Cute Fixed Lens Rangefinders [Archive]

clarence

05-20-2007, 08:14

There have been many rangefinders with interesting designs, but these are often ignored in our discussions, which tend to focus on speed, lens quality, automation and other technical features.

I'm interested to know what fixed lens rangefinders have bodies that make them stand out from the rest of the crowd.

Off the top of my head, I can think of the Agfa Optima 1535, the Zorki -10 / -11 and Ricoh Auto 35V, and the Voigtlaender Vitessa.

Clarence

Wimpler

05-20-2007, 08:21

The AGFA selectronic S is quite cool as well.

clarence

05-21-2007, 06:24

Here's another; the Voskhod / Yashica Rapid:

http://cameras.alfredklomp.com/voskhod/

Madrigal

05-23-2007, 07:13

The Argus Autronic 35

It's got to be on someone's scale of cuteness.
It's just got to be :D

shadowfox

05-23-2007, 08:17

I always think this guy is one of the cutest Fixed Lens RF out there (sorry if you've seen this picture on other posts here):

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/173/384280567_98d290d7e7.jpg

dazedgonebye

05-23-2007, 08:36

That 500G is a handsome devil. I was shooting with it's homely cousin, black Sears 35|RF, just last night.
I still may need a pretty 500G though....

Bluesman

05-31-2007, 14:18

The Olympus XA has to be a contender. Innovative, hightech (and very early) soapbar design and utterly capable as well - it takes some excellent pictures.

/R

rich815

05-31-2007, 14:23

I just got one of these (Revue 35CC) and it is definitely cute:

MelanieC

05-31-2007, 16:52

That Ricoh is ADORABLE.

I think the cutest, however, is the Contessa 35. It's very purty.

Wayno

05-31-2007, 17:31

If you think of cute as meaning small, then this guy is tiny:

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e327/Wayno3/Pal%20M4/th_PalM4.jpg (http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e327/Wayno3/Pal%20M4/PalM4.jpg)
Pal (aka Pax) M4

Kin Lau

05-31-2007, 17:46

The Olympus XA has to be a contender. Innovative, hightech (and very early) soapbar design and utterly capable as well - it takes some excellent pictures.

I'll second that.

Trius

05-31-2007, 18:23

I'll "third" the XA, but also nominate the Trip 35. It's cute in an awkward sort of way, and the results are way beyond its modest specs.

erikhaugsby

05-31-2007, 18:38

I'm up for the 500G. I've always loved the neo-retro styling, if you will, and placement of the leatherette around the sides and top/bottom.
Any idea as to what they go for?

daniel~

05-31-2007, 18:57

XA is great. I just wish XA also came in that urban white/grey that the colour variant XA2 got...

If it doesn't have to be with rangefinder focusing, then there are quite some cute VF cameras out there. Minox, for example. Oh and my red Konica EF3, of course! :)

clarence

06-01-2007, 10:57

There's plenty to look at here. I spent hours going through every single one of them. For those who cannot read Japanese, don't worry, because the contents / links are in English and you can still look at the pretty pictures:

http://homepage1.nifty.com/fukucame/

The Revue 35CC reminded me of two other Vitessa-esque cameras that also use barndoor lens covers:

The Makinon MKII:
http://homepage1.nifty.com/fukucame/mk2.htm

Petri CF-35 Ultra Compact
http://homepage1.nifty.com/fukucame/petricf.htm

Clarence

Uwe_Nds

06-01-2007, 11:11

What about the old Braun Paxette (http://www.corff.de/Paxette/Paxette.html) then?
In my opinion, it's also very cute.

Best regards,
Uwe

Edit: Sorry, it's not fixed lens.

iml

06-01-2007, 11:20

That Ricoh is nice, but I still think nothing beats the Olympus 35 RC.

http://www.olympus-global.com/en/corc/history/camera/popup/image/pop17_35rc.jpg

Ian

PhotoMat

06-01-2007, 12:14

O.K., if we're talking cute, who couldn't resist a Canon Demi with a custom leatherette covering?

http://www.aki-asahi.com/store/html/demi-ee17/demi-ee17.php

Tigersight

06-01-2007, 12:50

I just picked this RF up for $25 on Ebay. It has not arrived yet but it is reputedly in mint condition so I'm hoping for the best give it's provenance. But it is a cute one.
(I'm a new member so I'm hoping I downloaded the picture correctly).
By the way, and this is off topic, but what drew me to this sight (I'm also a member of Nikonians) is your great photography! The level of photography here is the best I've seen on any sight.

sweathog

06-01-2007, 15:09

but also nominate the Trip 35. It's cute in an awkward sort of way, and the results are way beyond its modest specs.

I completely agree with you.
The design is absolutely stunning, in my opinion.

Plus, it certainly gives cracking results.

ChrisPlatt

06-01-2007, 15:15

I'm up for the 500G. I've always loved the neo-retro styling, if you will, and placement of the leatherette around the sides and top/bottom.
Any idea as to what they go for?

Eric

Most on eBay have bad seals and non-working meters.
Expect to pay $50 -75 for a nice, working example.

Chris

oscroft

06-01-2007, 15:27

I'm up for the 500G. I've always loved the neo-retro styling, if you will, and placement of the leatherette around the sides and top/bottom.
Any idea as to what they go for?
I just sold one on eBay UK with working meter and new light seals for £26 - about $50 (I've got another, but I'm keeping that).

shadowfox

06-01-2007, 21:22

daniel~

06-02-2007, 23:23

:eek: That red Konica (your avatar) is soooo cute... could you post the higher resolution here?

Sure, the pleasure is mine:
http://silvermoon.idv.tw/cam-konicaRED02_0.jpg

For me, Konica C35 EF3 is a real treasure from the 80s. Many photo enthusiasts have an issue with plastic on cameras, I know, but the use of plastic on EF3 is almost examplary with its stunning look and quality feel. In fact, Konica was so proud as to declare "Who says it has to be black" in their advertisement for the EF3 series, of which a total of 7 colour variants made! On the other hand, the back cover is still metal covered with leatherette to add a nice touch & grip. There're other interesting details, such as the clever rewind gadget...

Well, did I mention that this cutie actually takes fine pics? Thanks to the 35/2.8 Hexanon lens, it does!

sweathog

06-03-2007, 10:39

I almost bought a Konica C35 EF3, bought forgot all about it until the auction was clsoed... Regret it now.

Kent

06-04-2007, 06:27

Actually, I like the looks of my Minolta Hi-Matic F a lot!

http://www.nicanet.de/mf/himatic.jpg

zuikologist

06-04-2007, 07:08

My vote goes to the Chinon 35EE2. Cute, black, aperture priority model - like the Yashica GSN's little brother.

http://mattdentonphoto.com/cameras/chinon_35eeii.html

shadowfox

06-05-2007, 07:17

This one is cute, looks like a panda face :)

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/171/439377104_243ae4cc6f.jpg

but... it's BIG !!

Trius

06-05-2007, 14:39

BIG ... but who can resist six transistors?!!!

sweathog

06-05-2007, 15:13

shadowfox, what exactly is that?
I can't seem to find anything about it on the interweb...

E2_

06-05-2007, 15:30

This one is cute, looks like a panda face :)

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/171/439377104_243ae4cc6f.jpg

but... it's BIG !!
Wow that looks amazing with the black logo plate.... I want!!! What specific model is this?

I just picked up a500G for $35 in great condition!

Doug

06-05-2007, 19:31

I'm interested to know what fixed lens rangefinders have bodies that make them stand out from the rest of the crowd.Definitely some cuties shown here and mentioned. Here's an uncommon one... An Elikon made in Belarus

shadowfox

06-06-2007, 08:55

Wow that looks amazing with the black logo plate.... I want!!! What specific model is this?

I just picked up a500G for $35 in great condition!

It's an Olympus 35 LE.
It has the same lens spec as the versatile 35 SP but much rarer.

Kat

06-06-2007, 09:51

That Ricoh is nice, but I still think nothing beats the Olympus 35 RC.

http://www.olympus-global.com/en/corc/history/camera/popup/image/pop17_35rc.jpg

Ian
Ditto on the RC. Who can resist that little shutter speed dial on the top plate?

That red Konica is darn cute, too, though.:)

jaypolaski

06-09-2007, 22:48

That Ricoh is nice, but I still think nothing beats the Olympus 35 RC.

http://www.olympus-global.com/en/corc/history/camera/popup/image/pop17_35rc.jpg

Ian

I'll add a third to that! Though I have to say, if the Rollei 35's had an RF patch, that would be the end all for me...

Trius

06-10-2007, 04:51

It's an Olympus 35 LE.
It has the same lens spec as the versatile 35 SP but much rarer.
Plus the 35 LC has the same lens.

ully

06-11-2007, 19:49

I guess my Fed 5 wouldn't qualify. :)

wlewisiii

06-11-2007, 20:14

That Ricoh is ADORABLE.

I think the cutest, however, is the Contessa 35. It's very purty.

Yep, far and away the prettiest camera I have ever seen in real life. Some good pics here: http://www.cameraquest.com/contessa.htm but, as he notes, they really don't do it justice. That was Hubert Nerwin's finest moment, I'd say, & he did an amazing number of great cameras.

William

MelanieC

06-11-2007, 20:48

Here's a close-up. It's not mine. If I did have one I'm not sure I'd use it that much -- it's gorgeous to look at, and quite tiny, but the viewfinder is also tiny, and it's just so damn fiddly.

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1376/541952625_f37bed9b5e.jpg

Kent

06-13-2007, 12:03

Hi, Melanie!

This cam is cute!

Parker51

06-15-2007, 09:37

For me....The Kodak" BANTAM SPECIAL "
Streamline art deco camera designed by Walter Teague in 1936
the most beautiful camera ever made.

Doug

06-15-2007, 12:44

For me....The Kodak" BANTAM SPECIAL "
Streamline art deco camera designed by Walter Teague in 1936
the most beautiful camera ever made.Good choice! Here's a listing for one on Craig's List with some nice photos of the camera: http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/pho/349988162.html

I've seen somewhere an old Kodak model made in various attractive colors to appeal to the ladies, Art Deco too as I recall, but I can't locate the web page now...

celerystalksme

06-15-2007, 18:39

how can you deny the argus c3?

http://www.writersblocklive.com/images/argus.jpg

Trius

06-16-2007, 06:52

Argus? The corners almost cut my fingers. That's not too cute! ;)

Kent

06-17-2007, 06:24

how can you deny the argus c3?

http://www.writersblocklive.com/images/argus.jpg

It looks like a piece of equipment from a 1950s science fiction movie...

landsknechte

06-26-2007, 23:45

As much as I love the C3, I'd be hesitant to call any camera "cute" that could be used to great effect in hand to hand combat.

RF'er

07-02-2007, 13:06

A nice little pocket shooter.

nikola

07-02-2007, 13:46

but it's fully automatic :(

RF'er

07-02-2007, 15:24

That's not alway's bad, especially shooting on the fly.
Besides a Hello Kitty Camera is a tough act to follow.

reagan

07-06-2007, 22:27

Here's a Bantam Special... kinda cute.

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c138/CVBLZ4/GoK/P7070178-1.jpg?t=1183789393

rxmd

07-06-2007, 22:36

Here's a Bantam Special... kinda cute.
Nice! Do you actually use that one? How do you go on about getting film?

reagan

07-07-2007, 21:17

rxmd ~ I got the Bantam.S at the end of last summer, had to do a little shutter cleaning and shot one test roll... arghhh... that revealed numerous bellows leaks. So it's been on the *one of these days* shelf ever since. Through the fog of the test shots showed some promise of a fun shooter. I found it a challenge to hold and operate it comfortably. That big door swung open on the front was really different to work around. But I think I could get used to it for once in awhile.

Film-wise, I bought a couple of 828 rolls from B&H Photo (I think). They were Kodak Portra 160NC. Rather pricey, if I recall, but when I had the test roll processed, I asked the tech to save the spool and paper backing for me to be reused in the future with regular C41 35mm film. We'll see how that works out... some day. ;)

RF'er

07-10-2007, 17:08

Konica EE-Matic Deluxe with original flash cube attachment.

shadowfox

07-11-2007, 08:20

Konica EE-Matic Deluxe with original flash cube attachment.

Eh, you forgot to attach the two beer cans :D

sweathog

08-19-2007, 08:26

Hey... this thread died... I was enjoying this.
RF'er, I just got me an 800EES should arrive in a few days.
daniel~, as much as I fail abysmally at scale-focusing, I couldn't resist and am bidding on a red EF3, closing in about 25 minutes, so hopefully I'll have one too.

daniel~

08-19-2007, 09:14

Good luck sweathog!
So, have you won it? I'm interested to know what you think about this simple camera.
I still find it hard to resist , even though I got more than one EF3 already!

sweathog

08-19-2007, 09:53

I won it, indeed, for the whopping price of £2.99 including psotage.
I'll run a roll through it when it arrives and let you know.

shadowfox

08-20-2007, 08:59

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1241/1183606421_aec47f3d6a.jpg

Yes, the photo is faded, after all, it is from the 80's ... :D

sweathog

08-20-2007, 11:49

shadowfox, that is definitely cute, albeit bordering on sickly sweet.
How many were sold in blue? I've never seen a blue one before.

shadowfox

08-20-2007, 13:25

Tom, don't know how many, I just know that it's rare enough today. :)
This one still works and looks like it never had too much use.

I'm developing the test roll tonight, let's see what's cooking.

sweathog

08-20-2007, 13:29

shadowfox, let me see the results when they come out. I expect them to be completely different from any other XA shots I've ever seen, just because it is blue :p

Toyoca 35

08-26-2007, 19:46

I'm conflicted: I have a Ricoh 500GX (the made in Taiwan model) & it is pretty cute. I've handed it on to my daughter as her small hands suit it better than mine.

When I bought it, this wee gem made the 60's era rangefinders surrounding it on the dealer's 2nd hand shelf look huge!

But I have to rule in favour of a Super Paxette. They don't look cute in pictures (my selenium metered version looks uncomfortably like a FED 4!) but once in the hand they almost disappear.

While the Ricoh is actually the more reliable camera, it feels and sounds cheap and tinny beside the tiny German box of tricks.

shadowfox

09-11-2007, 12:46

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1385/1360404069_98ec292c6b.jpg

Didier

09-11-2007, 14:30

My favourite is the Petri Color 35. The Ricoh, the Rollei and the Auto-S3 are also nice.

http://mogool.com/transfer/petri-color-35.jpg

http://mogool.com/transfer/xf35.jpg

http://mogool.com/transfer/ricoh-500gx_01.jpg

http://mogool.com/transfer/konica_autoS3_hood1.jpg

Didier

Didier

09-11-2007, 14:42

Sorry, I forgot my alltime favourite pocketable camera, the "Wedding Leica"!!!

http://mogool.com/transfer/weddingleica.jpg

:D Didier

nextreme

09-11-2007, 16:26

This is a nice combo. Well, at the very least, don't see many Samoca's.
Cheers !

49633

angrylittleboy

09-13-2007, 13:48

That black Ricoh looks sweet, and a black Petri Color 35 is fine too.

charjohncarter

09-13-2007, 16:11

I've decided: MelanieC wins.

RF'er

09-13-2007, 19:36

My much loved Olympus LC. Ain't she cute?

Thom

clarence

09-14-2007, 14:22

Thanks to this thread I decided on the Contessa and the Olympus XA.

Clarence

John Robertson

09-14-2007, 15:43

Arette 1c with superb Xenar lens!!
cost me £15 a few years ago, completely unused in its original box.

mllanos1111

09-14-2007, 15:49

My Agfa Compact Amazing lens!

wlewisiii

09-14-2007, 16:17

Thanks to this thread I decided on the Contessa and the Olympus XA.

Clarence

Hey, Clarence! That looks like one fine Contessa ... :angel: Glad it got there ok and hope you enjoy it.

William

Abbazz

09-14-2007, 22:14

I don't know if a 6x9 folder really qualifies as "cute," but I kinda love this one (Bessa E with 105/3.5 Heliar lens):

http://abbazz.zenfolio.com/img/v2/p557075478.jpg

Cheers!

Abbazz

Trius

09-15-2007, 06:18

Abbazz: I don't know about cute either, but man, it is elegant!

shadowfox

10-26-2007, 12:12

My Agfa Compact Amazing lens!

Wow, I've seen the Optima series with a Solitar lens, didn't know they made even more compact cameras with that lens. Solinar lenses rocks!