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Explore the world of vintage lenses through repair notes, real test shots, and detailed archive threads packed with images.

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Best of the fixed-lens Japanese 35mm RFs?
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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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Posted: Thu Dec 13, 2007 7:10 pm
Post subject: Best of the fixed-lens Japanese 35mm RFs?
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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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Posted: Thu Dec 13, 2007 7:15 pm
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Posted: Thu Dec 13, 2007 7:15 pm
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No contest - the Oly XA. Cool

IMHO that is.... Wink


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Posted: Thu Dec 13, 2007 7:53 pm
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Posted: Thu Dec 13, 2007 7:53 pm
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I've been debating on getting an XA, Bob. I think this just decided it.

Thanks.Smile

Bill


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Posted: Thu Dec 13, 2007 8:01 pm
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Posted: Thu Dec 13, 2007 8:01 pm
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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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Posted: Thu Dec 13, 2007 8:13 pm
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Posted: Thu Dec 13, 2007 8:13 pm
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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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Posted: Thu Dec 13, 2007 8:13 pm
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Posted: Thu Dec 13, 2007 8:13 pm
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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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Posted: Thu Dec 13, 2007 8:14 pm
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Posted: Thu Dec 13, 2007 8:14 pm
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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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Posted: Thu Dec 13, 2007 8:19 pm
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Posted: Thu Dec 13, 2007 8:19 pm
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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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Posted: Thu Dec 13, 2007 8:28 pm
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Posted: Thu Dec 13, 2007 8:28 pm
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@ 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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Posted: Thu Dec 13, 2007 8:29 pm
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Posted: Thu Dec 13, 2007 8:29 pm
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I read good things of a Yashica model.
Buy my Canonette is good too.


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Posted: Thu Dec 13, 2007 8:32 pm
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Posted: Thu Dec 13, 2007 8:32 pm
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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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Posted: Thu Dec 13, 2007 8:35 pm
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Posted: Thu Dec 13, 2007 8:35 pm
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There's not much sizewise between the two but I think you'll get an XA easier and cheaper than a Minox... Smile


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Posted: Thu Dec 13, 2007 8:36 pm
Post subject: Yashica Lynx 14
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Posted: Thu Dec 13, 2007 8:36 pm
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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 Sad ) : http://www.cameraquest.com/yaslyn14.htm (YASHICA LYNX 14)
Its pretty big but has a good f:1.4 lens !!!


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Posted: Thu Dec 13, 2007 8:37 pm
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Posted: Thu Dec 13, 2007 8:37 pm
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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 Laughing . Killer sharpness and contrast however and looks super impresive.


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Posted: Thu Dec 13, 2007 8:43 pm
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Posted: Thu Dec 13, 2007 8:43 pm
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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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Posted: Thu Dec 13, 2007 11:28 pm
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Posted: Thu Dec 13, 2007 11:28 pm
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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 Smile


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Posted: Fri Dec 14, 2007 12:46 am
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Posted: Fri Dec 14, 2007 12:46 am
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Ricoh 500G's are not prevalent here in the states. Curious to see some
pics, Puplet! Smile I noticed CamerLeather.com supports the 500G.

Bill


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Posted: Fri Dec 14, 2007 2:33 am
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Posted: Fri Dec 14, 2007 2:33 am
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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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Posted: Fri Dec 14, 2007 3:25 am
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Posted: Fri Dec 14, 2007 3:25 am
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Thanks for the link!

Bill


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Posted: Fri Dec 14, 2007 8:45 am
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Posted: Fri Dec 14, 2007 8:45 am
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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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Posted: Fri Dec 14, 2007 12:06 pm
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Posted: Fri Dec 14, 2007 12:06 pm
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Hey guys, please stop talking about RF cameras ! I will being forced to put a film in the Konica auto S1.6 I own ! Twisted Evil


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Posted: Fri Dec 14, 2007 2:25 pm
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Posted: Fri Dec 14, 2007 2:25 pm
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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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Posted: Fri Dec 14, 2007 2:26 pm
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Posted: Fri Dec 14, 2007 2:26 pm
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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.


Thanks, Jes, am looking for a black Konica C35, may take awhile. Wink

Bill


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Posted: Fri Dec 14, 2007 2:27 pm
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Posted: Fri Dec 14, 2007 2:27 pm
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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 ! Twisted Evil


Wow, that's not a model I'm familiar with. The lens is an f1.6?

Bill


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Posted: Fri Dec 14, 2007 3:37 pm
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Posted: Fri Dec 14, 2007 3:37 pm
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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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