midsize classic camera request

[Lobo]

Hi,
i shot and collected analogue cameras for around 10 years now. i had around 50 cameras, and reduced my collection for private reasons, but i got the feeling i gave away too much of them. Since i started again with analogue photography i try to build a minimalistic arsenal for various usage:

I'm looking for a midsize camera between my Pentax MX (for Photowalks) and my Minox ML (as Everyday carry camera). Like a Olympus Trip size and weight wise. A camera for strolling around without the need to photography, when there is nothing worth to burn the rolls through. Just there, when needed..

Technical:
a camera for quick, uncomplicated use, still a little bit of creative options if needed, halfautomatic exposer (AP or SP), Rangefinder or Scalefocusing.

Apperance:
as a collector and a museumworker, i am more interested in the times they resemble. So a 1950s and 1960s camera with their distinctive, curvy chrome look is good. e.g Kodak Retinette. Whats not on my list are 1970s compact rangefinders, as their boxy appearance is not the timeperiod im interessted.

I cant imagin a camera that can match my request (or i forgot it). Did you know more than me?
cheers

 

[rumbliegeos]

In terms of appearance I suspect you would like the Voigtlander Vito and Vitomatic series. Their Color Skopar and Ultron lenses are great. If you go in that direction make sure their Prontor shutters are working well.


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[Greyscale]

Something like these, perhaps?


Wirgin Edixa II by Mike Novak, on Flickr


Wirgin Edinex III with 50/2 Xenon lens. by Mike Novak, on Flickr


Olympus 35 by Mike Novak, on Flickr


Minolta Auto Wide by Mike Novak, on Flickr


Ansco Super Memar with f2 Solagon lens. by Mike Novak, on Flickr

 

[zuiko85]

Oh dear, as I read your post the first camera that popped into my head was an Olympus RC.
But I see you have restricted your choices from 50’s to 60’s and the RC is from the 70’s. Too bad, it matches your handling and exposure preference.

 

[Dan Daniel]

Kodak Retina series. I'm partial to the II's. IIa?

 

[Greyscale]

Automatic exposure severely limits your choices of cameras from the 50’s, except for a small handful, even those with meters were of the uncoupled variety. If you can live with an uncoupled meter in a viewfinder camera, the Kodak Signet 50 would be a charming choice, while the Beauty Beaumat rangefinder has a singular quirky early space-age charm.

 

[Swift1]

My first choices might a Retina II (knob wind) or a Voigtlander Vitessa.

 

[Huss]

Zeiss Ikon Contessa

https://cameraquest.com/contessa.htm

 

[Solinar]

No automatic mode - but another vote for an early 1950's Retina IIa.

 

[Ko.Fe.]

Just get LTM Leica and learn how to use it. You will not find anything working in AV, TV mode from 50-ies and 60-ies.

 

[valdas]

Well, it is from 70-ies... Ricoh 500g

 

[retinax]

What you're looking for isn't mid-sized, it's tiny for a 35. I don't think there was a Trip-sized 35mm full frame camera before the Trip, which was touted being as small as a half frame, except perhaps the very early Retinas. And earlier AE cameras were somewhat primitive and all larger. Actually the Trip IS a 60s design, as is the EC family and SP. I wouldn't call these boxy, but they aren't curvy either.

 

[peterm1]

Assuming your budget extends to it, I am very partial to the earlier Canon rangefinders (of course you need a lens for it too as they are not a fixed lens camera). They are just so nice to use, reliable and solid (build quality as good or better than a Leica) and not too expensive for what they are. Examples include:

And a video about these kind of cameras.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KvA4o_fkyWA

And this video of some guy's collection of old rangefinder cameras may provide some other options.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hKlYcyV8RTM

and this one - mainly 1960s era fixed lens rf cameras.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8hZ7aD2JjE

 

[Dan Daniel]

And then this mid-60s beauty. Half-frame. Auto-exposure, scale focus.

 

[tunalegs]

Why not just get a Trip 35?

 

[Greyscale]

What you're looking for isn't mid-sized, it's tiny for a 35. I don't think there was a Trip-sized 35mm full frame camera before the Trip, which was touted being as small as a half frame, except perhaps the very early Retinas. And earlier AE cameras were somewhat primitive and all larger. Actually the Trip IS a 60s design, as is the EC family and SP. I wouldn't call these boxy, but they aren't curvy either.

The Olympus 35 that I posted earlier is smaller than the Trip, and it is from the 1950's. Certo also made a nice diminutive 35mm rangefinder folder.

 

[maigo]

Voigtlander Vitessa-L with Ultron 50mm/2

Oh wait, that is the camera that I want. 🙂



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[charjohncarter]

I'm surprised that no one has suggested the Olympus 35RC (maybe someone has I didn't read the replies to closely). You have both automatic exposure (shutter priority), and complete manual. It is small as the Trip with a little more versatility with a coupled RF (and no bellows). Be sure you get a good one like all consumer models they could need work.

flash unit by John Carter, on Flickr

Sorry it is early 70s and dead square.

 

[aizan]

Do any of these float your boat?

Yashica Minister II

Minolta Minoltina-P (or one of the other Minoltas on this page)

Kodak Retina Automatic III

Agfa Optima 200 (or other Optima)

Voigtlander Vito Automatic

 

[iphoenix]

Could you think of 1/2 frame cameras?
What about the Olympus EE series cameras which, though they are not full 35mm frame, seem to fit all your requirements. The quality of their lenses is excellent and prices are affordable.