CloseContax
Sonnaristo
The Hexar AF if we're being strict.
I also love the Nikon 35Ti, though it's not a rangefinder. Great lenses on both cameras.
I also love the Nikon 35Ti, though it's not a rangefinder. Great lenses on both cameras.
What's your favorite Fixed-Lens RF?
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Ko.Fe.
Lenses 35/21 Gears 46/20
Oly XA. Makes sense why it is with fixed lens. 🙂
hilltime
Well-known
Fixed Lens RF
Fixed Lens RF
After a lot of thought on this subject, I think I would have to go with my Voigtlander Perkeo E with it's Color-Scopar 80/3.5. Medium format quality in the size of a compact 35mm body. If pressed, in Japanese RF I can't argue with the Konica IIIM or IIIA (which I have both) with 50/1.8 Hexanon or maybe the Topcon 35L with 44/2 Topcor lens. In German RF, my favorite is probably the Agfa Super Silette with the 50/2 Solagon. For uniqueness, the built in spring drive Auto Terra Super L with it's 45/1.8 Zunow. Too many cameras..... to choose the ultimate!
Fixed Lens RF
After a lot of thought on this subject, I think I would have to go with my Voigtlander Perkeo E with it's Color-Scopar 80/3.5. Medium format quality in the size of a compact 35mm body. If pressed, in Japanese RF I can't argue with the Konica IIIM or IIIA (which I have both) with 50/1.8 Hexanon or maybe the Topcon 35L with 44/2 Topcor lens. In German RF, my favorite is probably the Agfa Super Silette with the 50/2 Solagon. For uniqueness, the built in spring drive Auto Terra Super L with it's 45/1.8 Zunow. Too many cameras..... to choose the ultimate!
yashcannik
Newbie
If I could only keep one it would have to be my Yashica GSN .
1 Its easy to use you don"t miss the shot while adjusting the camera.
2 It"s quiet I used to photograph weddings and used it during the ceremony with available light even when I was told it was not allowed.
3 This camera does not know how to take a bad picture I am still amazed at the pictures every time I get a roll back from processing . I've owned this camera for 20 years it has not changed. Rich
1 Its easy to use you don"t miss the shot while adjusting the camera.
2 It"s quiet I used to photograph weddings and used it during the ceremony with available light even when I was told it was not allowed.
3 This camera does not know how to take a bad picture I am still amazed at the pictures every time I get a roll back from processing . I've owned this camera for 20 years it has not changed. Rich
CliveC
Well-known
Digging this thread back up since I just managed to find an Olympus 35RC.
It's not perfect, but pretty clean. It's a nice little camera, but it almost feels a world away from the Olympus RD. The focusing mechanism just feels plain cheap, but does have a very short throw. The film advance actually seems to be better than the RD.
If only they built an RC-sized camera with the lens of the RD!
On my list, only an Olympus 35SP left to go from this line/era.
It's not perfect, but pretty clean. It's a nice little camera, but it almost feels a world away from the Olympus RD. The focusing mechanism just feels plain cheap, but does have a very short throw. The film advance actually seems to be better than the RD.
If only they built an RC-sized camera with the lens of the RD!
On my list, only an Olympus 35SP left to go from this line/era.
brownaj
Newbie
Minolta Hi-Matic 11
Minolta Hi-Matic 11
The only fixed lens rangefinder I own is the Minolta Hi-Matic 11. I like it because
1. it was my first "serious" camera;
2. the aperture and shutter speed are shown in the viewfinder;
3. after 40+ years, it still works like a champ.
Minolta Hi-Matic 11
The only fixed lens rangefinder I own is the Minolta Hi-Matic 11. I like it because
1. it was my first "serious" camera;
2. the aperture and shutter speed are shown in the viewfinder;
3. after 40+ years, it still works like a champ.
codester80
A Touch of Light
Petri Super Color-correct f/1.9
This is the poor man's Leica. It even has a red dot! Leaf shutter that is impossible to hear. A Leica shutter sounds like a herd of elephants compared to the Petri. The lens is fast and sharp. No meter but full control of aperature and shutter speeds. Bright, contrasty finder. It's feels extremely solid in the hands and is a joy to shoot. Cheap too. I paid $40 for a mint copy.
This is the poor man's Leica. It even has a red dot! Leaf shutter that is impossible to hear. A Leica shutter sounds like a herd of elephants compared to the Petri. The lens is fast and sharp. No meter but full control of aperature and shutter speeds. Bright, contrasty finder. It's feels extremely solid in the hands and is a joy to shoot. Cheap too. I paid $40 for a mint copy.
flavio81
Well-known
I have own or owned the following:
Zeiss Contessa (folding)
Minox 35GT
Olympus Trip 35
Rollei 35 made in germany
Agfa Karat IV
Electro 35 GSN
Electro 35 GL
* Olympus 35SP
Olympus Pen S3.5
Kodak Retina IIIc
* Walz Envoy M35
* Fujica 35EE
Voigtlander Vitoret DR
Voigtlander Vitomatic Ia
* = unusable for now, they need repair
From all the list my favorite is the Kodak Retina IIIc, it is just superb.
The best lens in terms of rendering is the one on my Agfa Karat IV
I liked the Electro 35GSN, it had the right combination of everything except for manual mode and compactness.
Of the ultra compact cameras the Olympus Pen S3.5 (half frame) is my favorite -- tiny, well built, all manual, great lens. The Minox 35 was great until it died. I replaced it with a Rollei 35 -- big mistake. The Rollei is cumbersome to use. Sold it.
Moving up in size i just bought and restored a Voigtlander Vitomatic Ia, scale focus camera, and I think i will love this camera.
The best viewfinder and rangefinder is the one on the lowly Vitoret DR, believe it or not. Once cleaned, it is big and excellent.
The top cameras in terms of build quality are:
#1 Voigtlander Vitomatic Ia and Zeiss Contessa
#2 Kodak Retina IIIc
#3 Walz Envoy and Agfa Karat Iv and Fujica 35EE
I have yet to repair the 35SP but so far the build quality is below my standards, the shutter button is horrible in travel and feel, the sound is too loud, and the shutter vibrates more than acceptably for a central leaf shutter. The viewfinder is unremarkable.
I want to love the SP but i can't help but feel it has been overrated too much on the internet. Yeah, i know, the lens -- but i have wonderful lenses on the Fujica, Vitomatic, Walz, and Agfa as well.
On the other hand the Olympus Pen S3.5 is everything a good Olympus should be, including smooth and well built. The lens is excellent, unit-focusing, focusing collar is smooth, all manual controls easily available.
Zeiss Contessa (folding)
Minox 35GT
Olympus Trip 35
Rollei 35 made in germany
Agfa Karat IV
Electro 35 GSN
Electro 35 GL
* Olympus 35SP
Olympus Pen S3.5
Kodak Retina IIIc
* Walz Envoy M35
* Fujica 35EE
Voigtlander Vitoret DR
Voigtlander Vitomatic Ia
* = unusable for now, they need repair
From all the list my favorite is the Kodak Retina IIIc, it is just superb.
The best lens in terms of rendering is the one on my Agfa Karat IV
I liked the Electro 35GSN, it had the right combination of everything except for manual mode and compactness.
Of the ultra compact cameras the Olympus Pen S3.5 (half frame) is my favorite -- tiny, well built, all manual, great lens. The Minox 35 was great until it died. I replaced it with a Rollei 35 -- big mistake. The Rollei is cumbersome to use. Sold it.
Moving up in size i just bought and restored a Voigtlander Vitomatic Ia, scale focus camera, and I think i will love this camera.
The best viewfinder and rangefinder is the one on the lowly Vitoret DR, believe it or not. Once cleaned, it is big and excellent.
The top cameras in terms of build quality are:
#1 Voigtlander Vitomatic Ia and Zeiss Contessa
#2 Kodak Retina IIIc
#3 Walz Envoy and Agfa Karat Iv and Fujica 35EE
I have yet to repair the 35SP but so far the build quality is below my standards, the shutter button is horrible in travel and feel, the sound is too loud, and the shutter vibrates more than acceptably for a central leaf shutter. The viewfinder is unremarkable.
I want to love the SP but i can't help but feel it has been overrated too much on the internet. Yeah, i know, the lens -- but i have wonderful lenses on the Fujica, Vitomatic, Walz, and Agfa as well.
On the other hand the Olympus Pen S3.5 is everything a good Olympus should be, including smooth and well built. The lens is excellent, unit-focusing, focusing collar is smooth, all manual controls easily available.
Dirk
Privatier
Flavio, what lens is on your Karat?
My favorit RF (OK, strictly speaking a VF) is the Minox 35GT. I had mine fixed many years ago by Don Goldman (sp?), and it's worked like a charm ever since.
My favorit RF (OK, strictly speaking a VF) is the Minox 35GT. I had mine fixed many years ago by Don Goldman (sp?), and it's worked like a charm ever since.
flavio81
Well-known
Dormeur74
Newbie
Hi all,
My favorite single lens cameras are Konica (IIA to IIIM).
Best regards from France.
My favorite single lens cameras are Konica (IIA to IIIM).
Best regards from France.
Saijem
Member
As of this moment, I will have to say that my Konics C35 is my number 1 shooter.
The build, the tack sharp lens and the feeling that it was made with "creativity abilities", keeps it on top of my list.
But my Minolta Hi-Matic F is running in a close 2nd place.
The build, the tack sharp lens and the feeling that it was made with "creativity abilities", keeps it on top of my list.
But my Minolta Hi-Matic F is running in a close 2nd place.
David Hughes
David Hughes
Hi,
There's a lot to be said for the C35, I like the aperture and shutter speed display; unusual in a program mode only camera. It's a pity it needs the mercury batteries...
Regards, David
There's a lot to be said for the C35, I like the aperture and shutter speed display; unusual in a program mode only camera. It's a pity it needs the mercury batteries...
Regards, David
Magnum13
Newbie
My favorite is:
My favorite is:
I found a camera bag I thought was lost but found it a week ago and it had my Rollei 35 and my Canon G-III QL. Like both cameras but will have to go with the Canon.
intuitive
quick
well built for what it is
My favorite is:
I found a camera bag I thought was lost but found it a week ago and it had my Rollei 35 and my Canon G-III QL. Like both cameras but will have to go with the Canon.
intuitive
quick
well built for what it is
ChrisPlatt
Thread Killer
I too like the C35, but prefer the zone focus model.
It's easily recognizable as it is badged "V" or "E&L".
The focus symbols are also visible in the viewfinder.
Chris
It's easily recognizable as it is badged "V" or "E&L".
The focus symbols are also visible in the viewfinder.
Chris
infrequent
Well-known
That is the one I have been stalking over at eBay. Some of the C35 Auto prices are super rich :/
tunalegs
Pretended Artist
Petri 7s still ranks among my favorites - but it's getting hard to find them with good functioning meters.
Contarama
Well-known
1. It is a RF
2. It is in excellent condition
3. It is a historical sort of camera
Anyone want to buy it? 🙂
I used to have a black Canonet which I gave away. Stupid. Stupid. Stupid.
Chris101
summicronia
Olympus XA3.
It's small, easy to use, and I got it for free (in the Christmas give-away, right here at RFF!)
It's small, easy to use, and I got it for free (in the Christmas give-away, right here at RFF!)
David Hughes
David Hughes
Hi,
The bargains are still out there; I've the C35 and C35AF and the instruction manual for the C35 (RF) cost more than the two cameras etc.
If talking of zone focus then the Yashica 35-ME has a lot going for it, especially the lens.
Regards, David
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