Fixed-lensed rangefinders vs Japanese SLR lenses

jerrett · Oct 30, 2011

I don't see much comparison between these cameras for obvious reasons. They are different systems with their own set of pros/cons but how do the lenses compare wide-open in terms of contrast and sharpness? I don't care so much for bokeh.

I only care about the 50mm and I shoot at wide-apertures quite often. I have a Canon P with the 50 1.4 and a Konica Auto S2. I prefer the build of the Canon but the lens on the S2. Overall, I prefer the S2.

I want a smallish compact 35mm camera for not-that-much so I figured that a Retina III would have a better build and maybe a better lens than the S2; however, 35mm SLR's are cheap so I might ditch rangefinders for an OM1n or a Nikon FM with a 50 1.4. If money weren't an issue then I'd get a Leica M3 with a Summicron but I'm allergic to their price-tag...and I'd rather spend that money on medium format gear anyways.

sfadam · Oct 31, 2011

fujica compact deluxe, if you can find one

jerry lebens · Oct 31, 2011

Olympus RC or RD. Superb lenses...

BrianL · Oct 31, 2011

Try some cameras with 40mm lenses. I tend to like that focal length better than 50mm. It also opens up the playing field as there are a number of nice non-SLRs sporting the likes of the Color-Skopar. It also gives you the chance to get maybe one of the best pieces of Leica glass, the Summicron-C 40mm lens along with a really nice body that is smaller than the M series Leica, the Leica CL. I agree that Olympus on its fixed lens pre-XA cameras had some mighty fine glass. They learned to make 1st rate lenses with the 1/2 series of cameras they made. Also, look at the Rollei 35 series and if you can find a working on a Minox 35 series. The MDC Minox seems to be the best bet.

CGW · Oct 31, 2011

The Nikon FG is the smallest SLR they made. It's often available as a kit with the 50/1.8E for very little $. Hard to beat for features, optics, and value. It's my "winter" street kit since it, along with a 100/2.8E, fits into a coat pocket.

Jim Jones · Oct 31, 2011

Long ago I used a Canon f/1.4 50mm for indoors sports. Then Kodak produced T-Max P3200, and I could switch to a Summicron. Despite the more prominent grain of the faster film, the images were far sharper. Also, one stop faster shutter speed helped. A Retina with f/2 lens was a fairly good performer, but the build quality wasn't near that of Leica, or perhaps even Canon. CGW is right about the Nikon FG and series E lens

darinwc · Oct 31, 2011

The konica's have great build and great lenses. The retina's, because of the folding design, are inherently problematic.
if you like your konica so much, get the konica auto s3. It's much smaller than the S2.

In SLR's, try the pentax ME Super with the 50mm f1.7 lens. (or the plain ME if you dont use full manual exposure)

Paul Howell · Oct 31, 2011

Pentax PZ 30 with AF 40mm pancake
Pentax ME with 40mm pancak
Konica TC with 40mm pancake

Nicholas Lindan · Oct 31, 2011

The SLR bargain is probably the Nikon N75 - $35 at KEH. Sells with the 28-80 cheap zoom for $50 on ebay. Unfortunately the 50mm f1.8 AF lens' price has gone up to $75 to $100.

The combination, with either lens and film, batteries and strap, weighs less than 1.5 lb.

The downside of the N75 is it won't meter with AIS glass.

ColdEye · Oct 31, 2011

The Nikon 50mm E is really nice. But I paired mine with a nikkormat, so not much compactness there. The Olympus Om1 is really nice too. I acquired one recently and I think this is going to be the 35mm camera of choice for me. Focusing is so much easier and it is not bulky. For fixed lens RF's why not try a canonet GIII? The 40mm is a nice view.

Jeff Kubach · Oct 31, 2011

Overall I really like my Konica Auto S2.

Jeff

Red Robin · Oct 31, 2011

Which One?

Canon, Minolta, Konica all have a good wide selection of fixed-lens cameras both manual and auto. There are also an equally large variety of SLR's to choose from. I have personally chosen to use mostly Canon P's because of the great affordable optics. Another often used camera is the Bessa R . Both are a joy to use and the M-39 glass fit both systems. For a SLR , well I settled on an Nikon F, A Nikomat FT2, and a FTn. I do have and use the smaller RF 's finding the older ones have a better build quility. The Minolta Hi-matic, F the Minoltina-P, The Konica EE-MATIC, the S-2 and the Canons the Conenet QL 17is a favorite. Having more patience than money I wait until the right deal comes along. Good luck choosing.

LyleB · Oct 31, 2011

I really like my Yashica Electro 35 GSN. Easy to use, much smaller than most SLRs, but not as small as many rangefinders. Has a great little meter that does a good job, and the lens is very sharp and contrasty with really good color. I liked the first so much, I bought a second one.

John Koehrer · Oct 31, 2011

Penta MX is, light, compact, and uses a traditional control layout unlike the ME Super or the Olympus OM series.

Fixed-lensed rangefinders vs Japanese SLR lenses

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