fixed lens RF with best VF

[ulrikft]

I'm looking for a fixed lens rf with a bright and contrasty VF, I just broke my GSN, and looking for something with as fast or faster lens than that (f/1.7).

Any recommodations?

 

[mablo]

Olympus 35 RD. 40mm, f/1.7. Much smaller than GSN, almost pocketable. Operates shutter preferred or manually. VF is bright when cleaned properly. The lens is IMHO even better than GSN's. Weak point is the shutter that needs to be cleaned every 5 to 10 years. Very clever automatic flash mode too.

Example: http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2460/3625598933_7a655fb816.jpg

 

[elekm]

The Retina IIC and IIIC (big "C" models) have excellent viewfinders, as does the Retina IIIS.

As well, I would include the Konica III, possibly the Retina IIa, the Zeiss Ikon Contessa (folding and rigid with the rigid being slight better), the Olympus 35 RC, perhaps the Rollei XF 35 and maybe the Yashica Electro 35.

 

[ulrikft]

Thank you guys for the tips!

 

[Jeff Kubach]

Yashica Electro 35 as mention before is not a bad choice.

Jeff

 

[Paul Goutiere]

The Retina IIC and IIIC (big "C" models) have excellent viewfinders, as does the Retina IIIS.

As well, I would include the Konica III, possibly the Retina IIa, the Zeiss Ikon Contessa (folding and rigid with the rigid being slight better), the Olympus 35 RC, perhaps the Rollei XF 35 and maybe the Yashica Electro 35.

I have a Retina IIa and a Zeiss Ikon Contessa. I do not wish to cast aspersions on these cameras because I'm very fond of them, but the viewfinders on these cameras are not really all that great to use.

The viewfinder on my Canonet QL19 is a far better than that on my Retina or Contessa. Cannot say anything for the other cameras mentioned as I've never used them.

 

[werra]

Yashica Electro 35 GX. GSN in the size of QL17 G-III.

 

[Robert Budding]

I'll suffer with poor viewfinders as long as the lens is good.

 

[lens_hacker]

The Konica S2 has the best viewfinder of any fixed lens RF that I have used.