The famous poor mans leica?
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michaeljamesphoto
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I love my Rollei B35. It's a viewfinder, not a rangefinder, so you'd be using a focus scale on the lens to "guess" where your subject lies. I haven't found this to be a problem, even though I'm quite terrible at guessing distance. It's selenium light meter does not require a battery (nothing on this beauty does), however the meter does not do well with low light (anything indoors). I shoot black and white, so it's not a problem for me, using the meter when I can and estimating when I can't.
The little Triotar 40mm f/3,5 lens is quite sharp and contrasty, and I love the "feel" of the photos that come out of this pocket-sized camera. The more I shoot with it, the more it is becoming my favorite out of my collection.
Send me a personal message if you would like any example shots; I don't have any scanned as of now, but would happily scan them for you if you wish.
Happy shooting!
The little Triotar 40mm f/3,5 lens is quite sharp and contrasty, and I love the "feel" of the photos that come out of this pocket-sized camera. The more I shoot with it, the more it is becoming my favorite out of my collection.
Send me a personal message if you would like any example shots; I don't have any scanned as of now, but would happily scan them for you if you wish.
Happy shooting!
Mot
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I think I'll be the third to give a recommendation to the Canonet QL17. That's what I've always known as a 'poor man's Leica'. It's my first step onto the Leica ladder, my second step should be a Canon 7 so I can get some LTM lenses. It's going to be a long ladder! I tend to put Tri-X through mine so I can have fun in the dark room, I'll be doing some enlargements next year which will be fun!
I think the QL17 is a great looking camera, I really like the slanted window detail. That's probably what sold it to me. I got it for £28 off eBay in great external condition but in need of light seal repairs, I found that bit fun so I won't complain.
I also use mine for street shooting around Blackpool so I can vouch for it's 'capableness'. This is the kind of thing I'm on about:
Is that the kind of thing you want it for? 
I find the lens to be perfectly fine for what I need it for, I haven't noticed any softness and the focussing is good. The second of the two was a shot from the hip using the distance scale to focus, hoping that 1/30 at f/1.7 would get a good exposure!
I think the QL17 is a great looking camera, I really like the slanted window detail. That's probably what sold it to me. I got it for £28 off eBay in great external condition but in need of light seal repairs, I found that bit fun so I won't complain.
I also use mine for street shooting around Blackpool so I can vouch for it's 'capableness'. This is the kind of thing I'm on about:
I find the lens to be perfectly fine for what I need it for, I haven't noticed any softness and the focussing is good. The second of the two was a shot from the hip using the distance scale to focus, hoping that 1/30 at f/1.7 would get a good exposure!
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bhop
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It's been awhile since this thread was started, but if you're still looking..
I own a Leica M6, Canonet QL17 GIII, and also a Yashica Electro 35 GSN. I think if you've never used a rangefinder camera before, you should go super cheap and try to find a Canonet QL17 just to see if you even like rangefinder photography. Some people can't get used to it. That was my gateway drug that led to the Yashica, which led to the Leica.
I think I paid around $40 for my first Canonet. I prefer it over the Yashica because you've got more control over your exposure. You've got a shutter speed ring AND an aperture ring. The Yashica only lets you adjust aperture and handles the exposure on its own, so it's harder to compensate for lighting situations if you need to. The meter isn't TTL in the Canonet, but it's right next to the lens, inside the filter screw, so it kinda works the same. The Yashica in comparison has the meter (which is pretty damn accurate I must say) next to the rangefinder window, so if you're using filters, you've got to adjust the asa dial to compensate and then remember to set it back when you take the filter off. The Canonet also has an exposure lock for when you're readjusting your composure (half press shutter button), while the Electro just changes the exposure to whatever you're pointing at at all times. I do think the Electro has a better lens, but i'd still go for the Canonet over the two.
That said, you mentioned you could swing a Voigtlander body and lens. M2/M3 (and sometimes M4-2) prices can be around the same as a new Voigtlander body.. so genuine Leicas aren't as out of reach as people make you think they are as long as you don't mind used.. just throwing that out there. You don't have to use Leica lenses.. they're the most expensive part of the package. I'm still saving for a Summilux 50
The Voigtlander, with its M-mount is going to be the closest thing to a modern Leica body with price as a consideration.
I own a Leica M6, Canonet QL17 GIII, and also a Yashica Electro 35 GSN. I think if you've never used a rangefinder camera before, you should go super cheap and try to find a Canonet QL17 just to see if you even like rangefinder photography. Some people can't get used to it. That was my gateway drug that led to the Yashica, which led to the Leica.
I think I paid around $40 for my first Canonet. I prefer it over the Yashica because you've got more control over your exposure. You've got a shutter speed ring AND an aperture ring. The Yashica only lets you adjust aperture and handles the exposure on its own, so it's harder to compensate for lighting situations if you need to. The meter isn't TTL in the Canonet, but it's right next to the lens, inside the filter screw, so it kinda works the same. The Yashica in comparison has the meter (which is pretty damn accurate I must say) next to the rangefinder window, so if you're using filters, you've got to adjust the asa dial to compensate and then remember to set it back when you take the filter off. The Canonet also has an exposure lock for when you're readjusting your composure (half press shutter button), while the Electro just changes the exposure to whatever you're pointing at at all times. I do think the Electro has a better lens, but i'd still go for the Canonet over the two.
That said, you mentioned you could swing a Voigtlander body and lens. M2/M3 (and sometimes M4-2) prices can be around the same as a new Voigtlander body.. so genuine Leicas aren't as out of reach as people make you think they are as long as you don't mind used.. just throwing that out there. You don't have to use Leica lenses.. they're the most expensive part of the package. I'm still saving for a Summilux 50
The Voigtlander, with its M-mount is going to be the closest thing to a modern Leica body with price as a consideration.
Hackett
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bhop, I might have to pickup a Canonet. I really enjoy my electro 35's, and use my petri 7s a lot, but I hear a lot of good about the Canonets
Also, the petri and the yashicas are all considerably more quiet than any of my SLR's
Also, the petri and the yashicas are all considerably more quiet than any of my SLR's
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