Rangefinder users?

[iceman]

i found a cheapo petri rf among some old stuff.
looks like fingus has made the lens its home.
is it worthwhile to get it cleaned? :dunno:

how do i know if it is working?

 

[Red Dawn]

Originally posted by Nescafe
ME 3!!!

Favourite RF's - Leica M3, M4, IIIF and Nikon S2 (with Zeiss Biogon 21mm lens)

Almost got my first keeper the other day using the IIIF:bsmilie:

BTW, I have at least another 5 friends who use Leica RFs but they don't surf net... One of them had won the Oscar Master Photographer award and he takes great shots using a vintage Leica M3 with a collapsible Elmar 9cm lens.

is that a local award?

 

[Red Dawn]

Originally posted by d7t3
I'm used to SLR focusing, so I found it rather difficult to focus with a Canonet RF. Anyone know how Canonet focusing compares with a Leica's? I've never held a Leica, just wondering how the focusing is.

it's almost impossible to focus a Canonet in dim situations because the rangefinder patch gets fuzzy and really very dim - too dim and dark for me to even see it. It also has no defined edges. Also, the entire viewfinder is also very dark.

the RF patch of a Leica M is however bright and contrasty (some models more so than others actually) and focusing and viewing is a pleasant experience because the entire viewfinder is big and bright, even at night.

It's way smoother and easier to focus the RF of a Leica - u may want to try it out yourself sometime at the shop. But be warned........once u tried it..... u wun want anything else... :devil:

 

[Red Dawn]

Originally posted by iceman
i found a cheapo petri rf among some old stuff.
looks like fingus has made the lens its home.
is it worthwhile to get it cleaned? :dunno:

how do i know if it is working?

shoot a few rolls to see

 

[iceman]

firstly, i do not know how to use a RF.
secondly, there is fungus on the lens. not sure if it is worth to get it cleaned (if possible).

 

[Nescafe]

Originally posted by Red Dawn
is that a local award?

 

[Nescafe]

Ooops!

Red Dawn,

It's not a local award... He received it in the UK.

 

[mpenza]

anyone using Konica C35 Auto or Olympus 35RC?

 

[d7t3]

Originally posted by Red Dawn
it's almost impossible to focus a Canonet in dim situations because the rangefinder patch gets fuzzy and really very dim - too dim and dark for me to even see it. It also has no defined edges. Also, the entire viewfinder is also very dark.

.... But be warned........once u tried it..... u wun want anything else...

darn! i've only got a canonet. and i find it hard to focus. but i'm not going to splurge on leica... :angel:

any comments on a central RF patch vs. the ability to focus anywhere in an SLR viewfinder? that's one ability i appreciate in my SLRs

 

[SzennyBoy]

Originally posted by d7t3
any comments on a central RF patch vs. the ability to focus anywhere in an SLR viewfinder? that's one ability i appreciate in my SLRs

that one of the differences between the rangefinders and the SLRs. I find the central RF patch very good for dim lighting focusing, especially indoors, unlike the SLR system where you don't have a precise confirmation (unless you have a split-focus screen like on the old manual bodies which helps with this problem but is still not as accurate as the RF system).

 

[tush]

............

 

[patch17]

if you're lucky, you can snag a good Yashica GSN in Cash Converters. I reckon they're a totally underrated RF. The lens is exceptionally sharp. Only problem is some of the light seals will require replacing and the view finder will need a clean. Simple enough job for the techie types.

I've got a GS, 2 GSNs and 2 GTNs (one of the GTNs is really grotty and is kept for spares.) And i use the GSNs on a regular basis.(when i get lazy or tired to lug around my SLR)

 

[draungmah]

Hi All,
I just acquired an old Nikon SP rangefinder with 50 mm 1.4 lens and started taking photos. I fell in love with this marvel.
Aung

 

[tush]

Hi!
I'm using Rollei 35 LED and Ricoh 500GX.
I think that Rollei 35 are not really rangefinders as you have to guesstimate the focusing distance. but its heck alot of fun to fiddle with plus the size is small so it is very pocketable.... I tend to bring it out more..
I noticed that there is this shop in Suntec that sells lots of NOS(New Old Stock) Rollei35s. (They have 35, 35S 35TE, 35SE, 35 LED plus the 35 classic). ..

 

[aosis]

I've a Himatic 7S and Electro GSN. Electro is really way underrated ...

 

[Red Dawn]

Hi guys,

looks like we finally have our own section!!!
woohoo!

 

[Ansel]

Olympus mju II point and shoot camera count or not?

 

[alvin]

Hi! What do you guys think about Kiev or Minolta RF cameras? Looking for super budget rangefinder to play around =)

 

[patch17]

Hi! What do you guys think about Kiev or Minolta RF cameras? Looking for super budget rangefinder to play around =)

the 7s is a popular Minolta RF. i haven't used one yet, but from what i've read, they're pretty solid and can operate fully manual to boot. (unlike the Yashica Electro 35, which requires a battery to run at all shutter speeds).

as for the kievs, they're a quirky bunch, they may be leica copies, but the quality is really a hit or miss affair. One thing with most, if not all kievs or zorkis RFs, one has to wind the camera 1st before setting the shutter speed, otherwise you risk damaging the unit. (feel free to correct me if i'm wrong.)

but one thing's for sure about these old RFs, they were built at a time when metal ruled, no wimpy plastic. Most of them would weigh more than your average modern SLR.

it's fun using an RF, do let me know if you happen to find some good examples for sale.

TIA

 

[alvin]

Hiya!
Have you tried ebay for these RFs? I found some nice canons and minoltas for sale.... Just wanna low priced RF with a built-in meter will do...