need new film rangefinder

[ZaimAzmi]

So I just went to Indonesia and bring along my Canonet QL17. And on the 2nd day and so on, the shutter not working. Is it possible to repair the problem?

I'm also thinking to buy new one. So any suggestion for film rangefinder camera that comes with light meter and A mode? Wanna try something new and for now Leica cameras are not in my budget.

Thank you. 🙂

 

[Fawley]

Shutter repairs can be difficult. For an inexpensive rangefinder alternative to the Canon, I suggest a Minolta HiMatic 7S. Its a larger camera than the Canon, but more flexible in its metering options offering fully manual metering as well as automatic operation. I own and enjoy useing both cameras.

 

[segedi]

If a Voigtlander Bessa R3A, R4A or R2A are in budget, paired with an appropriate lens for the model, that's what I would recommend. Should be able to buy used for less than $900.

 

[ZaimAzmi]

Have anyone use Yashica Electro 35? Thought of buying it because its not hard to find its battery.

 

[Trius]

Look in the classified ads here for the Yashica. For a similar size to the Canonet, the Minolta 7Sii (not the 7S) is a great little rf. I had a 7S and while it was fine, I didn't care for the size that much, but the viewfinder was the thing I didn't like the most.

 

[paradoxbox]

how about a konica c35 or similar camera? you can find them for around $20 and they have awesome hexanon 38mm f1.8 or f2.8 lenses. there are a few versions of them, most of them are all aperture priority mode but i believe there's a manual version out there as well.

best of all they are tiny!! pocketable size and lastly the shutter is a leaf design so it's utterly silent!

 

[thegman]

Second the Bessa recommendation, although they're still hugely expensive compared to just about any manual SLR. If you're on holiday and need a camera *right now* I'd just get a cheap SLR and just use that. If you decide you want a range finder once you get back, then you can research a purchase at your leisure.

 

[gb hill]

Have anyone use Yashica Electro 35? Thought of buying it because its not hard to find its battery.

Unless you know for certain the POD has been replaced I'd stay away from these camera's. They will give you more trouble than they are worth. JMO.

 

[ray*j*gun]

Unless you know for certain the POD has been replaced I'd stay away from these camera's. They will give you more trouble than they are worth. JMO.

Agree I hated mine and it theoretically was serviced. I know there are lots of members who have had good luck with them but not me.

Konica S2 has an Auto setting but its shutter speed priority. Mine is a tough cameras with an extraordinary Hexanon lens. They are harder to find however.

 

[konicaman]

I would second the C35s or Olympus 35 RC if you want manual settings. They are usually working and with no need for a CLA as compared to the S2 or the Electros. You might also look into Ricoh 500 series - can be had for peanuts.

 

[ColSebastianMoran]

To Zaim, the OP:

I'm sure you'll get lots of comments. Everyone has their favorites. I've bought several, and here's what I learned: Although there may be $20 bargains out there, most of them won't work and won't be reliable. These cameras pretty much all need service. Buy from someone who does such service or have your camera worked-on. I think of these as a terrific $100 camera, not as a $20 bargain possibility.

PM Frontman here who sells on the auction site as Sangetsu03. Anything from him will be dependable. PM b1bmsgt here who fixes the full size Yashicas.

My personal favorite is the Yashica Electro GX.

 

[ZaimAzmi]

thanks guys! Will take my time and decide which to buy.

 

[jwicaksana]

When was your visit to Indonesia? We have quite a few techs that are familiar with the compact RFs. If you like to have it fixed, let me know, hope we can arrange something.

 

[Orbiter]

For aperture mode and an on-camera light meter it's pretty hard to beat an Electro GSN for the price (even including a CLA). Could also consider an Olympus 35 SP. The advice about planning on the CLA is accurate. A good repair person can really make these old gems perform.

 

[cosmonaut]

I have freed up three QL-17 stuck shutters by removing the front element and treating it with a drop of lighter fluid on a Q-tip. It may take several treatments but you can Google a DIY.

 

[ZaimAzmi]

When was your visit to Indonesia? We have quite a few techs that are familiar with the compact RFs. If you like to have it fixed, let me know, hope we can arrange something.

Thanks, but I just got back last Saturday and decided to pick up a new rangefinder. But will also try to find anyone who can repair this camera.

 

[ZaimAzmi]

Anyone here using Contax G1 camera? Thought of buying one. What are your thoughts on it?