Affordable walk-around rangefinder?

Woolliscroft · Jul 2, 2007

If you want interchangable lenses there are plenty of old Russian rangefinder cameras about, e.g. Feds, which will take any Leica thread lens. If a fixed lens is OK, you will find a lot of fans of the Canonet G-III here: myself included.

David.

kman627 · Jul 2, 2007

I love my Yashica Electro 35 GSN. Paid $28.00 for it and it's practically brand new. I really enjoy it. I also have a Canonet QL-17 GIII and like it too. The It's very sharp and nice and compact.

Iskra 2 · Jul 2, 2007

kman627 said:
I love my Yashica Electro 35 GSN. Paid $28.00 for it and it's practically brand new. I really enjoy it. I also have a Canonet QL-17 GIII and like it too. The It's very sharp and nice and compact.

Agreed kman, the Electro's are another favorite of mine. The meter's are magical in low light situations and they are essentially soundless when the shutter fires and film is advanced. They are pretty rugged too, I keep mine on the floor of the truck year round, and it gets pretty cold sometimes (-20F). Regards.

Jordan · Jul 2, 2007

I have an Olympus XA and a Yashica Electro GSN as well as an Olympus Stylus Epic. I find the GSN the most enjoyable to use, and it produces astoundingly sharp images. The XA gives good results too, but mine has a very dim rangefinder patch and the short focus throw makes it difficult to use.

I would think that something along the lines of the Electro series, or related cameras from Konica, Minolta, Canon, etc., would serve the OP well. (My sister-in-law uses her Dad's old Minolta 7s2 as a point-and-shoot -- she knows very little about photography -- and gets incredible results.) That said, I'm itching for something a bit lighter than the GSN that has (or can take) a 35mm or 28mm lens, so I'm keeping my eye open for a Bessa R (or does anyone else have suggestions?)

aldevo · Jul 2, 2007

I own a Kodak Retinnette IIB rangefinder that I used extensively in the late 80s through the mid-90s. Mine is in immaculate condition (really) and remains fully-functional right down to the meter. The 4-element Schneider Remoar Tessar is not a fast lens (f/2.8) but it is quite sharp (even wide open) and fairly contrasty. I enjoy using the camera a great deal.

That said, all the shortcomings of pre-M3 rangefinder gear cited in earlier posts certainly apply. The viewfinder isn't fantastic and it flares extremely badly in backlighting to the point of being almost useless. And, of course, I am limited to that one 45mm f/2.8 lens.

As much as I like the Retinnette, I would definitely agree with Roger Hicks that a second-hand Voigtlander will be a much more fulfilling purchase in the long run - even if it costs a few more dollars in the short-term.

darrylbaird · Jul 2, 2007

.. interesting thread, with plenty of good suggestions, but most don't work within the budget. Here's my 2 cents. For the money, IF (big one) you can find a good user, the Agfa Ambi-Silette. I got one and have decided it's my last ragefinder to own before digital takes over completely (let's not go there in this thread). FWIW, I've owned a Leica M2, M3, M4, Contax G1 (modified), Bessa L with Heliar lens, Olympus XA. This is a great camera. check out the blurb on Camerquest - http://www.cameraquest.com/agfambi.htm

Before I sold my G1 I tested the Agfa (Ambi) Color-Solinar against the Zeiss Planar 45mm and it held it's own nicely, with the edge slightly going to Zeiss (duh). If you find one needing repair or cleaned, the guy on ebay, Certo6, can do wonders with these cameras.

Sportera · Jul 3, 2007

The Russian cameras can be good if you get a good one I have had several zorki's and feds. They are good cameras and indestructable. Also look into the used Leica thread mounts good deals can be found.

Ultimatley though if you are serious and want a reliable camera with a meter, look at the Voigtlanders. i have and use severla of their lenses on my M6 and lobve them especially the 21mm
A used voigtlander should save you some cash.

rosey · Jul 3, 2007

A walkaround rangefinder is exactly what I'll be carrying today as I stroll through Shipshewanna, Ind., Amish country. Today's camera of choice is one of my Canon G-III models with B&W film. Oh, by the way, there will also be an Olympus XA, loaded with color film, in a pocket. Why settle for just one of these gems when you can use both? Today's stay-at-home rangefinder is the very nice Konica Auto-S.

elekm · Jul 3, 2007

The Reomar is a triplet and not a Tessar-type. However, a properly designed triplet can be a very worthy lens.

I've found the Schneider Radionar to be a bit soft and to vignette. I've not had the chance to use the Reomar. I would expect it to perform best when stopped down to f/8 or smaller.

One of the better triplets that I've encountered is the Triotar -- which I've mentioned before.

The Novar (another triplet) is a decent lens although soft in the corners. Again, stopped down to f/8 or smaller, it's a very capable lens.

And the post on this reminds me that two of the nicer cameras are the Retina IIS (fixed-lens) and IIIS (interchangeable lenses).

The IIS has a Xenar (Tessar type), while the IIIS has an excellent -- although limited in number -- selection of lenses from which to choose. The cameras are well made and not too costly. Again, expect that either camera will need some routine service.

aldevo · Jul 3, 2007

elekm said:
The Reomar is a triplet and not a Tessar-type. However, a properly designed triplet can be a very worthy lens.

I've found the Schneider Radionar to be a bit soft and to vignette. I've not had the chance to use the Reomar. I would expect it to perform best when stopped down to f/8 or smaller.

One of the better triplets that I've encountered is the Triotar -- which I've mentioned before.

The Novar (another triplet) is a decent lens although soft in the corners. Again, stopped down to f/8 or smaller, it's a very capable lens.

And the post on this reminds me that two of the nicer cameras are the Retina IIS (fixed-lens) and IIIS (interchangeable lenses).

The IIS has a Xenar (Tessar type), while the IIIS has an excellent -- although limited in number -- selection of lenses from which to choose. The cameras are well made and not too costly. Again, expect that either camera will need some routine service.

Yes, I stand corrected. The Reomar has 3 elements in 3 groups. Probably a Cooke triplet-dervied design. It certainly isn't sharp to the corners at 2.8 and the contrast is quite low. It doesn't flare much at all - not suprising since it is single-coated and has only 6 lens surfaces. It's quite good at f/8.

I've never tried a Radionar-equipped camera.

elekm · Jul 3, 2007

Most of the little Kodak/Nagel Vollenda Type 48 cameras had a Schneider Radionar. My experience is that it is a bit soft and vignettes.

The little Vollenda is very compact and sort of cute.

Spencer Payton · Jul 20, 2007

I'd deffiently recommend going with one of the Yashica rangefinder models probably the GSN. They are as cheap as chips now, online places such as ebay have quite a few on at a the moment. I own one and for a rangefinder it is the best money I have spent, brilliant 40mm 1.7 lens and really sharp,
I hope that all helps for you.

mabman · Jul 20, 2007

Darn you all and your good purchasing recommendations I've now got a Konica Auto S2, which I've run a couple of rolls through, including some slide (unfortunately only crappy minilab scans at the moment, which don't do it justice) - FANTASTIC lens, and the meter works very well on mine. Also I'm very impressed with the big, bright VF/RF - very hard to go back to a FED-2.

I also picked up an Olympus 35RC cheaply - it's currently at the repair shop getting some TLC.

My only complaint about the S2 thus far is the shutter-priority - I'm getting used to it, but I prefer aperture priority, so an Electro 35 GSN may be in my future as well

BlueWind · Jul 22, 2007

In praise of the 35 Electro GSN

I join those who favor this Yashica classic beauty. If you like a fixed lens rangefinder, this is the camera. And don't be surprised if you sometimes don't hear the shutter - that is the way it is, almost inaudible.
Regards
Joao

Kino · Jul 22, 2007

Roger Hicks said:
Dear Jason,

How many cameras do you need?

Well...

http://www.rogerandfrances.com/howmany.html

Cheers,

Roger

Dear Roger,

As many as I want!

Cheers.
Frank

Roger Hicks · Jul 23, 2007

Kino said:
Dear Roger,

As many as I want!

Cheers.
Frank

Dear Frank,

The trouble is, it's easy to overshoot the mark and suddenly to find that you have MORE than you want -- such as the Gallus I bought recently, mostly because I liked the lens-cap, which has an Ancient Gaul engraved on it (and the engraving is still filled with the original red paint, 55-60 years on). Note also the terminally weird way the cable release goes through the front standard: almost all modern ones are too fat.

Cheers,

Roger

Keith Tapscott. · Jul 23, 2007

I have a Plaubel Makina 6x7 medium format range-finder with a fixed 80mm f/2.8 Nikon lens, this is smaller and lighter than some of the 35mm SLR`s around and is capable of delivering excellent quality photographs.

Kino · Jul 23, 2007

Roger Hicks said:
Dear Frank,

The trouble is, it's easy to overshoot the mark and suddenly to find that you have MORE than you want -- such as the Gallus I bought recently, mostly because I liked the lens-cap, which has an Ancient Gaul engraved on it (and the engraving is still filled with the original red paint, 55-60 years on). Note also the terminally weird way the cable release goes through the front standard: almost all modern ones are too fat.

Cheers,

Roger

Roger,

Neat! Now you have a spare for the garden shed, in case that pesky unicorn should return to nibble on your parsley.

There are never too many cameras; only not enough applications.

Frank

jimgalli · Jul 23, 2007

jasonjoo said:
Thanks guys!

I do believe I opened up a "can of worms." I've also purchased a Polaroid model 440 and easily spent $60 dollars just today on pack film!

The XA is a great pocket camera, but I'm wanting more in terms of image quality and control.

As for my budget, I'm thinking within the $100-200 dollar range.

Thanks!

I have a very lovely Canon 7 with 35 f1.5 and 50 f1.4 that is languishing un-used. $750 plus shipping. OK, $900 if I include the Voigtlander 25mm and rangefinder too. I knew you didn't really mean 100 - 200

jimgalli · Jul 23, 2007

Roger Hicks said:
Dear Frank,

The trouble is, it's easy to overshoot the mark and suddenly to find that you have MORE than you want -- such as the Gallus I bought recently, mostly because I liked the lens-cap, which has an Ancient Gaul engraved on it (and the engraving is still filled with the original red paint, 55-60 years on). Note also the terminally weird way the cable release goes through the front standard: almost all modern ones are too fat.

Cheers,

Roger

Ahh. I didn't know my relatives had a camera named after them

Black Dog · Jul 23, 2007

Olympus Trip....nice!

Bandicoot · Jul 23, 2007

Roger Hicks said:
The trouble is, it's easy to overshoot the mark and suddenly to find that you have MORE than you want -- such as the Gallus I bought recently, mostly because I liked the lens-cap, which has an Ancient Gaul engraved on it (and the engraving is still filled with the original red paint, 55-60 years on).

That's not just any Ancient Gaul - isn't it modelled on that giant statue of Vercingetorix? Somewhere I have a picture of myself standing below that statue, in the days when I had similar hair and a passable approximation of the moustache too...

Peter

Roger Hicks · Jul 24, 2007

Bandicoot said:
That's not just any Ancient Gaul - isn't it modelled on that giant statue of Vercingetorix? Somewhere I have a picture of myself standing below that statue, in the days when I had similar hair and a passable approximation of the moustache too...

Peter

Dear Peter,

I think that both the camera and the statue are generic Ancient Gauls: no-one is that sure what Vercingetorix looked like, so the overall look is constant, cf. Asterix, though it may be that the statue helped form that image. It is impressive, isn't it?

Cheers,

Roger

Mike Kovacs · Jul 25, 2007

I've settled on the Contax G1 system for the time being. Depends on your definition of affordable, but this one was acquired for about $300.

I have a flickr set HERE if you want to see some sample photos taken with the superb 45/2 Planar T*. I'm looking forward to adding the 28 biogon and 90 sonnar ASAP.

Its the only RF I have that can focus to 0.5m (1.5') which is pretty handy for those close shots I show.

boilerdoc · Jul 25, 2007

Bessa by voigtlander

Affordable walk-around rangefinder?

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