Which RF Camera (60's-80's) did you have?

Hi Scott,
The problem with your Petri may be the same as one I found with two of mine (I have 8 Petri 7S now, don't ask why, I like them). If you look closely at the inside of the camera with the shutter on B and open, you might discover a very fine coating of fungus, more like haze than spidery kind on the rear element. One wipe with a Qtip with white vinegar and good as new in my case(s). At first I thought I was doing something wrong as I'd cleaned the lens, viewfinder, adjusted the rangefinder etc. then discovered the slight haze. Hope this works for you and enjoy the Petri. Curt in Canada.
 
Thanks Curt, I suspected something like fungus. I've never had to deal with that, so I wasn't sure what to look for or what to do. I think mine is the 7s too. Do you have the manual for it? I think I have the original manual in pdf format somewhere on my drive - PM me if you need it.

Thanks,

Scott
 
Hi Scott,
Thanks for the manual offer, but I already have one. Nice of you to offer though. Hope you make out ok with the Petri. Just out of curiosity, which lens do you have on yours? I ask because they came with both an f2.8 45mm or an f1.8 45mm. I have both and the 1.8 is a very nice lens to work with, although the 2.8 is no slouch either. Curt in Canada.
 
Curt,

I have the f2.8. I just tried cleaning it but there appears to be something on the inside of the lens or an inner lens and I can't get it off. Maybe I'll pick up another one - they go pretty cheap at auction.
 
This inspired me to get out MY Dad's Petri 7S, and I see it has the f/1.8 lens. No manual aperture control? Hmmm.

And while the focusing is smooth I think there's something wrong with the shutter. There's a kind of "clunk" sound at the end of the winding stroke, and a tiny little click when the shutter button is pressed, but I see no movement of shutter blades from either the front or the back of the lens.

It does have a manual, and the set of wide/long lens attachments with a receipt showing $14, dated March '67.

I guess the camera needs some work
 
Hi Doug,
I'm confused as the 7S is in my hands as I type and the aperture control ring is between the shutter speed selector ring (also ASA/DIN) and the focus ring closest to the camera body. The numbers are in green except f8. As to the loud clunk at the end of the wind cycle, that too is perfectly normal for these cameras, similar to a Topcon Uni, or an Exa. Not fancy, quiet or sofisticated, but a rough and tumble street shooter with a very decent lens. Yours sounds like it might be in need of the camera repair tech's best tool, lighter fluid or Ronsonol if you must. Hope it works out for you as I'm sure you'd enjoy the camera. Curt in Canada.
 
Mine clunks too, I think it may be normal. Like Curt said, they're not quiet but they are tough. My (step-dad actually) used his for a while when he was staying in Alaska and it served him well there so it must be hardy to endure the extreme temps. I don't think the light meter is reliable in mine any more though.

Regards,

Scott
 
Thanks, Curt and Scott... I see now there IS an aperture ring, but it's black with a little window to view dark (green) numbers. It was turned to an open f/stop around to the right and I didn't notice it.

The light meter is off, too, indicating 1/500 at f/16 (ISO 200) for a sunny shot. I'll get the camera cleaned up and see if it works...
 
My only RF has been the Canonet 17 (of course), but will soon have a Ricoh 500G to keep it company.
At first I didn't like the RF focusing and almost sold it right back on Ebay. Then, the more I used it, the more FUN I had and the better shots I've taken with it. Light, compacr, simple and a decent fast lens; all noble traits. It's not the "poor man's Leica", (my Nikkor 50mm f1.8 beats it), but for un-inhibited easy pleasure shooting, ya' couldn't ask for better!
 
Olympus 35RD, Konica S3, a pair of Konica Auto S1.6's, Chinon 35EE II and a zone-focus Olympus XA2.

The last two are not particularly well-regarded, but the XA2 can be stored/taken anywhere and the Chinon accepts a bunch of old accessories I had for a Konica C35. You just need cameras that can be placed in harm's way at times.

I use the 35RD the most and I do like the S3, (it has taken a beating and kept going), but one of the S1.6's is my favorite. It's not particularly handy in terms of size, but it feels right and is in beautiful working order. I picked up a second one for parts a few years back and haven't needed a single part yet.
 
1st fixed lens RF was new Canon Canonet QL19 received as birthday present in the late 60s. Later sold to friend.
2nd fixed lens RF is currently Canon Canonet 19. Bought used from
K. Nakamura and CLA'd by M. Hama. Has bottom trigger wind. I love the trigger wind.

Enough for now since I also have a Kiev 4 type 2 and a Fed 3b.

John
 
My only RF is the Hi Matic 7. I have only shot two films through it and I am hooked, now I plan to get a Leica or Zeiss Ikon. Do you think I could trust the selenium meter it has (the camera has been inactive for years) or should I just buy a Digisix and be done with it ?
 
I use a Weston Master from the '30s with my Leica M2 and M3. I found it sitting in its box, virtually unused. If the Selenium has a good seal like the Weston, they remain accurate. I have three Canon 7 cameras and use their Selenium meters. The meters on my Kodak Retina's are also accurate.

Retina:
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/photopost/showgallery.php/cat/519
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/2652/size/big/sort/1/cat/597

Kiev 4:
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/photopost/showgallery.php/cat/540

Canon 7:
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/photopost/showgallery.php/cat/518

Weston Master (original) and Leica M2:
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/photopost/showgallery.php/cat/749
 
Hi,

(2)- Canonet GLIII
(1)- Zeiss Super Ikonta III
(1)- Speed Graphic 4x5 (has a Calart rangefinder on the side)
(1)- Leica M6 w/35 f/2 and Canon 50 1.2
(1)- Contax G2 w/ 28 (black), 40 (silver), 90 (silver)
(1)- Mamiya 6 w/ 80

Also an old Ansco Viking 6x9 (guesstimate focusing) and an odd AGFA 6x6 from the 30's (also guesstimate focusing). No idea what model. Clean lens though, uncoated I think.

Chris
canonetc
 
1st, and only fixed lens RF, was a black Electro 35 (Professsional). My father gave it to me and it was my introduction to photography. I still have it, but it needs a visit to Mark Hama.
 
I've had 2 rangefinders with a 30+ year gap owning none.

First was a Mamiya-Sekor which I had when I was first getting into photography. I sold it years ago and am kicking myself for it. The people here helped identify it as the Super-Deluxe model.

I currently have a Canon QL17 GIII on which I got my baptism by fire in camera repair. :)
 
My first rangefinder was the ZI Contessa LKE, just like this one with the blocky text on the top plate. Bought it about two years ago for CAD$40 from an antique store. Worked well and took a lot of abuse, it did. :eek:

Beautiful lens on this camera. I shot Provia 100F exclusively with it, and was never disappointed. The only thing I would mention is that the lens is very prone to flare. It takes a screw in hood, which would probably be a good idea. It's currently sitting in need of some repair. :(

The shutter is very quiet (leaf shutter built into the lens). Overall, a solid camera with good handling and a nice lens.

BJ
 
Fixed lens RF's. Just look at my sig, and ignore the Zorki's, Leica, Kiev & Speed Graphic.

I believe my first was the Yashica Electro 35 GS.

Favourite fixed RF would be the Canonet GIII QL17. Sharp, easy to carry, meter works.

There's a Oly SP on the way and I would like to get a Oly XA for the sharp 35mm lense & easily pocketable clamshell format.

Right now though, the Kiev's are probably getting the most attention since that's my most complete setup. 3 bodies, 35mm, 50mm, 135mm & a J9 85/2 on the way.
 
Yashica Electro 35 GSN, Electro GX, Olympus XA

The GX is a lovely one, super sharp lens, though seldom used, the XA is always in a pocket with me.
The GSN is collecting dust due to too-many-cameras-syndrom.
 
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