Which one? Canon QL17 or Kodak Retina (or maybe a Minolta)?

[mindcircus]

Hello, I am looking for a small RF that I can carry it in my pocket or at least in my bag. I've read many posts here and I am between Canon QL17 and Kodak Retina (probably II or III). I haven't excluded Minoltas, but I've seen a couple of them and I think they are quite big for me.
I prefer to set all options manually (and this is one of the cons of Canon, because the meter will be useless to me).

Thanks in advance

 

[Sonnar Brian]

The Canonet: the original Ql17 is quite big. It was replaced by the compact model in 1969 or so. The Canon QL17 GIII is widely available, and is compact.

The Retina IIIc and IIc are about the same price as the Canonet, and more compact as they fold. They are fully manual. Watch that the winding is smooth: they have a week pint in the cocking mechanism. The Schneider Xenon is typically sharper than the lens on the Canonet. I've had several of each. YMMV.

 

[robin a]

Hi,if you want to carry in your pocket it's gotta be the Retina.The IIc is a very capable,pocketable,and great glass.............Robin

 

[mindcircus]

the original Ql17 is quite big. It was replaced by the compact model in 1969 or so. The Canon QL17 GIII is widely available, and is compact

Sorry, I thought it was only Canon QL17 GIII, I didn't know Canon QL17 was a different model...

So, if Retinas are more compact and have sharper lenses there is no need to look for a Canon.

Now a few more questions... Schneiders are very good lenses as far as I know. What about Heligons or Ektars? Should I look only for IIc or IIIC?

And last but not least, do they have any other problems except for the week pint in the cocking mechanism?

 

[Mephiloco]

I find the glass on my canonet to be very sharp. Mine is a QL17, thought it's the same size as the GIII. Neither could be put into a pocket very comfortably unless you have some big pockets.