Author Topic: Fast fixed lens rangefinders / fast compact cameras (Read 14418 times)

Mil Mascaras · « **on:** February 04, 2011, 09:39:56 AM »

Hey!
There's a chance that in a few months I will do a few business trips to some Latin American cities where I don't want to carry my shiny and expensive looking Zeiss Ikon or my snow white Fuji Natura Classica. I am thinking about something that, to the untrained eye, looks like a clunker. I am usually very low key so I want something that looks so hopeless that a robber wouldn't even want to carry around because there's no way he could place it anywhere on this digital age.

I am going to get a Canonet QL17 (of which, in case you didn't know, there's a nice Skorj article on this site). I have wanted this one for a while. However I was also considering a second one so I am open for suggestions. The canonet is a 40mm, so perhaps a different focal length? I still have a couple of FED's around from my Russian trips but they are not reliable at all.

I am not limited to a rangefinder, how about something like an Olympus XA? Now that looks like "that poor bastard can't afford a digital" stuff, but it's supposed to perform beautifully. Essentially, something that I can buy cheaply (I'd love a Hexar AF, but I am not going to pay "cult camera" prices, I'd rather buy a lens or something).

Your experiences are all welcome!

PS [Edit] - I just found out that the Oly IS indeed a RF. Shows you what I know about cameras.

Paul H · « **Reply #1 on:** February 04, 2011, 10:08:24 AM »

Until I discovered the joys of MF folders, about the only camera I'd ever take was the Minox 35GT. That camera accompanied me practically everywhere.

Very small and light, great lens, silent, and almost invisible to everyone else around. I always had great results in low light and for night-time city-scapes.

The older ones can suffer from dodgy electronics or sticky shutters, but these are fixable with a CLA.

In a similar vein, but far more expensive, is the Contax T.

Pete_R · « **Reply #2 on:** February 04, 2011, 10:12:19 AM »

Most of the fixed lens types have lenses of similar focal length so why not one with a zoom? Won't be as fast but if you have the Canonet for any low light stuff then maybe that's not a problem.

I'd suggest the Yashica T Zoom of which Astrobeck was selling one recently but for something cheaper but equally as good I'd suggest the Rollei Giro 70 WA. Info here and here.

Phil Bebbington · « **Reply #3 on:** February 04, 2011, 10:13:21 AM »

The Minox GT is indeed a wonderful little camera. Fits into the palm of the hand, folds and has a lens that is tack sharp.

Mil Mascaras · « **Reply #4 on:** February 04, 2011, 10:27:18 AM »

Guys please stop teasing me with the Minox, I have wanted one for years. They used to be quite expensive (at least the newer aperture priority AE models). I actually discovered this one because of a Russian copy I saw in a market once (A kiev, I think?)

Thanks for the ideas, I will do further research on all of these.

Phil Bebbington · « **Reply #5 on:** February 04, 2011, 10:54:22 AM »

I ahve seen the minox in local shops on a regular basis for about £100 so I'm sure you could find one cheaper on a well known auction site http://bit.ly/gcDbwV

Miller · « **Reply #6 on:** February 04, 2011, 12:29:17 PM »

I'd go with Peter's suggestion of a zoom camera. One, as a second camera on travels it opens up a whole new dimension that a fixed lens cannot compete with while on the move and access to composing shots may be limited.

The two I use are the Pentax Espio 120SW and the Canon Classic 120... Both can be got for the cost of a couple of rolls of film and optically even a T-Zoom, (Minox GT and XA-2 both of which I've owned) would be surprised.

Anyway, both these superb hassle free cameras have reviews in the Articles section of this site and here.

http://www.pbase.com/middlehill/image/73339043

Rgds

Mlr

Mil Mascaras · « **Reply #7 on:** February 04, 2011, 12:42:06 PM »

You have sold me on getting a zoom camera as the second camera. In fact this second camera would be my "colour film" camera.

As I mentioned in the first message, I have a Natura Classica, which is a wonderful zoom camera for candid colour shots. The espio looks very similar and it's probably 10 to 20 times cheaper

Ed Wenn · « **Reply #8 on:** February 04, 2011, 01:56:09 PM »

Hmmm, that Pentax Espio 120SW seems to be quite a little stunner. I liked the way the zoom results stacked up well against the T4 on the website you referenced, Miller. Not heard of it before. Good to know. We have a nice Ricoh GR1, but the zoom on our old Canon SureShot is sorely missed.

calbisu · « **Reply #9 on:** February 04, 2011, 02:54:46 PM »

I recently bought a Minox 35Gt at ebay. I kinda remember it was around 50e. My experience with the camera is mixed. The camera itself is just great. Great quality all around and as said it fits in the palm of the hand or trousers pocket. What drives me back is that you do not focus through the lens, but by estimation. So may be I am very bad at this method because many shots were out of focus. Now I try not to shoot with wide apertures. Still fantastic camera you can always bring with you. And this is a camera my dad used to have and I remembered from very young. Sadly my dad´s camera disappeared and he did not remember about it

Francois · « **Reply #10 on:** February 04, 2011, 03:34:45 PM »

I agree that Canon Sureshots can be quite wonderful. They seem to scream "Old Junk" so no worry about thieves (they're bigger than the Pentax Espio series). The big thing about the Pentax I have (Espio 928M) is the zoom goes down to 28mm...

I also have a Minolta Freedom Action Zoom. While the zoom is pretty ordinary, the camera has weatherproof controls... a good thing

DS · « **Reply #11 on:** February 04, 2011, 06:59:05 PM »

The Olympus XA would be my recommendation. I've worn one out and recently bought another. It has a 35mm 2.8 lens, is aperture priority, is sharp and is tiny. The rangefinders are kind of useless unless you're shooting wide open and close though. You can get them for cheap or not. I paid £90 way back in 2000 for the first and about £15 for the second this year (both from proper camera shops)

Some gratuitous examples of mine:

CCCP Assignment #2 - Slip by Archaeobobalist, on Flickr

Steak Pies by Archaeobobalist, on Flickr

I also really like the Olympus Mju / Stylus:

fishy luvvin by Archaeobobalist, on Flickr

p by Archaeobobalist, on Flickr
I originally got this as a chaepo replacement for the XA when it broke. I was surprised by the results from it- my only peeve is having to turn the flash off every time the camera's opened (why Matiani, why?). I want to try the Mju II / Stylus epic as the lens is 2.8 as opposed to 3.5, the shutter range is a bit longer at the bottom end and it's weather sealed but I haven't found a cheap one yet...

choppert · « **Reply #12 on:** February 04, 2011, 07:47:49 PM »

For general ease of use my Nikon 35Ti has caused me to be selling my Leica M6.

Beat that!

sapata · « **Reply #13 on:** February 04, 2011, 10:04:59 PM »

Smenas are great for those situations.

Does not have a shiny body that can be confused with an expensive digital camera, It has one of the sharpest lens in the market that reproduces beautiful colours, very light, full manual control and inexpensive.

astrobeck · « **Reply #14 on:** February 04, 2011, 10:11:56 PM »

The T-4 is a great travel camera, but I'm not much on zoom and that's why it's listed to go.

One of my favorite all time travel and pocket sized cameras is the XA. It does fit in a pocket, doesn't make a peep while taking photos and is great for just holding in the palm of your hand to snap street scenes without many noticing.

The one I have belonged to my late mum, so it's seen quite a bit of travel and still works perfectly.

Lino · « **Reply #15 on:** February 05, 2011, 11:11:47 PM »

I also have a olympus XA. It's pretty small, has a great lens and a rangefinder for close ups if you're not very good guessing the focus. I take it everywhere

When i don't screw up the focus it can be quite sharp.

the film was fuji reala 100.

Late Developer · « **Reply #16 on:** February 06, 2011, 09:26:56 AM »

Yashica Electro 35 anyone?

"Fixed" Yashinon f1.7 lens, but adapters for wide and tele available. Not the smallest body, I'll agree, but a very nice piece of kit.

gary m · « **Reply #17 on:** February 06, 2011, 02:47:01 PM »

A lot of good info here http://www.cameraquest.com/com35s.htm

Mojave · « **Reply #18 on:** February 06, 2011, 05:24:32 PM »

That poor dog. What a sad, and moving portrait.

On the camera side of things, I am really liking that Pentax Espio. A zoom lens on a 35mm film cam would be nice to have.

Ed Wenn · « **Reply #19 on:** February 16, 2011, 10:54:06 AM »

Hey Miller, I tracked down an Espio on evilBay and ended up getting it for 99p + postage. It's a deal. It's a steal. It's the sale of the 'kin century.

Mil Mascaras · « **Reply #20 on:** February 16, 2011, 11:42:26 AM »

Quote from: ed.wenn on February 16, 2011, 10:54:06 AM

Hey Miller, I tracked down an Espio on evilBay and ended up getting it for 99p + postage. It's a deal. It's a steal. It's the sale of the 'kin century.

Lucky you, I missed one for 5 quid a few days ago because I forgot to bid before going out for a few drinks (!), and I thought that would have been a great deal.

Pete_R · « **Reply #21 on:** February 16, 2011, 12:03:40 PM »

Quote from: Mil Mascaras on February 16, 2011, 11:42:26 AM

Lucky you, I missed one for 5 quid a few days ago because I forgot to bid before going out for a few drinks (!), and I thought that would have been a great deal.

Try using Just Snipe (www.justsnipe.com). It's free for up to five snipes a week.

Miller · « **Reply #22 on:** February 16, 2011, 01:18:37 PM »

Ed...

Okay, yeah that's a deal that Arthur Daley would have been proud of...

The quality will surprise you when it arrives and please do some comparisons with the Ricoh...

What gets me is the film cognescenti turn their nose up at the last generation Japanese zooms when if used correctly you effectively have a 35mm with 3 lenses in your top pocket... Wide/landscape, Standard & Portrait.

If you use it as such and not a means of saving you walking to frame a shot then it cannot be beaten imo and well worth having in your camera arsenal...

Mil

Try looking for the 105SW also if all else fails... The Canon is also worth a Shot trust me (no pun intended)...

Rgds

Mlr

jojonas~ · « **Reply #23 on:** February 16, 2011, 03:06:18 PM »

Quote from: Peter R on February 16, 2011, 12:03:40 PM

Quote from: Mil Mascaras on February 16, 2011, 11:42:26 AM
Lucky you, I missed one for 5 quid a few days ago because I forgot to bid before going out for a few drinks (!), and I thought that would have been a great deal.
Try using Just Snipe (www.justsnipe.com). It's free for up to five snipes a week.

orly? sounds good~ thanks for the tip

also, back to topic.. I don't go for a lot of traveling but when I think I'd like to have my olympus trip 35 with me. but hey, the xa and later mju are essentially an update of the concept as I understand.

Mil Mascaras · « **Reply #24 on:** February 17, 2011, 11:22:06 AM »

Peter, Miller, good tips, thank you.

Somewhat related: I found a mid 90s Olympus Trip Mini, or some other variation, with a fixed 34mm (I think) lens in my parents' house. A true P&S, you can't do anything else with it. I loaded it with Ektar and took some shots with it. I will post some later.

jojonas~ · « **Reply #25 on:** February 17, 2011, 12:13:32 PM »

Quote from: Mil Mascaras on February 17, 2011, 11:22:06 AM

Somewhat related: I found a mid 90s Olympus Trip Mini, or some other variation, with a fixed 34mm (I think) lens in my parents' house. A true P&S, you can't do anything else with it. I loaded it with Ektar and took some shots with it. I will post some later.

what? you mean one like this:

?
that was my main camera (along with the smena 8m) for a while when I just started to get into photography

Mil Mascaras · « **Reply #26 on:** February 17, 2011, 03:44:00 PM »

Quote from: jojonas on February 17, 2011, 12:13:32 PM

Quote from: Mil Mascaras on February 17, 2011, 11:22:06 AM
Somewhat related: I found a mid 90s Olympus Trip Mini, or some other variation, with a fixed 34mm (I think) lens in my parents' house. A true P&S, you can't do anything else with it. I loaded it with Ektar and took some shots with it. I will post some later.
what? you mean one like this:
?
that was my main camera (along with the smena 8m) for a while when I just started to get into photography

YES!!!! Same camera.

Similar flavour that you'd get from an LCA (nicer lens and less/vigneting light leaks) and probably less than 1/60th of the price. It was fun doing some mindless market shooting with it.

astrobeck · « **Reply #27 on:** February 17, 2011, 03:49:50 PM »

Not a rangefinder and not exactly pocket sized, but in the super dependable Pentax family is the ME, and ME Super.

I have an ME Super and it's a charmer to use, and can be picked up at reasonable prices on the bay.

There's a size comparison on Ken Rockwell's site between an ME and a K1000.
http://www.kenrockwell.com/pentax/35mm/cameras/me.htm
Just scroll down the page a bit.

Might be worth a look while you're shopping.

Love mine! But then I love all my cameras.

Amir · « **Reply #28 on:** February 17, 2011, 05:33:54 PM »

I could recommend loads but heres a couple

Olympus Trip 35
Olympus Mju2/ Stylus Epic f2.8

Both produce fantastic results, the Trip 35 having the advantage of not requring batteries.

Here is a pic taken on Fuji200 film taken on my Mju2 in Turkey

Chris A Fraser · « **Reply #29 on:** February 17, 2011, 10:16:48 PM »

I thought I might toss my choice for Micro/point and shoot/travel camera on the pile.

I love my little Hanimex 35 Micro Flash. Okay not a lot of control or zoom, but I love it. It goes with me alway.

Here are a few pics from my trip to Australia last year... (i just replaced the light seal the other day)

Miller · « **Reply #30 on:** February 17, 2011, 10:47:57 PM »

Pentax Espio 120SW

wblati · « **Reply #31 on:** February 17, 2011, 11:18:40 PM »

Canonet G-III 17?

http://www.cameraquest.com/canql17.htm

mijonju · « **Reply #32 on:** February 21, 2011, 05:15:06 PM »

why not a bigmini? they are pretty cheap nowadays, not the F version but the regular one, even for the F version F2.8 its not that expensive.

just wanna give some love to this camera since no one mentioned it.
ooh wait.. rangefinders only?

err.. then the Olympus DC or RC is pretty good, quite economical too.

Fedo · « **Reply #33 on:** February 26, 2011, 10:11:42 AM »

Oh dear I've just bought another camera

.

Thanks to ebay I've just bought one of these.... a Konica Lexio 70W. It's s high end compact which meets quite a lot of the OP's requirments.

Its got a 28-70 zoom, fast-ish at F3.4 at the wide end. Its nice & small ,about the size of an XA and best of all seems to have escaped the kind of attention that makes Mjus, XAs , GR1s etc out of my price range.

jojonas~ · « **Reply #34 on:** February 28, 2011, 07:13:57 AM »

nice find, fedo. I'll make a mental note on that one

Author Topic: Fast fixed lens rangefinders / fast compact cameras (Read 14418 times)

astrobeck

astrobeck