Tiny pocketable rangefinder for 3200/6400 film

[amateriat]

1/1000 sec. is going to be well-nigh impossible to find in something that small, let alone with the other features you want. 1/500 top shutter speed isn't all that common for that matter. The two-camera approach might be in order (when my GR-1 is back up and running, I'll likely keep the Konica Lexio 70 alongside for longer focal-length stuff, although 28mm has become a mainstay for a lot of my work).


- Barrett

 

[amateriat]

Minolta TC-1, either Aperture priority or fully manual, autofocus or manual focus, spot metering available, most likely the smallest 35mm full frame camera ever, really sharp 28mm rokkor lens, max speed 500, auto iso 25-3200 with manual override from 6 up to 6400

Read a review at

http://classic.mountainzone.com/gear/tc-1/index.html

I sold my Contax T3 after taking one of this babies out for shooting, nothong really comes even close to a TC-1

The TC-1 is magnificent in a number of ways, but two things stopped me cold:

- Maximum aperture of f/3.5. Some can deal with it; I couldn't. I suppose a counter-argument could be made that such a maximum aperture probably suffers a bit less from vignetting vis-a-vis the GR-1's 28mm at f/2.8.

- Only four stops from f/3.5 to f/16; this is a result of Minolta using Waterhouse(!) stops in place of an iris diaphragm. On the plus side, of course, you get an absolute perfect circle at every stop – maximum bokeh beauty. On the minus side: (1) limited number/range of f/stops, and (2) no means of incorporating Program AE mode in the camera. With the GR-1, Ricoh somehow managed to shoehorn a ten-blade diaphragm into its lens, allowing a pretty decent circle at most apertures, as well as allowing for a Program mode for AE.

Given all that, the TC-1 is a hell of a camera, with optics to match.


- Barrett

 

[tammons]

Okay, looks like I am going back to a Contax TVS.

I used a Contac tvsII a few years ago and i was more than satisfied with the images. Very sharp.

This time I think i will go for a tvs III. I can give up 2mm in lens length for 1/1000 shutter speed.

It has most of the features i want.

Maybe instead of a fixed 28mm P+S camera i will look for a 24mm super wide.

 

[tammons]

None of your pocket digi cams are like the GRD.

i realy dont know what you mean. i am looking for a film camera.

 

[fgianni]

Still looking,

Gees this is difficult.

To redefine what I am looking for.........

This is for shooting iso 3200 film, so I am not interested in digital.

Very small, like a clamshell camera.

iso 3200

1/1000 shutter speed min, 1/2000 would be better.

Autofocus

all auto mode.

aperture priority mode override.

Info inside the viewfinder.

Sharp 28-something zoom lens

If I cant find a decent 28-something zoom lens, i might consider something like a GR1 with a 28mm fixed lens and a 2nd camera with a 35-something zoom.

I guess it might be something similar to a Contax G2 only much smaller.

Well if you find something with those specs please let me know!

 

[tammons]

Well if you find something with those specs please let me know!

Contax TVSIII is close.

 

[clarence]

I think Ywenz doesn't get the fact that digital is not a substitute for film.

Clarence

 

[ywenz]

I think Ywenz doesn't get the fact that digital is not a substitute for film.

Clarence

doh! Now someone tells me! Where do I acquire this 'film' that you speak of?

 

[clarence]

I'm not criticising digital; I'm just saying that I think tammons specifically wants a film camera for now. He may very well wish to replace his digital cameras some other day, and I would agree that the GRD is an excellent choice.

Clarence

 

[ghost]

panasonic fx-01 at iso 400...or an olympus pen s, if you can swing it.

 

[tammons]

doh! Now someone tells me! Where do I acquire this 'film' that you speak of?

I am not interested in the utmost quality at iso 3200. I am after golf ball size B+W grain via Delta 3200, and that is the reason for the dilima. I want something I can stick in my pocket, whip out and shoot at ISO 3200.

I already have 4 digital cameras including a Kodak slr, SD9, and a P+S digital, I also have 3 4x5 cameras, an 8x10 camera, a RB67, and several 35mm film cameras including a QL17 so I am not exactly hurting in any department.

I am looking for a specialty camera primarily for Delta 3200 film. B+H

 

[ghost]

got any half frame cameras?

 

[tammons]

I'm not criticising digital; I'm just saying that I think tammons specifically wants a film camera for now. He may very well wish to replace his digital cameras some other day, and I would agree that the GRD is an excellent choice.

Clarence

Doubt I will ever replace anything digital, as they are versitle all just tools. This is just a specialty camera I want primarily for 3200 film.

 

[tammons]

got any half frame cameras?

Not yet, but I have been thinking about it.

 

[ghost]

look at '71/ny by moriyama for gobs of grain at even small print sizes.

 

[fgianni]

no means of incorporating Program AE mode in the camera.

If you set the TC-1 to f3.5 you could argue that it is the same as having a Program mode, since the camera automatically reduces the aperture as necessary of it can't cope with its maximum shutter speed (1/350 and not 1/500 as I incorrectly stated in a previous post.)

Personally I never felt the need for a full program mode, I usually shoot either AV or fully manual.

 

[amateriat]

I already have 4 digital cameras including a Kodak slr, SD9, and a P+S digital, I also have 3 4x5 cameras, an 8x10 camera, a RB67, and several 35mm film cameras including a QL17 so I am not exactly hurting in any department.

Not exactly kidding around, are you? 🙂

I am looking for a specialty camera primarily for Delta 3200 film. B+H

Just before writing this reply, my Lexio 70 arrived (all the way from Oz). It handles film speeds up to 3200, and I presume the +1.5 exposure compensation function could eke out a bit more of a push if desired. Going to score a roll of cheap n' cheerful ISO 400 color neg and take it for a spin.


- Barrett

 

[tammons]

look at '71/ny by moriyama for gobs of grain at even small print sizes.

Got a link ??

 

[amateriat]

If you set the TC-1 to f3.5 you could argue that it is the same as having a Program mode, since the camera automatically reduces the aperture as necessary of it can't cope with its maximum shutter speed (1/350 and not 1/500 as I incorrectly stated in a previous post.)

Waitaminute...how does the camera manage this with a Waterhouse-stop system of aperture control? Not saying it's impossible, I'm simply baffled (no pun intended).

Personally I never felt the need for a full program mode, I usually shoot either AV or fully manual.

Certainly not necessary in a camera of this caliber, just a nice extra, IMO.


- Barrett

 

[tammons]

Not exactly kidding around, are you? 🙂


Just before writing this reply, my Lexio 70 arrived (all the way from Oz). It handles film speeds up to 3200, and I presume the +1.5 exposure compensation function could eke out a bit more of a push if desired. Going to score a roll of cheap n' cheerful ISO 400 color neg and take it for a spin.
- Barrett

Well, I classify myself as a photo grub. Got to try it all and as you can see i am a bit over the top with all this stuff. Thats not even all though. i also have 2 drum scanners, only one that works, Epson 4870 and believe it or not I am eyeing the V750 for some unknown reason.