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Rangefinder ?
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damien.murphy wrote:
Dave – was considering the fixed lens RF as a way to dip my toe in, and considered a Canonet with a 40mm lens. The mercury battery situation made me hesitate a little, although I believe you can use other batteries, or even have the voltage changed during a CLA to take newer batteries with no issue.
I have a Canonet with the 40mm f/1.7 lens. The battery is no issue, I used a Wein cell mercury replacement. In fact the super-accurate meter with shutter-priority auto mode was the the best thing about the camera – before it abruptly stopped working recently. I only paid 30 quid for the camera though, so had no expectations of Leica-like reliability :)
Damien,
a couple of reasons as to why I went for Contax. Firstly they have a great reputation, secondly the lenses are superb – I have a 50mm Carl Zeiss Planar T* and it gives immaculate results, and finally, I got it, and a flash unit for a knockdown price second hand. I have seen comparisions between it and Leica, and some of them get quite heated (a la Canon Vs Nikon) but I have never used a Leica so I can’t offer any comparisons – only that I am very happy with my Contax.
However, if you want to have a bit of fun, and really push yourself in regard to rangefinders, you should try to get your hands on a Super Ikonta. These are foldout rangefinders and come in 6*6 and also 6*9 negs. My father used one as his pro camera during the 60s and we still have one in working order today, but we need the bellows checked out. Well worth a look, and when folded up you could nearly keep it in an inside pocket.
Rgds
Kevin
A Super Ikonta?
wow, we are getting a bit wild…I’ve got two Ikontas, (6×4.5) one from the thirties,
and one from the fifties-
same basic camera, but the fifties one has a rangefinder-Lovely sit up finder mechanism…
I don’t have it here, and haven’t used it in years,
but it is pocketable- slowish lens though…Not too sure I’d really be interested in using them for anything other than a project…
but it’s not very expensive, and it would be a bit of fun …
..I knew I came to the right place with all you crazy film guys :)
I see medium format mentioned a bit – what do you guys do for development ? Do you develop yourself, or have it done commercially ?
Reason I ask, is part of my intended drive towards simplicity is to develop myself. I’ve never really done any developing before, and welcome any advice in getting started, from anyone who develops themselves. I’m mainly leaning towards black and white, and must say relish the opportunity to get my hands dirty..
Damien
I am going to chip in with DO not get a Contax, I found them horrible and totally ani-rangefiner in their operation.
Pick up an M3 and an 80’s ‘Cron for about 1200 and you’ll hav ethe start of a system you’ll never sell.Many thanks for all the responses & feedback!
Based on all the above, I’ve settled on a Leica M6, which seems to fit the majority of my needs – I just hope the initiation rituals into the cult of Leica aren’t too strange or strenuous :) Now to acquire the funds!
In all, I’m leaning strongly towards using the rangefinder system I acquire, exclusively for a set period of time, and am off to the film forum next!
Damien
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