35mm Rangefinder Buying Advice

[Huss]

I had a Canon P, Bessa R3a, still have Zorki 4, Fed2, Kiev 4 and a bunch of Leica Ms.
While the Leicas are just a joy to use and fondle, the next best thing is my Nikon S2. Fantastic to use and fondle, much nicer than the now more expensive Bessas. And the one I recommend as it feels different to Leicas but not worse.
Out of the rest I have I like the Fed 2 the most.

 

[markjwyatt]

The Contax iia is almost a Leica M3 in terms of features, and a lot less money, and in terms of quality at least as good. I love shooting my Contax iia. It feels right is reliable, compact and precise. It competes with my digital (Fujiflim XT-2) as the most fun to shoot so far. I have a Kiev 4a, and it is similar (and cheaper yet). It needs some work, and I am not willing to spend the $$ on it right now, especially given relative values (costs as much to repair as the Contax).

 

[darkosaric]

You have Nikon F3, this is enough for lifetime of good photography. I think you want Leica, you will never be satisfied until you try the best what rangefinder can offer. You don't need it, but if you can - go for it !

 

[guangong]

Adding to my previous remarks where I pointed out how inexpensive any Leica, M or screw mount, is when amortized over lifetime, I would like to add comment about Canon clones. While I have and use IIIas, C and F, I must add that the Canon clones are superior with regard to build quality.
Likewise, a Contax IIa has very robust construction and normal to 90mm lenses are reasonably priced. Unfortunately, wide angle lenses are in the domain of collectors and are relatively expensive.
Canon P is often my bad weather camera, but larger than earlier Leica screw mounts and clones.
Of course, if only a standard lens is needed consider a Contessa or Retina. The Contessa is the tougher camera. The Retina takes accessory lenses but they are awkward to use in practice.
Keep in mind all other manufacturers stopped rf cameras with interchangeable lenses when Leitz introduced M3.

 

[BradS]

"Have always wanted a Leica but never decided if worth spending the money on one."

Just get one and don't worry about whether it is worth it or not.
Life is short and you'll always want one.
Get it now. Use it and take care of it.
You'll not regret it.

 

[Huss]

Keep in mind all other manufacturers stopped rf cameras with interchangeable lenses when Leitz introduced M3.

Apart from Nikon with their SP etc. And later S3 2000 and SP 2005.

 

[dave olson]

Rangefinder = Leica, Leica = rangefinder. Quality, durability, glass. May cost more but you are getting the rangefinder by which all others are judged.

 

[removedacct1]

I enjoy my Retina IIIC and IIIc a lot. Very capable cameras, excellent optics, mechanically reliable and a pleasure to use. No, they’re not a Leica, but they’re not trying to be. In my experience, people buy a Leica for reasons other than going out to make good photographs. You can feed a lot of film through a Retina IIIC with all the $$$ you didn’t spend on a Leica!

 

[Frank53]

If you’re interested in Contax, have a look at this:
https://www.photrio.com/forum/threads/voigtlander-bessa-r2c-contax-skopar-2-5-35mm.171273/

 

[cooltouch]

Another vote for the Canon P. It's a cool looking rangefinder and much easier to use than the earlier LTM cameras. Some of the cheap Russian glass is pretty good. Some of the good Canon LTM glass has gotten pricey. I've found that sometimes the best deals can be found when buying a camera with a lens. On eBay, I found a nice 35mm f/3.2 Serenar with case and rangefinder for my P that way. It came with a Canon IIIa that's actually in pretty decent shape. Bought the outfit for a bit less than what the lens sells for by itself.

 

[one90guy]

I also have the Canon P and a Canon 7. I like the P so much more, never have used the 7. Over the years have gone through lots of RFs, from Argus C-3, Yashicas, Minoltas, and more that I no longer remember. Have a good collection of Canon, Russian, and some of the new Chinese lens. Fits my needs prefect.

David

 

[abruzzi]

I enjoy my Retina IIIC and IIIc a lot. Very capable cameras, excellent optics, mechanically reliable and a pleasure to use. No, they’re not a Leica, but they’re not trying to be. In my experience, people buy a Leica for reasons other than going out to make good photographs. You can feed a lot of film through a Retina IIIC with all the $$$ you didn’t spend on a Leica!

The Schneider Xenon 50/2 on the Retinas is probably my favorite lens. I have a IIIC in near perfect condition, and it’s a great camera.

 

[cooltouch]

I own a IIC with case, which doesn't give up much to the IIIC. It is a beautifully crafted camera. The IIC comes with the 50/2.8 Retina-Xenon. I don't much care that it's a stop slower than the 50/2, it's still a great lens.