Poll: Favorite Line of Classic Japanese FLRF

[daniel~]

btgc, same choice, again~ I just hope we don't end up bidding for the same *bay item someday.

The cream white EF3 has been my personally favourite ever since I got it(a couple of years ago that was). Plastic front cover does need to be handled with care, as mine came with a tiny crack, which extends gradually with use...

My red EF3 was a "new old stock", so I can vouch for its viewfinder originally being bright & clear. Without the need to provide RF patch contrast, it easily outshines most rangefinders' VF for clarity!

 

[btgc]

daniel~, when I look at VF under most of light conditions, it's quite OK. It flares under certain back light only. Then I don't see framelines I thought VF is OK though compared to cleaned there IS difference.
I think slight build-up on internal surfaces of VF depends rather how/where camera were stored, climate maybe. Both my EF3's came otherwise clean, if ever used judging by immaculate matte backs which change over time of use.

As for lens cap (if you mean lens cap) I suggest to grab POP (well, there were many POP models, I mean one similar to EF3) - it has lens cap fitting EF3 too.
Or you mean famous EF3 crack near to VF? Yes, my red one also has it (though it doesn't progress), not white - and I have never seen POP with crack in that place. In this case I can look if my spare camera has crack or not - if you are interested.

 

[daniel~]

Or you mean famous EF3 crack near to VF? Yes, my red one also has it (though it doesn't progress), not white - and I have never seen POP with crack in that place. In this case I can look if my spare camera has crack or not - if you are interested.

Thanks, btgc. I was referring to the plastic body front. My white EF3 cracked near the battery cover.

Anyway, I like the EF3 so much that I have managed to get it an unused spare "shell", just in case for future facelift.

 

[btgc]

I must know you also backup for backup EF3
I sure will not bid on cool yellow EF3...or....wait...:angel:

 

[d_ross]

Of all that Ive used I have to say my recently purchased Olympus 35 LC is the best, it's slightly big but that suits me anyway. It has a great lens and is so easy to use! It doesn't have auto but has a really accurate match needle metered manual. everything about the design is spot on the, especially the way the aperture and shutter speed rings are set up on the lens which make them easy to operate unlike others I've used.

 

[Platon]

For me, there is three cameras.
Konica Auto S2/S3 and the large but very competent Fujica V2 with Fujinon 4.5cm/1.8. I'll think it has the best lens of them all.

 

[conradyiu]

used Yashica GX, Oly RD and Minolta 7SII only, like the RD but hate the sticky blade issue (till now can't fix it), GX is good shooter but not like the meter arrows on top plate, 7SII is really nice and sharp lens, sad need to sell it as moved to R-D1

 

[Michel Jhon]

Japanese either would have pickled veggies, or Tempura, or veggies with curry sauce Japanese style, or combination of it.

In Bento (lunch box filled with variety of dishes) tempura is common in them. Outside Japan, Tempura vegetable is the most associate of way of preparing it, and it's most popular.

 

[ZeissFan]

Once again, there's a big difference between "favorite" and "highest quality."

As far as the best made/highest quality, the Konica III is going to be at or near the top. Excellent choice of materials. Excellent workmanship and excellent design. No corners cut.

As far as favorite, the Olympus cameras always score high, especially the 35 RC. What's not to like? Small package with manual controls and a sharp lens.

In terms of build quality, I don't think that any approach the Konica III.

 

[NickTrop]

Fujica V2 with Fujinon 4.5cm/1.8. I'll think it has the best lens of them all.

Have the Fuji Compact Deluxe, which probably has the same lens. Agree. Something magic about that lens.
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[FrankS]

i've owned many of these cameras.
i don't know about best line of cameras,
but the oly 35sp is at the top of this heap, imo.

 

[caperunner]

Have been using a Hi Matic E c/w original batteries. The effort to use it is minimal and the lens gives excellent results. Similar to Nikon S3 with 50/2 as an unfair comparison!

 

[Sonnar Brian]

I have a new favorite. Walz Envoy 35 with the 4.8cm F1.9 Sonnar formula lens.

Just because of the lens. It's sharper than the Zeiss Sonnar 5cm F2.

 

[NickTrop]

I have a new favorite. Walz Envoy 35 with the 4.8cm F1.9 Sonnar formula lens.

Just because of the lens. It's sharper than the Zeiss Sonnar 5cm F2.

Hmmmmmmmmm... Coming from you, this (at least to me) "off brand" merits serious consideration. You've seen (and fixed) 'em all.

 

[rc50]

Is the Kominar 1:1.8 F=4.5cm on the Walz Electric "18" any good ?

Keith
SC

 

[Sonnar Brian]

The Kominar moved to a Planar formula lens, not the Sonnar formula on the Walz Envoy 35.

The Walz is very well made. My Opinion: The lens is exceptional.

But let the images speak for themselves.

Wide-Open

Tight crop of above:

Closest Focus and Wide-Open:

At F4:

Cleaning the viewfinder/RF:
http://ziforums.com/showthread.php?t=343

Priced at about what a J-8 in LTM would cost.

 

[lxmike]

Olympus 35 rc everytime

 

[Bill58]

It leaves you wondering if the Japanese EVER made a bad lens anytime?