I need a new rangefinder.

eli griggs · Jan 9, 2023

I had a Ricoh 500G, it was a nice little camera, but I put it up partly disassembled way back after a minor issue, and it's still in the same peanut butter jar I used, after all these years.

If I came across a decent copy for no much bread, I might buy a second, one day, but it's no high on my priorities of 'actually needed gear', as of this date.

I did like the photos it rendered though.

Cheers.

KerrKid · Jan 9, 2023

eli griggs said:
I had a Ricoh 500G, it was a nice little camera, but I put it up partly disassembled way back after a minor issue, and it's still in the same peanut butter jar I used, after all these years.

If I came across a decent copy for no much bread, I might buy a second, one day, but it's no high on my priorities of 'actually needed gear', as of this date.

I did like the photos it rendered though.

Cheers.

I have one. Haven't put a roll of film through it, yet. Prices for them have really gone up.

TheFlyingCamera · Jan 10, 2023

Prices have really gone up for almost all mechanical 35mm cameras. Kodak Retinas are still a pretty decent bargain though.

KerrKid · Jan 10, 2023

You can still find quite a few good old rangefinders for sale at reasonable prices, but they are a crap-shoot. Unless, they are tested and known to work, you can count on problems. I've learned - I think - to stay away from the old fully-automatic range-finders that are sold AS IS or for parts. I don't need another paperweight.

Kodachromeguy · Jan 10, 2023

This is the dilemma faced by Pentax if they build and sell a new camera. If film continues to be popular for another decade or two (or more?), what type of hardware will the market want? Critics state that there are plenty of old cameras available cheap. Well, yes and no. Old cameras are gradually disappearing due to:

1. Old electronics failing.
2. The standard mold, moisture, and neglect from cameras stored in basements, nasty camera bags, or garages.
3. Discard, although this may be less likely than 10 years ago now that film is trendy again (although many people do not know this yet and the D trolls claim it is false news).
4. Lens issues such as delimitation or fungus.
5. Ruined by leaking batteries. Look at the many Spotmatics or Leicaflexes where the seller claims "it is in good shape," but "I can't get the battery compartment open." Duuh.

I hope Pentax can find the appropriate model to attract new film users.

As FlyingCamera noted, prices are up for many mechanical cameras. Pentax Spotmatics can still be reasonable, but I am seeing some absurd asking prices for the F. Kodak Retinas and Voigtlander Vitos are still mostly reasonable once you ignore the doofus prices listed for Retina IIIC and IIIc models. At least, mechanical cameras can usually be repaired, although some types (e.g., 35mm German leaf shutter SLRs) have few or no obvious repair people willing to take them on. If you want another manual camera, I suggest you buy soon. Or, buy a new Leica MP or M6, still in production.

cerber0s · Jan 10, 2023

I got another C35 and put together a working one from parts from both the old and the new one. Got a Voigtlander Vito also, not the rangefinder model though.

I also have a Nikon F2A that I’ve had for a few years, and a Canon F1n, a Canon EOS 5, and a Rolleiflex TLR. I’m set actually, shouldn’t be looking at cameras anymore…

KerrKid · Jan 10, 2023

Pentax or anyone bringing a new film camera to market, is facing much the same thing that Bonanza is facing in the GA world. Why buy a new Bonanza when you can get the previous model, upgrade the electronics to current levels, and still have an aircraft for much less money than buying new.

I'm probably not the demographic for the first camera planned, although I may be as far as features are concerned. It's just going to be tough for me to justify buying one for more than it costs to buy an older one and keep it running.

joelbolden · Feb 8, 2023

albada said:
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

I just received an Olympus 35RC in the mail this morning. It's in excellent shape and I was out test shooting this afternoon. Great little RF that's slightly slimmer then my C35, better built and you can't top a Zuiko lens. I also shoot the much larger Konica Auto S2, the Minolta Hi-Matic 9 and the very small Olympus XA(which is in the photo). All excellent cameras, but this 35RC and the XA will get carried a lot more since they're definitely pocket sized with no loss in capabilty over my other fixed lens RF's.

eli griggs · Feb 9, 2023

The biggest advantage I found in the Olympus RC type cameras was the ability to use b&w colour contrast filters and square gels and lens hoods.

Hand holding filters over the XA is fine on occasion, but being able to wear and leave filters and hoods in place has it's virtues too.

IMO

George Mann · Feb 9, 2023

tom43 said:
Then let me recommend a FED3b. The closest you can get to a Leica with $10…

My FED3b cost exactly $10 (works perfectly).

Cholentpot · Feb 9, 2023

I need the rangefinder fixed on my Crown Graphic but that's neither here nor there.

Get a Kodak Retina. I have the IIc, one of the finest rangefinders ever made.

eli griggs · Feb 9, 2023

George Mann said:
My FED3b cost exactly $10 (works perfectly).

I also really like the FED 3b, and other than couple of FED 5 cameras, one with one without meters, it was the only FED I kept as a shooter, getting rid of several FED 2 and a FED 3a.

Just be careful on winding on to the next frame/shutter and avoid damage to the unit.

henryvk · Feb 10, 2023

I'll second that about the FED 5. I have a FED 5C and it's a good user and (my copy of the) Industar 61 is sharp enough. There are better cameras of course and I've owned one or two Japanese rangefinders but somehow I stuck with this thing.

Guth · Feb 13, 2023

henryvk said:
I'll second that about the FED 5. I have a FED 5C and it's a good user and (my copy of the) Industar 61 is sharp enough. There are better cameras of course and I've owned one or two Japanese rangefinders but somehow I stuck with this thing.

While technical specifications and the like are all good and well, it seems to me that one of the most important aspects of a camera (or any other sort of equipment that we use on a somewhat regular basis for that matter) is that we actually enjoy using the thing. It would seem that your FED 5C fits the bill in this regard.

Nice capture by the way.

darinwc · Feb 14, 2023

cerber0s said:
I got another C35 and put together a working one from parts from both the old and the new one. Got a Voigtlander Vito also, not the rangefinder model though.

I also have a Nikon F2A that I’ve had for a few years, and a Canon F1n, a Canon EOS 5, and a Rolleiflex TLR. I’m set actually, shouldn’t be looking at cameras anymore…

And other hilarious jokes you tell yourself!

canaq · Mar 10, 2023

eli griggs said:
The Minolta Himatic 9 is a very good, more advancement version of the Seven and likely to be less pricey.

The Cabinet ql17 is great to but a LTM give you wider options than fixed lens cameras, so that's the first choice you need to make.

I second the Canonet QL17, great little camera, sharp lens. No, it doesn't have the flexibility as a LTM, but that's what makes it great for me.

wattda · Apr 29, 2023

I am liking my Canonet QL17 the more I use it. I think its actually improving my overall ability to take a decent shot.

I need a new rangefinder.

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