Smallest coupled RF?

olleorama · Jul 18, 2009

Which is the smallest fixed-lens (or interchangeable lenses, although they seem to be bigger?) rangefinder camera? Preferably with a light meter.

I have the lynx 14e, and brilliant as it is, it is still a bit too big for my intended purpose.

srtiwari · Jul 18, 2009

These come to mind-
Minolta 7SII
Olympus XA

elekm · Jul 18, 2009

Probably the Olympus XA. Also, the Ducati Sogno, which is half-frame and expensive with no light meter but interchangeable lenses.

The Olympus 35 RC also is small, as is the Konica C35 Automatic. Both are fixed-lens.

The Zeiss Ikon Tenax II (24mm x 24mm) is small, moderately expensive with no light meter but expensive interchangeable lenses.

Finally, the Braun Super Paxette (some with interchangeable lenses) and usually no light meter but occasionally an extinction meter.

Chazzy · Jul 18, 2009

The Super Ikonta A comes to mind, if you are referring to 120 rangefinders.

Oren Grad · Jul 18, 2009

http://www.cameraquest.com/com35s.htm

cknapp1961 · Jul 18, 2009

I like my Kodak Retina IIIC folding 35mm rangefinder camera, heavy like a well made instrument, but folds to a compact form. I love the Schneider-Kreuznach lenses. The rangefinder is coupled, and when using the 50mm F2.8 lens no adjustments are required. However, when using the 35mm and 80mm lenses, you must focus the rangefinder, then manually transfer the distance to the scale that corresponds to the lens being used.

They are a bit pricey on EvilB@y, and it is common for the shutter springs to get weak, most of them will require a CLA. I just had one that had been in my family since it was new, CLA'd by Chris Sherlock in New Zealand, I believe the price will be worth it as the camera will probably work for another 50 years.

Steve Smith · Jul 18, 2009

Probably Olympus XA. The Voigtlander Vitomatic II comes close. It is small but quite heavy.

Seve.

olleorama · Jul 18, 2009

Is the olympus XA a rangefinder? I think there is one laying about at my parents house.

Thanks for all the answers, I will look at camera quests advise.

Mark Fisher · Jul 18, 2009

xa is definitely a rangefinder. The rangefinder isn't real bright though so it is a bit slow to use....but it works!

David Grenet · Jul 19, 2009

Mark Fisher said:
xa is definitely a rangefinder. The rangefinder isn't real bright though so it is a bit slow to use....but it works!

Indeed it does

Note though that the XA2 (and beyond) didn't have the RF, only the original XA did.

leicarfcam · Jul 19, 2009

I like the Kodak Retina II or IIa. However neither have a built-in meter. The Retina IIIc is much larger and has a meter. Below is a photo of the Retina IIa..

P C Headland · Jul 19, 2009

Smallest is probably the little Minox 110S camera (or similar Rolei/Canon), or if there were any 16mm rangefinders.

As for interchangeable lens coupled rangefinder cameras, the Braun Paxette Super I and II are pretty small.

olleorama · Jul 20, 2009

David Grenet said:
Indeed it does

Note though that the XA2 (and beyond) didn't have the RF, only the original XA did.

Aha, I think I've only used the XA2, that's why I was a bit surprised. To me that one seemed to be an ordinary compact.

elekm · Jul 20, 2009

cknapp1961 said:
... it is common for the shutter springs to get weak, most of them will require a CLA.

I used to say this, until a metallurgical engineer pointed out to me that shutter springs don't weaken over time.

However, I agree that nearly all so-called classic cameras should be serviced. Depending on how hard you are on your gear, it could be the only work it needs for the next couple of decades.

JPD · Jul 22, 2009

leicarfcam said:
I like the Kodak Retina II or IIa. However neither have a built-in meter. The Retina IIIc is much larger and has a meter. Below is a photo of the Retina IIa..

The IIc has about the same size as the IIa, but is more robust. I have both the Xenon and Heligon version, and prefer the latter.

Minniesmum · Oct 22, 2009

olleorama said:
Aha, I think I've only used the XA2, that's why I was a bit surprised. To me that one seemed to be an ordinary compact.

Hi yes I have an XA and an XA3 ,and the XA is the only one of the series that is a rangefinder-the others are Zone focusing.

Smallest coupled RF?

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