Cheap and Worth Rangefinder

Dinis Figueira · Sep 19, 2016

I still haven't decided this...

In two weeks I'm meeting with a guy to sell or trade my camera (depends if he has anything worth)
From a couple of SLR's, P&S's and Instant cameras he does have some FSU rangefinders. Not sure if it's a good trade..

Decisions everywhere

darkosaric · Sep 22, 2016

If you want something cheap: here is one for the cost of the shipping only (= 6€):
(there was a url link here which no longer exists)

Dinis Figueira · Sep 22, 2016

@darkosaric I already have a P&S camera, my Olympus TRIP500. Crappy camera, but somehow I love the heavy vignette on the photos. Lomo-ish...

I'm pondering trading my camera for a Zorki 4k, since it has a lever.
But that is, if the camera is working correctly. If not, i don't know what else should I trade for.

blockend · Sep 28, 2016

John51 said:
I think rangefinders are over rated for street photography. With scale focus, you set it before raising the camera to your eye, doesn't spook the wildlife as much.

There's a lot of truth in that. A Bessa L is a more practical proposition, and they can be had cheap. Rob the finder from a plastic P&S and screw on a lens. Or just buy a point and shoot.

edit: Just checked Bessa L prices and they've gone up a bunch. A year ago a good L would set you back about £60 on eBay. Now, double that price. What happened there, someone hyping them?

John Wiegerink · Oct 1, 2016

baachitraka said:
I prefer XA because of its superior lens. 6 elements in 5 groups if I am not mistaken.

I'd be very careful using the word "superior" when comparing the XA over the XA2. I've had both and if I had to pick one or the other it would be the XA2. My wife bought me an XA brand new when they were first introduced and I've owned at least three since then. I was always hoping to find one better than my first XA, but I never did. I could not get the sharpness I wanted until f5.6 and f8 was actually better. The little XA2 I got later was actually a much better street shooter and I thought the image quality was as good or better at or near f5.6. I have neither XA or XA2 now, but if I were to try the Oly route again I'd grab the XA2 or better yet, the XA4. I'm happy with my Minox 35's and Rollei 35 so I'm not to inclined to get either of the XA's, but that's not stopping anyone here from giving the tiny little buggers a try.

Gimenosaiz · Oct 7, 2016

Hello!

I've got a Minolta that I can send you for free (shipping cost from Spain not included).
I'm not sure if it works ok or not, to be honest. It seems ok ...

Regards

baachitraka · Oct 7, 2016

Agfa Optima 1535?

Dinis Figueira · Oct 7, 2016

Gimenosaiz said:
Hello!

I've got a Minolta that I can send you for free (shipping cost from Spain not included).
I'm not sure if it works ok or not, to be honest. It seems ok ...

Regards

Sent pm!

baachitraka said:
Agfa Optima 1535?

Never heard of that model!
EDIT: ~1977 electronics :/

baachitraka · Oct 7, 2016

http://www.edition-oldenburg.de/agfa_optima.html

Its in German but it may bring you an idea...

+ Compact.
+ Brilliant view finder with circular range-finder patch.
+ Focus from 1m - inf.
+ Color-Solitar 4 elements in 3 group lens. I would have preferred a nice triplet.
+ Auto-exposure but shutter speeds are from 15s - 1/1000s
+ Hot shoe
+ Battery driven 3x625 alkali
+ Exposure indication inside the viewfinder. Green for good and Red for tripod. ;-)
+ Very smooth shutter release button.
+ Film advance and rewind with one knob.

- Shutter release and film advance counter can be noisy for many.
- Film advance and rewind can also be noisy for some.

removed account4 · Oct 7, 2016

+1 for the agfa optima
beautiful lens, zone focus
bright finder no fstop or shutter control

baachitraka · Oct 7, 2016

...and there are Agfa Super Silette either with Apotar, Solinar and Solagon lens. The biggest compliant was that the film advance lever is bit hard to use.

Dinis Figueira · Oct 7, 2016

baachitraka said:
...and there are Agfa Super Silette either with Apotar, Solinar and Solagon lens. The biggest compliant was that the film advance lever is bit hard to use.

I had once one in my hands but somehow, didn't liked the feel of it. (I'm stupidly picky sometimes..)

baachitraka · Oct 7, 2016

Received 1535 today. Bright screen with a nice circular rangefinder path but focus can be little smooth, otherwise it is identical to 1035.

Toyo · Oct 7, 2016

You might like to consider any of the Yashica Lynx rangefinders.
Some came with the excellent Yashinon DX 45mm f1.4 lenses and were very good performers.
T

Rrrgcy · Jul 30, 2022

Canon iiif’s or ii versions are relatively inexpensive. My Canon P is my favorite RF after the M’s and iiif’s, still relatively affordable but rarely offered apparently - And usually only Japan-sourced w some risks.

Cheap and Worth Rangefinder

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