Which RF to get?

[botsjunk]

I am a 4th year Graphic Design student from Toronto with a great love for street photography using 35 mm cameras. Currently I use Minolta Hi-Matic S or Canon AF35M or Nikon L35AF. The problem with these cameras is that although they are lightweight and easy to carry (which I love), they don't give me enough control nor they are quiet and almost always alert my subjects who are being photographed.

I would love to buy a buy a used Leica M6 or M4 and a 50 mm lens but I don't have enough money for it. Same thing goes for getting a Bessa. Is there any other camera that can fulfill my requirements and that I can find a used one for cheap on eBay? My budget is around $200.

Any thought on this matter will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[Michiel Fokkema]

Hi,

A canonet 17will fulfil your needs for around $50,-

Cheers,

Michiel Fokkma

 

[botsjunk]

Thanks

Thanks

Thank you Michiel for your reply. Your photographs on your flickr are beautiful. What camera do you use?

 

[cmedin]

$200 should get you a decent condition Leica screwmount camera and lens with some careful shopping around. It might not be your cup of tea, but it's the one RF that did it for me. 🙂

 

[botsjunk]

Yeah, one of the Leica screwmounts can work too. I wish Bessa R3A was within my range.

 

[JNewell]

$200 is more likely to get a Leica screwmount with speeds off, a hazy finder and a lens that's quite hazy and scratched. 🙁 I'd look for a used Bessa if interchangeable lenses are a must or a Canonet or Yashica GS.

 

[cmedin]

I did say "careful shopping around". I just picked up a III with two lenses for < $200.

 

[Kat]

An Olympus SP or Konica S2? If fixed lens is okay. Minolta 7sII or Olympus RC or RD if size is an issue.

 

[botsjunk]

Speaking of Minolta 7sII, I already have Minolta Hi-Matic S, and I love it. So I wouldnt think twice if I see a 7sII on sale somewhere.

 

[botsjunk]

i wudnt think twice before getting 7sII, since I have Hi-Matic S, and I love it.

 

[Michiel Fokkema]

Thank you Michiel for your reply. Your photographs on your flickr are beautiful. What camera do you use?

Thanks,

Most of the time I use a Leica M6 or Konica Hexar RF. But also a Rolleiflex 3.5f, a Canonet 17 and a Hasselblad.

Best regards,

Michiel Fokkema

 

[Graincollector]

Hi botsjunk!

I'd recommend the Olympus XA, very small, sharp and almost silent (for real!).

Good luck 🙂