Going for a serviced FSU body or a Canon that hasn't been?

[TheYoungPretender]

Hi!
I've played around on and off with some different rangefinders and most of the time prefer using them rather than my SLRs. However I have never really been able to find the "perfect fit". I've tried the Fuji G690 which was great but just a bit too heavy (and I would prefer 35mm). I've also used a Barnack Leica II-something and really did not enjoy the rangefinder which was too small and squinty to use with my limited eyesight. I've also tried a lot of fixed lens cameras and currently I am using the Minolta Himatic F and generally enjoy using it. I would however like to find something a little bit more substantial to use with a couple of different focal lengths (likely 35 and 50) and ended up looking at an alternative. My budget to get started is pretty limited at the time ($150-ish, in Europe) but I'm likely looking to upgrade in the future (in a couple of years or so).

Now the two main options that I have found in this budget range is to either go LTM and get a Canon body like the P/7 in "working" condition but with no documented CLA/Service. Or I could opt for a CLA'd LTM /Zorki/FED/Kiev( Contax) from a reliable seller like OKVintage. If presented with these options, which one would you prefer? Maybe there is another option? Obviously there will be some limitations in this price range and I am fine with that.
I would enjoy a viewfinder/experience that is nicer than the Leica (IIf?) I used to have and that is pretty much it. Things that would be nice to have is lever advance and back door loading (I've been told that might lead to a bigger risk of light leaks?) rather than bottom loading and I have no need for a light meter.

I'd be happy to hear your thoughts.

 

[henryvk]

The Canon P and 7 have better viewfinders than the Soviets, and you wouldn't need an accessory viewfinder for focal lengths other than 50 mm (only the GOMZ Leningrad and KMZ Drug really offer framelines for focal lengths other than 50 mm)... but a (properly) serviced camera is a serviced camera.

The Zorki and FED viewfinders get progressively bigger but they never get really good imo. Like, any Japanese fixed-lens RF has a better viewfinder.

My eyes are okay, so I'd take the Zorki 6 or FED 5C probably

 

[GregY]

I'd prefer to take the chance on a Canon P or similar...when you have the cash you can have it serviced if need be and be futher ahead IMO

 

[TheYoungPretender]

You both bring up some great points. It would probably be a good idea to at least try to find a way to test the finders before committing to a purchase although there are not a lot of retailers around here.
I assume there are no other options at that price point? Ive heard some good things about the Canon VIs as well but they seem to fetch quite a premium and put other options such as the Bessa R into play.

 

[btaylor]

I’ve had and used both. The FSU cameras were a fun gambit, but really no comparison to something like a Canon 7: large multi focal length viewfinder, fits in my hand nicely, lever wind and a hinged back. I don’t know what they go for now but I picked up 2 of them for $100 each.
Also the FSU focus helical is not exactly the same as LTM, while many of the FSU optics were outstanding, I got a few duds (poor quality control or crappy previous “repairs”).
If your main goal is actually taking pictures go with a Canon, IMO.
If tinkering is more your thing, get a FED, Zorki or Kiev.

 

[GregY]

I’ve had and used both. The FSU cameras were a fun gambit, but really no comparison to something like a Canon 7: large multi focal length viewfinder, fits in my hand nicely, lever wind and a hinged back. I don’t know what they go for now but I picked up 2 of them for $100 each.
Also the FSU focus helical is not exactly the same as LTM, while many of the FSU optics were outstanding, I got a few duds (poor quality control or crappy previous “repairs”).
If your main goal is actually taking pictures go with a Canon, IMO.
If tinkering is more your thing, get a FED, Zorki or Kiev.

Everything is more expensive these days....but there are tons of L1, VT, P in Japan

 

[GregY]

You both bring up some great points. It would probably be a good idea to at least try to find a way to test the finders before committing to a purchase although there are not a lot of retailers around here.
I assume there are no other options at that price point? Ive heard some good things about the Canon VIs as well but they seem to fetch quite a premium and put other options such as the Bessa R into play.

There are lots in Japan. L-1, VT, P and the larger 7 or 7s. Descriptions are usually reasonable, often lots of photos and look for "free returns"...... I've had good luck buying from Japan on Ebay.....even on expensive items like Plaubel Makinas

 

[henryvk]

I've had both a P and a 7 that I got used and without CLA. The P was good, the 7 certainly worked but overall it was what I would call a "Klapperkiste" in German, somewhat dilapidated if you will. It all depends on what kind of life the cameras has lived. With the 7 what bothered me were the excessive reflections in the viewfinder.

 

[aw614]

The L and VL series Canons are still fairly affordable, especially the 1/500 speed VL2 and L2 bodies can be had for under 150 USD. They feel "better" built than the 7 IMO.

While the viewfinder isn't as nice as a P or 7, they aren't terrible by any means. I noticed the weird reflections on the 7 viewfinder that henryvk mentioned that I never experienced on my L1 and L2.

Really want to add the 1/1000 shutter speed I have on a broken VL body to my metal shutter L2...not sure if a repair shop would be willing to take on that project...

 

[TheYoungPretender]

I appreciate all of the recommendations. I'm more or less set on a Canon now and will just wait for the right one keeping my eyes open. Many thanks to everyone!

 

[AnselMortensen]

I love my Canon P.
I use my 50mm Summicron on it, and it's a great combination.
Big viewfinder, nice bright frame lines, nice fit & finish, and it loads like a Canon TLb SLR.
The thing to look out for is wrinkled shutter curtains...slight wrinkles are 'probably' ok... (mine is)...but many, if not most, have wrinkled curtains.
One without wrinkles would be a unicorn.

 

[TheYoungPretender]

I love my Canon P.
I use my 50mm Summicron on it, and it's a great combination.
Big viewfinder, nice bright frame lines, nice fit & finish, and it loads like a Canon TLb SLR.
The thing to look out for is wrinkled shutter curtains...slight wrinkles are 'probably' ok... (mine is)...but many, if not most, have wrinkled curtains.
One without wrinkles would be a unicorn.

Thanks a lot, AM! The P is definitely in consideration.
As things are looking right now, I believe that the possible options in my price range are the l2, vt, vl2, p and the 7 with the L2 and VT having cloth shutters while the others have a metal one. Is there a general recommendation regarding which one to prefer? My completely uninformed instinct tells me metal=sturdy and a lot of the sellers from Japan as suggested by GregY do seem to omit a description of the shutter curtain condition but is there any truth to metal being a better option?
I love the wonky idea of the trigger advance on the vt although I'm not sure how practical it would actually be. Apart from that I guess it would be a toss up in regards to which view/rangefinder I would prefer (with the 7 being the brightest on average) and whether the lack of parallax correction would be a problem. While I do like the look of the V-series I don't really dislike any of them (the presence of an acc. shoe is nice however). I also don't think I would miss the 1/1000 speed.
In conclusion I guess it is more about finding the right body rather than the right model of body in this price range.