RF for newbie / tryout

[picp2601]

Hello everybody,

First of all I would like to say that this is my first post here. I have been lurking here for a few weeks and reading a lot on rangefinders in general.

I'm currently a SLR user and I am attracted by the rangefinder concept.

After too much readings, I'm ready to try a rangefinder for real. Sure I could buy a bessa and a lens and just try it out but that's a little expensive for me.

So anybody has suggestions? Perhaps there are some really cheap used cams out there I could buy? I have been checking the Classifieds section and did not spot anything yet... Sometimes I see really cheap cameras but most of the time they do not even look like they have a rangefinder 🙄

So if you know a few old models that would be good I would appreciate if you can give me some names and I would be looking for that in the classifieds sites.

Thanks in advance!

Pascal

 

[TimF]

Howzabout a used Bessa and a lens? 😀

More seriously, there's probably plenty of old Soviet cameras out there for not much money. Some of them might be a bit rough though, as they didn't go in for Leica style quality control!

 

[Nick R.]

Look for a Konica Auto S2. It' the best of the cheap, fixed lens rangefinders. For a little more, you can buy a Russian body with a lens. That will get you into the world of interchangeble lens RF's for under a hundred $'s.
Check Gandy's site for descriptions of some of the nicer less expensive rangefinders.

 

[picp2601]

Howzabout a used Bessa and a lens? 😀

Hey that's what I would do right away if I had the money. If a fall in love with the rangefinder concept I might get a R2A or R3A, but that would imply selling some of my SLR gear.

For the time being I will look for a Canonet, Konica Auto S2 or a Yashica GS.

thanks for all of your advice.

Pascal

 

[picp2601]

Ok well I just purchase a Yashica Electro G for 30$ right here on RFF 😀

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=18189

Thanks for the advice everybody. Now I will patiently wait for it to get to Canada...

Pascal

 

[Kat]

Congratulations!🙂 My first RF was also a Yashica (GS) from greyhoundman. Enjoy the camera and we hope to see your pics here soon.

 

[GeneW]

Ok well I just purchase a Yashica Electro G for 30$ right here on RFF 😀

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=18189

Thanks for the advice everybody. Now I will patiently wait for it to get to Canada...

Pascal

Good choice! And be patient... Canada Customs has been extraordinarily slow at processing items recently. It's been taking stuff from the US 3 weeks or more to arrive at my door. May you be lucky with this one!

Gene