, making me feel or think of its size as of secondary importance

Cheers,
Ruben.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Tri-x indoors...see what happens. For a long time I had a problem finding a lens hood for this camera then I came across a VCR hood that worked just fine.
 
The Lynx 14 is the same size as a Yashica J-3 SLR. They even share the same ever-ready case. If you don;t mind a Minolta SRT-101, Nikkormat, or slew of classic 60's SLR's- the Yashica is no different in size. It is smaller and lighter than my F2AS with 55/1.2.

The shutter release is short-throw, smooth, and quiet. The 45/1.4 is a good lens. It is one the the fixed-lens RF's that is on my keeper/user list.

- adjusting the RF, cleaning it, etc- the VF can haze up and the beamsplitter can fade. The VF glass cleans nicely, and the beamsplitter is identical to the Yashica GSN. I robbed a busted GSN to fix my last Lynx14e. The one I have now is near-perfect. Even fixed the electrical on both of them- just a corroded wire on the battery compartment.
 
Last edited:
Okay Ruben- good reasons why size DOES matter.

The Lynx 14e is my favorite low-light fixed-lens RF. Faster lens, of course. The size and weight makes it easier to hold still at slow shutter speeds. Small cameras, less mass, less force to jerk them around.

And the lighted exposure indicators on the 14e make it easier to get the exposure set properly.
 
larchen said:
are they really that bad? youre putting me off buying one! :confused:
Click to expand...


On the contrary. Everything seems superb, but the size, for me.

Cheers,
Ruben
 
I don't have one, but if I look at the dimension specifications the body itself seems smaller than a Kiev, both width- and height-wise. What's large about it is mainly the length, but that's the price for a f/1.4 lens with a leaf shutter built in!

Philipp
 
Larchen,

No they are not that bad. They are beautiful cameras to use. Well built, simple controls, and are one of a classic family of great lensed cameras.

Weight may be a problem for some. My 7yo grandson has used mine no problem.
But he's no wimp either. :)
 
Ruben, take this with a grain of salt:

Try lugging a Nikon F4 (with motor) with one of the f1.4 Nikkor lenses around for a couple of days, and after that, the Lynx will seem light as a feather :)

If that does not help, switch to a Koni-Omega (medium format 6x7) for a couple of days. It's guaranteed to cure you of the Lynx weight problem.

I know what I'm talking about. I do have a Koni-Omega with standard 90mm lens. It's an excellent camera, really wonderful - and the lens quality is often compared to Hassy equivalents. It's absolutely fabulous.

Yeah, and I've used it about 3 times since I bought it several years ago.

Now go and ask me why ;)

Denis
 
Perhaps I am being a bit misunderstood.

Of course there are many many bigger cameras than the Lynx-14. I myself owns a pair of C-330 and a Polaroid SE600.

My issue with the Lynx 14 size is related to the streets shooting. My feeling is, it is too massive for going unnoticed, while it is not enough elegant for being noticed with a smile by people around.

Weight is not a problem for me too.

Cheers,
Ruben
 
Hi Ruben,

I feel that much of this is not really related to the gear itself, but how you react to the gear. So if you feel that it's too big, you begin to act less naturally. I think people notice this more than the gear itself. Why don't you try street shooting 10 rolls of film with the Lynx and then see if it still feels too big for you?

Philipp
 
Yes, rxmd, you are right. It is all about personal approach. Perhaps black painted the Lynx may look totally different to me.

Cheers,
Ruben
 
Maybe you should trade it for a Lynx 5000e. I love the butter smooth shutter
of the Lynx, but choose the 5000 because the 14 is really big and heavy for a
fixed lens RF. How often do you need f1.4 ?

Tom
 
I feel the same about my Konica S2 which I think may be about the same size. It's pretty big and bulky for a fixed lens rangefinder anyway. My solution? I do not use it when I need pocketability to be paramount. I either put a strap on it and wear it around my neck, or use a Sling (http://www.leicagoodies.com/sling.more.html).
 
To be quite honest, I havent' shot much with mine, either.
I was lucky to get it as one of my first RF cameras, and I *did* use it at the beginning. But later I got some other RFs (a certain "L"-brand :)), and after that, the Lynx was usually overlooked.... - through no fault of its own.
It *is* bigger than an M2.... And has a fixed lens.

But, what a lens it is!

Let me put it this way: if I'm going to shoot indoors, I'd rather take my Lynx than the M2+Summicron 50/2 combo (or even M2+CV 35/1.7). It's a situation for which Lynx is ideal. I wouldn't choose it for summer landscapes or any outdoor shooting in the sun (I have other cameras and lenses, and that big lens and bulky camera is just extra weight), but indoors... Under artificial light - it's quite a different story.

Hope you don't mind me blabbering here (over a glass of fine red wine, as it is ;)), but it really IS a good camera - for certain situations. So, use it when appropriate.
Don't fret over it. If you have other (lighter) cameras, use those outdoors and for street shooting in the daylight.
But, when you're indoors, its bulk shouldn't be much of a problem.

Cheers,

Denis
 
Well, I find the advice about indoors use, quite good for a start. "Indoors" use, meaning all situations in which conspicuity is not a concern, and a single body convenient. And this will release me from the need of either black taping or paint.

Perhaps I could include in this cathegory social gatherings and family weddings and so. I will be having several of these this year.

I want to use this camera.

Cheers,
Ruben
 
Last edited by a moderator:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom