which fixed focal RF to buy?

[Milton]

Hi guys,
I was wondering if you could give me some advice on this issue. I'm an amature photographer, I primarily use digital equipment (Canon 30D) but lately I'm enjoying myself taking pictures in the old fashioned way using an RF.

I shot some rolls with an old Zorki 4, which was a nice experience, but I found the lack of a light meter and the external viewfinder a disatvantage. Afterwards I got an Olympus 35SP from my uncle. This is a marvellous camera, fun to use, very well built and even more importantly, people reacted very nicely to it. However, this camera has a sentimental value so I'm prefer to return it to its owner and buy myself another camera to cary around with a BW film.

For the time being I think about sticking to a fixed focal RF and not buy an interchangable lens camera like the Bessa. I can spend up to a 100$ on this thing. I know that most of such cameras are much cheaper.

If you have the patience, I listed the features that I would like to find in such a camera, and my opinion about cameras I've already checked.
Feature I'm looking for:
1) light meter - a must
2) manual exposure operation, or manual override - a must
3) bright viewfinder and easy to use rangefinder mechanism
4) lens ~40mm. 2.8 apreture is good enough for me
5) good build quality
6) a depth of field scale - an advantage
7) black finish - an advantage

Here are the cameras I tried/read about and their (+) and (-) sides
1) Olympus 35SP -
(+) very good build quality, fun to use, quiet
( -) a bit big and heavy. Aperture goes only to 16 and shutter to 500 (which is actually less). That means that using a 400ISO film in daylight can be on the edge. By I guess all these cameras are like that.

2) Olympus RC and RD - Haven't seen them. The RD shoud be a newer version of the SP but it's hard to find and I read it has a service problem (lens lubricant going to the sutter blades)

3) Canon Canonnet G17 - I held a few copies of the cameras, even a canonnet with a black finish. It was smaller than the Olympus SP but felt less robust.

4) Konica S3 - that seems a lovely camera, I also might get a hand on one but it does not have a manual override. I also saw another Konica camera in a store, it had a 2.8 lens, so I guess it wasn't an S2.

5) Yashika minister - external display of light meter. I liked the Olympus better.

OK, any other recommendations, links to other cameras will be appreciated. I also read the forum poll, but its results were a bit inconclusive.
Thanks

 

[sniki]

One word answer: Hexar AF.
Definitely!

sniki

 

[Milton]

Thanks for your answer Sniki!
I gave the Hexar a look. It looks impressive, but I think it's a little oversophisticated for my purpose. I'm looking for a mechanical camera - I don't want the automatic film advance mechanism and the AF (these I have in my DSLR). It's also lbeyond my budget (it costs ~150 USD am I right?).
I reread my first post an I want to make the point clearer - I really like the Olympus SP. I'm looking for a camera in the same style - mechanical RF, quiet, fixed lens. I just want to know all the alternatives around before I go and buy myself a camera.

OK, thanks again

 

[Trius]

Milton: Of the cameras you have listed, the SP is the best choice, IMO.

The RD in good condition (i.e., has had a professional servicing) will cost more than $100.

The only things with the SP are:

1. No DOF scale. That's not a huge issue for me, but it may be for you. You can find a DOF scale for the 42mm focal length, print a small copy and tape it to the camera back if you really need it. Same with many other fixed RFs.

2. Shutter noise. The SP is not the quietest of the fixed RF crowd. The RC is quieter (and presumably the RD), but the RC's slowest shutter speed is 1/15s. In RF terms, that is not sufficient for many of us.

Other points about the SP: Size and weight are just right for me. Some of the smaller RFs are too small with not enough heft for optimal handholding in low light. That (low light shooting) is one of the raisons d'etre for an RF. This shot is with the SP at 1/8 second, handheld. In addition, a solid mechanical RF will nearly always weigh more than many of the modern plastic digitals. The Konica RF is smaller and lighter (yet pretty well made), but has no manual exposure mode.

Also, the viewfinder is one of the best of fixed RFs. Bright, magnification optimal for the lens/field of view and easy to focus in all but the dimmest (read: dark, smoky bars) light.

The spot meter of the SP is a must. Not that one can't get along without it, but once you get used to having it, it is one of the reasons you'll reach for the SP before other cameras. At least that's what's happened with me.

All-in-all, I think the SP fits your requirements best, though I'm biased since it's my favourite fixed lens RF and I'm known here as an SP "pusher". 😉

Good luck in your quest.

 

[Milton]

Thanks Trius,
well, I have a strong feeling that you are right, but again, I want to be surprised 🙂
Talking about the SP, I'd be happy if you could help me with these questions:

1) The spot meter - what is the metering area? is it the green rectangle of the rangefinder? Why to you find it so usefull? Do you measure light on your hand or do you use it in high contrast scenes (i.e. night photography)?

2) I have the feeling that the light meter is inaccurate in low light and in bright
light. Do you think so? Besides, I find it very difficult to read the light meter at night (i.e. in street light) it should also be noted that I'm wearing thick glasse. Am I missing something?

3) How much should and SP cost? is 30 to 50$ the range?

4) The focus ring - should it go smooth or not? I my (my uncle's) camera it doesn't go so smooth. Anything to do with it?

Thanks again

 

[Trius]

Milton:

Yes, the metering area of the spot meter is the rangefinder patch. I find it useful because I am used to the Zone system of metering. With the SP, I find a middle grey area to meter, or sometimes measure the brightness range (darkest shadows, brightest highlights, etc.) and make an exposure calculation in my mind. It's no match for a good, calibrated 1deg spot meter, but it is fine for many, if not most, situations.

I have found the meter to be pretty accurate within its limits. The lower limit is 3EV, which is not as sensitive as I would like, but it's a camera from 1969-71, so that is normal for its day.

A good SP will cost $75-100 if it is in good condition and has had a fairly recent CLA. In the $30-50 price range you are taking your chances, but you could get lucky.

The focus ring should be smooth. It sounds like the SP you used needed servicing, which may also explain your doubts about the meter. And the battery may not have been correct.

 

[Milton]

Thanks a lot!

 

[Steve Bellayr]

All are good cameras. You can add the Yashica GSN, a little more common. In the used camera market availability and price will dictate more than desire. However, from what you wrote you seem partial to and more comfortable with the Olympus.