Low cost rangefinders...

[ntenny]

The two best optics that I've experienced in small Japanese rf's are the Konica S-3 and the Minolta Hi-Matic G.

The G is one of the ones with a Tessar-type lens, isn't it? You must have gotten a really good sample---on paper, the wider lenses with more elements on some of the other Hi-Matic models should eat its lunch.

I've had two specimens of the Hi-Matic 7s now---the first one died just in time for me to stumble on a second one in a thrift shop---and I've been really happy with both of them. They're big when compared to the f/2.8 compacts, they don't have the most sophisticated feel and "haptics", if you will, but the lens is sharp and the autoexposure system appears to be congenitally incapable of error. But in general, I think all these compact Japanese RFs of the era are good cameras, and everybody seems to love the particular ones they've had.

-NT

 

[craigclu]

The G is one of the ones with a Tessar-type lens, isn't it? You must have gotten a really good sample---on paper, the wider lenses with more elements on some of the other Hi-Matic models should eat its lunch.

-NT

Oops.... I had just read the post above regarding a G and meant to type E instead. It's been a number of years and a bit of gin and scotch have removed some neurons! The E was a good, solid feeling rig that was made very nicely and seemed aimed at a more demanding part of the market.

 

[TSSPro]

I just bought an Olympus 35 RC and love it. Fixed lens, but has a threaded lens unlike the Rollei and Olympus Trip35 or XA, or minox pocket cameras.

 

[Tony-S]

I'm digging my Fuji GA645i. Its 60 mm lens is sharp and contrasty but the autofocus takes some getting used to.

 

[stewmander]

I second looking at cameraquest.com, there is a ton of good information about classic 35mm rangefinders of the 60s and 70s. Its what I used when I was looking for one (I got 2 Canon GIII QL17s).

I also would recommend contacting Jon Goodman about some lightseal kits. I replaced the light seals on my two QL17s as well as a Nikon FE.

I would also take a look at rangerfinderforum.com for some more discussion as well as their classified ads. There is a Ricoh 500g listed currently I think. I bought my cameras from their forums classifieds and had good luck.

 

[goldenimage]

I love my Medalist II, of course if in good condition they still come with a pretty hefty price tag, its hard to beat that ektar lens though.

 

[R gould]

try looking for a voightlander vitomatic 11b. I have one and I love it, the color skoper lens is very sharp and everything works fine, or if you don't mind an uncoupled rangefinder try a Zeiss Ikon Contina folder, again I have one and would not like to be without it,Richard

 

[Alan Johnson]

Details of Leica copy Zorki can be found at page 13 www.fotoua.com (may be slow to load), In some cases the classification is not the same as that used on some other site.
The collapsible Industar 22 is a good lens for 4 elements, I find OK at f5.6 for 12x8 prints.