Status Report on your Fixed Lens Rangefinder Collection?

[narsuitus]

Nice write-up. Two questions:

1) Why cover the branding on the 35 mm's, butnot the the Fuji?

2) Why medium format? I guess you print large? Or maybe you like having fewer exposures per roll? I'm thinking of my recent scans of 35 mm, and there is plenty of resolution. I guess medium format wouldn't let you see the grain, but if that's your thing, there's always digital. Not challenging you, I'm just curious.

I primarily used the 35mm rangefinders for candids and street photography. I covered the branding to avoid drawing attention to the camera.

I primarily used the Fuji rangefinders for landscapes and architectural subjects. I do not worry about the Fujis drawing attention.

I usually print 16x20 inch images and prefer the black & white images I am able to obtain from medium format negatives verses the small 35mm negatives and the small APS-C digital files.

 

[webOSUser]

I have a Kodak 35 Rangefinder that's shooting well.



Steve W

 

[farlymac]

Let's see, Agfa/Ansco, Kodak, Kalimar, Iloca, Yashica, Konica, Canon, Fujica, Ricoh, Olympus, Minolta, Wirgin, and maybe a couple more brands I don't remember.


PF

Okay, if it's status you want, that's what you get


Agfa/Ansco: Back when I started my current collection, these were the ones that I really fell for. But after cleaning the Bayer grease out of just about every one of them, I got tired of the constant CLA's. Love the lenses, but it's just too much hassle to have to do an overhaul every time I get one. (Status) On hold, might keep one or two.



Kodak: The Retina/Retinette models have to be my favorites of the group, but even they have their issues, mostly in ergonomics. I ripped too many films in the 35's. (Status) Haven't used in a long while, will sell most of them eventually.


Kalimar: Just something I got into on a lark one day. Decent lenses on an inexpensive body. (Status) Will sell.


Iloca: I only had one, the Aut-O-Matic. It was nice. (Status) Gave to a friend after giving it an overhaul.


Yashica: My personal sentimental favorite. (Status) Used occasionally, all keepers.


Konica: Like the Agfa's, I started collecting these, but at least didn't have to repair them every time I got one, though I have fixed a couple of them for friends (rewired corroded meter circuits, aligned rangefinders). (Status) Not likely to bother with anymore.


Canon: Overhauled an original (large body) QL17 and gave it to a friend. Overhauled a couple of G-III's (one mine, another for a friend). Both models good cameras. (Status) Will sell.



Fujica: GER is only model I have. Took it apart when I thought it was broken, but at least it worked after I put it back together. Doesn't have much in the way of a good lens. (Status) Will give away.


Ricoh: Another sentimental favorite (300, 500, Five-One-Nine, and a couple of 500G's), but don't use anymore. (Status) Will sell or gift.


Olympus: I like them (SP, RC), but they don't get any use. (Status) Will sell.


Minolta: Never met one I didn't like. (Status) Will sell.


Wirgin: Bought an Edixa II-XL at a junk shop a couple of months ago just because it was a Wirgin. (Status) Will sell after an overhaul.


Yeah, I have quite a few cameras, but I've gotten burned out on collecting them as now they mostly take up space. Time soon to thin the herd. My interchangeable lens cameras take priority now.


PF

 

[farlymac]

Thanks, I saw that thread during my search.
The pictures look so sharp, knowing the Ricoh 300 was considered as a low range camera.

Sorry, but it was the 500 that came in four versions. There may have been two versions of the 300.


PF

 

[Peter Jennings]

My first fixed lens rangefinder was a Himatic 7s that I had a few years ago. It was also my last with any electronics. I'm attracted to the simplicity of old manual cameras. Here’s my current list.

Kodak Retina II w/ Ektar 47/2
Agfa/Ansco Karomat w/ Xenon 50/2
Agfa Karat 36 w/ Heligon 50/2
Konica I w/ Hexanon 50/2.8
Konica IIa w/ Hexanon 50/2
Konica IIb w/ Hexar 50/3.5
Voigtlander Vitessa w/ Ultron 50/2

Konica Pearl IV w/ Hexar 75/3.5
Zeiss Super Ikonta A w/ Tessar 75/3.5
Kodak Medalist II w/ Ektar 100/3.5

I try not to keep more than one at a time with the same lens. All are currently working. About half have film in them at the moment.

 

[David Hughes]

I've never heard of the Yashica 35 ME until now. Cool. Reminds me of the Vivitar my dad used to have when I was a kid.

It looks automatic except for rough focusing. What sort of battery(ies) does it use? Might be a good alternative to a more modern AF point & shoot, which would be fooled by glass and such.

I had one years ago and was struck by the lens quality when sorting old prints. So bought another in black and, of course, disaster struck.

As far as focussing goes there's nothing to complain about and I completely forgot it's a zone focuser like the Trip-35 and so I shouldn't have mentioned it here. The lens is 38mm f/2.8 so copes well.

I guess I got it confused as it shares the Wein cell with the Mamiya. Officially it takes a mercury PX 675.

What I like about it is the exposure, both aperture and shutter speed, are shown in the VF. The manual was also written by a photographer but they all were in those days.

Regards, David

 

[Jeremy Z]

I had one years ago and was struck by the lens quality when sorting old prints. So bought another in black and, of course, disaster struck.

As far as focussing goes there's nothing to complain about and I completely forgot it's a zone focuser like the Trip-35 and so I shouldn't have mentioned it here. The lens is 38mm f/2.8 so copes well.

I guess I got it confused as it shares the Wein cell with the Mamiya. Officially it takes a mercury PX 675.

What I like about it is the exposure, both aperture and shutter speed, are shown in the VF. The manual was also written by a photographer but they all were in those days.

Regards, David

Don't worry about including it here as a zone focuser. They're close brothers.

Which one do you prefer between a Yashica ME and an Olympus Trip? I've had several recommendations for an Olympus Trip, and I think I should pick one up, if I can find a good working one for a fair price. But maybe a Yashica ME would be better?

(they're less well known, and go for cheaper than Olympi.)

 

[Jeremy Z]

Okay, if it's status you want, that's what you get

Agfa/Ansco: Back when I started my current collection, these were the ones that I really fell for. But after cleaning the Bayer grease out of just about every one of them, I got tired of the constant CLA's. Love the lenses, but it's just too much hassle to have to do an overhaul every time I get one. (Status) On hold, might keep one or two.

Kodak: The Retina/Retinette models have to be my favorites of the group, but even they have their issues, mostly in ergonomics. I ripped too many films in the 35's. (Status) Haven't used in a long while, will sell most of them eventually.

Kalimar: Just something I got into on a lark one day. Decent lenses on an inexpensive body. (Status) Will sell.

Iloca: I only had one, the Aut-O-Matic. It was nice. (Status) Gave to a friend after giving it an overhaul.

Yashica: My personal sentimental favorite. (Status) Used occasionally, all keepers.

Konica: Like the Agfa's, I started collecting these, but at least didn't have to repair them every time I got one, though I have fixed a couple of them for friends (rewired corroded meter circuits, aligned rangefinders). (Status) Not likely to bother with anymore.

Canon: Overhauled an original (large body) QL17 and gave it to a friend. Overhauled a couple of G-III's (one mine, another for a friend). Both models good cameras. (Status) Will sell.

Fujica: GER is only model I have. Took it apart when I thought it was broken, but at least it worked after I put it back together. Doesn't have much in the way of a good lens. (Status) Will give away.

Ricoh: Another sentimental favorite (300, 500, Five-One-Nine, and a couple of 500G's), but don't use anymore. (Status) Will sell or gift.

Olympus: I like them (SP, RC), but they don't get any use. (Status) Will sell.

Minolta: Never met one I didn't like. (Status) Will sell.

Wirgin: Bought an Edixa II-XL at a junk shop a couple of months ago just because it was a Wirgin. (Status) Will sell after an overhaul.

Yeah, I have quite a few cameras, but I've gotten burned out on collecting them as now they mostly take up space. Time soon to thin the herd. My interchangeable lens cameras take priority now.

PF

Thanks for taking the time to type that all out. I find it very interesting, hearing what other collectors/photographers are thinking about each camera. It adds a lot of depth, as opposed to just a list of cameras.

 

[ronnies]

My small list:
Konica C35
Minolta Hi-Matic F
Canon Canonet (original model)
Rank Mamiya
Canon Canonet QL17 GIII
Yashica Electro 35 GT


I also have a 120 fixed lens rangefinder, an Ensign 220 Auto-Range.


Ronnie

 

[splitimageview]

Status: keepers - Konica Auto S3, black paint Canonet QL 17 GIII, Konica Auto S2 (my first 'real camera' that I've had for over 40 years and still works.)

to be sold: Olympus 35RC, 35SP, black paint Vivitar 35ES

 

[David Hughes]

Don't worry about including it here as a zone focuser. They're close brothers.

Which one do you prefer between a Yashica ME and an Olympus Trip? I've had several recommendations for an Olympus Trip, and I think I should pick one up, if I can find a good working one for a fair price. But maybe a Yashica ME would be better?

(they're less well known, and go for cheaper than Olympi.)

That's a hard one to answer; my old Yashica had slightly better lenses than my Trip but not by much. More to the point the Trip has clearer marking to the focus scale but a plain VF. It also has thumbwheel winding and a hot shoe.

The Yashica has the better VF for exposure info and lever winding but no hot shoe. Oddments for the Yashica like lens caps and filters are rare but not as dear when you find them. And black ones are very cheap...

So a difficult choice. I'll wish you luck.

Regards, David


PS (Edit) I'd also suggest you look at the Konica C35 which is a very pleasant RF. For detailed comparisions I'd look at the instruction manuals.

 

[farlymac]

Thanks for taking the time to type that all out. I find it very interesting, hearing what other collectors/photographers are thinking about each camera. It adds a lot of depth, as opposed to just a list of cameras.

I had a collection before the current one, but didn't use many of the cameras in it. The current collection though is mostly cameras that I have put film through to see how they do. I used to say I don't buy cameras to collect them, but to use them. Once you get to a certain point though it become problematic as to which cameras you use, and which ones become shelf queens.

So now I have enough cameras and other gear to either open up a museum, or my own retail space. But it's all crammed into my apartment, and much as I like having them sitting around looking pretty, I really could use the room for other purposes. And others should get a chance at using them too.

PF

 

[Jeremy Z]

... But it's all crammed into my apartment, and much as I like having them sitting around looking pretty, I really could use the room for other purposes. And others should get a chance at using them too.


PF

I'd love to see a pic of that!

I think you're in good company.

 

[David Hughes]

Starting to sell them off is easy but sooner or later you get to the last hundred or so and then the painful decisions crowd in.


Or you could buy a bigger house or flat.


Regards, David

 

[Pál_K]

At 104 cameras, collected over 40 years, I feel there are only a few that I still want.

I'd like an M5 - I think it's the perfect size for me in a rangefinder. I'd like an XD-11, even though there are plenty of tales to their electronic woes.

I won't sell any - it's actually hard for me to part with something I've owned for a long time. It's surely psychological - having spent the first half if my life with nothing.

 

[farlymac]

At 104 cameras, collected over 40 years, I feel there are only a few that I still want.

I'd like an M5 - I think it's the perfect size for me in a rangefinder. I'd like an XD-11, even though there are plenty of tales to their electronic woes.

I won't sell any - it's actually hard for me to part with something I've owned for a long time. It's surely psychological - having spent the first half if my life with nothing.

I hear you on the XD-11. Four tries, and each one had something wrong with it, one even being DOA.

I plan on keeping all the Nikon stuff, plus an example from every format or style. The Leica's are my users now, so anything in LTM stays too. I've already given some of my oddities to the Camera Heritage museum in Staunton, VA. There are some cameras I want to gift, but the majority will be sold.

I started the second collection because there were all these cameras out there I never got a chance to use when I was younger, so I've been checking them out to see what I really liked in a system. It got me to 1) gravitate back to Nikon, and 2) understand what it is about Leica cameras that folks like.

Besides, by selling most of them I can fund another Leica body or two.

PF

 

[David Hughes]

I hear you on the XD-11. Four tries, and each one had something wrong with it, one even being DOA.

I plan on keeping all the Nikon stuff, plus an example from every format or style...

I had the same problem with the XD's only they have a different model number here.

If you add every maker to the "every format or style" criteria you'll be able to keep a lot more cameras...


Regards, David

 

[Jeremy Z]

Starting to sell them off is easy but sooner or later you get to the last hundred or so and then the painful decisions crowd in.


Or you could buy a bigger house or flat.


Regards, David

Hahaha! That's right about what Pal said after you.

Suddenly, I feel really good about myself, for having less than 10 cameras!

 

[Jeremy Z]

I thought it might be fun to (virtually) peek into one anothers' collections and see/hear about the direction they're going to head.

I'll start.

• Yashica Electro 35 GS - This was my grandpa's, he gave it to me in the early 90s. it still works great, I think this is a function of it having been exercised regularly. It has a dented filter ring, which I thought of gentling trying to bend out, but I hesitate to hammer on it, even with a bamboo skewer as the part that hits the ring. The lens/camera junction just seems too fragile, and there are a lot of delicate mechanics inside the lens assembly. I have a light seal kit for it; I just need to get around to it. Or maybe I'll treat it to a full CLA, while Mark Hama is still at it. I need to get some kind of a hood on it, somehow.
• Yashica Electro 35 GSN - I took a gamble on this one (and lost) at a thrift store for $10. When I put a battery in with the adapter, it only shoots at 1/500s, ever. Needs the POD fixed. I may save this one for tinkering with.
• Yashica Electro 35 CC - I paid a pretty penny for this from Japan, as it is in perfect cosmetic condition. it still needed a CLA. Nevertheless, I love the 35/1.8 lens and the size of it, so I sent it out to Mark Hama the other day. Can't wait to get a clean bill of health on this little guy
• Rollei 35 (Tessar, Singapore) - I bought this maybe 6 years ago. It needs a CLA, as the aperture dial won't go all the way in either direction; everything else is fine. This is probably my favorite camera to shoot, so it is worth investing a bit of money into.
• Rollei B 35 (Triotar, Germany) - I bought this one as it is the model my grandpa had from the 70s. I'm delighted with the lens, even though it is a bit soft off-center. I like the fact that the front panel is clean; it is a great-looking camera. Only a C 35 would look better, but they're rare. The selenium meter is 50/50, and it is missing a screw (1 of 2) holding the top plate on. The screw hole is stripped. Despite that, it works great with an external meter. I'm deciding on whether to keep this one or sell it on down the line. (with full disclosure, of course.)

Others - I think I'm done buying fixed lens rangefinders and scale focus cameras. Next up is to re-seal my OM1N and maybe buy an OM 35/2.8 for my OM1N and get some film through that old guy.

I need a re-seal kit for the Canon FTb I just got for my daughter. Then, it'll be ready to rock. She's got an FD 50/1.8 and 135/3.5, as well as an off-brand 28/2.8 for it. She just needs to grow into it a bit, so it isn't such a tank around her little neck. (she's 7)

Lastly, having sold off my Panasonic 20/1.7 for my Olympus E-M10 III, I need to free up some money to get the 17/1.8 for it. That'll be for when I don't feel like messing with film or for low light. (where film is not realistic, these days)

Update:

Yashica GS - No change
Yashica CC - Still out for CLA
Yashica GSN - No change. Haven't gotten around to it
Rollei 35 - Sent out for CLA
Rollei B 35 - Sold
OM1N - Still haven't gotten around to installing the new light seals
Canon FTb - "
Canon AE-1 Program - I need to take it apart and lube a shutter linkage
Olympus 17/1.8 for OM-D E-M10 - Haven't bought one yet

Added to the stable: Nikon FG, 50/1.8 and a Vivitar Series 1 75-200/3.8. Just bought a Tokina 28-80 for it. This whole camera + 3 lens kit will be about $100. I was about to buy a 35/2 or 35/2.8 AI-S Nikkor to go with it, but I realized I just need to wait for my Yashica CC to come back, as it has a very nice 35/1.8 and it cost less than a decent used 35/2 Nikkor! (also, I have an OM 35/2.8 incoming, see below)

Incoming is an Olympus OM-G w another 50/1.8 and 135/3.5.

I found a good deal and bought an OM 35/2.8 on ebay; can't wait to put that into service on either the OM1N or OM G.

 

[bitfeng]

Guess which one is my favorite?

Guess which one is my favorite?

18 Rollei 35 (9 Sonnar, 7 Tessar, 2 S-xenar), 2 Minox GTE, 1 Minox 35 GT, 3 Oly XA/XA2, 2 Mju II, 1 Mju, 1 Oly OM1n, 1 OM2sp, 1 Nikon LiteTouch 28/3.5, 1 Vito II, 1 Vito III, 1 Vitessa, 1 Minolta Freedom Vista 24mm, 2 Oly 35RC, 2 7SII, 2 QL17GIII, 1 Petri 35 color, 1 Keiv 4 w/ Helios 103, 1 FED 2 w/ I-10, 1 Zorki 3M w/ J-8, 2 Retina IIa w/ Heligon, 2 Retina II w/ Heligon, 1 Minolta Freedom Escort, 1 Nikon L35AF, 1 Yashica T3, 1 Yashica T5, 1 Canon Classic 120.

Most practical for daily use (top 5): Rollei 35 Sonnar, Yashica T5, Rollei 35 Tessar, Minolta 7SII, Nikon LiteTouch 28/3.5.
Fun to play with (top 5): Rollei 35 S/T/X, Vito II, Retina II, Minox GTE, Zorki 3M.
Value/cost ratio (top 5)：Rollei 35 Tessar Singapore, Retina IIa, Nikon L35AF, Oly 35RC, Minox 35 GT.