I would recommend a brick (Argus C-3) to anyone for a half dozen reasons: 1. It is an important piece of photographic history 2. You can easily find a good one for under $20, and they last forever 3. If you decide to learn camera repair, or just want to see how things work, they are easy to work on 4. The lens is surprisingly good, and the ergonomics force you to really think, which seems to lead to better pictures (in my case, anyway) 5. Anyone over 60 will have fond memories to share (the only cameras I have that start more conversations with passersby are the Speed Graphics and the Century) 6. Some of my favorite shots were taken with a brick and Kodachrome.
That being said, for interchangeable lens rangefinders I can recommend the Kiev4a, the Zorki 4 and 6, and the Fed 2,3, and 4 among the Russians, plus the bricks descendants the C-33 (ugly as sin, but a good rangefinder and good lenses), and C-44. In general, I recommend Feds and Zorkis for small hands and Kievs for large. That Contax grip is easier with long fingers.
I haven't used many of the old Voigtlanders, but have found the ergonomics of the few I have handled dreadful. The little german built folders (Retina, Contessa) of the 40s and 50s are jewel-like with great optics.
The fixed lens Japanese models of the 60s and 70s add the convenience of a meter, some auto modes, light weight, and often better viewfinders but lack charm.
My recommendation: get the C-3 (because every home should have one), then either a Fed/Zorki or a Kiev depending on your hand size. If you really want a built in meter, get one of the Japanese models instead. That way you can get a good feel for what rangefinders can do for under US$70. Then, if you find you like rangefinders, upgrade with a modern Voigtlander, or whatever else the budget will bear.
