Manual Camera Suggestions - Please

[picturetaker]

I am using an Electro GSN as my knock about, carry all the time camera but I think I want to get into doing some straight manual shots but I only have the Elector or a manual SLR. So what would you suggest as a reasonable cost (whatever that means) rangefinder that fits the bill. This is a GAS attack and I need some medication soon!

 

[Keith]

I'm currently awaiting the arrival of a Fed2 and 50mm Jupiter lens from Oleg at OK Cameras. It will be freshly CLA'd with a case, hood and caps and will owe me $95.00 including freight. If you don't want to spend a lot of money ... maybe this could be the way to go!

Oleg has an excellent reputation around this forum and the pics I see posted from FSU cameras make me look forward to getting mine. 🙂

 

[wolves3012]

The FED 2 is a good choice. If you need slow speeds, consider a Zorki 4 or 4K. A bit bigger than the FED but it has a brighter viewfinder as well as the slow speeds. Both these cameras are pretty cheap and easy to find in good condition. Most 4/4K come with the Jupiter 8 f/2, which is a nice lens and fairly fast. If you don't need slow speeds, get a model without, since they tend to be more reliable.

 

[ClaremontPhoto]

Voigtlander? (The modern Japanese sort)

 

[ChrisN]

Would a 40mm f/2.8 fixed-lens RF suit? I just listed a Minolta A5 on OZ ebay.

 

[Toby]

Bessa R with the lens of your choice.

 

[Flyfisher Tom]

Olympus 35SP with fixed lens ... great camera, exceptionally sharp lens. Check out Rich Silfver's gallery for some really nice shots taken with this camera. He also has a pbase gallery as well. good luck

 

[Superbus_]

my advice: the zorki 4 or zorki 4-K.

 

[rbiemer]

Zorki 3m or the Bessa R. These two cameras have all one would need(full range of shutter speeds, big viewfinders, and strap lugs) and look pretty good as well! The Bessa has the advantage of TTL metering which is very nice for using(for example) older lenses like the 90mm/f4 Elmar; you won't have to stop and try to figure out what the sunny 16 rule translates to when you're shooting at f12.5
Rob

 

[Duncan Ross]

I'm going to be true to my form here and suggest a Kiev; very slow, deliberate and quirky to use and quite unlike your Electro. Feels more 'manual' than any other manual camera I've used, you get a lot of satisfaction from using such a complex machine. Mine permanently changed the way I take photos, I think much more about the shot now.

All the advice so far on FSUs is good though. If you don't like them you can resell them for pretty much the same money you paid for them. Good luck and enjoy the hunt!

 

[picturetaker]

re the Fed 2. What is the difference between the different ones ie 2B 2C etc. Also what lens(es) would you suggest as a start?

Would the Zorkie 4 or 4K be a suitable addition or as a replacement for the Fed 2.

 

[kshapero]

rangefinder Heaven

rangefinder Heaven

I am completely unbiased. I am totally objective. Get a CV Bessa R3M w 40mm f1.4. You will be in manual heaven. Remember I am totally objective.Really.:angel:

 

[Trius]

True to form 😀 I will agree with Tom regarding the Olympus 35SP, though I feel like a broken record. That said, if a fixed lens RF is an option, some of the Canonets or Yashicas or Konicas are good options. Also, the Olympus RC and RD operate in manual mode without battery; both have great lenses.

For interchangeable lenses, an FSU (from a reputable seller and having gone through a good CLA) are the budget choices, and a Bessa R or R3 are at the higher end of the budget.

 

[GeneW]

All good suggestions. You couldn't go wrong with any of these. Let me toss a curve ball: how about trying an all-manual TLR to supplement your 35mm shooting? It would take you into another realm...

Gene

 

[Bromo33333]

I am using an Electro GSN as my knock about, carry all the time camera but I think I want to get into doing some straight manual shots but I only have the Elector or a manual SLR. So what would you suggest as a reasonable cost (whatever that means) rangefinder that fits the bill. This is a GAS attack and I need some medication soon!

Depends on if you want new or used?

If new, the best bet would be one of the Voightlander RF's ($700-1000), the ZI will be about $2k for a kit, and the Leica new will be about $5k for an all Leica kit.

If used - heck the world is your oyster, and depends upon how much you want to spend! FSU offers killer deals (<$100 inclusive) but highly variable quality, and it goes up from there!

 

[Trius]

I agree with Gene about the TLR, though it depends on how one is set to process film or have it processed. It would be no problem for me for b&w, but colour processing is less common and more expensive.

But yeah, it opens up a new world. APX 100 in 120? Oh yeah.

 

[wolves3012]

re the Fed 2. What is the difference between the different ones ie 2B 2C etc. Also what lens(es) would you suggest as a start?

Would the Zorkie 4 or 4K be a suitable addition or as a replacement for the Fed 2.

In a practical sense all FED 2s are the same. Later models had a self-timer. Very late models had lever-wind. Some had the Industar 61 which has quite a reputation (not that the Industar 26 on earlier ones is poor). A Zorki 4 is a more capable camera since it has slow speeds, so it could be either an addition or a replacement depending on your needs.