Coolest Rangefinder

[narsuitus]

I explained to the medium format crew that this might go towards a light-hearted blog post I'm writing but …

I've asked this question on other forums today and generally the question has gone down well. However a few have refused to play the game, instead replying 'why should it matter whether it's cool or not', or 'what a shallow question to ask'. I was even accused of behaving like a 12 year old girl for asking the question on one flickr forum.

I did not find your question light-hearted or shallow. I would ask the very same question if I were looking for an interesting prop to include in a glamour shot or motion picture.

 

[segedi]

Maybe not the coolest looking but the coolest to use, the Bronica RF645.

 

[Colin Corneau]

If it makes anyone feel better, maybe ask about the joy one gets from the aesthetic styling of a camera - the importance of design and the happiness one gets from the tools of the trade, so to speak...instead of saying "cool".

It's not a big deal to think about it, really. I love the Nikon S2 or S3, especially with an external viewfinder on top. Also the customization available with Leicas can make for some pretty interesting looking machines. I haven't used my Crown as a rangefinder but it's interesting that it is one...and I sure do wish I could have a Mamiya 6 -- not only a neat looking camera but a handy square format shooter...wow, the mind reels.

 

[Thomas Bertilsson]

Plaubel Makina

You said it, brother. What a sweet camera!

 

[cliveh]

If it makes anyone feel better, maybe ask about the joy one gets from the aesthetic styling of a camera - the importance of design and the happiness one gets from the tools of the trade, so to speak...instead of saying "cool".

Then you must be talking about a Reid & Sigrist.

 

[Thomas Bertilsson]

Temperature wise, this is probably the coolest one.

Dead Link Removed

 

[Eric Rose]

Olympus 35RD

 

[elcabezagrande]

The Signal Corps version of the Kodak Signet 35


Kodak Signet 35 Signal Corps Model KE-7(1) by Inspiredphotos, on Flickr

 

[elekm]

Now, that is cool. Love that Signet in black.

 

[Craig Swensson]

nah..coolest has to be super ikonta or mockba 4 if you are on a budget..

 

[Vanishing Point Ent.]

What's the coolest rangefinder camera ?

1. Contax G-2.

2. Voigtlander Bessa L.

3. Minolta CLE.

4. Olympus XA.

5. Mamiya 7 II.

6. Mamiya 6.

In that order...

 

[msbarnes]

Leica M3.

 

[Someonenameddavid]

Not wishing to be picky but a Bessa L is not a rangefinder camera.

The Bell and Howell Foton with the exquisite Cooke Amotal f/2 has to have a major coolness vote especially with the rapid built in motor drive. If only they had put a large viewfinder on it (and made it the same price as an M3 and offered fast wide angle lenses), they might have had a world-beating system.

The Super Ikonta BX is a post war beast, an ikon by Zeiss-Ikon before Nikon became an ikonoclast

Say that three times fast

David

 

[elcabezagrande]

Not wishing to be picky but a Bessa L is not a rangefinder camera.

The Bell and Howell Foton with the exquisite Cooke Amotal f/2 has to have a major coolness vote especially with the rapid built in motor drive. If only they had put a large viewfinder on it (and made it the same price as an M3 and offered fast wide angle lenses), they might have had a world-beating system.

The Super Ikonta BX is a post war beast, an ikon by Zeiss-Ikon before Nikon became an ikonoclast

Say that three times fast

David

I would love to have a Foton. With it's use of "T" stops, wouldn't that lens be considered a t/2 lens?

 

[hdeyong]

I just bought a mint Rollei B35 on eBay, and can't wait to get my hands on it. I
guess it's not really a rangefinder, but I think it's gonna be awfully cool!

 

[Someonenameddavid]

The Amotal is a T2.2, but an f/2 the difference is in the marketing: Bell and Howell were major movie names.
The Foton goes for mad money, an Amotal lens went on APUG recently for around $1300.

David

 

[McFortner]

If you want auto shutter speed than I'd have to say the Minolta XA. Small and easy to use, just set the aperture and go. My choice for fully manual may be controversial but I like my FED-2. Affordable and once you get it aligned right a sturdy camera. Put a collapsible Industar lens and you are set for street photography at a low price.

Just my $0.02 worth. Your results may vary.

 

[elcabezagrande]

Minolta XA? That's a new one.

 

[rpsawin]

I shoot with a few different rf.'s (M2, MP, M6, M7II) and sold off a few as well. My favorite camera to use when I just want to enjoy being out-and-about is my Leica M2. It is a delight to use.

Best regards,

Bob

 

[McFortner]

Minolta XA? That's a new one.

Oops! That should have been Olympus XA. I've got Minolta running through my brain right now.

 

[camperbc]

My choice for fully manual may be controversial but I like my FED-2. Affordable and once you get it aligned right a sturdy camera.

I second McFortner's vote for the Soviet-era FED-2. I cannot imagine ever parting with mine; it's that good. And it gets a 10/10 in the looks department as well! Mine was about $60; freshly CLA'd, in absolutely pristine condition inside and out, with warranty, from Landrey at Synoptics Camera Shop in Kiev. I added a $15 "Gordy" wrist strap.

So, a very inexpensive half-century old camera that is capable of outstanding photographs with its sharp Industar 26 lens. And if it still isn't quite cool enough for you, just add the KMZ turret viewfinder to the accessory shoe. The ultimate in cool; a camera that looks like a gatling gun!

Glen
Focus On Newfoundland


1960 FED-2(D6) rangefinder

1960 FED-2(D6) rangefinder with KMZ turret viewfinder

 

[cliveh]

I shoot with a few different rf.'s (M2, MP, M6, M7II) and sold off a few as well. My favorite camera to use when I just want to enjoy being out-and-about is my Leica M2. It is a delight to use.

Best regards,

Bob

Isn't it just, the ultimate machine.

 

[Vanishing Point Ent.]

Super-cool? Depends on whom you are trying to impress. For knowledgeable RF users with a sense of history, maybe I'd back Hensoldt Reporter; Ilford Witness; Combat Graphic 70mm; Linhof Press 70.

To use... Well, that's a different matter.

Cheers,

R.

Why not a Graflex Super Graphic, or a Linhoff 220 ?

 

[GRHazelton]

Coolest rangefinder? The Voigtlander Vitessa L with the f2 Ultron lens. Vitessa, Ultron ... even the names sound good, and it takes good pictures, too.

Here're pictures for those who don't know of the camera: http://www.cameraquest.com/voitvitl.htm

 

[jumbosilverette]

The Minolta CL was pretty cool, though I never owned one.
http://www.cameraquest.com/leicacl.htm