Smallest fully mechanical rangefinder

[Arthurwg]

Barnack all the way.

 

[Donald Qualls]

Tessina which is a twin reflex and twin lenses and all mechanical that shoots 35mm film.

But still isn't a rangefinder camera. Despite (because of?) its tiny size, it's awkward to use, shoots a smaller than full frame image, and is very expensive to buy or build up the kit.

Smallest full frame 35mm rangefinder has to be either one of the pre-War folding cameras (you get whatever lens was on from the factory, unless it's the right model Retina), or a Leica with collapsing lens.

 

[Sirius Glass]

But still isn't a rangefinder camera. Despite (because of?) its tiny size, it's awkward to use, shoots a smaller than full frame image, and is very expensive to buy or build up the kit.

Smallest full frame 35mm rangefinder has to be either one of the pre-War folding cameras (you get whatever lens was on from the factory, unless it's the right model Retina), or a Leica with collapsing lens.

Yes when it is held on the wrist with a wrist strap is it awkward. A prism makes is heavy and awkward [getting two for one]. I have one with a wrist strap, prism, cassettes, and cassette loader at a reasonable price if you are interested. But it does qualify as very small.

 

[Donald Qualls]

I have one with a wrist strap, prism, cassettes, and cassette loader at a reasonable price if you are interested. But it does qualify as very small.

When I first found out about the Tessina, I'd probably have jumped at the chance to own one; today, I don't want one. I've got too many cameras I don't use for ergonomic or mechanical reasons; that would just be another such.

 

[Sirius Glass]

When I first found out about the Tessina, I'd probably have jumped at the chance to own one; today, I don't want one. I've got too many cameras I don't use for ergonomic or mechanical reasons; that would just be another such.

One can never have too many cameras. One can never have too many that one cannot use.

 

[Donald Qualls]

One can never have too many cameras. One can never have too many that one cannot use.

One can, however, be gravely short on space to keep them...

 

[Sirius Glass]

One can, however, be gravely short on space to keep them...

Do you really need a living room? Do you have extra bathrooms? You can eat standing up, so keep the cameras in the dining room.

 

[Donald Qualls]

Do you really need a living room? Do you have extra bathrooms? You can eat standing up, so keep the cameras in the dining room.

My partner needs most of those spaces -- for the five dogs, three indoor cats, two aquariums -- and has already started to call me a hoarder...

 

[Sirius Glass]

My partner needs most of those spaces -- for the five dogs, three indoor cats, two aquariums -- and has already started to call me a hoarder...

Start off by dumping the cats. They would do the same to you if they found another source of food.

 

[Donald Qualls]

Start off by dumping the cats. They would do the same to you if they found another source of food.

But I like the cats. I like my partner and the dogs, too.

 

[Don_ih]

Hoarder + multiple cats = where's the kitty litter?

 

[Sirius Glass]

Hoarder + multiple cats = where's the kitty litter?

Can you image the ammonia smell in the atmosphere?

 

[grat]

My partner needs most of those spaces -- for the five dogs, three indoor cats, two aquariums -- and has already started to call me a hoarder...

Your partner appears to be assembling a horde.

 

[grat]

Can you image the ammonia smell in the atmosphere?

Not a problem if you clean the (large) box regularly. I'd be more worried about the protein skimmer for the aquariums if they're salt water.

 

[Donald Qualls]

Yep, (three) cat boxes do get cleaned regularly, and we use pine pellet litter, which keeps the odor down better than most (and is cheap). Skimmer for the reef tank gets cleaned regularly, too. But my available space for office and darkroom is limited none the less. I really need to sell off some gear -- do I really need multiple 35mm RF cameras (2 Canonets, Petri 7s, Signet 35, Motormatic 35)?

 

[__Brian]

The Minolta 7s-II is small, and has a fast 40mm F1.7 lens, Full manual exposure and Shutter-Preferred auto. They are not cheap these days.

I'm surprised the Retina II with Ektar is at $700- insane.
I guess $15 was a good price on mine.

 

[cliveh]

Leica II. Don't start me off.

 

[__Brian]

The CL is small. The Canon 50/1.5 is small enough to fit in its pouch case.