new to rf'ers

[spatch2008]

Hey

So I'm looking to get into rangefinder photography, and have come across the Canon QL19. ive read quite a bit about it, and people seem to rave about it. Any suggestions on this vs. QL19, or even QL28?

Somebody sell me on the idea of buying a RF camera!

(ive been shooting Nikon SLR, nikon DSLR, Lumix P&S Digital, Mamyia M645, even LOMO.......) looking for soemthing new

thanks

 

[januaryman]

I'm sure the 19 is fine, but the "good" Canonet is the GIII QL17. There was one in the classifieds not to long ago. As for "selling you" on rangefinders, I leave that to others. In my mind, if you need selling, stick to your digicam.

 

[spatch2008]

save me your snobbery. im just looking for some first hand advice.

 

[dmr]

Somebody sell me on the idea of buying a RF camera!

You really need to get a RF and shoot it for a while. The mentioned QL17 GIII is usually inexpensive so you can do this without destroying your budget.

 

[blackwave]

Whew, what an exchange for a new member!

The Head Bartender here (Stephen Gandy) has a great page about the 1970's fixed-lens RF's. Here is the link: http://cameraquest.com/com35s.htm

Go to www.cameraquest.com to find more specific info on these RF's.

Jim is right, the QL17 and QL17 GIII are the more sought after of the Canonets. They have a fast lens, auto and full manual exposure, and in my experience are well made for a camera in this class.

Be sure to read up on the specific brand and model you want to buy. Many aren't able to be used for full manual exposure (I use an incident meter) such as the QL28. The Olympus 35RC is very nice as well, albeit a bit small for my hands. Then again, I have huge hands!

Good luck! The QL17 was my entry into rangefinderdom about four years ago and I still keep it as a regular shooter.

 

[sweathog]

The GIII QL17 is a lovely little RF, I highly recommend it.
However, if a fast lens is not necessary then you may enjoy the Olympus 35RC, very small, light, and a treat to use.

 

[newspaperguy]

Jim may have been too direct, but do I think you have to sell yourself on rangefinders. Same skills apply, but IMO it does require a different mindset,
and a lot more work, than an SLR (Which may well be why SLRs got so popular.)

 

[Steve Bellayr]

Get a Canonet QL17 GIII or Yashica GSN. IMHO they are the two best entry level cameras that will not set you back big bucks. They are common. The main problem is the battery & voltage. It is easier solved on the Yashica GSN. Watch the for sale on the forum as something usually comes up already adjusted & you know that it will work.

 

[scottwallick]

I got my start with RFs using the Canon Canonet GIII QL17. That was that. I kept the Canonet, and bought a Leica CL. Sold the CL, kept the Canonet, and got a Bessa R2. Sold the Bessa R2, kept the Canonet, and bought a Zeiss Ikon. Still have the Zeiss Ikon and the Canonet.

The Canonet is a joy to use and contains the elements that make the RF such an appealing tool: clear viewfinder, parallax correction, a fast contrasty lens, and one of the quietest shutters ever. It has heft yet is (coat) pocketable.

 

[spatch2008]

nice. thanks for the links, and for the good reasoning as to why the canonete and RF in general is a great tool. thats what i was lookin for

 

[darkrum]

Clever guy, I moved into the RF world when I bought a Canonet 28 this year, after living in the SLR world for many years. The Canonet 28 was almost free of charge and I am very pleased with it, very neat, good lens. I am just waiting to get the right price for a 17 or 19 too because of the aperture, but the 28 is a very good alternative until then and perhaps it could be an alternative for you as well. If anyone has other experience of the 28 I would be pleased to know.