Rangefinder options

[jpa66]

This post is from someone who is brand new to rangefinder photography. I've been an SLR user for most of my photographic life ( 1985 on ). I was one of those people who didn't like the quirkiness of the viewer, among a couple of other things.

Anyway, I've just recently gotten the rangefinder bug ( from my father-in-law ), and I've gotten a Yashica GS as well as a Konica S2. Both were bought for cheap, and need a couple of fixes before they're use-able.

I'm looking for a rangefinder that I can just start shooting with now. I'd like to get something that's relatively reliable, that has a very good/excellent lens, and that has a meter. I'd also like one that is relatively small.

I've narrowed my search down to a few possibilities, in categories of price ( all would be bought used ):

Cheap(er): Olympus 35 RC, Canonet gl 17, Minolta Hi-Matic E, Yashica Lynx ( I know - it's big )

More dough: Canon rangefinder ( like the 7 ); Olympus 35 SP

Most money: Minolta CLE, Bessa R2A

Most of the cameras are not terribly expensive, I know, but I'd like to start slowly, use a few different cameras and see which one I like the best. Any suggestions for other cameras or comments on the ones I've listed would be extremely welcome.

Thanks,
JP

 

[laptoprob]

There must be more RFfers in or around Chicago to organize a fondle-gathering. Then you can compare hands-on. Models that are great to one aren't to another.

I myself am not that fond of the Bessas, mainly because of mechanics. The CLE is lovely though. And you will have to figure out if you want to go into interchangeable lenses (already). There are a lot of fixed lens RF's out there. The Canon GLIII is fantastic and small.

 

[Spider67]

The Olympus 35 RC is a very underestimated camera! Great lens! But you should check if you are comfortable with it as it's on the smaller side. Canonet is also quite good. You have already good cameras in your "Cheap" category. So a cheap Canonet or 35 RC would be a good start.
If you like to use different lenses with your RF then a Canon 7 is a good entry, you can use Leica, Canon and Voigtländer lenses in 39mm screwmount
Welcome to the forum!
Des

 

[pesphoto]

I find the Olympus and Canonets too small for my hands. Yashica lynx 5000e would be my suggestion to get started if you want to try it out for not too much money.

 

[btgc]

I'll second Lynx 5000. I started from there and gravitate back to it. Over time, I came to feeling that best RF's don't have AE mechanism. Not that I hate AE, just because AE-less fixed lens RF's have properly smooth shutter release, complementing overall "fast to use" concept.

Though there are AE-equipped RF's having acceptably stiff release - but this is very personal. You'll have to go through several models to feel what serves better for you, I mean, which properties are important for you.

 

[Al Patterson]

The Yashica GS you have would be a great camera if it were up to spec. I have a GSN and love it.

I second the "fondle gathering" idea, as that's a great way to gauge the feel of cameras without spending more than lunch or beer money.

 

[jpa66]

I guess I'll have to seek out rangefinder users in Chicago - sounds like a good idea.

Also, I like the idea of a small camera - the weight and non-bulkiness of them appeal to me ( and my hands are relatively small for a guy ). Interchangeable lenses aren't an issue for me, as long as the lens is relatively fast.

What got me to pursue rangefinders in the first place was their use as "street" cameras. That plus I've grown tired through the years of the lens slap of an SLR...

Thanks for all the assistance everyone. I'll definitely check into the Lynx. Hopefully my GS and S2 will be up and running without too much difficulty.

JP