Please advise - first 35mm rangefinder camera sought.

[Ballinderry-Michael]

I've just looked at a Yashica J that I no longer use much (mainly as it's fixed lens). It has a good rangefinder and the viewfinder is larger than the on-body Barnack ones. The lens is a very good 4.5cm Yashinon. The shutter is a bit unsophisticated. If it would interest the OP to try it out, I'd happily lend it them for a while.

 

[Bill Burk]

A Canonet 17ql, Japan or Taiwanese built, Japanese builds can be priced at a premium.

It an excellent, fast, fixed 40mm lens, with a leaf shutter, and it's a mechanical plus, when wanted, controlled by its meter, on automatic, when flipped on, but, this camera is great even without a working meter.

Warning, don't fool with the mechanical self timer, so many old analog cameras have issues with these jamming and the Canonet is prone to do the same.

The electric eye for the meter is inside the lense's filter coverage so metered screens will not need any P.S. math work.

Cheers.

I second the vote for Canonet QL17 GIII

Ultimately the most valuable camera is the one that gives you the most “keepers”. On that measure, this is a very good camera choice.

If you can’t afford a Leica M2 with Summicron, then the QL17 is my next best recommendation.

I don’t call the lens excellent but it is very good slight softness but not so bad as to ruin pictures.

 

[koraks]

I second the vote for Canonet QL17 GIII

As nice a camera as they may be, I've always found the Canonets remarkably bulky; similar to the Konica S2 etc. A small SLR is barely smaller, modern ones may weigh as little or even less, and in my experience are just as easy to hold still. I used to have a QL25 for a while, but I got rid of it because of the issues mentioned; its bulk and lack of any other appeal condemned it to a closet in my ownership anyway.

 

[Jim Jones]

I used Leica rangefinder cameras from 1953 until going digital several years ago, and never had one let me down except under extreme abuse. The last one, a M4, endured much use from 1970 until retired in favor of digital cameras. It has never been in a repair shop, and still appears to be functioning like new, although externally it shows more use than almost any Leica I've ever seen. In that time, Canons P and 7 both eventually failed in normal use. For someone who intends on using a 35mm rangefinder camera for several decades, a Leica may be one of the more economical purchases.

 

[markjwyatt]

The Retina IIIC has a large viewfinder, and the Retinas generally are really good rangefinder cameras and come with either Schneider or Rodenstock 50mm lenses (some earlier ones I think used Kodak Ektar also). I have the IIIc, and like it a lot (with the 50mm f2 Rodenstock Heligon), but for a really large viewfinder you would want then IIIC or IIC. Of course this is 50mm, not 35 or 40mm. You can get a screw in 35mm element (relpaces part of the 50mm, which screws out), but I do not think you can close the cover and it is not fast (I think there may be f4 and f5.6 versions).

 

[Jim Jones]

. . . If you can’t afford a Leica M2 with Summicron, then the QL17 is my next best recommendation.

I don’t call the lens excellent but it is very good slight softness but not so bad as to ruin pictures.

I never noticed even slight softness in my Summicron when compared to almost all other lenses. Decades ago I had the opportunity to do quick, but fairly critical, testing for sharpness of maybe 20 mostly Leica and Nikon lenses. My Summicron was one of the very best, in a class with the Micro-Nikkor 55mm f.3.5 and a 50mm EL-Nikkor.

 

[Bill Burk]

I never noticed even slight softness in my Summicron when compared to almost all other lenses. Decades ago I had the opportunity to do quick, but fairly critical, testing for sharpness of maybe 20 mostly Leica and Nikon lenses. My Summicron was one of the very best, in a class with the Micro-Nikkor 55mm f.3.5 and a 50mm EL-Nikkor.

Oh not the Summicron!

I meant if you can’t afford the best, the Canonet QL17 GIII is a good value even if the lens is slightly soft.

 

[Bwbuff]

Although not 100% matches your criteria, I like the Olympus XA , it is a rangefinder camera with f2.8 and iso setting control but requires battery .

 

[Paul Howell]

The Retina IIIC has a large viewfinder, and the Retinas generally are really good rangefinder cameras and come with either Schneider or Rodenstock 50mm lenses (some earlier ones I think used Kodak Ektar also). I have the IIIc, and like it a lot (with the 50mm f2 Rodenstock Heligon), but for a really large viewfinder you would want then IIIC or IIC. Of course this is 50mm, not 35 or 40mm. You can get a screw in 35mm element (relpaces part of the 50mm, which screws out), but I do not think you can close the cover and it is not fast (I think there may be f4 and f5.6 versions).

I have a IIIC big, along the 2 lens, for the money, get a IIIS, true interchangeable lens.

 

[Paul Howell]

Oh not the Summicron!

I meant if you can’t afford the best, the Canonet QL17 GIII is a good value even if the lens is slightly soft.

Best lens in fixed lens rangefinder is the Konica S3, I have the QL1.7 the S3 and S2, the Canon has manual override. as does the S2, the S3 is all about the lens, still prices have gone up to the point that a Canon and Konica S2 make sense.

 

[GRHazelton]

If you can find one the Konica IIIa is a truly excellent fixed lens rangefinder camera. No meter, but hand held meters are readily available, or small meters to fit an accessory shoe. The IIIa has a superlative viewfinder. One to one viewing, parallax corrected, and the frame adjusts to the changing coverage as the focus distance changes. No Leica does this. Add a truly excellent f1.8 lens, front panel film advance - no problems for left eye viewers - rugged construction and the IIIa is a winner. See what Dante Stella says: https://www.dantestella.com/technical/koni3.html

 

[chuckroast]

Leica M2 with 35mm 2.8 Summaron. Might as well start where you will end up

Well ... a Summicron ASPH in my case, but you're right. It's an absolutely deadly combo ...

 

[chuckroast]

Dear all

I am mainly a 6x6 TLR user though I also occasionally still use my 35mm SLRs.

I'm finding I'm enjoying a lot the quiet TLR experience and the fact that I can easily get sharp shots at 1/15th of a second with my TLRs, something I've rarely been able to do with my SLRs.

I would like a similarly quiet, simple experience in 35mm and I'm tempted by the world of 35mm rangefinders, which I know nothing about.

Which robust, compact and reliable rangefinder would you recommend? The choice is bewildering.

Two features I'm after:

• I only want to use it with one lens. Ideally a 35 or 40mm, which should be reasonably compact and good quality at f/2.8 and smaller apertures. Nothing really heavy, huge, ultrabright, etc.
• I am after a bright, huge viewfinder. My Olympus OM2n has spoiled me in this respect. I heard some rangefinders have viewfinders with 1X magnification. That would be wonderful, though anything in the .8-1x range would do I guess? Of course, the viewfinder should be well matched to the lens you'll be recommending to use. Ideally, I'd like to keep composing with both my eyes open, just like I do with my TLRs.
• I am not particularly concerned about mechanical/electronic. Some electronics (eg cell battery to power meter) acceptable, though fully mechanical without meter is also ok.

Budget is not a concern if it has the features I'm after. It will be my one and only rangefinder for the foreseeable future.

Thank you in advance for any recommendations.

For relatively low cost and very high quality, a Leica IIIf with either a collapsible 50mm f/3.5 Elmar (very small when collapsed) or collapsible 50mm f/2 Summicron (not quite a small but still very low profile). I know that's a little longer than you want but these cameras are just marvelous travelers and street shooters. I had YYE rebuild both the body and the Summicron.

At higher cost and somewhat larger size, but considerably easier to use and with a more comfortable viewfinder/focus arrangement - a Leica M2 with a 35mm Summicron-M. This is a classic combination. Even used, it's relatively expensive, but oh dear heavens what a shooter that combo is. I speak as someone who shoots a lot of 120 and 4x5. But that M2/35mm is increasingly becoming my goto.

Just realize that these cameras and lenses are old and may need overhauling. So watch for a decent deal and then pay YYE or DAG to do the overhaul and you'll have a shooter for a every long time.

Source: Own both of the above. When I am in the mood, both do marvelous things on film. I am usually a Nikon 35mm shooter (and remain so), but one day with the M2/35mm combo turned me into a rabid Leica fanboi

Here is an example (scan of silver print):

https://www.tundraware.com/Photography/Gallery/Silver/media/large/20240125-1-12-Treeceding.jpg

 

[Cholentpot]

No mention of the Argus C3.

 

[Patrick Robert James]

I don't think people actually read, they just say get the camera they have. Internet I guess.

I am not aware of any 35mm viewfinders that are 100%. There were one or two external finders that were, but those are hard to find. The Leica M3 is close, but that is limited to 50mm. You'd be better off with any other Leica M. I think the biggest finder that can accommodate the 35mm framelines is the .85. Those are hard to find and expensive though. I've forgotten which Ms were available with it. Maybe the M6 and M7. That might be just what you are looking for.

If you for sure want a 40 instead of a 35 then the Leica CL or the Minolta CLE are great options which are smaller and are less expensive than a M2 or M3. But those are only if you want just a 40. No framelines for 35 or 50 with those.

The only small fixed lens rangefinder that I can remember that has manual over ride is the Canon QL17 GIII. I had one years ago and I found it to be a capable camera. Good enough. Might not be a Leica but you can get them for pretty cheap and the lens is fine. One advantage is they are pretty light and small, though a Leica CL is roughly the same size IIRC but six times the price.

One huge advantage of any Leica mount camera that hasn't been mentioned is the plethora of lenses that are available for it. It is truly mind-boggling how many have been made just in the last few years.

 

[John Wiegerink]

At one time or other I've owned almost all the cameras mentioned here (I bought and sold used cameras on the show circuit) and have my favorites. All my M series Leicas are gone, but if I had to have another one back it would be my M2 with 50mm f2.8. I've never owned the smaller Contax cameras so can't comment. I do have the Contax G1 with 28mm, 45mm and 90mm. The G lenses are worth buying the G1 body just to use them. One word covers the G Contax lenses= FANTASTIC! That said, my two favorite stealth cameras with great optics are my Minox 35 Touring and the Rollei 35T already mentioned. I have owned two of the Rollei 35S versions and I really like the "snappy-sharp" Tessar on the 35T better. I've tried three Olympus XA's, one my wife bought me new when they first came out, and I wasn't impressed with any of their lenses. If the XA had a lens as good as the Rollei 35T or Minox It would be the perfect camera bar none, but it doesn't. Here are what I have left in my collection to use. Leica IIIa w/ 50mm f2 Summitar, which is pretty compact, Yashica 35mm GSN, Canon QL17, Minolta 7S, Contax G1, Retina 1a with Ektar lens, Retina IIa 50mm Xenon, Rollei, Minox and Ansco Super Silette w/ 50mm f2 Solagon(outstanding lens). Which camera do I use the most? The Minox 35 Touring. Why? It has a very good lens, is nearly silent and is as small as a pack of smokes used to be. Oh, and it's super light weight also. I like compact cameras cuz you don't mind always having them with you. Also, if it came up missing I could replace it much easier and cheaper than my old M2 and 50mm Elmar.

 

[RAY WILSON]

This photo was taken with a Canon Canonet QL17. HP5. Cheers!

 

[skylight1b]

If you can find one the Konica IIIa is a truly excellent fixed lens rangefinder camera. No meter, but hand held meters are readily available, or small meters to fit an accessory shoe. The IIIa has a superlative viewfinder. One to one viewing, parallax corrected, and the frame adjusts to the changing coverage as the focus distance changes. No Leica does this. Add a truly excellent f1.8 lens, front panel film advance - no problems for left eye viewers - rugged construction and the IIIa is a winner. See what Dante Stella says: https://www.dantestella.com/technical/koni3.html

You have gotten me down a rabbit hole I wasn't expecting. This looks like a stellar camera.

 

[Cholentpot]

I used a Canonet QL17 until it stopped working. It's a very capable camera but I only used it in manual mode. I never trusted the meter.

 

[GRHazelton]

You have gotten me down a rabbit hole I wasn't expecting. This looks like a stellar camera.

Indeed it is. My example is in excellent condition, although the "everready" case is pretty crappy. The case has done its job, protecting the camera. The IIIa is a delight to use. If you see one, go for it.

 

[SchwinnParamount]

Dear all

I am mainly a 6x6 TLR user though I also occasionally still use my 35mm SLRs.

I'm finding I'm enjoying a lot the quiet TLR experience and the fact that I can easily get sharp shots at 1/15th of a second with my TLRs, something I've rarely been able to do with my SLRs.

I would like a similarly quiet, simple experience in 35mm and I'm tempted by the world of 35mm rangefinders, which I know nothing about.

Which robust, compact and reliable rangefinder would you recommend? The choice is bewildering.

Two features I'm after:

• I only want to use it with one lens. Ideally a 35 or 40mm, which should be reasonably compact and good quality at f/2.8 and smaller apertures. Nothing really heavy, huge, ultrabright, etc.
• I am after a bright, huge viewfinder. My Olympus OM2n has spoiled me in this respect. I heard some rangefinders have viewfinders with 1X magnification. That would be wonderful, though anything in the .8-1x range would do I guess? Of course, the viewfinder should be well matched to the lens you'll be recommending to use. Ideally, I'd like to keep composing with both my eyes open, just like I do with my TLRs.
• I am not particularly concerned about mechanical/electronic. Some electronics (eg cell battery to power meter) acceptable, though fully mechanical without meter is also ok.

Budget is not a concern if it has the features I'm after. It will be my one and only rangefinder for the foreseeable future.

Thank you in advance for any recommendations.

You can't lose with a Fujica Compact Deluxe... Sadly, they are very rare. Mine is in fantastic shape, has a really good 45mm lens, and an onboard light meter. If you find one, it will be about $300. Another good choice is the Canon P range finder. You can find one with an accessory light meter. The Canon has a 39mm screw mount lens which lets you use all old Leica lenses along with a wide assortment of LTM (Leica Thread Mount) lenses from Leica, Nikon, Canon, and others. The Fujica is a fixe 45mm lens. You can get the Canon P for about $350 with a really good Canon 50mm 1.4 lens. I would recommend that 50 1.4 above just about anything else. It is a superb lens.

 

[GRHazelton]

You can't lose with a Fujica Compact Deluxe... Sadly, they are very rare. Mine is in fantastic shape, has a really good 45mm lens, and an onboard light meter. If you find one, it will be about $300. Another good choice is the Canon P range finder. You can find one with an accessory light meter. The Canon has a 39mm screw mount lens which lets you use all old Leica lenses along with a wide assortment of LTM (Leica Thread Mount) lenses from Leica, Nikon, Canon, and others. The Fujica is a fixe 45mm lens. You can get the Canon P for about $350 with a really good Canon 50mm 1.4 lens. I would recommend that 50 1.4 above just about anything else. It is a superb lens.

Agreed re the Canon P. I have one with the 50mm, the 35mm, and the 100mm. My example needs a little TLC, as the slow speeds need exercise before they work reliably. I would suggest that the coupled light meter that Canon offered is probably on its last legs, since selenium cell meters all too often die a slow death.

 

[SchwinnParamount]

As nice a camera as they may be, I've always found the Canonets remarkably bulky; similar to the Konica S2 etc. A small SLR is barely smaller, modern ones may weigh as little or even less, and in my experience are just as easy to hold still. I used to have a QL25 for a while, but I got rid of it because of the issues mentioned; its bulk and lack of any other appeal condemned it to a closet in my ownership anyway.

I have about seven rangefinders: Leica M6, Voightlander Bessa, Canon P, Contax IIIa, Canonet GIII, Fujica, and a couple others. I would say that the Canonet GIII is the most pleasant, lightest, and least bulky camera of the lot. Sadly, the shutter (I have two of these cameras) just doesn't stand the test of time.

 

[SchwinnParamount]

No mention of the Argus C3.

... and for good reason.

 

[SchwinnParamount]

Agreed re the Canon P. I have one with the 50mm, the 35mm, and the 100mm. My example needs a little TLC, as the slow speeds need exercise before they work reliably. I would suggest that the coupled light meter that Canon offered is probably on its last legs, since selenium cell meters all too often die a slow death.

And there are decent hand-held meters that probably everyone on this forum already owns. I'm talking about the Android and iOS light meter apps.
I've attached a Tri-X frame that I shot last night and developed in HC-110 (b) at 7 min. This was the Fujica with it's fixed 45mm lens