Beginner Rangefinder

vishnu reddy · Posted: Tue Aug 28, 2012 7:31 pm Post subject: Beginner Rangefinder

Hello Everyone

I am looking for some help picking a 35 mm film rangefinder. I can't afford a Leica but would like something similar (size and chrome). I am looking for something to get back into film and learn the basics again.

Thank you
Vishnu

PS: Something I can find in Germany/EU would be helpful as I am posted here for the next 5 months.

Nisseliten · Joined: 26 May 2012 Posts: 332 Location: Sweden

I use a voigtländer vito sometimes when I want the rangefinder experience. It's dirt cheap, even tho it's a fixed lens camera, if you can find one with the color skopar, it's an awesome lens. Not that the color lanthar is that bad tho. It's chrome, lightweight and not at all a bad camera I think. Tho I have yet to find one with a working light meter Smile

Attila · Expire: 2025-11-18

Look Russian Leica copies Fed-2, Zorki-2C, Zorki-4 ,Zorki-6 and ask for film tested working one.

If okay I can sell to you film tested working Zorki-4 or Fed-2.

vishnu reddy · Posted: Tue Aug 28, 2012 7:57 pm Post subject:

Thanks a lot. I sent you PM.

Vishnu

Nesster · Expire: 2014-02-20

LOL, sounds like you may be getting a Russian camera...

If fixed lens is not an obstacle, there are several really fine rangefinders available on the used market.

'50s and early 60s - you get a basic, non-metered camera. In Germany, Agfa, Braun, Balda, Zeiss, Voigtlander and a host of others can be had with really good lenses - you need to do a bit of research to know which are the good ones vs. not so good.

From the late 60s through the 70s there are a ton of mainly Japanese metered (and often auto exposure) range finders. I'm sure there are some German ones as well. With these, the main concerns would be a) battery adaptability and b) whether or not you want manual exposure capability.

Especially with the younger models, you get a larger, clearer viewfinder as compared to earlier 50s models and the Russians.

yinyangbt · Expire: 2012-12-27

Attila · Expire: 2025-11-18

Fed-2 has two separate window one magnified RF and simple viewfinder. I like this best. Zorki-4 has one of the biggest RF finder, good one too.

vishnu reddy · Posted: Tue Aug 28, 2012 9:23 pm Post subject:

I am reading up on these two cameras and I see that Zorki-4K has a lever to wind the film. That seems to be a plus over the 4. Any thoughts on this?

Vishnu

Attila · Expire: 2025-11-18

Lloydy · Expire: 2022-01-01

I've got the Zorki 4K with the lever and like it. I think it's the only difference. It's a good camera - but it's the only rangefinder I use at the moment.

Drack · Joined: 27 Feb 2011 Posts: 735 Location: Lithuania

If you want I can sell you a nice Fed-1 camera with a Fed f3,5/50mm lens, original lens cap and case. Very good condition fully functional. You can`t get a more look-alike leica Very Happy

vishnu reddy · Posted: Wed Aug 29, 2012 6:26 am Post subject:

The lever on the 4k does seem to be more convenient than the knob on 4. Not sure how much difference this is while shooting.

Drack....I just sent you a PM as well. Thanks for the help.

Vishnu

std · Joined: 09 Feb 2010 Posts: 1826 Location: Bulgaria

If i have to do it once again from the start i would certainly get first a fixed lens rangefinder.
Like Minolta Hi-Matic 7s - gorgeous lens and very nice rangefinder.
It also has a meter, auto mode and speeds/aperature priority.

Minolfan · Joined: 30 Dec 2008 Posts: 3439 Location: Netherlands

vishnu reddy · Posted: Wed Aug 29, 2012 7:17 am Post subject:

Thanks a lot. Having a meter does help a lot. Do you think one can find these in Europe? Sorry I am new to all this still.
Vishnu

std · Joined: 09 Feb 2010 Posts: 1826 Location: Bulgaria

I think there was a re-branded Konica and Minolta cameras sold in Germany under Revue brand
like Revue 400SE ans Revue Auto-500.

Minoltas apear on ebay and can be found at a reasonable prices, like those below:

Click here to see on Ebay
Click here to see on Ebay
Click here to see on Ebay

vishnu reddy · Posted: Wed Aug 29, 2012 7:47 am Post subject:

I am reading that the lightmeters need batteries that are hard to find. Any thoughts on that. Can they be replaced with newer batteries?

Vishnu

Drack · Joined: 27 Feb 2011 Posts: 735 Location: Lithuania

std · Joined: 09 Feb 2010 Posts: 1826 Location: Bulgaria

I guess you are referring to old Mercury batteries (1.35V).
There are replacement for those, and i even think that the cameras will work good even with modern 1.5V batteries. The Minolta uses those btw http://camerapedia.wikia.com/wiki/PX625

Minolfan · Joined: 30 Dec 2008 Posts: 3439 Location: Netherlands

You can find them on local and international auction sites for mostly little money (€ 10.00 - € 50.00).
Even in thrift stores (€ 2.50 - €15.00) and fleemarkets (€ 5.00 - 20.00), really cheap. Just have attention that they really work (shutter and aperture not sticky, filmtransport working). Working meter isn't always immediatly to check. If I go interested to a fleemarket or charity shop I put some SR44 and hearing aid batteries in my pocket Smile

You can find more info on Rangefinderforum about that kind of cameras, here on this forum is info about Fed, Kiev, Werra with interchangeable lenses.

yinyangbt · Expire: 2012-12-27

If you don't mind asomehow big one and fixed lens , I suggest a Yashica Electro GSN .

Nesster · Expire: 2014-02-20

luisalegria · Expire: 2018-01-18

Very cheap, very common, very easy to fix -

Yashica Lynx 1000
Yashica Lynx 5000

These both have a 45mm f/1.8
Easily found on US ebay everyday for $10-20
No collectors want them !

All-mechanical.
Front group easily unscrews and almost every problem can be fixed with lighter fluid (naptha)
Just don't expect the meter to work, though it might.

Even cheaper (If its possible), if you don't mind f/2.8 lenses, are the Yashica Minister models.

Yashica Electros often need work to get the electrics working again.

vishnu reddy · Posted: Thu Aug 30, 2012 8:20 am Post subject:

Thanks a lot folks. Too many choices. I spent several hours reading and now I am officially confused. Hope something materializes!

Vishnu

ForenSeil · Joined: 15 Apr 2011 Posts: 2726 Location: Kiel, Germany.

I had a Canon Canonet with 45/1.9 lens which was really a big joy to use! Large and bright viewfinder and exposure automatic. From the feeling nearly as good a real Leica M

Otherweise +1 Fed 2, Zorki-2C, Zorki-4 ,Zorki-6 - they are all pretty good, especially for the price!
And buy a Jupiter-8 50/2, Industar-50 50/3.5 or Industar-22 50/3.50 for them.
But by careful, there's also a M39-SLR Industar-50 50/3.5 with a different register distance.
Ask Attila per PN, he might could sell you some working ones