RICOH 800 EES vs Konica C35 V vs Cannonet 28 - what to choose?

[dopy]

So I'm thinking about getting my first RF . I can't afford Leica 🙁 so I'm going to get some simple fixed lens RF . I considering one of cameras mentioned above . They seem to be similar in construction but I wish to know ur opinion about lenses and cameras in general...

 

[MiniMoke]

Can't speak for the Konica, but my fondly remembered Canonet 28 had a tack sharp lens, exposed correctly and was very pleasant to handle. No fuss, just compose and shoot.

 

[Ranchu]

C35 V is a zone focus camera, no RF. Nothing wrong with that just so you know. I've never had a canonet 28, but I like the regular C35, it's hard to find them working though.

 

[Solinar]

The choices that you list are pretty much automatic mode only cameras. Is there a reason for that?

If you already know of a Ricoh 800 EES that is available - buy it. It's a very rare camera.

All of the compact rangefinders of this genre and age - which have been probably sitting around unused for a few years - will benefit having their light seals replaced. I also recommend the use of a battery adapter to allow for more accurate metering - although very few people bother with a voltage adapter.

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Honestly - my preference is to have some ability to exercise manual control of either the shutter speeds to force the use of an aperture setting in a shutter preferred AE mode - or - the do it the other way around, when using an aperture preferred AE. I also like to be able to easily manipulate the ISO setting.

For a little more money and a more traditional 35 rangefinder experience - I'd add a Canonet QL 1.7 GIII to the list of choices.

Best Regards,

 

[konicaman]

Welcome to this nice and friendly forum - I am sure you are going to like it here.
Now of course I am biased (see my nick), but The C35 is a great little camera. The lens is much better than the original price tag would indicate. I suggest to get one of the other models (not the V) unless your are already familiar with scale focus. The lens is the same in all models however.