recommend a good p/s rangemaker beginner on a budget

[Daydream28]

Basically I am just now getting into rangefinder's. My only past experience is with digital cameras. I would like to slowly integrate myself in the world of 35mm and rangefinders but am uncertain on a good beginner camera (and by beginner I mean BEGINNER LOL) there are so many options. I am thinking a fixed lens and automatic for now then I can work my way to manual.

So far I have looked at a few on feabay such as the Vito Automatic, and a Ricoh Auto 35 are these any good? I would prefer a camera not too big if possible.

Something less than $50 please 🙂

If this is in the wrong thread I am so sorry let me know and I will move it.

 

[Hamel]

Look for an Olympus XA. They are pretty cheap and are great cameras.

 

[SolaresLarrave]

Canonet G-III QL17. It may be a bit over your budget, but it's a rangefinder camera with AE, and very good optics.

Also, the Konica S2 (a bit bigger, not with AE). If you stay within Program functions you won't learn much. These two cameras get you gradually into using f-stops and shutterspeed to achieve not only the right exposure, but an effect that will improve the image (mostly through depth of field).

 

[Archlich]

Konica C35

Readily available at very low prices.

 

[biomed]

The Yashica Electro 35GSN is worth looking at.

Working examples can found in your price range. A nice feature is that using a simple adapter that you can build yourself, the metering/auto exposure can operate a currently available battery.

 

[thejameskendall]

check out the Olympus 35RC - I loved mine.
+1 on the XA too.

 

[kevco]

My first rangefinder was a Yashica Electro 35 that I got from craigslist for around $20. After that I got an Olympus XA, followed by a Canonet GIII Q17.

Any of them would be a good place to start but I would recommend the Canonet if you can get a good deal on one. I had a guy on craigslist trying to sell me one for $100... maybe $150? I ended up getting one from a flea market for around $25 plus another $20 or so for new seals from ebay. It's a really nice little camera, good size and easy to focus. I really like the XA too, but the focus patch is very faint and is not likely to give you a good first rangerfinder experience.

 

[Daydream28]

Thank you all so much! I'm just a complete newbie when it comes to this. Its funny, I work on computers and am a total techy nerd but sometimes I just want to go back in time so to speak and do things manually without so much technology.

 

[Daydream28]

Thank you all so much! I'm just a complete newbie when it comes to this. Its funny, I work on computers and am a total techy nerd but sometimes I just want to go back in time so to speak and do things manually without so much technology.

Edited to add: I went for the Konica C35 THEN went three sheets to the wind and went ahead and bought a Vitomatic II SIGH I can't stick to a budget :/ thank you all again.

 

[konicaman]

Two very nice cameras. The C35 is pretty straight forward. You will need hearing aid batteries for it to get the right voltage for the meter e.g Rayovac 675 (can be found on Fleabay).

The Vitomatic II is a very nice camera and the Skopar lens is great even by today's standards. It has a few quirks, so I suggest reading the manual:

http://butkus.org/chinon/voigtlander_pdf/voigtlander_vitomatic/voigtlander_vitomatic.htm

 

[sgtnikolaix]

I've had a Canonet & it was a nice camera with a nice fixed lens, the shutter is VERY quiet on it too which is always a plus. However check the light seals though as Kevco mentioned as it will probably need doing.

 

[f16sunshine]

I love the Oly xa cameras but would not suggest you seek one as a first RF experience.
It is not a camera that typifies the rangefinder experience.

The Yashica GSN is a larger camera but other than that it's the perfect place to start.
Easy on the budget and aperture priority with excellent performance.

 

[Daydream28]

Thanks everyone so much WOW you have all been so helpful 🙂

 

[one90guy]

Now get out there and shoot some film and have fun.

David

 

[Daydream28]

Now get out there and shoot some film and have fun.

David

Will do 😀

oh that reminds me can ya'll recommend some good film? I have heard of Kodak Ektar and Ilford. Locally all we have is good ole Fuji film (thanks walmart)

 

[one90guy]

The Ektar is my favorite color film, I use to use Ilford B/W but now my B/W are Fuji Neopan 100 and Kodak 100Tmax. I also use Kentmere 100 and some 400 a much cheaper film and doing my own B/W at home the Kentmere pleases me. Most of my color is now digital. Your next step look into home developing, not very expensive and easy. My darkroom has no water and develop film in kitchen.

David

 

[Daydream28]

Thank you David 🙂

 

[konicaman]

Ilford XP2 is very nice for B/W as it is processed like colour film and can be developed at any lab - unless you plan to do your own developing?

 

[kaiwasoyokaze]

check out the Olympus 35RC - I loved mine.
+1 on the XA too.

the DC would be a good beginners camera too with a brighter lens. it's aperture priority IIRC.

Edit: saw the op bought the camera already, go for some kodak portra 400 for colour.

 

[DougK]

Nice purchase. For color negative film I like Portra 160 and 400. For black and white, I like Tmax 100 and 400. Tri-X 400 is always a solid choice as well.