Old rangefinder

[Coldow91]

I want to buy an old rangefinder (35mm) to use along side my Canon A-1. I don't want to spend much at all and was looking at the Fed 2 and Fed 5. Would these be good? and since they are not metering I could always use the sunny 16 rule or my canon to meter right? thanks for the responses and I am open to other suggestions

[Ads]

[mysteryscribe]

I have a fed three I have used off and on for about five years. It always works for me just fine. I sure would hate to go out to do something important with it, but it has never let me down. Of course if it had I wouldn't still have it.

[Coldow91]

Ok thanks! I will keep researching but I sounds like something I want

[Coldow91]

Sorry double post

[Smith2688]

Something from the Yashica Electro line would be nice, but they're rather large. The Canon Canonet and any of the Olympus 35's would be good too.

[nealjpage]

I have a fed three I have used off and on for about five years. It always works for me just fine. I sure would hate to go out to do something important with it, but it has never let me down. Of course if it had I wouldn't still have it.

Charlie! Where you been?? Welcome back.

[doobs]

Canonet QL17
Mine was 12 bucks and works amazing.

[Coldow91]

where did you get yours?


it seems to be what I am looking for

[compur]

The Canonet QL 17 is a great camera (I have one too and love it) but there
are a couple of things you should know. The camera was designed for the
mercury PX625/PX13 battery which are now discontinued. Most "replacement"
batteries are not mercury and produce a higher voltage so meter accuracy
may be off. But, there is a battery available that produces the correct voltage
from Wein called the MRB625.

The other thing to watch for is that nearly all of these cameras need the
foam replaced around the film door because Canon used a type of foam
that deteriorates into a black goo, which is how you usually find them now
unless it's already been replaced. It's not difficult to replace the foam your-
self.

But, these cameras are worth the trouble. They are one of the best fixed
lens rangefinder cameras ever made.

You might also consider some other, similar cameras described here.

[Coldow91]

ok thanks for the helpful info

[domromer]

This thread may help.

Looking for a 35mm range finder

Also don't forget about the Olympus XA, it's a tiny little range finder with nice fast glass.

[AndrewG]

I used a Fed4L when I was starting out; the main benefit-if it is imortant to you, of course-is the built-in meter. I seldom had badly exposed pictures with it. Do try and examine the camera rather than buying unseen as these are now rather elderly and quality control when new wasn't what it could be!

[bhop]

My QL17 is pretty much the only camera I ever use now.. I just love it. The size is just right, the lens is sharp. I don't even mind having only the 40mm fixed lens.

my QL17 flickr set if you're interested

[Early]

Olympus Trip 35 has zone focusing, either a 35 or 38mm f2.8 lens, auto or manual exposure, a selenium meter (no battery needed), and a hot shoe. The lens is very sharp and indistinguishable from a slr.

[yellowjeep]

I'm really liking my Konica Auto S2. It was about 20 bucks and I refurbed it. It was a great learning experience.