Want a pocket camera...

Somewhat inspired by this thread, the other day I was surfing at KEH. Found a nice bgn condition Retina IIa for $39. Rangefinder, folds up small, lever advance & a 50/2 Xenon lens in a Syncro-Compur shutter. To be sure, I don't need another camera but I've always had a soft spot for the best of the little pocket cameras of the 1950's.

I've got a Voigtlander Vito IIa & an Agfa Karat 36 already, this arriving tomorrow 🙂 & I'll just have to break down & buy another ZI Contessa 35 to have a very fine pocket camera collection.

William
 
I find the photos from my Retina IIc easily match my Leica IIIc with Summitar. The finder is darker and squintier but the rangefinder patch more usable in very low light, I find. The bottom-mounted lever wind is the best I've ever used on any camera, it's ergonomically perfect for me.

None of these cameras matches some of the modern autofocus compacts for size, though. The Ricoh R1 and R10 cameras are tiny by comparison, as is the Olympus mju II. I have a Rollei AFM which is bigger than these but much lighter and more compact than the Retina or Leica [and it has manual control, too].
 
I think the little Rollei S's are well worth considering- the lens will not disappoint. The O has a shoe on top- not dead center, but there is a shoe to mount your viewer. In practice the 'gunsight' is easy enough to use- I get a kick out of holding the camera like a digital P&S to shoot it. The O is pretty heavy compared to a Rollei.
 
Thanks again to everyone who has contributed.

I suppose the thread is going to split from here and I should carry on this discussion in the appropriate forums...

Unless I come across a Leica in the right condition, configuration and price, that is a absolute beater/user but mechanically perfect that is in no way a collectors item and can be bought very inexpensively, a Leica LTM is off my list. This camera is going to live in my handbag, toolbelt, pannier, etc and could be dropped from a roof, be sat on, dropped on the ground, so I see no point in subjecting a collectable Leica to such abuse.

So I thinking that I will be getting a FED or Zorki LTM or get a folder such as the Retina or Vitessa.

I have this hunch that the FED or Zorki will stand up to the abuse better than folder and if the camera is stolen or damaged beyond repair, there are plenty more to be found where as the folders seem more fragile and dainty.

So I need to get crash course on FSU rangefinders...

FED or Zorki, which model or variation replicates the Leica IIIc the closest? As for a lens, well, I may just pick up an Elmar or similar. But from what I can read, the various FSU collapsible lenses when adjusted properly are good performers.

So I may enter that strange and addictive world of the FSU rangefinder...

Of course, a beat-up IIIc may just be the perfect solution.
 
I wouldn't give up on folders. I certainly would disagree that FSU cameras would stand up better than a Welti, Weltini (RF), or Retina. The Weltas are built like (and hence weigh like) tanks. In fact, I think some of the 6x6 folders may be no heavier, if not a little lighter than the Weltas. Again, Weltas, Fujis, Agfas and a host of other 6x6 folders have good lenses and hold up well. Certainly the folders will be easier to carry in a pocket or briefcase.

Sounds a little like you are looking for lens interchanagility even though you originally specified a 50mm? No matter what, I doubt anything suggested so far will disappoint you.
 
P. Lynn Miller said:
Thanks again to everyone who has contributed.

So I thinking that I will be getting a FED or Zorki LTM or get a folder such as the Retina or Vitessa.

I have this hunch that the FED or Zorki will stand up to the abuse better than folder and if the camera is stolen or damaged beyond repair, there are plenty more to be found where as the folders seem more fragile and dainty.

Lyn,
I think you're right - the Perkeo or Vitessa need a little more love, simply because they're folders and have bellows, plus the shutter mechanisms are on the lens, not in the body, and require manual cocking before each frame.
I'll try to attach a photo of the fake Leica II I have. It's as represented by the seller and as it first arrived - looks 'bling' but it's dulled down considerably since then.
Leigh
Click to expand...
 
Sorry - forgot to make the pic a .jpg. Also just noticed I inferred that the Vitessa needs manual shutter cocking. it doesn't. The rapid-wind plunger film transport does that - the Perkeo needs cocking - but you do have to set both the speed and aperture on the Vitessa lens mount.
 
Ken,

I did and I replied... as far as I know... but then I am getting old and forgetful!

Leigh,

I don't know... I guess I could paint it black... I will have a look at when we meet-up. Nice camera though, just not into the gold bling thing.
 
Last edited:
Lynn,

I've got a Retina 117, Retina 013 and a Balda 35 mm folder, which are going off my shelf. All of them quite pocketable but they all need more or less TLC. I have had good results from the Retinas earlier but the Balda is untested. It may not be interesting to you as I am located on the other side of the globe but I just thought I'd tell you... 🙂
 
Just typed out a long reply to this after joining using the name of the camera I recommend as my handle. Contax T. Love the little bugger. If you want some pros and cons shoot me an email.
 
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