Author Topic: gear talk (Read 11649 times)

Ken B: eyes, I just do eyes. · « **on:** September 28, 2009, 10:27:30 PM »

I have this strange desire to buy a Russian FED4 rangefinder - is this one of my more stupid ideas or are they a fun unit.

Nigel · « **Reply #1 on:** September 29, 2009, 09:07:38 AM »

Ken - I'm really glad you asked that because I'm thinking about buying a 35mm rangefinder and I can't make up my mind what I should go for (Leica excluded!). I'd be interested to hear what people think?

Nigel

Skorj · « **Reply #2 on:** September 29, 2009, 11:46:42 AM »

The FED - so I am told - is quite a competent camera. Some of the OEM lenses (supposedly) have a unique tint that provides very pleasing results. The interwebs be full of radioactivity stories...

As for RFs in general; for me the low-end kitten is the Canonet QL17 GIII, and the high-end (sort of anyway) a late model Bessa R3 or 4. Further comments on both can be seen here Canonet Review, and Bessa Review.

Tell us please what you choose, and of course show us the results! Skj.

sausage100uk · « **Reply #3 on:** September 29, 2009, 06:27:18 PM »

how about a zorki if your after some russki metal?

orif its just a 35mm RF how about a petri 7 s? cheap as chips. or an oly 35rc. (I might have one for sale)

Nigel · « **Reply #4 on:** September 29, 2009, 07:30:30 PM »

Thanks Sausage, I've been looking at the 35RC on evilbay but the Petri is new to me, I do love finding out about new little gems like this : http://www.photoethnography.com/ClassicCameras/index-frameset.html?Petri7s.html~mainFrame

Nigel

moominsean · « **Reply #5 on:** September 29, 2009, 08:54:08 PM »

i've always been fascinated by robot cameras...but out of my price range.

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sapata · « **Reply #6 on:** September 29, 2009, 09:22:38 PM »

I want a Leica so bad....
I was walking around in London today and I drop by some Leica dealers (thank God they're still there...) and it's just too beautiful ! Very expensive indeed as well...

Ed Wenn · « **Reply #7 on:** September 30, 2009, 11:16:15 AM »

People who have known me for a long time will be jumping out of windows at this point to avoid having to hear the sermon yet again, but when the 'RF' questions is asked, my stock response inevitably involves the words 'Yashica', '35', 'Electro' and either 'GSN' or 'GTN'. Not as compact as some of the smaller Soviet clones, but with an EXTREMELY sexy f1.7 lens, the Electro is a fantastic, low-priced, 1970's RF that I'm a big fan of. The GSN is more common than the GTN which is therefore usually slightly more expensive, but I've owned both and there's little to choose between them.

Susan B and Skorj both like the Canonet (from memory it's smaller and has a faster lens) and I'm not going to argue with two photographers as talented as they are, but the Electro works for me and is definitely an option worth pursuing. If you want Soviet-era chic then knock yourself out; those Feds and Zorkis are very cool (I've owned a couple of Feds and the utterly stylish & wonderful Zorki 11), but they can be a little limiting on occasion. The Canonet or the Yashica Electro might be the smarter buy.

Erm, I just realised it's Aussie Ken who posted the initial question; in which case scratch most of what I've said above as I'm sure a man of your experience knows it all already.

Ken B: eyes, I just do eyes. · « **Reply #8 on:** September 30, 2009, 12:53:56 PM »

Quote from: ed.wenn on September 30, 2009, 11:16:15 AM

Erm, I just realised it's Aussie Ken who posted the initial question; in which case scratch most of what I've said above as I'm sure a man of your experience knows it all already.

I wouldn't go as far to say " it all " I know some stuff. Generally in pro/commercial photography there is only a "best tools to get the job done" head space and unfortunately that doesn't include any of the RF kit. It may have when St Henri CB was around but not now.

I must say I have been taking a shine to the Yashica since I fondled one at spitafields market. I have used a Canonet 17 and 19 which was nice and I own more Ricoh 500 gx's than my wife knows about and an Olympus XA1? the little thingy with the 2.8 lens.

I have been looking at the Ruski stuff, most probably more as an accessory to go with my black cap and and satchel urban chique faded art student look.

I am trying to get my tour kit sorted to take my dig body and a FM2 body. So would still have to fit in a RF, C220 kit and a LF kit. I have decide to start holidaying in the nude to leave more space for more cameras.

Ed Wenn · « **Reply #9 on:** September 30, 2009, 02:39:40 PM »

Quote from: ken182 on September 30, 2009, 12:53:56 PM

I have decide to start holidaying in the nude to leave more space for more cameras.

Great idea, Ken. You go for it & don't let anyone talk you out of it.

moominsean · « **Reply #10 on:** September 30, 2009, 03:33:27 PM »

i got rid of all my other cameras and picked up this canon. well, i didn't really pick it up. and i had to get rid of the rest because there wasn't room.

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Francois · « **Reply #11 on:** September 30, 2009, 04:12:13 PM »

Quote from: moominsean on September 30, 2009, 03:33:27 PM

i got rid of all my other cameras and picked up this canon. well, i didn't really pick it up. and i had to get rid of the rest because there wasn't room.

WTF is that?

moominsean · « **Reply #12 on:** September 30, 2009, 04:29:39 PM »

Quote from: Francois on September 30, 2009, 04:12:13 PM

Quote from: moominsean on September 30, 2009, 03:33:27 PM
i got rid of all my other cameras and picked up this canon. well, i didn't really pick it up. and i had to get rid of the rest because there wasn't room.
WTF is that?

throw a couple flashlights on it and it looks like something you might build!

sapata · « **Reply #13 on:** September 30, 2009, 08:48:19 PM »

Quote from: moominsean on September 30, 2009, 03:33:27 PM

i got rid of all my other cameras and picked up this canon. well, i didn't really pick it up. and i had to get rid of the rest because there wasn't room.

Definitely a CANNON .

Francois · « **Reply #14 on:** September 30, 2009, 10:31:25 PM »

Looks like some rocket sled or something...

Quote from: moominsean on September 30, 2009, 04:29:39 PM

throw a couple flashlights on it and it looks like something you might build!

You're starting to give me a few ideas... all of them are monstrous.

hookstrapped · « **Reply #15 on:** September 30, 2009, 11:36:05 PM »

Quote from: sapata on September 29, 2009, 09:22:38 PM

I want a Leica so bad....
I was walking around in London today and I drop by some Leica dealers (thank God they're still there...) and it's just too beautiful ! Very expensive indeed as well...

Old M2 + Voigtlander lenses = not expensive

edthened · « **Reply #16 on:** October 01, 2009, 12:32:59 AM »

Quote from: Francois on September 30, 2009, 04:12:13 PM

WTF is that?

Och looks like a prime lens tae mee !!!!

hookstrapped · « **Reply #17 on:** October 01, 2009, 12:35:24 AM »

Quote from: moominsean on September 29, 2009, 08:54:08 PM

i've always been fascinated by robot cameras...but out of my price range.

Now I want one.

Skorj · « **Reply #18 on:** October 01, 2009, 07:41:37 AM »

Quote from: ken182 on September 30, 2009, 12:53:56 PM

and I own more Ricoh 500 gx's than my wife knows about

Ha! Apart from the subterfuge, tell us more perhaps about the GX? I've not seen one before. We get a lot of GS here in Japan. At f2,8 they're not as fast as others... What is the GX like? A 40mm lens also (the Canonet being only a 45mm). Perhaps we need a cheap Japanese RF options table, as this question gets asked a lot!

As for the Electro, their lens tint is supposed to unique too, and they made a 35mm wide version too. Called the 'Electro Wide'. Funny that.

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LT · « **Reply #19 on:** October 01, 2009, 09:33:43 AM »

if it comes down to Electro vs Canon - I think I'd go for the canon - I've owned an Electro, and as good as the lens is (and it is phenomenally good), I found the camera body too big - a bit of a brick. Whereas the Canon is just right, and has a nice design imho, and the lens is also a great performer, just not quite as crisp and luscious as the Electro glass (did I say the yashica lens was phenomenally good?).

I wouldnt bother with the russian RFs. you'll only be disappointed and end up with it left in a drawer somewhere gathering dust.

Ken B: eyes, I just do eyes. · « **Reply #20 on:** October 01, 2009, 11:51:12 AM »

Thanks Leon, I think I may chase a Electro for now, I have used the Canonet before and quite enjoyed it but life is for having new experiences.

The RICOH 500G and 500GX series of cameras are bloody great little units.

The main difference between the G and the GX, the GX has:

Mulit exposure switch

Battery Test

Shutter release lock

They both are built solidly and have great little 40mm lenses, the lightmeter is in the lens unit so when you screw on filters it reads through the filters and so compensates automatically - remember to test for Red filter.

The only draw back is you must ask if the lightmeter is working and the battery chamber is free from corrosion. If the lighmeter doesn't work it you can either get it fixed or just use a handheld meter.

My GX has a working lightmeter and my G I have several handheld meters I can choose from.

they slip into the side pocket of your long cargo shorts really easily and are not heavy but are solid built

There are versions after these 2 but they became plasticy, there is a wind up motor drive to but - why?

Wik My Pedia

I have used the Ricoh 500 in the studio as well. I stuck a cheapy wireless trigger on top and away we went.

Really freaked out people who were expecting really big sexy expensive looking cameras to be pointed at them and then have a Ricoh 500

There will always be discussion about whose lens is the sharpest or fastest but across the RF range you can't go far wrong with the Ricoh 500/ Canonet 17, 19 25/Konica/Olympus/Yashica all the ones from around the late 60's through the 70's

Once they got into the late 70's it all went a bit plasticy much like these guys:

Skorj · « **Reply #21 on:** October 01, 2009, 12:44:34 PM »

Thanks! Looks like I need one of these to have a play with. The GS above is 7000 yen - so they're not cheap in Japan. But, damn, they look neato. Skj.

Nigel · « **Reply #22 on:** October 01, 2009, 01:11:01 PM »

I think for the time being I'm going to go for Canonet of some variety, but that Bessa what a beauty - that might have to be my official dream camera of the moment.

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Ken B: eyes, I just do eyes. · « **Reply #23 on:** October 01, 2009, 01:28:46 PM »

Wildman B - they are a sexy piece of kit, I have tried to lay down some hard earns a few time over the years but have always had to de-prioritise it at the 12hr dammit all to hell.

Would go one of these actually;

Ken B: eyes, I just do eyes. · « **Reply #24 on:** October 01, 2009, 01:40:47 PM »

while I'm sitting here day dreaming, I had one of these for years as my only camera, I had the whole kit.

It travelled everywhere with me.

Was very bright to lens to look through at the time and very sharp lens

So you know that I am a little odd, I always had a thing for theses Rollei 3003's

I very nearly based my Pro kit on them and the 6008 for MF

Don't know why I didn't but I still think they are hot as!

moominsean · « **Reply #25 on:** October 01, 2009, 03:13:14 PM »

i wouldn't mind grabbing one of these someday. still the smallest full-frame 35mm ever built, i've heard.

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Ken B: eyes, I just do eyes. · « **Reply #26 on:** October 01, 2009, 03:25:24 PM »

I have flirted with the Rollei 35s and the Minnox several times but never committed, they are both lovely cameras but they just don't quite hook me for some reason. Very nice results and everything, they are an acquired taste in operation, but once learnt they are fun.

LT · « **Reply #27 on:** October 01, 2009, 04:43:05 PM »

I had a rollei 35, but I sold it ... very nice for what it was, but the guestimate focusing did my head in.

Pete_R · « **Reply #28 on:** October 01, 2009, 04:49:29 PM »

I've had a Rollei too but didn't get on with it for the same reasons as Leon.

I like the Canonet 28. I know it's not as fast a lens but I think it's smaller than the other Canonets.

Note the real cool blue covers on this one.

One of my all time favourites is the Hi-Matic F. Again, not a fast lens but at 38mm is wider than some. I currently have two of these one of which needs to find a new home if anyone is interested.

Ailsa · « **Reply #29 on:** October 01, 2009, 05:36:53 PM »

Quote from: moominsean on October 01, 2009, 03:13:14 PM

i wouldn't mind grabbing one of these someday. still the smallest full-frame 35mm ever built, i've heard.

Don't even talk to me about those. My granddad had one, and said I could have it when he died. Instead, my uncle helped himself to it. The last time I saw it, it was an ornament sitting on a stand on a hall sideboard.

(I haven't spoken to my uncle since my wedding day more than five years ago, but that's a WHOLE other story.)

Ken B: eyes, I just do eyes. · « **Reply #30 on:** October 01, 2009, 06:18:07 PM »

Quote from: Ailsa on October 01, 2009, 05:36:53 PM

Don't even talk to me about those. My granddad had one, and said I could have it when he died. Instead, my uncle helped himself to it. The last time I saw it, it was an ornament sitting on a stand on a hall sideboard.

(I haven't spoken to my uncle since my wedding day more than five years ago, but that's a WHOLE other story.)

Wow some goss, stop keeping us in suspense and spill the beans.

Francois · « **Reply #31 on:** October 01, 2009, 06:43:05 PM »

Quote from: ken182 on October 01, 2009, 11:51:12 AM

Once they got into the late 70's it all went a bit plasticy much like these guys:

Hey! don't laugh at this but Plastic Bertrand is a fantastic musician with great tunes. He's once been even called one of the most influential musician of the 20th century by Rolling Stones Magazine! And in the province, you can't find anybody over 30 who doesn't know the lyrics to all his best songs by heart even if he had stopped recording in the 80's...

Ken B: eyes, I just do eyes. · « **Reply #32 on:** October 01, 2009, 07:43:19 PM »

Quote from: Francois on October 01, 2009, 06:43:05 PM

Hey! don't laugh at this but Plastic Bertrand is a fantastic musician with great tunes. He's once been even called one of the most influential musician of the 20th century by Rolling Stones Magazine! And in the province, you can't find anybody over 30 who doesn't know the lyrics to all his best songs by heart even if he had stopped recording in the 80's...

Francois you have caught me out!! When I wanted a visual reference to plastic I immediately thought of Plastic Bertrand, I have been a fan since the beginning and am proud to say that I introduced another generation to them when I had a radio show on a alternative radio station back in Oz in the ate 90's.

gregor · « **Reply #33 on:** October 01, 2009, 08:51:56 PM »

There's also a lovely little Czech 135 rangefinder, the Meopta Opema (same manufacturer as the Flexaret). In my trails and tribulations with 135 I've owned one of these and was quite pleased with it as a camera. It's a Leica knock-off as are the feds Zorkis.

The Opema does show up on evilbay at decent prices, albeit typically higher than feds - likely due to scarcity..

So many cameras...so little time ;-))

Ailsa · « **Reply #34 on:** October 01, 2009, 09:48:38 PM »

Quote from: ken182 on October 01, 2009, 06:18:07 PM

Quote from: Ailsa on October 01, 2009, 05:36:53 PM
Don't even talk to me about those. My granddad had one, and said I could have it when he died. Instead, my uncle helped himself to it. The last time I saw it, it was an ornament sitting on a stand on a hall sideboard.

(I haven't spoken to my uncle since my wedding day more than five years ago, but that's a WHOLE other story.)

Wow some goss, stop keeping us in suspense and spill the beans.

Naaah - stratospherically off-topic and head-bashingly dull to anyone other than me!

Back on topic. I've tried watching several Canonets and Yashica thingamujigs on eBay over the past year or so (based on that Wenn bloke's recommendations), and they do NOT go cheaply these days, sadly. Haven't even bothered bidding in most cases.

Francois · « **Reply #35 on:** October 01, 2009, 10:01:03 PM »

Quote from: ken182 on October 01, 2009, 07:43:19 PM

Quote from: Francois on October 01, 2009, 06:43:05 PM

Hey! don't laugh at this but Plastic Bertrand is a fantastic musician with great tunes. He's once been even called one of the most influential musician of the 20th century by Rolling Stones Magazine! And in the province, you can't find anybody over 30 who doesn't know the lyrics to all his best songs by heart even if he had stopped recording in the 80's...

Francois you have caught me out!! When I wanted a visual reference to plastic I immediately thought of Plastic Bertrand, I have been a fan since the beginning and am proud to say that I introduced another generation to them when I had a radio show on a alternative radio station back in Oz in the ate 90's.

I didn't even know he played on Oz radio

As sung: Tout petit, tout petit la planete.

moominsean · « **Reply #36 on:** October 01, 2009, 11:32:47 PM »

this guy is probably cooler.

yeah, i've been waiting for some reason, however tenuous, to post this.

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Ailsa · « **Reply #37 on:** October 01, 2009, 11:32:51 PM »

Quote from: Francois on October 01, 2009, 10:01:03 PM

Quote from: ken182 on October 01, 2009, 07:43:19 PM
Quote from: Francois on October 01, 2009, 06:43:05 PM

Hey! don't laugh at this but Plastic Bertrand is a fantastic musician with great tunes. He's once been even called one of the most influential musician of the 20th century by Rolling Stones Magazine! And in the province, you can't find anybody over 30 who doesn't know the lyrics to all his best songs by heart even if he had stopped recording in the 80's...

Francois you have caught me out!! When I wanted a visual reference to plastic I immediately thought of Plastic Bertrand, I have been a fan since the beginning and am proud to say that I introduced another generation to them when I had a radio show on a alternative radio station back in Oz in the ate 90's.
I didn't even know he played on Oz radio
As sung: Tout petit, tout petit la planete.

And there was me worrying about going off-topic...

Ailsa · « **Reply #38 on:** October 01, 2009, 11:33:58 PM »

Quote from: moominsean on October 01, 2009, 11:32:47 PM

this guy is probably cooler.

yeah, i've been waiting for some reason, however tenuous, to post this.

Christ on a bike. I was about to go to bed, but now I think I'm going to have to take myself off to a corner and rock gently back and forth for a couple of hours.

Ken B: eyes, I just do eyes. · « **Reply #39 on:** October 02, 2009, 02:18:28 PM »

Quote from: Ailsa on October 01, 2009, 11:33:58 PM

Quote from: moominsean on October 01, 2009, 11:32:47 PM
this guy is probably cooler.

yeah, i've been waiting for some reason, however tenuous, to post this.

Christ on a bike. I was about to go to bed, but now I think I'm going to have to take myself off to a corner and rock gently back and forth for a couple of hours.

I have no idea which made me laugh more the post or your reply - I am still laughing out loud as I type

Ken B: eyes, I just do eyes. · « **Reply #40 on:** October 02, 2009, 02:21:14 PM »

Quote from: Ailsa on October 01, 2009, 09:48:38 PM

Back on topic. I've tried watching several Canonets and Yashica thingamujigs on eBay over the past year or so (based on that Wenn bloke's recommendations), and they do NOT go cheaply these days, sadly. Haven't even bothered bidding in most cases.

Yeah I have seen them going a little bit bright in price but I think I am going to commit. Not all of my hard earns but some of them.

I have noticed film cameras across the board going up in price actually, buggar knows what is affecting the prices.

sausage100uk · « **Reply #41 on:** October 02, 2009, 02:46:49 PM »

beacause as we all know "film is dead".....

choppert · « **Reply #42 on:** October 02, 2009, 03:17:32 PM »

Well done guys!
This is the best thread in ages, something in it for everyone!

Album covers, big grey things with Canon written on, family intrigue, everything!!

I feel all energised for the weekend now!

Chops

Francois · « **Reply #43 on:** October 02, 2009, 03:45:12 PM »

Quote from: ken182 on October 02, 2009, 02:21:14 PM

I have noticed film cameras across the board going up in price actually, buggar knows what is affecting the prices.

Probably collectors. Pay a lot of money just to say you have one on the shelf... Just like hunting minus the rifle.

Pete_R · « **Reply #44 on:** October 02, 2009, 05:28:49 PM »

Quote from: Ailsa on October 01, 2009, 09:48:38 PM

Back on topic. I've tried watching several Canonets and Yashica thingamujigs on eBay over the past year or so (based on that Wenn bloke's recommendations), and they do NOT go cheaply these days, sadly. Haven't even bothered bidding in most cases.

True, but there are still bargains to be had. Some people just don't know how to describe things (or can't be bothered) so they don't get the interest and can sell for a lot less than normal. But you have to search them out.

Couple of examples... I recently bought a Yashica T Zoom for ?32. I only bought it as it was cheap. I already have one so didn't need another. I put it straight back on the Bay with a proper description and doubled my money.

Also, there's currently a FED 4 (KEN ARE YOU LISTENING???) going on eBay for 99pence because the seller has described it a just a vintage camera and no name. He also says it was made in Germany so obviously doesn't know what he's got. But because no one has found it, it has no bids. It's here if anyone's interested.

Ken B: eyes, I just do eyes. · « **Reply #45 on:** October 04, 2009, 10:18:12 PM »

Quote from: Peter R on October 02, 2009, 05:28:49 PM

But because no one has found it, it has no bids. It's here if anyone's interested.

Damn just logged in clicked the link and the auction is finished, damn. Thank yo anyway Peter I very much appreciated the tip.

db · « **Reply #46 on:** October 06, 2009, 07:22:44 AM »

Bahh. forget the modern pretenders! Go the Fed.

Ken, if you do find one promise to post a piccie of you in your urban retro street gear- beret, Che Guevara T-shirt and Fed camera around the neck..

I have a darling lil Fed-1 which was passed down through my family. According to the serial # info on the FEd Bible- http://sovietcamera.110mb.com/fed1/ it dates from 1938. I had the mold cleaned out the lens recently and it works a treat, even though I think the higher shutter speeds are getting a wee bit tired.

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Andrea. · « **Reply #47 on:** October 06, 2009, 09:33:51 AM »

Well, I do have a couple of [dud] feds. Well, one dud one and another with the speed fixed on about 60th. So that's ok in the main - actually I quite liike it like that as its one less thing to think about. Oh, and something fell off the top so its gaffer taped up now. Lens are quite good -[Industar] - me thinks. Snap attached from the Fed and Industar

I also have a Zorki6 with Industar 61 which is my everyday camera. I had it groomed in Ukraine by Oleg and it is soooo smooth now. Really nice little machine.

My fav RF was a Minolta A5 - but the shutter fell apart!

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Nigel · « **Reply #48 on:** October 06, 2009, 10:25:45 AM »

Andrea that's a lovely shot, very atmospheric.

There is something quite nice about only having one shutter speed, that's why I quite like using my Holga, for me I tend to focus on the viewfinder more as there's nothing to fiddle with.

sapata · « **Reply #49 on:** October 06, 2009, 10:27:35 PM »

Quote from: Andrea on October 06, 2009, 09:33:51 AM

Well, I do have a couple of [dud] feds. Well, one dud one and another with the speed fixed on about 60th. So that's ok in the main - actually I quite liike it like that as its one less thing to think about. Oh, and something fell off the top so its gaffer taped up now. Lens are quite good -[Industar] - me thinks. Snap attached from the Fed and Industar

I also have a Zorki6 with Industar 61 which is my everyday camera. I had it groomed in Ukraine by Oleg and it is soooo smooth now. Really nice little machine.

My fav RF was a Minolta A5 - but the shutter fell apart!

That is a wonderful shot...