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Coolest Rangefinder

demonboy said:
I explained to the medium format crew that this might go towards a light-hearted blog post I'm writing but …
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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.
 
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.
 
Colin Corneau said:
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".
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Then you must be talking about a Reid & Sigrist.
 
Temperature wise, this is probably the coolest one.

Dead Link Removed
 
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...
 
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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?
 
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!
 
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
 
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.
 
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 said:
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.
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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
 
rpsawin said:
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
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Isn't it just, the ultimate machine.
 

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