RF beginner

trueface · Oct 3, 2011

Hi guys,

Some time ago, I became interested in photography. I was looking for a nice starting camera, until I discovered the FR cameras. I searched in forums about them, and been looking for a good deal on ebay.

I can't comment about quality image because I'm just a beginner but concerning to design, my favourite was the yashica electro 35 GSN. She's such a beauty.

My budget is a little bit tight. For now I the limit is about 80-100$. I would like to buy a camera that was easy to handle, to gain experience and learn.
I have another major problem that is giving me an hard time and may delay my purchase. I live in Portugal, so it's even more complicated to find the "deal".

Said that, I wanted to ask you for some advices and recommendations for my first RF camera.

Thanks,
Bruno Ferreira.

keithwms · Oct 3, 2011

Let me suggest checking at rangefinderforum.

vpwphoto · Oct 3, 2011

Just get a Russian LTM screw mount camera (I ordered one from a seller in Russia via e-bay and the transaction was fast)
You will likely find like I did that a rangefinder is fun to use... but they INVENTED and PERFECTED the dang SLR for a REASON.
Now all you kind and talented rangefinder users need not take offense... I feel a similar way about TLR's!!
Perhaps you will love it! I did have an EPSON Rd-1 for a reason.. I LOVED the size, you can carry a rangefinder system around in your pockets!!
Although you can do the same with an Olympus OM kit too if you stay away from large aperture lenses and wear baggier pants.
Anyway spend $150 on a Fed 3 o 4 or get a Canonett QL-17 (had one of those too... it was nicer than the Russian thing... but just isn't the same).
Cheers... to all.

Doesn't the economy stink across the Globe? I would check the local Porticagal pawn shop... heck you might score a Leica for quarters on the dollar compared to 3 years ago...

BrianL · Oct 3, 2011

Why not go with the Yashica. Part of enjoying a camera and its functions is imparted by the physical relationship of the person to the camera itself. If the camera does look beautiful or right to the person, there is an inherent block to loving it from the outset that will translate to not liking it in use. No different than a car. Few will buy a car that is not visually appealing regardless of if it does what the person wants.

zsas · Oct 3, 2011

Get what is easy and have fun! I shoot a Yashica Lynx 14E, a similar version to the Electro, and love it.

Give this blog article a read, I think you will find the Yashica right up your alley and for possibly a few dollars?
http://www.stevehuffphoto.com/2011/05/06/is-the-yashica-electro-the-best-deal-in-rangefinder-photography-by-ricky-opaterny/

Now if Russian cameras are easier to come by in your region, sure they will work just as brilliantly as Vpwphoto mentions, RF is quite fun, but if it is not working correct a CLA might be in order?

SafetyBob · Oct 4, 2011

Bruno, I have a couple of GSNs. They are fun little cameras. The only thing that will take the fun and amazement out of it will be a dim rangefinder. You will have two options, a CLA which will no doubt cost more than the camera or two, get a different camera (which, unless you can physically try it will have a dim rangefinder too). If you are serious about this, find out how dim your rangefinder is. If you can manage with it, good for you and have fun, just realize a CLA will be in order for it some time in the future.

So far I have had two rangefinders CLA'ed. In both cases the cost of CLA was more than the physical value of the camera........what I got back was a camera that for me is priceless. I can now use both of them confidently and my film comes out beautiful, and it was 10 times easier to use the camera. For me, it was worth the cost and I now feel ANY rangefinder I purchase will first go and get a CLA before I use it. Honestly, the difference using the viewfinder after a cleaning/CLA is significant for anyone with limited vision or over 40 (and I don't wear glasses either).

Oh, and don't stick to color film with that GSN, you won't believe the character you get from B&W film from that camera........you'll see.

Bob E.

trueface · Oct 4, 2011

Hi,

Thank you for all the replies. I guess I'll stick with the yashica gsn plan. I really like her.
I will try to find a good deal, even if it takes a little longer to get the camera. I guess it's better than buy other and wish to have the yashica.

I want to have fun with the camera, learn a bit about taking photos, and spend a good time.

If someone finds a good deal, let me know about it.

Bruno Ferreira

Jeff Kubach · Oct 5, 2011

The only problem with some of Yashica models is finding a battery for it.

Jeff

X. Phot. · Oct 5, 2011

For a beginner's camera with rangefinder focusing I would recommend the Argus C3, A true classic. Buy two or three just in case.

http://www.mattdentonphoto.com/cameras/argus_c3.html
http://www.cameramanuals.org/argus/argus_c-3.pdf
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ellenjo/sets/72157602144626963/

Molli · Oct 5, 2011

Hi trueface. With regard to what Jeff said about batteries for the Yashica, I have an Electro GSN myself (and love it) and had no trouble getting a handful of 4LR44 6volt batteries off eBay for less than $5. You can buy an adapter to make them fit correctly in the Yashica but you really don't need one. I just wrapped some foil around a screw to fill the space and it works/metres perfectly without any dramas.
If you do get the GSN and have trouble getting batteries, give me a yell and I'll post a couple over to you.

trueface · Oct 5, 2011

Hi guys,

Thanks again for the advices. I'm trying hard to find a yashica. I ran ebay, but most part of the cameras come from usa and the shippings costs are larger than the cost of the camera. I tried international sellers, but didn't catch any great deal so far.

Thank you for the sugestion X. Phot. but I'm in love with the Yashica, and that's the one I want to take pictures with.

Concerning to the battery, i read about it. Heard about yashica guy who sells on ebay, but I also saw the DIY version.

I'll continue my quest for the GSN.
Like I said, I'm just a beginner, but when I look at the GSN I just smile. I hope to be lucky enough to invite you to see the photos I'll shoot someday.

Don't forget mates, if you are aware of any good deal, pm me.

Let's find my Yashica GSN!!!

Molli · Oct 5, 2011

Here's one who's only charging about $10 USD for postage. The only thing is, he's selling it untested, so it's your call if you want to risk it:
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/YASHICA-...ography_VintageCameras_SM&hash=item53e96dbf15

trueface · Oct 5, 2011

Thank you, but actually if you check the bidders you'll see my name. The problem is that if the bids start to raise a lot. I have a maximum of 30 pounds on this one. Pretty sure I'm not gonna win, but like you said, this camera it's untested and I don't want to spend a lot of money on uncertain things.

Anyway, thank you for search and tell me about it.

Bruno Ferreira

Molli · Oct 5, 2011

You're welcome and good luck!

trueface · Oct 9, 2011

Hi guys,

I've got a doubt about Yashica GS/GSN. I know that GSN has hot shoe and GS doesn't. Isn't any other difference between the two? I will not use the flash, and that's why I want to know that.
If that is the only difference I think it will be easier to find the camera.

Sorry for bothering with this question but I really want to make a good decision.

Bruno Ferreira.

Molli · Oct 9, 2011

Hi Bruno, I got this from http://www.photoethnography.com/ClassicCameras/YashicaElectro35GS.html who got the information from the Yashica Guy:
"...
1966 Electro 35 Original flagship model
1968 Electro 35 G + changes in cosmetic design + ASA now 12-500 + gold contacts
1970 Electro 35 G (2nd ver) + revised film door ? Added "Color" designation to lens, but no change in design itself
1970 Electro 35 GS + cosmetic changes + ASA 25-1000
1973 Electro 35 GSN + flash hotshoe + minor changes to rewind lever
There are "T" versions of the above (GT, GTN). The T indicates a black top plate as opposed to a chrome one. (The "S" standing for "Silver Chrome or Satin Chrome")
...."

Not having a GS to compare to my GSN, I don't know what the "minor changes to the rewind lever" might entail exactly but it looks as though you're pretty much right in thinking the hot shoe is the only real difference between the two, although the GS does have a cold shoe and PC cable connection. Oh, and the GSN is mentioned as having a battery check light indicator which the GS doesn't seem to have. However, you might have better luck getting your hands on a GSN since they were in production for 17 years, as opposed to the GS's short run of just three.

That seems to be it, really, but I'm sure there's someone more knowledgeable out there who can correct me if I've missed anything.

Hope this helps!

guitstik · Oct 10, 2011

I have a few GS/GSN's for sale. I believe I have one that is in prime working order but can't remember which one. If you have the budget for it, I could send one to Mark Hama for a CLA. The cost would be about $150+ shipping but you would have a good camera that would be warranties by Mark.

Check my FS thread (there was a url link here which no longer exists)

RF beginner

X. Phot.

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