My first RF

[labjt]

[FONT='Arial','sans-serif']This website had been a terrific resource as I begin to search for my first rangefinder camera. That being said, I am getting overwhelmed at the options. Also, lenses, view finders, etc. I am getting confused with what I really need and don’t need starting out. I want to spend about $300. Can you point me in the right direction? If I find I really take photography seriously, then I may stake the next big step but until then, any help you can give me would be greatly appreciated. Thank you very much. I look forward to learning from this forum.[/FONT]

 

[-doomed-]

Buy yourself a fixed lense RF like a canonet ql-17 gIII .
Fixed Lense RF's are a good bet if you are interested in RF photography, because if it turns out you're not as into it as you thought, you're only into it for around $80 for a good user or less if you find a good deal.
I started with a fixed lense and quickly bought a Bessa R2a once I decided I liked rangefinders. If you want an interchangeable lense RF to start look for a used Bessa R (r2,r2a,r3a or m) Start with a focal length that suits your needs and work with that, as you progress then look into new lenses some require finders.

 

[bgb]

I think you should be looking at who to buy from and not just which camera. Try to find someone reliable ... like one of the members of this fine forum 🙂 Check out the classifieds there might be something there that you like.

 

[BearCatCow]

Fixed lens - cheap fun!

Fixed lens - cheap fun!

Fixed lens is a good bet. You can get a lot of the joy of using a rangefinder without spending a lot of money. If it turns out that you find using one to be joyful, you can then get the equipment that best suits your purpose.

Speaking of which what kind of photographs would you like to make?

 

[labjt]

canon ql 17 gIII

canon ql 17 gIII

-doomed-, I took your advice and bought the fixed lense canon ql17 gIII. After reading just about everything I could on them, they certainly seemed the best option for the price. Now that I have the camera, film do you guys recommend using. I know there is certainly more than one, but where is a good place to start. I figured I would start in black and white first.

Also, where you guys get your film developed and what process to you use to digitize your shots?

Please bear with me, I am an absolute beginner. Thanks for the help.

 

[Morb1]

labjt: if you want to use black and white film, you have to decide which type to go with first. There is the traditional B&W films (like tri-x, ilford HP5 or t-max) and there is the chromogenic color films which can be developed in a C41 color process (just like the color films you buy in a super market or something). For me, the C41 B&W films are much easier do deal with because every local shop can develop them within a day. No one near me processes traditional B&W film anymore. For C41 B&W films you can look for these:
Kodak BW400CN, Ilford XP2, Fuji Neopan 400CN (i'm not sure if there are others on the market).

 

[camera.bear]

labjt,

Congratulations on going for the Canonet QL17 G-III. This was also my first rangefinder and it is really nice for learning with. I haven't yet, but I should really stick some B/W film in it and shoot it that way. I have used the BW400CN before and really liked the results. Sometimes these chromogenic films can have a color-cast, but this is easily taken care of in the digital darkroom. Enjoy.

Here are a couple of shots on the BW400CN

 

[-doomed-]

Great choice on the Canonet QL17 , I was using kodaks BW400CN and having it developed and scanned at the local supermarket until i decided to shoot on Ilford HP5 and develop it myself(using information I found here). I bought a cheap scanner that gets the job done, but I am looking to upgrade it since this one is basically giving me what i paid for. Give it a go with the C41 film you can have developed at a minlab and as you progress give home development a try , there really is nothing like seeing negatives fresh off the reel.

 

[35mmdelux]

You may want to try Astia 100F slide film, packs some punch.


[camerabear, nice tonality]