Recommendations for fully mechanical RF?

[Arbitrarium]

Hiya,

Any recommendations for a tough, small, fully mechanical rangefinder? I'm after something that I can have in my bag and never have to worry about it breaking or running out of batteries etc. Rangefinder not essential, zone is fine.

This would just be a backup camera, so don't go suggesting Leicas... under $100 please 😛

Ta

 

[radi(c)al_cam]

Rigid or Folder?

 

[Jake Mongey]

Canon Model 7 - mechanical, reliable, stainless steel shutter and a non electronic (selenium) meter also cheap
Can be quite big though

 

[Arbitrarium]

Rigid or Folder?

I had a Voigtlander Vito IIa that was fun, but seized up and got progressively less fun.

The extra moving parts in a folder are asking for trouble, but I'd consider one. Not one of the Retinas where it has to be reset to infinity before you can close it though. Dreadful design flaw.

 

[Ko.Fe.]

Leica IIf is fully mechanical, with collapsible I-22, 50 it is small. And this kit doesn't cost more than 150$ today.
If you can follow instructions on Fedka for Zorki re-haul, you could get one under 50$, plus 25 for shutter cloth. This one will lasts forever with DIY CLA every five years.
Rollei 35 (the little brick) doesn't need batteries for picture taking and often considered as backup.
FrankS gave me once Akarette. This thing is all metal and small, but heavy.

 

[valdas]

Oly Trip 35... 🙂

 

[benlees]

Konica C35v. Zone focus, lovely lens (38mm f2.8). Looks like an rf. Very cheap, should be able to get one for $25, even on e bay. Not fully manual, though.

 

[squirrel$$$bandit]

Retina IIa?

 

[MIkhail]

Hiya,

Any recommendations for a tough, small, fully mechanical rangefinder? I'm after something that I can have in my bag and never have to worry about it breaking or running out of batteries etc. Rangefinder not essential, zone is fine.

This would just be a backup camera, so don't go suggesting Leicas... under $100 please 😛

Ta

Olympus XA ?

 

[ruby.monkey]

With a little patience you should be able to find a tidy Minoltina AL-S within your budget. Small, light, fantastic lens, and fully mechanical; and if you're really lucky the selenium meter will still work.

 

[ray*j*gun]

Nikkormat since you said it didnt have to be an RF. They can be had for a song including a fine Pre Ai lens.

 

[ray*j*gun]

I had a Voigtlander Vito IIa that was fun, but seized up and got progressively less fun.

The extra moving parts in a folder are asking for trouble, but I'd consider one. Not one of the Retinas where it has to be reset to infinity before you can close it though. Dreadful design flaw.

I don't think its a dreadful design flaw at all. Given the small size and quality of construction its a small effort to make.

 

[benlees]

It's somewhat common for folders to have to be set to infinity before closing.

 

[mpaniagua]

Retina IIa?

Another vote for Retina IIa. Excellent sharp glass, cute retro look, reliable rugged build, small enough to carry on your pocket when folded, and, best of all, pretty cheap nowadays 🙂

A pleasure to use.

Regards.

Marcelo

 

[mpaniagua]

Another vote for Retina IIa. Excellent sharp glass, cute retro look, reliable rugged build, small enough to carry on your pocket when folded, and, best of all, pretty cheap nowadays 🙂

A pleasure to use.

Regards.

Marcelo

Never mind, didn't read your complain about Retina's. (Although I don't think reset to infinitum a particular flaw, mostly a folder requirement to keep the small size)

Would suggest Voigtlaner Vitessa T, Leica IIIf, or Olympus XA.


Regards.

Marcelo

 

[David Hughes]

Hi,

No batteries means Olympus XA1 or Trip35. The XA1 needs 400 ASA film to get the best from it (and to fiddle +2 EV for back lit shots).

Tough rules out RF's as a knock can kill them for a while.

But my favourite pocket camera for dog walking, and getting knocked about, was the Olympus XA2 and mju-1 but both need batteries. Both are cheaper than they should be for the lens. XA2 is zone focus and mju-1 is AF.

Regards, David

 

[tunalegs]

Hiya,

Any recommendations for a tough, small, fully mechanical rangefinder? I'm after something that I can have in my bag and never have to worry about it breaking or running out of batteries etc. Rangefinder not essential, zone is fine.

This would just be a backup camera, so don't go suggesting Leicas... under $100 please 😛

Ta

If you are ok with something super-basic but sturdy, a Ciro 35 or Bolsey B2 are practically indestructible, just keep them in their every-ready cases and throw them in your bag.

If the RF doesn't matter, then a Smena 8m kept in its case should fit the bill. I'd be worried about it outside of its case because the body is plastic and I must assume it could be cracked with a careless blow or other abuse. But it is simple and works.

Another small sturdy camera is an Exa (except the II), an M42 version should be plenty cheap.

Fed 2 and Zorki 6 would also fit the bill I think.

 

[B-9]

A Leica II/IIIF is not an ideal choice (ignoring the OP said NO Leica) to bang around.

Also, idk where you get a 150$ Leica IIf that doesn't require another 120$ worth of servicing?

For 100$ I would likely buy a FED/Zorki from Oleg at Okvintagecamera.com

He repairs and services them, so your getting a looked over rig at FSU price.

If you want a fixed lens RF, there are literally a plethora, Ricoh 500ST can be used in "A" with batteries or just leave them out and select your own speed. Zone focus and takes the quirky and rare Ricoh Clockwork winder. I have one with the winder and it's fun albeit a little loud winding on.

 

[Swift1]

I would look at some of the Retina rangefinder cameras. The Retina IIIc can be found for not much money. Gorgeous cameras.

 

[oftheherd]

I had a Voigtlander Vito IIa that was fun, but seized up and got progressively less fun.

The extra moving parts in a folder are asking for trouble, but I'd consider one. Not one of the Retinas where it has to be reset to infinity before you can close it though. Dreadful design flaw.

The Welta Weltini resets itself as it is closed. They are relatively small, about bout like the Retinas I suppose, but no interchangeable lenses. The Weltini is heavier than the Welti because of the RF. Both the Weltini and the Welti are very pocketable, especially the Welti. Some of the Weltinis can be found with 50mm f/2 lenses, more common in f/2.8, and often in f/3.5. I have only seen f/3.5 in the Weltis, but they may also have come with faster lenses. Lenses I remember having seen are Zeiss, Schnieder/Krausnaut, Xenon and maybe a couple more. No batteries in either one.

Just like all the others mentioned here, I have no idea how to tell you to be sure you are getting a good one. But it you do, I am sure you will be happy. Worth a look.