Anyone Use A Rangefinder?

[mtbbrian]

So I am thinking of changing things up a little bit and getting a rangefider camera.
I have narrowed my options down to two cameras.
Either the Voigtlaender Bessa-R3A, pictured here is the R2, which is very similiar or the Contax G2.
Anyone here use a randefinder film or digital?
Brian

[photophorous]

So I am thinking of changing things up a little bit and getting a rangefider camera.
I have narrowed my options down to two cameras.
Either the Voigtlaender Bessa-R3A, pictured here is the R2, which is very similiar or the Contax G2.
Anyone here use a randefinder film or digital?
Brian

I've been tinkering with a Canonet QL 17 I got for dirt cheap a few months ago. Have you used a RF before? If not, you might consider getting something like a Canonet or a Yashica GSN to see how you like it, before you spend the big bucks. Just a thought. I don't have any wisdom to offer on the "real" rangefinders you mentioned, but let me know if you have any questions about the Canonet.

Should I look forward to some street shots from you?

Paul

[mtbbrian]

I hear what you are saying Paul, but I really feel compelled to do this, besides these two cameras aren't Leica expensive.
I am sure I will do some street stuff!
I am not putting the Holga down either.
Thanks for the input!
Brian

[drg]

Brian,

Make sure to look at Stephen Gandys site about V-landers www.cameraquest.com to get a good idea of what pricing should be for new ones. LOTS of information on what fits what body and the differences.

Since you are already comfortable with MF from the Holga's, have you considered one of the Fujifilm rangefinders? Used they are still probably selling for $500 and up, but are they ever nice cameras and tanks to boot. Many of them were titanium shells, had lens guards (like roll bars for your lens!) and had high quality optics. I had the chance to use a couple different variants a few years ago and they were really solid. Not cheap, but really solid.

I'm not sure the rangefinder cameras are really any more innocous now than a lot of other cameras. They do take a bit of getting use to and depending upon the camera and viewfinder you are use to, the small windows can be trying. However, there are some great super wide angle lens at an very attractive cost from V-lander that allow for just snap shooting as the depth of field and field of view are so large.

I've got some 'collectible' rf's sitting around that I haven't touched other than to move them from one case to another in 20+ years but have some fond memories of them. Other than one Leica body (a III) they are all Medium Format (including a very rare 6x2). A 6x2 for those who don't know is really what we might call a 625 but is a half frame 2-1/4. So the image comes out as a 2-1/4 x 1.

Look forward to seeing whatever you wind with and the pics,

[mtbbrian]

Thanks for your comments CD, I am familiar with cameraquest.com.
I have looked at some MF RF's, and don't think it is what I want. I want to ligthen my load not keep it the same or make it heavier than what it already is with my Nikon outfit.
One of the other RF's I have been looking at is the Zeiss Ikon, but it is a little towards the top end of my budget, and I even though I am considering the Besa R3A right now, I haven't let go of the Contax either.
So many cameras, so little time....
Brian

[freygr]

Have you thought about a used camera.

[mtbbrian]

Have you thought about a used camera.

Yes, I have.
The only way you can get a G2 now a days is used.
What other bodies do you have in mind?
Brian

[Franglais]

So I am thinking of changing things up a little bit and getting a rangefider camera.
I have narrowed my options down to two cameras.
Either the Voigtlaender Bessa-R3A, pictured here is the R2, which is very similiar or the Contax G2.
Anyone here use a randefinder film or digital?
Brian

I used to use a Leica M4P and a Konica Hexar RF (Leica compatible). Both are "reasonably" inexpensive. The Hexar is very nice, auto-wind, auto-exposure. The Leica is even nicer but it has no meter so I had to carry a spotmeter as well and be aware of the light all the time. Feeling of being really at one with the camera.

Nowadays - I just use the D70 for much the same sort of thing. I have more control over the result than with film, the shadows are more open and it's much less effort. The results are just as good.

Charles

[Greg McCary]

I have been looking around on e-bay. Some older ones was recommended ,The canon canonet can be gotten cheap and was supossed to be built like a tank. I want to get a used one before I sink money in a really good. one. The old Yashicas were also recommended and built tough. Ant thoughts on these anyone?

[Loupey]

Yeah. I first bought the Contax G1 when it first came out. Loved it. Then the G2 came out - loved that one too so I got that one (and gave the G1 to the Mrs.).

Images were sharp as a tack. Lightweight. Great fun! Could fit 3 lenses, the slim flash, and body all in a case the size of a small SLR bag.

The only minor gripes I had with them were: 1) too electronic - manual focusing with the finger dial was not very intuitive, and 2) you couldn't operate it full manual without a battery (like my medium format). Being a rangefinder, getting a carefully composed tight head shot is tough - even with the parallax correction in the viewfinder.

But if you're looking for a superfast AF, whisper quiet shutter release, and lightweight package, the Contax is the way to go :thumbsup:

Sorry, Brian - sold both kits via Ebay a couple years ago as soon as I went digital. As painful as it was at the time, I was still happy to get about 40% of what I paid for them.

[Loupey]

Brian, for street shooting with film, what about the Contax point-and-shoots?

I've taken my T2 (fixed focal length lens) and TVSII (with manual zoom) around the world with me. In some instances, they are "better" than the rangefinders (smaller, built-in flash, etc). The tiny T2 produces images you would not believe came out of it. I've made 11x14 prints that are virtually indistinguishable from many SLR lenses (film). And both can be focused manually.

I wouldn't recommend the latest TVS model (type III) as it has a motorized zoom instead of the trusty manual type.

My TVSII is the only Contax I have left - for that matter the only 35mm piece. Can't part with it but perhaps you can still find a few out there.

[mtbbrian]

Brian, for street shooting with film, what about the Contax point-and-shoots?

I've taken my T2 (fixed focal length lens) and TVSII (with manual zoom) around the world with me. In some instances, they are "better" than the rangefinders (smaller, built-in flash, etc). The tiny T2 produces images you would not believe came out of it. I've made 11x14 prints that are virtually indistinguishable from many SLR lenses (film). And both can be focused manually.

I wouldn't recommend the latest TVS model (type III) as it has a motorized zoom instead of the trusty manual type.

My TVSII is the only Contax I have left - for that matter the only 35mm piece. Can't part with it but perhaps you can still find a few out there.

I have looked at that one, I don't think it is for me...
Know what I mean?
Thanks though.
Brian

[Greg McCary]

I've been tinkering with a Canonet QL 17 I got for dirt cheap a few months ago. Have you used a RF before? If not, you might consider getting something like a Canonet or a Yashica GSN to see how you like it, before you spend the big bucks. Just a thought. I don't have any wisdom to offer on the "real" rangefinders you mentioned, but let me know if you have any questions about the Canonet.

Should I look forward to some street shots from you?

Paul

I have been looking at the different Canons and Yashicas. Anything I should stay away from or look for?
Greg

[photophorous]

I have been looking at the different Canons and Yashicas. Anything I should stay away from or look for?
Greg

I did a lot of researching before I got mine, but I can't remember everything. With the Canonet's, there are several different models. Mine, the QL-17 GIII, is very small and solid. I think the QL-17 (Not GIII) is a little bigger. The Yashica's are also bigger, but I've read several opinions that the lenses are slightly sharper than the Canon's. Don't know for myself. Canonets also come in a QL-19 model, with a f1.9 lens, and I think this one allows less manual control over the exposure. From my experience the meter is not accurate on the Canonet...seems to over expose by about 1 1/3 stop, but that may be just my sample. You can adjust the film speed to match one of your other cameras to correct for it. I don't know if all these details are exactly right, but these are things to consider.

With any of these old cameras, it is likely they'll need new light seals. It's not hard to do, but it is messy and will take a couple of hours to do it right. You can buy light seal replacement kits on that auction site.

Don't expect stellar optics from these cameras, but they are better than the price would indicate. Expect it to be fun and capable, but not perfect.

Good luck,
Paul

[photophorous]

Yes, I have.
The only way you can get a G2 now a days is used.
What other bodies do you have in mind?
Brian

I saw a G1 body for $275 at my local shop just last night. There was at least one lens too. They're on this page if you're interested.

http://www.precision-camera.com/cate...s&brand=Contax

Paul

[racingpinarello]

Hey Brian,

I had a Mamiya 7ii with a 43mm lens, and it was an awesome combination. It was so light and very quiet.

A rangefinder should work out fine for you since you are a Holga man. My only problem is that I couldn't use my polarizer and ND Grad filters with any degree of acuracy.

Loren

[Greg McCary]

Seems there is a battery issue with the Yashicas. They are very hard to find. I have heard good thing about the Russian copies of the Leica, they are pretty good. They actually made the first Leicas in Germany and then packed there bags and machinery went home and still make very good copies. Someone correct me if I heard wrong....
Greg

[photophorous]

Seems there is a battery issue with the Yashicas.

There are battery issues with a lot of old cameras, including the Canonets and Yashica GSN series, because they take outlawed Mercury batteries. You can use Zinc-air replacements, but I'm not convinced they're as good.

[mtbbrian]

Thanks for all of your comments everyone!
Now if I can sell my Nikon gear for a good price and decide which RF I really want!?
Stay tuned...
Brian

[Tuna]

The Voigtlander cameras and lenses receive good reviews but the framelines are different from the R2a and the R3a - otherwise similar cameras. I currently use a Leica IIIc and an MP with Voigtlander glass and am very satisfied - and have considered a Voigtlander R2a as a third body. More info from users on both the Contax and Voigtlander found here and here - hopefully you don't have to join to get the info...

Tuna

[freygr]

Yes, I have.
The only way you can get a G2 now a days is used.
What other bodies do you have in mind?
Brian

My frist real camera was a used Letax, a post WWII Japaness Leca clone. I still have it I still use it, but back then (1966) no cameras had a built in light meters.

[mtbbrian]

The Voigtlander cameras and lenses receive good reviews but the framelines are different from the R2a and the R3a - otherwise similar cameras. I currently use a Leica IIIc and an MP with Voigtlander glass and am very satisfied - and have considered a Voigtlander R2a as a third body. More info from users on both the Contax and Voigtlander found here and here - hopefully you don't have to join to get the info...

Tuna

I was hoping you'd reply Tuna!
Even though, the G2 is still in the running, I am now considering the Bessa R4A, it seems to be more suitable to my needs. I wear glasses and would use wider lens, like the 35 or 40 and 28.
Brian

[Greg McCary]

[QUOTE=photophorous]There are battery issues with a lot of old cameras, including the Canonets and Yashica GSN series, because they take outlawed Mercury batteries. You can use Zinc-air replacements, but I'm not convinced they're as good.[/QUOTE
If anyone is leaning towards a used Yashica you might find this site very helpful....
Greg
http://www.yashica-guy.com/

[mtbbrian]

Now I think instead of the Voigtlander Bessa R3A, I am thinking the
Voigtlander Bessa R4A is the camera for me.
The R4A, has a high eye point, and has the frame lines for wider lens, which is what I want.
Too many cameras, not enough time or money!
Brian

[Greg McCary]

[QUOTE=photophorous]I've been tinkering with a Canonet QL 17 I got for dirt cheap a few months ago. Have you used a RF before? If not, you might consider getting something like a Canonet or a Yashica GSN to see how you like it, before you spend the big bucks. Just a thought. I don't have any wisdom to offer on the "real" rangefinders you mentioned, but let me know if you have any questions about the Canonet.

I took your advice. I am going to try the Canon QL17 Glll . I won one on E-Bay. I e-mailed the guy selling the camera several times and I think I got a good working Camera, I hope any way. He is the original owner of the camera and has recently taken pictures with it. He is also not a novice photographer, he knows his stuff. Lets hope I didn't get ripped. I only give $25.00 for it. E-bay is strange. One just like the one I won went for $130.00 about an hour before I won mine. I e-mailed several times about it but never got any response. The guy I won mine from e-mailed me back several times within minutes. Thanks for your time and advice Paul wish me luck....
Greg