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Post by byuphoto on Jan 12, 2006 17:26:28 GMT -5
Until I got the Leica M4-2 this was my favorite. A C?V Bessa R and Industar 50mm, Canon 35mm f2.8 and a Leitz 90mm Elmar  |
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Post by herron on Jan 13, 2006 9:52:42 GMT -5
 This is the favorite rangefinder of my collection...the Mamiya 35-I. It was the first 35mm camera made by Mamiya (c.1949) and it is very hard to find one in any condition...so I am particularly proud of mine...it is immaculate! However, a recent (this past summer) acquisition is giving it a run, as far a user...  The Mamiya 35-S (c.1959) I have to admit, though, I've looked at the Voigtlander Bessa-R...and drooled over some of the Leicas!  |
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Post by GeneW on Jan 17, 2006 18:55:25 GMT -5
If I were to keep only one of my RF's it would be my Leica M2. But it's difficult to choose a fav. I really like fixed-lens RF's as well and have recently added a couple Canonets and a Yashica. They're excellent carry-around cameras that can produce excellent images and are so inexpensive you don't have to worry much about them getting damaged, lost, or stolen. If worse comes to worse, you just ante up another $50 or so and replace them.
Gene
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rover
Lifetime Member
Dad with a Camera, or two, or...
Posts: 101
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Post by rover on Jan 18, 2006 13:27:03 GMT -5
I have a handsome Leica M3 I am quite fond of. I have not seen it yet, but I entered Henry Scherer's Contax buying program. When my IIa is CLA'd I am interested how attached I will become to it.
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PeterW
Lifetime Member
Member has Passed
Posts: 3,804
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Post by PeterW on Jan 18, 2006 17:49:55 GMT -5
Hi all, I suppose I'd better chip in with my favourite RF - or RFs. It's a heck of a decision really, and I suppose I ought to divide it into three categories, removable lens, fixed lens compact and fixed lens no so compact. With interchangeable lens, I really would be hard put to it to choose between my two pre-war screw thread Leicas and my 1936 Contax II. It may be partly nostalgia because they were the cameras I wanted for years but couldn't afford, but I treasure all three. I have to admit, though, that I often use my Russian copy Zorki and Kiev in preference because if I'm ever unlucky enough to lose or damage them it wouldn't cost an arm and both legs to replace them - just a finger or two  . With compact RFs I like my Canonet 28 very much, but it's not quite so handy to slip in a pocket as my Olympus 35RC, a lovely little camera that produces outstanding results. With not so compact RFs there's no competition among the ones I've got. I would go for the Yashica Minister, either the Minister III or the D with the only difference being the meter. The Ministers have got to be the smoothest fixed-lens RFs I have ever handled, and I'd back the Yashinon lenses, even if they are 'only' f/2.8, against a wide selection of others. Interchangeable lenses don't worry me all that much, even though I've got a fair selection for my Canon SLRs and in M42. I find most of my 35mm shots are taken at or very close to the 'standard ' 50 or 58mm focal length. If we've taking about medium format, then it has to be the Super Ikonta. Peter |
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Post by byuphoto on Jan 18, 2006 19:25:29 GMT -5
I finally got around the making one of my Leica. No. it is not an original rare chrome on. The guy that I got it from had it chromed and covered in brown leather  |
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Post by kamera on Jan 19, 2006 10:27:43 GMT -5
Coming down in monetary value, but the RF I shoot the most is definately my Canonet QL 17 GIII.
Ron Head
Kalamazoo, MI
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Post by physiognomy on Feb 18, 2006 15:59:44 GMT -5
Until recently my Kiev 4 went with me everywhere...  In the last few months little packages containing other FSU goodies have 'appeared' at my door... Now I have choices and I'm not sure which one is my favorite! I'm currently running film through my late FED 2 (that looks like a 3)...  As well as a FED 5B that I recently got & sucessfully fixed the rangefinder alignment on... too many other choices to have a favorite! Peter |
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Post by kiev4a on Feb 18, 2006 22:53:30 GMT -5
I've pretty much got away from shooting RFs (although I have about 40 of 'em). But if I could only have one it probably would be a Leica M2. I've owned M3s but never an M2 but from what I read and heard, that would be the camera I would choose. I would have to sell my entire FSU camera collection to afford one, however.
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Post by Microdad on Feb 20, 2006 0:36:37 GMT -5
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Post by kamera on Feb 20, 2006 16:39:44 GMT -5
Hi Steve,
Not an Argus tech so can't help on the flash,
but I do have 3 of the C3's...one that works well but is rather delegated to the display cabinet, one reserve for parts if ever needed and one that is is pristine condition that I shoot.
The latter one I rescued as someone was about to trash it.
As you have seen and felt by handling it, the C3 is one hefty piece for its size and the shape is what has given it the nickname...the "brick". The old Cintar 50/3.5 coated lens remains quite a good one.
There is one quirk to operating this camera and that is in advancing the film from one frame to the next, and even the instructions in the manual(if you have one) will be no help...frames tend to overlap one another. Also, the exposure counter does not give proper results and film advance must be done by 'feel'.
Roughly...to save space here...there are 4 basic steps once the film is loaded.
1. Press the advance lock-release toggle and hold.
2. Advance the film by rotating the advance-knob about 1/4-1/2 turn only. Release the toggle and continue advancing the film until modest resistance is felt as the film sprocket locks and resists the further advance of film. Wind the film slowly so as not to go past the point of resistance. You can also closely watch the toggel at the same time for the hint of resistance.
3. Note: It generally will take 3 advances to insure fresh film is in position once film is loaded. I just make this a habit. So...Repeat steps 1 and 2 twice more.
4. Set the film counter to zero(0) by rotating the dial clockwise.
To then advance to the next picture-taking frame, again repeat steps 1 and 2 twice. Yes...this may waste a little film, but I have found such to be much better than getting overlapping frames.
One other hint...after taking a picture...immediately advance to the next frame to prevent unwanted double exposures. If you don't, it is easy to forget to do if not snapping shots immediately.
When I first got the C3 and tried to use it, I was quite frustrated even following the instructions in the manual. It was after consulting the Argus group, that one of the members sent me the proper method and also clued me of the camera's idiosyncrsy.
I have a complete writeup I keep right with the camera and would be glad to get it to you if you want. Just let me know.
But the camera is a lot of fun to use, takes fine pictures and solicits a lot of comments from passerbys as to..."what is that funny-looking camera"?
Oh...almost forgot. There is a small selenium light meter that fits right into the flash shoe on top the camera...the Argus LS-3. New, never used old stock is still available courtesy of an old Argus technician. If I remember correctly I bought it for $5.
Enjoy it!
Ron Head
Kalamazoo, MI
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Post by John Parry on Feb 20, 2006 17:15:38 GMT -5
It took the Royal Navy boys two minutes to load a 32 pound cannon at Trafalgar.
Just goes to show - when you've got it loaded, it's where you fire it that counts !!!
Regards - John
Note: Meant to put this post under Bottom Loading Leicas, but the sentiment is a good one for all photographers!
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Post by Randy on Feb 21, 2006 7:29:13 GMT -5
My favorite would have to be my Aires Viscount, as it refuses to take a bad picture.   |
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Post by John Parry on Feb 21, 2006 16:32:36 GMT -5
Just had to slip the engine in there, eh Randy !
Regards - John
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Post by Microdad on Feb 21, 2006 17:07:24 GMT -5
That's a good idea Randy, a photo accompanied by a pic of the camera used to create it.
Steve
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