The famous poor mans leica?

[camperbc]

Hey gsgary, let me know if you ever want to part with that Zorki! I've been looking forever for a pristine copy of this camera... with no success to date! Or perhaps you can steer me in the right direction to one of these beauties. (Everything I see on Ebay looks quite rough indeed!) From your picture this one looks mint. Would love to hear your thoughts/experiences regarding this make and model.

Glen
Focus On Newfoundland: about my photography:

 

[DiskoJoe]

You could get a zorki.

Camera Russia ZORKI-4 Leica copy 35mm JUPITER 8.Service 50 years of Soviet power | eBay

I thought this thread was actually about zorki from your title.

You could also go sony nex. With the nex you can get adaptors where you can use leica lens on them.

Me got one

Hey, how do you like the zorki? I had considered getting one but have heard mixed reviews on them.

 

[camperbc]

Hey, how do you like the zorki? I had considered getting one but have heard mixed reviews on them.

Really? I have only heard good things about them. Anyone who has ever owned/used one loves it. But it's getting more and more difficult to find ones in pristine condition; I've been trying for months.

Glen
Focus On Newfoundland: about my photography:

 

[compur]

Zorkis are getting pricey lately, I've noticed. Nice ones anyway. I haven't used Soviet cameras very much myself but I do have an M39 Jupiter 85/2 which is very nice and I have used other soviet lenses as well which have been good.

But, in the "poor man's Leica" category, one of my favorites is the Agfa Ambi-Silette. There's a nice description of it here. I have the 35, 50 & 90mm lenses and a couple of bodies and the close-up attachments (which I have yet to use):

I really like the viewfinder which has built-in frames for the 35, 50 and 90mm lenses. The lenses are in the f/2.8-4 range which is not what you'd call fast but for outdoor daylight use they are fine and quite sharp.

Am Ambi-Silette body with normal lens seems to sell for about $50 or so and is not hard to find. The other lenses take a little patience to find but they're out there. There is also a 130mm lens which is scarce and pricey but I'm in no hurry to find one as I don't much like using lenses longer than about 90mm on a rangefinder anyway.

I also just found a pair of Braun Paxette II lenses (35 & 90) at a swap meet for 20 bucks. So now the game is to find a nice body for them. I've never used a Paxette.

 

[camperbc]

Hi Compur,

You captured my interest as soon as you mentioned a price of 50 bucks, so I just took a look on Ebay and the price for a working Ambi-Sillete ranges from around $170 to over $400. DARN IT!!

Glen
Focus On Newfoundland: about my photography:

 

[JAC526]

I picked up a Canonet QL-17 for 12 bucks off of Craigslist. Replace the light seals an took the top plate off and cleaned the viewfinder.

It works great. It has a fast F1.7 45mm lens and the shutter is just one tiny click. Barely noticeable.

 

[compur]

Hi Compur,

You captured my interest as soon as you mentioned a price of 50 bucks, so I just took a look on Ebay and the price for a working Ambi-Sillete ranges from around $170 to over $400. DARN IT!!

Glen
Focus On Newfoundland: about my photography:

I see 2 that recently sold on US eBay site for under $50.

 

[camperbc]

Hi Compur,

I couldn't find a mint Zorki 4 or 4K after months of searching, but as of today I am the proud new owner of an absolutely pristine Fed 2(D6). What a stunningly beautiful camera this is! I never really had paid them much mind, as all the ones I have come across were quite rough; tired looking. But this one looks every bit as shiny and new as the day it was made. I ended up paying a small fortune for it, but have no regrets. It will be used regularly, rather than just sitting on display. It has just been CLA'd, and in fact even came with a three month warranty; unheard of for a camera such as this. I can hardly wait to start shooting with it! I will post pictures of it, and from it, soon!

One day I hope to own an Ambi-Sillete also; another lovely camera! I will be on the lookout for a mint one at a reasonable price.

Glen
Focus On Newfoundland: about my photography:

 

[compur]

Congratulations!

 

[Jimi3]

Look up Yaschica Electro 35. I'm hooked on this camera. Great glass fast too 45mm f1.7. True 35mm with no distortion. U have to use a battery adapter to fit the current px28 battery in it but that's easy to find on eBay or the Yashcia guy. I picked up a working GSN on eBay for $50. Can get pricey when You find a guaranteed working one. I bought mine from and estate buyer. Check em out. Sweet parralex focusing. It's a tank too. Very solid. Gives the Leica a run for its money. Can't afford a D700 so am shooting with this a lot moreThese days and loving the feel of analog again.

 

[gsgary]

Hey gsgary, let me know if you ever want to part with that Zorki! I've been looking forever for a pristine copy of this camera... with no success to date! Or perhaps you can steer me in the right direction to one of these beauties. (Everything I see on Ebay looks quite rough indeed!) From your picture this one looks mint. Would love to hear your thoughts/experiences regarding this make and model.

Glen
Focus On Newfoundland: about my photography:

No way had is since 1975 when my dad gave it me

 

[gsgary]

You could get a zorki.

Camera Russia ZORKI-4 Leica copy 35mm JUPITER 8.Service 50 years of Soviet power | eBay

I thought this thread was actually about zorki from your title.

You could also go sony nex. With the nex you can get adaptors where you can use leica lens on them.

Me got one

Hey, how do you like the zorki? I had considered getting one but have heard mixed reviews on them.

It's good, 50F2 Jupiter is pin sharp

 

[camperbc]

Here's the little gem that I just picked up after I was unsuccessful in finding a mint Zorki 4K; the 1960 FED 2 (D6) Russian rangefinder. This fine camera is in absolutely pristine condition, both mechanically and cosmetically. The Industar 26M LTM 50mm f/2.8 lens is amazingly sharp and contrasty. This is one camera that I will never part with.

Glen
Focus On Newfoundland: about my photography:

 

[compur]

славная камера!

 

[Arpeggio9]

Look up Yaschica Electro 35. I'm hooked on this camera. Great glass fast too 45mm f1.7. True 35mm with no distortion. U have to use a battery adapter to fit the current px28 battery in it but that's easy to find on eBay or the Yashcia guy. I picked up a working GSN on eBay for $50. Can get pricey when You find a guaranteed working one. I bought mine from and estate buyer. Check em out. Sweet parralex focusing. It's a tank too. Very solid. Gives the Leica a run for its money. Can't afford a D700 so am shooting with this a lot moreThese days and loving the feel of analog again.

I just got one of those and I absolutely love it. It's a GSN model. I got it kind of cheap but it needed the "pad of death" replacement which I did my self and I had to tinker with it for about 10 hours. Totally worth my trouble. It takes amazing pictures. The lens is excellent.