Needing a rangefinder

[Sweetlou42]

I really want to start using a film 35mm RF, so many options. Budget $2000.00 can you give me an option or tow that you would recommend, thank you

 

[btaylor]

Nice! You’re in Leica territory. I am going to sell my Leica M5 body. Let me know if that is of interest. It’s quirky but I like it.

 

[Sweetlou42]

Nice! You’re in Leica territory. I am going to sell my Leica M5 body. Let me know if that is of interest. It’s quirky but I like it.

I’ll do some research on it, I’ve read about the 6 ttl which sounds intriguing, thanks

 

[Theo Sulphate]

At one end, that amount would get you a nice M3 with a 50mm Summicron. You would have the option of other lenses later (such as 35/2).

Another choice is Nikon S2 or Contax IIa, also having interchangeable lenses.

At the other end, for a few hundred dollars you could get a nice fixed lens Canon QL17GIII.

Maybe explore the wonderful Cameraquest site to get an idea what you'd like:

https://www.cameraquest.com/classics.htm

In a thread like this, prepare for about 100 suggestions, everyone mentioning their favorite.

 

[Skeeterfx20]

I'm not going to say a Nikon is a Leica. However I am a big fan of the Nikon SP. Doesn't hurt to read up on it to see if you might like it.

 

[Sweetlou42]

At one end, that amount would get you a nice M3 with a 50mm Summicron. You would have the option of other lenses later (such as 35/2).

Another choice is Nikon S2 or Contax IIa, also having interchangeable lenses.

At the other end, for a few hundred dollars you could get a nice fixed lens Canon QL17GIII.

Maybe explore the wonderful Cameraquest site to get an idea what you'd like:

https://www.cameraquest.com/classics.htm

In a thread like this, prepare for about 100 suggestions, everyone mentioning their favorite.

At one end, that amount would get you a nice M3 with a 50mm Summicron. You would have the option of other lenses later (such as 35/2).

Another choice is Nikon S2 or Contax IIa, also having interchangeable lenses.

At the other end, for a few hundred dollars you could get a nice fixed lens Canon QL17GIII.

Maybe explore the wonderful Cameraquest site to get an idea what you'd like:

https://www.cameraquest.com/classics.htm

In a thread like this, prepare for about 100 suggestions, everyone mentioning their favorite.

Thanks for the info, I’ve been reading up a lot , and actually been looking close at the M3 and the NikonSp,

 

[Sweetlou42]

I'm not going to say a Nikon is a Leica. However I am a big fan of the Nikon SP. Doesn't hurt to read up on it to see if you might like it.

I’ve been looking at Nikon sp on eBay, one is older, and one is from 2005
I love how they look, the 2005 is mint, but I like the original one too,
Thank you for responding

 

[Sweetlou42]

At one end, that amount would get you a nice M3 with a 50mm Summicron. You would have the option of other lenses later (such as 35/2).

Another choice is Nikon S2 or Contax IIa, also having interchangeable lenses.

At the other end, for a few hundred dollars you could get a nice fixed lens Canon QL17GIII.

Maybe explore the wonderful Cameraquest site to get an idea what you'd like:

https://www.cameraquest.com/classics.htm

In a thread like this, prepare for about 100 suggestions, everyone mentioning their favorite.

Yes I know, I have looked at the canon and Contax but also a Nikon SP , not S2, but I will look at that now too
I’m probably going to get one pocket type Japanese for $250 or less and one non fixed lense like that beautiful Leica M3 or M6 with one lense to start
Thank you for your response

 

[Sweetlou42]

Yes I know, I have looked at the canon and Contax but also a Nikon SP , not S2, but I will look at that now too
I’m probably going to get one pocket type Japanese for $250 or less and one non fixed lense like that beautiful Leica M3 or M6 with one lense to start
Thank you for your response

Camera Quest site is awesome btw, I’m in real trouble now!

 

[Theo Sulphate]

Camera Quest site is awesome btw, I’m in real trouble now!

Keep in mind that lovely 2005 Nikon SP was sold out before it ever hit the streets. If I recall correctly, it was a Japan-only release, but I'm sure many have found their way to eBay - at a higher price.

 

[Sweetlou42]

My bad I guess it’s called limited edition 2500, $4000-6000 only in black
I do see an original for $1500 but says repainted, is that something to worry about?

 

[Theo Sulphate]

...
I do see an original for $1500 but says repainted, is that something to worry about?

Hard to say. Makes me wonder whether they repainted it to get more money or to cover up something. Makes me wonder what else they might've done.

It's not hard to find ones in excellent condition - one that's been treated gently its whole life. Ones with honest wear - not abuse - might be easier to live with and actually take out and use. Either way, these are old cameras and should probably be serviced - that way you'll know you have something that works properly and will last.

 

[Sweetlou42]

Great advice, and a very good point I didn’t think of, thanks

 

[guangong]

I have Zeus’s Contax IIa. Nikons are similar but with Leica type cloth shutter. However, the reason for the demise of Nikon, Zeiss and all other rangefinder cameras is simply because of the incomparable superiority of the Leica M. This complete route of other rf cameras played a part in the rise of the SLR by Nikon, etc. Any M camera is a good choice, however those made by Leitz have superior build quality compared with later owners of Leica name. If a built in meter is not necessary, an M2, M3 or M4 are excellent choices. If a meter is needed, then an M5. M5 uses match needle, M6 uses diodes that are at times not easily visible. Also, while M6 viewfinder is very good, it does not approach the bright clarity of the earlier M cameras.
Keep in mind that clean Nikon and Contax lenses are sought by collectors and tend to sell for prices that usually exceed practicality. With Leica screw mount to bayonet adapter a vast choice of Leica and Canon lenses are available, often times offering high quality at rather reasonable price.
Of course, as pointed out already, if only a fixed lens camera is needed, then the choices are almost unlimited...from diminutive Rollei 35, folders to much much larger from manual to PhD (push here dummy).
Nonetheless, you should find a way to hold these cameras in you hands before deciding. There are times I prefer my Contax IIa, but in general use my M cameras. But everyone is unique and one size doesn’t fit all.

 

[Saganich]

I you DON't need a light meter go for an M4. If YOU DO M6 classic. M7 or MP if you want to spend a bit more. Geeze I got that backward

 

[Sweetlou42]

I you need a light meter go for an M4. If not M6 classic. M7 or MP if you want to spend a bit more.

I ended up purchasing a Leica M6 ttl with a 50mm F2 Sumicron and a Mamiya 7ii
Looking forward to getting them in
Any suggestions on where to send film for developing once I’m ready? Thx

 

[Sweetlou42]

I have Zeus’s Contax IIa. Nikons are similar but with Leica type cloth shutter. However, the reason for the demise of Nikon, Zeiss and all other rangefinder cameras is simply because of the incomparable superiority of the Leica M. This complete route of other rf cameras played a part in the rise of the SLR by Nikon, etc. Any M camera is a good choice, however those made by Leitz have superior build quality compared with later owners of Leica name. If a built in meter is not necessary, an M2, M3 or M4 are excellent choices. If a meter is needed, then an M5. M5 uses match needle, M6 uses diodes that are at times not easily visible. Also, while M6 viewfinder is very good, it does not approach the bright clarity of the earlier M cameras.
Keep in mind that clean Nikon and Contax lenses are sought by collectors and tend to sell for prices that usually exceed practicality. With Leica screw mount to bayonet adapter a vast choice of Leica and Canon lenses are available, often times offering high quality at rather reasonable price.
Of course, as pointed out already, if only a fixed lens camera is needed, then the choices are almost unlimited...from diminutive Rollei 35, folders to much much larger from manual to PhD (push here dummy).
Nonetheless, you should find a way to hold these cameras in you hands before deciding. There are times I prefer my Contax IIa, but in general use my M cameras. But everyone is unique and one size doesn’t fit all.

Great advice, thx, I dove in headfirst and bought a Leica M6 ttl and a Mamiya 7ii, looking forward to joining rangefinder world

 

[narsuitus]

Any suggestions on where to send film for developing once I’m ready?

Consider developing your own black & white film.

 

[Sweetlou42]

Consider developing your own black & white film.

Maybe some day, just wanna get my feet wet first though

 

[darkosaric]

Welcome to APUG . The camera choice for that budget is no choice. Only question is which focal lens do you prefer (=which Summicron you should get): 28, 35, 50?

 

[Sweetlou42]

Welcome to APUG . The camera choice for that budget is no choice. Only question is which focal lens do you prefer (=which Summicron you should get): 28, 35, 50?

I got a Leica m6 and a 50 summicron, very excited to get started
When I send film off , how do I get it developed in a format that lets me save it to my computer or upload, etc

 

[Sweetlou42]

I got a Leica m6 and a 50 summicron, very excited to get started
When I send film off , how do I get it developed in a format that lets me save it to my computer or upload, etc

And thank you

 

[mshchem]

I ended up purchasing a Leica M6 ttl with a 50mm F2 Sumicron and a Mamiya 7ii
Looking forward to getting them in
Any suggestions on where to send film for developing once I’m ready? Thx

M6ttl is the current MP for much less money. Same except the M6ttl has ttl flash metering, not a huge deal, and more importantly a much better rewind crank. My original M6ttl was a black chrome. 0.72, I sold it off and found a NOS 0.85 finder in chrome. Added a like new chrome 6 bit 50mm Summicron. Best 35 I've ever owned. I did pick up a Cosina made Zeiss Biogon 35 f2.8. I rarely take the Summicron off, but the little 35mm 2.8 is a gem of a lens and can be found for around 700 bucks new around Christmas sale time. The chrome Summicron is brass so weights 3 times what the little anodized aluminum Biogon does.

Re: film, process it yourself. Contact print the black and white with a 15 watt bulb and a sheet of glass. Ektachrome and Fujichrome get a Tetenal kit and a heater. C41 Take to a local minilab

 

[markjwyatt]

I am sending my 35mm B&W and color film to The Darkroom. There enhanced scan is quite good (and $8/roll). For B&W they use DDX, and I really like the way FP4+ turns out. HP5+ is good also.

I am close to start developing my own B&W at home. Just need to develop the digitizing part.

 

[StepheKoontz]

I was going to suggest a clean Canon L1 but sounds like you already bought something. The Canon has a 3 position rotating finder built in 35mm, 50mm and a zoom for focusing accurately. The other really cool feature is the accessory finders have automatic parallax correction. Super build quality, a really great screw mount camera. For a $2000 budget, a body and a few lenses would be easily doable, even some of the more exotic/classic like the 85mm f2 nikkor.