In search of the perfect screw mount rangefinder

[StepheKoontz]

I'm still looking but have found some close ones. The features I am looking for are: Diopter adjustment, lever wind, small form factor, prefer back loading. The Canon L1 is a sweet camera (the switchable viewfinder is cool) but isn't super small and has no diopter adjustment. I like the Barnack size cameras so one of my Tower (nicca) models is close, one is a knob wind with a diopter, the lever wind they dropped the diopter adjuster. They both are bottom load. I have a minolta on the way to me that might be the holy grail, it's a back loading, lever wind with a diopter adjustment. Just not sure till I have it in my hands if the form factor works.

So, just wonder what others have found and what their "perfect" camera is.

 

[macfred]

In the repair manual for the trusty Canon P there were various finder eyepieces listed :

http://www.pentax-manuals.com/manuals/service/canon_p_repair.pdf (scroll down to Canon P parts list)

Maybe the Canon 7 could be nice too - unscrew the eyepiece and an optician should be able to add a glass for your eyesight.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/29504544@N08/15232659412/in/album-72157645355055736/

 

[ic-racer]

In search of the perfect screw mount rangefinder

This is what I use. Takes common Nikon screw-in diopters.

 

[Jim Jones]

Adapting to the various configurations of Leicas was easier than searching for the ideal system. I could set aperture, shutter speed, and approximately the right focus without ever looking at the M4. I've changed film in a bottom load Leica while driving a car. Using most cameras becomes second nature with practice.

 

[guangong]

Adapting to the various configurations of Leicas was easier than searching for the ideal system. I could set aperture, shutter speed, and approximately the right focus without ever looking at the M4. I've changed film in a bottom load Leica while driving a car. Using most cameras becomes second nature with practice.

Dito. Each ltm camera has its good points, but nothing is perfect. My Canon P (poor4 man's M4) is pleasant to use but a bit bulky compared to Leica screw mount.
For small with lever wind, bu without lens interchangeability, I like Rollei 35. For slightly larger a Z-I Contessa folder or Retina. Once outside the Leica-Canon brands for ltm, build quality can be questionalble. My IIIa dates from 1936 and still going strong and can be repaired if necessary. Some P parts are not availale. Not familiar with Minolta ltm.
There is no perfect camera. That's why different cameras were made.
Let us know how you like the Minolta.

 

[dxqcanada]

I have a minolta on the way to me that might be the holy grail, it's a back loading, lever wind with a diopter adjustment. Just not sure till I have it in my hands if the form factor works.

Minolta-35 model IIB ?
If so, take a careful look at the shutter curtains ... Minolta-35's used some poor material, so it is common that the curtain is degraded.

 

[C Jensen]

My ideal rangefinder for all of my screw mount lenses has turned out to be a **ital, Nikon *6 with adapters. More fun than ever, and that is what is important to me. Film, has gone to Hasselblad 203fe , because well, that is where the fun is for me.

 

[Pioneer]

I enjoy using all my Barnacks but my favorite LTM camera for day to day use is the Bessa. Quick to load, beautiful clear viewfinder, easy to focus and has an accurate built in meter. Nothing to complain about there.

 

[Anton Lukoszevieze]

Leica II, with external viewfinders.

 

[Paul Howell]

I had both a Leica IIIG and Canon 7s, of the 2 the Leica had what I consider to be better build quality, a very rugged camera. In terms of daily use I liked the 7s, much easier to load, although not TTL the meter was quite good in most lighting situations, built in viewfinder for 35 to 135, decent rangefinder patch.

 

[Ko.Fe.]

If camera is serviced it will allow to wind with single stroke of index finger. I prefer Fed2 for it, but even Leica LTM should allow it, if serviced.

 

[Ko.Fe.]

I enjoy using all my Barnacks but my favorite LTM camera for day to day use is the Bessa. Quick to load, beautiful clear viewfinder, easy to focus and has an accurate built in meter. Nothing to complain about there.

Which one is yours? R? It worn out to white plastic and rubber torned on it after daily use. In not on me it was in the camera bag.
I have r2m and L for now, both were purchased nib. I'm just afraid to use them without half case now, but half case adds bulk.
Any Leica is 1000 times more durable, comparing to any Bessa, IMO.

 

[Pioneer]

Which one is yours? R? It worn out to white plastic and rubber torned on it after daily use. In not on me it was in the camera bag.
I have r2m and L for now, both were purchased nib. I'm just afraid to use them without half case now, but half case adds bulk.
Any Leica is 1000 times more durable, comparing to any Bessa, IMO.

I agree 100% with your comments regarding long term durability when comparing Leica against the Bessa R. I have read about some of the problems you had with yours while you owned it.

I seriously doubt that mine will last as long as any of my Barnacks have. I have only owned it since 2014 and have put about 20 rolls a year through it, so it has a very long ways to go to catch up with my little Leica III. I have no idea how many rolls of film have been through that little Leica but from the worn condition of the body it has to have been a lot.

When the Bessa finally does wear out I doubt I'll go looking for another. However, since I do own it, I intend to take advantage of its benefits while it continues to work. I really like the meter and the viewfinder a lot, and the price was certainly right. It cost less than the Leica III did to start with and I have spent no money on the Bessa R since I bought it. I can't say that about the Leica III. So far the body covering on mine is holding up pretty well. The shutter and film transport seems relatively well built as well and it doesn't seem as if it is in any danger of falling apart real soon.

As I already said, the Barnacks are wonderful cameras and I love mine. But they can be costly little fellas to own and maintain.

My advice. If you really want a screwmount Leica that will last a long time, buy a new Leica M-A and install the Leica M to LTM adapter. It will cost a lot more to start with but it will pay that back by not needing a lot of expensive service for a long time. Unfortunately most people don't want to do that and are willing to take their chances with used Leicas.

 

[cooltouch]

My favorite LTM rangefinder is the Canon P. I had no idea Canon made diopter eyepieces for it.

I've owned Leicas and Canons that were approximate copies of Leicas, and I currently own a couple of Canon IIIa's, but the P is so much more convenient and comfortable to use.

 

[guangong]

I really don’t understand the common complaints about Leicas being expensive to maintain and service. Compared to the cost of replacing broken cameras that are not worth replacing, thereby requiring buying a replacement, a Leica screw mount camera will last longer and “replacement” will only be the cost of repair to get a “like new” camera.
I have owned my M cameras since early 1960s. Still going strong with minimum servicing costs. As for IIIa of 1936...still going strong.

 

[Pioneer]

I really don’t understand the common complaints about Leicas being expensive to maintain and service. Compared to the cost of replacing broken cameras that are not worth replacing, thereby requiring buying a replacement, a Leica screw mount camera will last longer and “replacement” will only be the cost of repair to get a “like new” camera.
I have owned my M cameras since early 1960s. Still going strong with minimum servicing costs. As for IIIa of 1936...still going strong.

No "complaints." Just facts gained from personal experience.

Your experiences are obviously different.

Everyone brings different experiences to the table.