Smallest 35mm interchangeable lens options please!

[macfred]

Never had a Hexar RF (Leica-mount rangefinder) but I guess it's a very nice camera to have. Steep prices these days!
I have a Hexar AF (fixed-lens ; Autofocus) - the 35mm f/2 lens is above any doubt - the camera feels solid and valuable - not really small at all.

Konica Hexar AF - Kodak Ektachrome Elite 100 (TDF-1994)

 

[btaylor]

The Contax G1 is an interesting camera. I bought one years ago and tried very hard to like it. I knew what I really lusted for was a Leica M, but the Contax was much more affordable, solid feel, had auto focus, decent built in meter and auto exposure. We just didn’t get along and after a couple of years I sold the kit and got back into old ltm and Contax (Kiev, IIa) rangefinders. I want full manual control and I had to wrestle it from the G1. I finally ended up with an M2 that I really enjoy using. I have to say though, the journey getting there was fun.

 

[Thomas Keidan]

UPDATE:

Thanks for all the countless tips and option suggestions everyone. At the moment I think I am leaning towards something along the lines of a Contax G1 or Minolta CLE. Both are out of my budget now but in a few months would be affordable. However, I would like to know if there are some others within this small category that I am overlooking. I have been reading about the Bessa R variations.

My only concern with the two options listed above is that they are electronic. Can anyone speak for the quality and reliability of these two? Of course there are lots of mechanical options but do enjoy using some automatic features on occasion.

Thanks everyone.