I need a new rangefinder.

cerber0s · Dec 17, 2022

My little Konica C35 has finally given up on life, despite my best efforts, and I’m looking to replace it. I could go for another C35, a Yashica Electro, or another similar compact, but I’m also considering a Canon 7. I’m not looking to spend more than $200, which is what I’d have to cough up for a less than mint Canon 7 with a 50mm lens.

Any other suggestions, thoughts, or comments?

The Konica took great photos when it was alive, and although the simplicity is part of its charm, a little more control might not be a bad thing…

Don_ih · Dec 17, 2022

If you don't want a meter, there are lots of Canon rangefinders for less than $200 - but you'll need a lens. You could get a Zorki IV with a Jupiter 8 for less than $200 a while ago - no idea about now. Too many people gobbling up the Leicas and wanting a lens to use on them has put the price of that lens up.
Of course, there are plenty of Ricoh rangefinders - lots with excellent lenses - practically all of them for less than $200.
Then there's the Petri 7 - which may or may not work (probably doesn't).

Paul Howell · Dec 17, 2022

I had a Canon 7s and Leica IIIG, of the two the Canon was more friendly user, easy to load, built in viewfinders for different lens, not the build quality of a Leica, but pretty good. Odd as it seem I like my Argus C3, simple, good 3 element lens, only a few shutter speeds, a little fiddly, I had mine clean and the tech was able to tune the rangefinder.

gone · Dec 17, 2022

Some of my best photos came from a Konica C35. Their build quality isn't that great though, so you just shoot them until they fall apart. I once had a Canon 7, they're considerably bigger and heavier than your dead Konica.

Then there's that lens thing, because you'll surely need one. For the price you want to invest, I'd buy another C35 or one of it's knock offs, and use the rest for film.

My wife once had an inexpensive camera, an old beater Canon Rebel w/ a kit zoom, think it was a slow 35 80. The batteries cost nearly as much as the camera, but it made nice photos, so you don't need a lot to take good pics. This one is from that camera w/ C41 B&W w/ hardly any PS adjustments. It made even me look good! I mean, it's not a Leica, but it still was a very decent camera, and small and light. Thinking of buying another one.

Sirius Glass · Dec 17, 2022

I prefer Nikon AF slrs such as the N75, N90, and F100 for my 35mm photography.

xkaes · Dec 17, 2022

There are too many cameras to choose from. You need to narrow down your requirements -- size, weight, cost, fixed lens?, focal length, meter features, viewfinder readout, etc. etc.

btaylor · Dec 17, 2022

Canon 7 is a very nice classic rangefinder IMO if you’re sticking with RF’s. A roughly equivalent Leica or Nikon RF would be hundreds, or thousands, more.

albada · Dec 17, 2022

xkaes said:
There are too many cameras to choose from. You need to narrow down your requirements -- size, weight, cost, fixed lens?, focal length, meter features, viewfinder readout, etc. etc.

Yes. Consequently, you are getting a snowstorm of suggestions, which I'm about to contribute to.

A few good, cheap little rangefinder cameras (with nonremoveable lenses) that come to mind:

Olympus 35 RC -- full manual control, sharp lens.

Olympus Trip 35 -- not an RF; it's guess-focus. But has a sharp lens. Full auto using Selenium cell.

Canonet G-III QL -- great little camera.

With all such leaf-shuttered cameras, make sure that the shutter isn't stuck due to oil creeping onto the blades.
If you're willing to tolerate a bigger camera, a bunch of rangefinders from the 60s recommend themselves.

Mark

4season · Dec 17, 2022

Is repairing the C35 a possibility? Because your other choices will likely need to be serviced too.

Which reminds me: I need to finish repairing my Konica S3 (aka C35FD): The only task left for me to complete is to replace the photocell. The original photocell developed a short-circuit, causing the camera to behave as if was being pointed at a very bright light source at all times.

Kodachromeguy · Dec 17, 2022

Brian Sweeney wrote an interesting summary of rangefinder issues and compromises in RangefinderForum:

https://www.rangefinderforum.com/node/4808866

As for looking for a replacement for your Konica, you need to make a major decision:
1. Fixed lens camera?
2. Interchangeable lenses?

Good luck and let us know how it goes.

mshchem · Dec 17, 2022

Get another Konica.

grat · Dec 17, 2022

I'm still enjoying the heck out of my Konica IIIA. Built like a tank, no batteries, will never die. I've got a Reveni cube in the cold shoe. The Hexanon 48mm f/2 lens is pretty nice as well.

GregY · Dec 18, 2022

Since you like them, buy a few Konica C35s.... they're cheap. Check out some larger ebay seller like irohas in Japan who's likely to have a few....& try to get a deal on combined shipping.

awty · Dec 18, 2022

My Canon 7 is the quietest focal plane shutter I have, quieter than most of my leaf shutters. Only down side to this camera is no hot shoe for wide view finders, but hardly ever use a view finder when shooting wide so no down side.

250swb · Dec 18, 2022

Olympus RC35, fully manual, but also fully auto if you want, a tack sharp lens and very easy to use (just remember to switch it off)

cerber0s · Dec 18, 2022

momus said:
Some of my best photos came from a Konica C35. Their build quality isn't that great though, so you just shoot them until they fall apart. I once had a Canon 7, they're considerably bigger and heavier than your dead Konica.

Then there's that lens thing, because you'll surely need one. For the price you want to invest, I'd buy another C35 or one of it's knock offs, and use the rest for film.

My wife once had an inexpensive camera, an old beater Canon Rebel w/ a kit zoom, think it was a slow 35 80. The batteries cost nearly as much as the camera, but it made nice photos, so you don't need a lot to take good pics. This one is from that camera w/ C41 B&W w/ hardly any PS adjustments. It made even me look good! I mean, it's not a Leica, but it still was a very decent camera, and small and light. Thinking of buying another one.

That looks great! I really like the lens on the C35!

cerber0s · Dec 18, 2022

Sirius Glass said:
I prefer Nikon AF slrs such as the N75, N90, and F100 for my 35mm photography.

Good to know

cerber0s · Dec 18, 2022

Thank you all for your input!

xkaes said:
There are too many cameras to choose from. You need to narrow down your requirements -- size, weight, cost, fixed lens?, focal length, meter features, viewfinder readout, etc. etc.

I'm not too fuzzy really. With few exceptions I usually find something I like about most cameras. Built in meter is handy as long as you can trust it. It's no requirement. I'd rather have a camera that was built without a meter than one that is broken.

4season said:
Is repairing the C35 a possibility? Because your other choices will likely need to be serviced too.

Which reminds me: I need to finish repairing my Konica S3 (aka C35FD): The only task left for me to complete is to replace the photocell. The original photocell developed a short-circuit, causing the camera to behave as if was being pointed at a very bright light source at all times.

I've repaired it once already. This time it looks like it would require a more complete disassembly, and I'd rather spend the time shooting.

grat said:
I'm still enjoying the heck out of my Konica IIIA. Built like a tank, no batteries, will never die. I've got a Reveni cube in the cold shoe. The Hexanon 48mm f/2 lens is pretty nice as well.

I didn't know the Konica IIIa existed, but it's now at the top of the list. Thank you!

250swb said:
Olympus RC35, fully manual, but also fully auto if you want, a tack sharp lens and very easy to use (just remember to switch it off)

Thank you. That's another contender!

rcphoto · Dec 18, 2022

Canonet QL17 G-III cameras are excellent

guangong · Dec 18, 2022

Good choices would be a Canon P, or the Canon 7. But don’t overlook the earlier Canon rf cameras. They have a combined rangefinder-viewfinder window compared to separate windows on pre M Leicas. Also, the build quality of Canons are far superior to Leicas. I have and use both. I have never weighed them, but Canon seems to have greater heft and a more solid feel.

Ray Morgenweck · Dec 18, 2022

I’m very impressed with the Ansco Autoset II. These were made by Minolta, about 1962, a rebadged HiMatic. Selenium meter, auto exposure after matching up the meter needle. Nice quality, great in hand feel, and a 6 element Rokkor Lens . Great rangefinder viewfinder. About $30 off ‘bay

Patrick Robert James · Dec 18, 2022

Why don't you just upgrade your Konica? The Konica S3 is a nice improvement and you probably won't have to change anything about how you shoot. Other options are the Canon QL GIII and the Minolta HiMatic 7sII. Both have great lenses. Olympus also made some small rangefinders but I forget the names right now. Some of these cameras have full manual mode but I forget which ones.

The Canon 7 is a fantastic camera, I have two. If you are used to any of the auto features on your Konica then I don't think you'll want to go the Canon route. Odds are the meter won't work and of course the camera is fully manual which will slow you way down. If that is the route you want to go, then the Canon is a great choice. Everyone ballyhoos the Leicas but I use my Canon 7s more than I use my Leica M3.

I think you'd be best off just getting a better version of what you already have.

beemermark · Dec 18, 2022

No one's mentioned the Olympus SP35n. Fantastic camera, fantastic lens, and both an average and spot meter.

GregY · Dec 18, 2022

beemermark said:
No one's mentioned the Olympus SP35n. Fantastic camera, fantastic lens, and both an average and spot meter.

Yes...there's a stack of great & inexpensive cameras from the ere with good lenses, internal meters, some possible automation, priced from free giveaways to under $200.....with which you can make great photos

Tylaar · Dec 18, 2022

Canon P just keeps going…….and the Canon LTM 50 1.4 and 35mm lenses are great…..

I need a new rangefinder.

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