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Katastrofo
Joined: 26 Feb 2007
Posts: 10405
Location: USA
Expire: 2013-11-19
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 Posted: Thu Dec 13, 2007 7:10 pm Post subject: Best of the fixed-lens Japanese 35mm RFs? |
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Katastrofo wrote:
Curious what you guys think is *the* one to acquire. I would like to know
if the Oly 35RC compares favorably to the Canon Canonet QL17 GIII, for
instance. And the Minolta Hi-Matics...
Thankyougoodnight,
Bill |
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bob955i
Joined: 15 Apr 2007
Posts: 2495
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| Posted: Thu Dec 13, 2007 7:15 pm Post subject: |
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bob955i wrote:
No contest - the Oly XA. 
IMHO that is....  |
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Katastrofo
Joined: 26 Feb 2007
Posts: 10405
Location: USA
Expire: 2013-11-19
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| Posted: Thu Dec 13, 2007 7:53 pm Post subject: |
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Katastrofo wrote:
I've been debating on getting an XA, Bob. I think this just decided it.
Thanks.
Bill |
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bob955i
Joined: 15 Apr 2007
Posts: 2495
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| Posted: Thu Dec 13, 2007 8:01 pm Post subject: |
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bob955i wrote:
I've had an XA-3 for over twenty years Bill which still works and takes great pictures for a zone-focus camera. |
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F16SUNSHINE
Joined: 20 Aug 2007
Posts: 5486
Location: Left Coast
Expire: 2011-11-18
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| Posted: Thu Dec 13, 2007 8:13 pm Post subject: |
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F16SUNSHINE wrote:
Konica S3 is tops. Also most any from the Yashica electro line perform really well for the money. The Yashica Electro CC is super cool with its 35mm f1.8 lens. Its about the same size as the Canon QL III and runs off a pl28 6v battery (easy to find). Mine is tak sharp and so handy to carry around. No full manual mode however thats why I say Konica S3 is best, one of the most expensive is the problem costing more than a Contax T usually. |
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Katastrofo
Joined: 26 Feb 2007
Posts: 10405
Location: USA
Expire: 2013-11-19
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| Posted: Thu Dec 13, 2007 8:13 pm Post subject: |
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Katastrofo wrote:
I've read somewhere that the lens in the XA is the pick of the litter, so
to speak. True?
Bill |
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LucisPictor
Joined: 26 Feb 2007
Posts: 17633
Location: Oberhessen, Germany / Maidstone ('95-'96)
Expire: 2013-12-03
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| Posted: Thu Dec 13, 2007 8:14 pm Post subject: |
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LucisPictor wrote:
I have got a Minolta Hi-Matic F and an Oly 35RC.
I really like the Hi-Matic but it is just automatic, there is no manual control - great pictures though.
Because of the partially manual control, I prefer the Oly 35RC. Even if the pictures are not better than the ones I shoot with the Minolta.
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Katastrofo
Joined: 26 Feb 2007
Posts: 10405
Location: USA
Expire: 2013-11-19
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| Posted: Thu Dec 13, 2007 8:19 pm Post subject: |
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Katastrofo wrote:
Well, I'm very fond of my 35RCs as well. Another cam I was wondering
about is the Yashica Elector 35 series.
I'm glad I asked this question here rather than Rangefinder Forum as
you have different camps as to brand, which would hinder having an
unbiased view. |
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bob955i
Joined: 15 Apr 2007
Posts: 2495
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| Posted: Thu Dec 13, 2007 8:28 pm Post subject: |
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bob955i wrote:
@ Bill: The lenses in all of the different XA models are fine performers - it's just that as the XA is a true RF, you can focus much more accurately than the zone focusing guesstimation system of the XA-3 and XA-4.
My opinion is also based on the fact that the XA is guaranteed to fit in a shirt pocket and there's not many 35mm film cameras that are that small and discreet. It doesn't use near impossible to get mercury cells either, which is another advantage.
My XA-3 was my bike cam - it was the camera I took any time I was out and about on the motorbike.
Last edited by bob955i on Thu Dec 13, 2007 8:31 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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Orio
Joined: 24 Feb 2007
Posts: 29545
Location: West Emilia
Expire: 2012-12-04
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| Posted: Thu Dec 13, 2007 8:29 pm Post subject: |
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Orio wrote:
I read good things of a Yashica model.
Buy my Canonette is good too.
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Katastrofo
Joined: 26 Feb 2007
Posts: 10405
Location: USA
Expire: 2013-11-19
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| Posted: Thu Dec 13, 2007 8:32 pm Post subject: |
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Katastrofo wrote:
Bob, I believe the XAs are next to the smallest 35mm you can get, beat
out by maybe the Minox, if not mistaken.
F16: Will look for the Konica S3, but even the S2 goes for some. Curious
what folks think of the bread and butter Konica C35. Love to find one in
black...
BIll |
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bob955i
Joined: 15 Apr 2007
Posts: 2495
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| Posted: Thu Dec 13, 2007 8:35 pm Post subject: |
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bob955i wrote:
There's not much sizewise between the two but I think you'll get an XA easier and cheaper than a Minox... |
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montecarlo
Joined: 04 Apr 2007
Posts: 1865
Location: Romania
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| Posted: Thu Dec 13, 2007 8:36 pm Post subject: Yashica Lynx 14 |
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montecarlo wrote:
I saw on a local auction this one (see link below) but it has a sticky something (aperture or shutter, the seller couldn't tell me  ) : http://www.cameraquest.com/yaslyn14.htm (YASHICA LYNX 14)
Its pretty big but has a good f:1.4 lens !!!
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F16SUNSHINE
Joined: 20 Aug 2007
Posts: 5486
Location: Left Coast
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| Posted: Thu Dec 13, 2007 8:37 pm Post subject: |
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F16SUNSHINE wrote:
| Quote: |
I'm glad I asked this question here rather than Rangefinder Forum as
you have different camps as to brand, which would hinder having an
unbiased view.
That's true. The fact is there are many nice fixxed lens RF's from the 60's and 70's. I have several of the most popular. For me the Yashica Electro line is just a personal favorite. They tend to be much bigger and heavier (the CC being the exception). One thing that seems true is that they are easiest to repair and quite plentiful. If you really want a super cool but beastly large camera try finding a Yashica Lynx 14. It has the 7 element Yashinon 45mm f1.4 lens, works in full manual, and weighs as much as a set of golf clubs  . Killer sharpness and contrast however and looks super impresive. |
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Katastrofo
Joined: 26 Feb 2007
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Location: USA
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| Posted: Thu Dec 13, 2007 8:43 pm Post subject: |
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Katastrofo wrote:
F16, I'll be looking for some Yashica 35s, see what shakes.
Bob, is in one site that says the XA outperforms the Minox, will see if
I can find that site again. |
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Puplet
Joined: 09 Aug 2007
Posts: 410
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| Posted: Thu Dec 13, 2007 11:28 pm Post subject: |
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Puplet wrote:
Olympus 35RC is bigger but has a nicer viewfinder than the XA which can be a bit small for some... I have an XA2 (not really a rangefinder) and a Ricoh 500G (which is very cute). The 500G is currently on my desk awaiting new light seals and maybe some bright red camera leather |
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Katastrofo
Joined: 26 Feb 2007
Posts: 10405
Location: USA
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| Posted: Fri Dec 14, 2007 12:46 am Post subject: |
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Katastrofo wrote:
Ricoh 500G's are not prevalent here in the states. Curious to see some
pics, Puplet! I noticed CamerLeather.com supports the 500G.
Bill |
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Puplet
Joined: 09 Aug 2007
Posts: 410
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| Posted: Fri Dec 14, 2007 2:33 am Post subject: |
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Puplet wrote:
Never quite got the hang of scanning film... Shall have a go with the next roll though... Meanwhile, lots of 500G shots here...
http://www.flickr.com/groups/23015049@N00/ |
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Katastrofo
Joined: 26 Feb 2007
Posts: 10405
Location: USA
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| Posted: Fri Dec 14, 2007 3:25 am Post subject: |
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Katastrofo wrote:
Thanks for the link!
Bill |
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Jesito
Joined: 24 Aug 2007
Posts: 5745
Location: Olivella, Catalonia, (Spain)
Expire: 2015-01-07
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| Posted: Fri Dec 14, 2007 8:45 am Post subject: |
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Jesito wrote:
From the ones I own, I love the Konica C35, (for historical reasons), but I must admit that the better performers are the Yashicas. Also the Oly 35RC, and the Canonet 28 are fine. All of them have their own virtues.
Never tried the Oly XA, but I've heard only good things from it.
Best regards,
Jes.
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Flor27
Joined: 13 Sep 2007
Posts: 1195
Location: Paris, France
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| Posted: Fri Dec 14, 2007 12:06 pm Post subject: |
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Flor27 wrote:
Hey guys, please stop talking about RF cameras ! I will being forced to put a film in the Konica auto S1.6 I own ! 
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Switching from M42 to Minolta MD & Contax/Yashica |
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Katastrofo
Joined: 26 Feb 2007
Posts: 10405
Location: USA
Expire: 2013-11-19
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| Posted: Fri Dec 14, 2007 2:25 pm Post subject: |
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Katastrofo wrote:
| Orio wrote: |
I read good things of a Yashica model.
Buy my Canonette is good too. |
Orio, sorry I missed this. I was wondering if anyone was going to
comment on the Canonets, and just bought a Yashica Electro 35GT.
Bill |
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Katastrofo
Joined: 26 Feb 2007
Posts: 10405
Location: USA
Expire: 2013-11-19
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| Posted: Fri Dec 14, 2007 2:26 pm Post subject: |
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Katastrofo wrote:
| Jesito wrote: |
From the ones I own, I love the Konica C35, (for historical reasons), but I must admit that the better performers are the Yashicas. Also the Oly 35RC, and the Canonet 28 are fine. All of them have their own virtues.
Never tried the Oly XA, but I've heard only good things from it.
Best regards,
Jes. |
Thanks, Jes, am looking for a black Konica C35, may take awhile.
Bill |
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Katastrofo
Joined: 26 Feb 2007
Posts: 10405
Location: USA
Expire: 2013-11-19
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| Posted: Fri Dec 14, 2007 2:27 pm Post subject: |
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Katastrofo wrote:
| Flor27 wrote: |
| Hey guys, please stop talking about RF cameras ! I will being forced to put a film in the Konica auto S1.6 I own ! |
Wow, that's not a model I'm familiar with. The lens is an f1.6?
Bill |
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Flor27
Joined: 13 Sep 2007
Posts: 1195
Location: Paris, France
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| Posted: Fri Dec 14, 2007 3:37 pm Post subject: |
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Flor27 wrote:
| Katastrofo wrote: |
| Wow, that's not a model I'm familiar with. The lens is an f1.6? |
It seems to be. The other RF Konica camera, auto S2, has an Hexanon 45mm f1.8 lens.
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Switching from M42 to Minolta MD & Contax/Yashica |
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