What's the Best UNDER $50 Ebay Rangefinder?

Yashica GT, in my newbie case. No bad exposures! But I moved it along after I got the Retina IIa with the 50/2 Xenon for even less ($30) plus being more pocketable.
 
I just picked up my test roll of Solaris 400 exposed via a 5 dollar Vivitar 35ES. No complaints and I'm really digging the Italian film. Shutter priority is fine with me as well.

It's cheapsters like the Viv that helps fight the GAS attacks for the high dollar stuff - maybe a Leica outfit will eliminate GAS . . ahh there it goes again ;)
 
I was hesitating between Yashica and Konica. Both the GSN and the C35 deliver excellent results. Finally came down on the side of the Konica. It's easier to use for beginners.
 
when my daughter was in the 4th grade, she wanted a "camera like dad's". Instead of a low-end P&S digital, I bought her a Canonette QL17/GIII and made her learn composition, focus and exposure. Turned her into a very nice young photographer - who has taken over most of my kit :rolleyes:
 
As much as I love my Oly RFs, the $49.99 limit leads me to the C35. It has limitations that the 35RC doesn't, but the 35RC's small controls, which are more fiddly for me, count it out in that price range.
 
I voted for Yashica Electro 35 GSN, even though I paid a bit more than $50 ($65 for a mint copy).., But my biggest buy (not from ebay though) was Leica CL with Summicron-C 40mm f/2 for $10 from Salvos. The body was dead, but I kept the lens and bought a working body from Youxin Ye just last week. Considering that I sold the defect body for $120, it was a great buy!
 
I voted Olympus and then too late I noticed the E-bay stipulation. Ebay has become too much of a risk in my opinion. Don't be in too much of a hurry and good deals are where you find them. In the last 2 years I found a pristine Olympus 35RC, working perfectly, for $35 and a Canon QL17 GIII for $15, also clean and fully functional, both at second hand stores. One thing I have found with any of the 70's Japanese RF is that they ALL needed new light sealing foam, so just have a good supply handy.
 
zuiko85 said:
Don't be in too much of a hurry and good deals are where you find them.
Click to expand...

I agree. I spent a few weeks trying to win auctions for old $30 cameras. When I finally got one that was "working", it actually kinda wasn't. I didn't pursue a claim because $30 isn't worth the hassle, especially since it would cost $15 to send it back.

I told a new salesman at my local store about it and he said, "why didn't you buy from us?" I didn't think they had anything but used digitals and an F6 because that was all I saw in the case. Well, they had another case around the corner facing the back wall. It was full of old manual film bodies for less money, in better condition, with 6 month warranties!
 
chris00nj said:
Canonets are great cameras, but they don't really average under $50, especially after you add the cost of new seals. Additionally, you don't want to send a newbie to get a fixer upper.
Click to expand...

If you want to save $, go for the Canonet 25, with the slower 45/2.5 lens and 1/4 shutter speed. Good enough for most outside street shots. It was my first real camera, but I haven't taken it around the block in years. I've got some new Wein cells, and may do it soon.
 
the GSN prices have been jumping over the past few months.. i see them going for 60-100 now its ridiculous.

i just bought a ricoh 500g though. $10. fully manual, smaller than GSN, but with slightly slower 2.8 lens.
 
Agree. 35RC is a very good camera - much lighter than my Ql17GIII etc. I got it for $28 shipped. Although it probably cannot beat my $33 nearly mint Rollei 35S :p

Nikos72 said:
Olympus 35RC is the best. Offers quite a lot for almost nothing. Plus it is small and really cute!
Click to expand...
 
Yashica GS/GT/GSN/GTN. Gets my vote.

Though guaranteed working ones in nice condition go for a lot more than $50.00 in the UK. More like £80-90.00!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom