best compact rf with fast lens

[nzeeman]

i was reading article on cameraquest about compact rf so i thought that it would be nice to eplore which is the best.
also it would be nice to share your photos frome these cameras. :D

[mfunnell]

I like my Auto S3. [Edit: though it seems I clicked the Auto S2 by mistake :( ]

...Mike

[ltketch]

I chose 7sII because thats the best fixed lens I have! (of only 2)

[Nikon Bob]

Didn't vote, you don't have the Minolta Highmatic E listed which is my best fast fixed lens compact RF.

Bob

[Silva Lining]

A vote for the Canonet ql17 from me - although I would probably have voted for the Vivitar 35 ES , if it had been there...

http://www.pbase.com/phillbrown/image/44562932/medium.jpg

[rxmd]

How about a Leica CL with a CV Nokton 40/1.4? :)

[BSchall]

Having had both the QL17GIII and the 7sII, my vote went to the 7sII, the only camera I regret selling. The 7sII lens seemed as sharp as my 55mm Micro Nikkor. And isn't the Vivitar 35 ES a 7sII clone. Having just bought another QL17GII (it's in the mail) for just over $20, while the 7sII I was watching, listed in an incorrect category, went for $101, dollar for dollar, the Canon is a bargain.

[laptoprob]

Apart from a great lens and a very good finder, the Canonet QLIII has a brilliant flash system. It does work!
Only the selftimer is soo fragile. It got one of mine killed too soon.

[NickTrop]

Konica Auto S3. Base that on Modern Photography's "best semi-wide optic we've ever tested" claim, and a 60-something to 80-something lpm score, which backs up my own experience with this camera. It is truly sharp wide-open. Its f1.8 looks like f4 on some other cameras I've used, in terms of sharpness, shoot wide open - no worries. It also renders colors well.

I have two other cameras on the list - and I like these a lot too. The Lynx 14 and the GSN, I use these more than the Konica actually, but I don't really consider these "compact" (especially the Lynx).

[JonR]

GSN and Lynx is not really compact - my votes goes to the Yashica 35 CC instead if you want something compact with a fast lens..../Jon

[raid]

Based on what I own and have used:

1. Konica III or IIIM: Leica like quality at a price range of (III) $100-$300 (IIIM)
2. Konica S2: I prefer it over the S3 for the ability to control exposure manually.
3. Minox GT (or similar): A small and light mini camera with awesome lens.
4. Olympus Stylus EPIC: I am still trying it out.

[shadowfox]

Four votes for the Olympus 35 SP but not one comment on it :)

I have the Canonet GIII QL17 (cla'd), a Yashica Electro GS (cla'd), and an Olympus 35 SP (cla'd).

The lens on the SP and Electro GS are neck to neck in terms of sharpness, however I like the bokeh on the SP better.

Canonet is not a distant third, but it's noticable in its lacking of sharpness and contrast (which, admittedly can work better on some types of pictures).

Because the Electro doesn't have manual control, my favorite is still the 35 SP.

[kshapero]

I dunno, since my Zeiss Ikon with C Sonnar 50/1.5 fits perfect in my bag, Domke 804, I am as happy as can be. If it were smaller I would put it in my pocket and mess it up with lint.

[narsuitus]

I own and use the Canon ql17 and the Minolta Hi-Matic 9. Both are great cameras. However, I voted for the Canon ql17 because it feels better in my hands.

[Roger Vadim]

My absolute best/ sharpest fixed RF Lens is on a Revue 400SE (german departmentstore Brand), which is, as far as i know, the same as the Vivitar 35 ES and a 7sII clone without aperture setting. The whole thing is a bit fragile and is not as well done as the QL17 / III or even the oly RC.
I like the handling and the feel of the GSN, but the lens, like the QL17 doesnt impress me. Actually, on all of them there is that little something misssing, dunno...
The machining of the Ql17 and the lens of the Revue/Vivitar would be it.
Seems like i need to save some money for a M-mount camera... This Forum is becoming a problem...
Michael

[ferider]

How about a Leica CL with a CV Nokton 40/1.4? :)

Both CLE and even more so CL with 40/1.4 are smaller than many of
the cameras in the above list. For instance, my Oly SP is slightly larger
than the CLE.

Roland.

[Joe Vitessa]

Of the ones I've used:
1. Konica Auto S3 was the sharpest.
2. Canon GIII QL17 was my first.
3. Olympus 35RC was the most compact/user friendly.
4. Voigtlander Vitessa L was my favorite!

[oftheherd]

Of what I own it would be the Canonet QIII 17. The Olympus 35 SP is not as compact.

[Broke]

My vote's for the QL17 -- wonderful build quality, especially when considering the prices they fetch. Nice viewfinder to boot. I think the black version is the best looking of all compact fixed lens RF's.

Cheers

[raid]

The original Konica series of RF cameras are super cool and they sport super sharp lenses.

Konica III and IIIM (or A).

These cameras are levels above the Konica Auto S, S2 or the S3. I have them all.

[Uwe_Nds]

My absolute best/ sharpest fixed RF Lens is on a Revue 400SE (german departmentstore Brand), which is, as far as i know, the same as the Vivitar 35 ES and a 7sII clone without aperture setting. The whole thing is a bit fragile and is not as well done as the QL17 / III or even the oly RC.
I like the handling and the feel of the GSN, but the lens, like the QL17 doesnt impress me. Actually, on all of them there is that little something misssing, dunno...
The machining of the Ql17 and the lens of the Revue/Vivitar would be it.
Seems like i need to save some money for a M-mount camera... This Forum is becoming a problem...
Michael

Second!
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=63672&ppuser=9369

Best regards,
Uwe

[ChrisN]

Naw - he said he wants a fast lens. How about a Canon Barnack copy with the 1.2 lens? Fast and compact! :D

[raid]

Naw - he said he wants a fast lens. How about a Canon Barnack copy with the 1.2 lens? Fast and compact! :D

I second this one!
The cameras are awesome (I have the IIIc), and the lens is super awesome.

[steve kessel]

Both CLE and even more so CL with 40/1.4 are smaller than many of
the cameras in the above list. For instance, my Oly SP is slightly larger
than the CLE.

Roland.

I have a CL and the CV Nokton 40/1.4 (both bought off this forum). Frankly, with the large lens hood it's not that compact and this whole thing looks a bit of a mutant. But results are what count.

[ferider]

I have a CL and the CV Nokton 40/1.4 (both bought off this forum). Frankly, with the large lens hood it's not that compact and this whole thing looks a bit of a mutant. But results are what count.

True - but you can keep the hood off :)

The hood of many of the compact RFs is pretty big, too ...

Roland.

[steve kessel]

True - but you can keep the hood off :)

The hood of many of the compact RFs is pretty big, too ...

Roland.

I'm still feeling my way into this lens and find it,s prone to flare, so I'm keeping the hood on for the present.

Regards

Steve

[HuubL]

You couldn't exactly call the Konica S2 "compact". It's bigger than a Leica M!

[stuken]

I love my oly SP. Nice and sharp, good contrast never had a problem with it. As far as compact rangefinders go, the Olympus RC(not on the list) is tiny, and lovely.

[planetjoe]

Oly SP. For my money, you can't beat the size, ergonomics, and image quality. f1.7, indeed. Gotta love it.

Look for a sharp RF patch and a clean RF/VF window. Updated to modern batteries is a plus, but the old ones will last near-forever if you keep the camera in a case (or keep the meter in the dark).

The only weak point, in my opinion, is the all-too-easily-adjusted ISO dial on the left side of the body. I find it gets "bumped" when fiddling about with the camera. The close proximity of the RF window to the lens axis also means that hoods sometimes block the RF prism. Still trying to find a good one.

I once had an extra-rare SPn (whose extra features were actually useful, rather than "collectable") and sold it. Big mistake for a measly $100. I finally got around to acquiring an SP again, in fabulous condition with an original ER case. I will not sell this one; I intend for it to be one of my son's (now age 2) early cameras. A "point and shoot" of the classic RF world, if you will.

[jody36]

Konica S2 built like a tank no battery needed easy to use and takes wonderful pictures. Oh by the way cheap to buy I own 3 and paid no more than 25 US for either of them case included.

[blackwave]

I like the Canonet QL17 because for a compact, it fits my freakishly large hands well. And the focusing tab is so money! I liked the Oly 35RC when I had it, but the controls were just too small for me. It's suited for "normal" people :) I've dabbled with a few others, but I always come back to my Canonet, which was incidentally my first RF.

[capitalK]

Oly 35 SP for me. I had used other fixed-lens RFs before it (most natably the Yashica MG-1) but the 35 SP was the first one I used that made me think "yah, I could shoot with one of these all the time."

It was stolen out of my car and I think about replacing it all the time, but the Bessa I bought since fills the void pretty well.

[wintoid]

I can't vote because I don't think I can choose between my 35SP and Auto S3. I'd say the Konica is sharper, but I enjoy using the 35SP the most.

My comments are:

Konica Auto S3 - really sharp, very short focus throw, decent VF
Oly 35SP - fits my hands, sharp, nice bokeh, OK VF, nice metering
Yashica GX - beautiful, great VF, sharp, small
Yashica GL - rare, large, the one I bought was broken but I still want one!
Oly 35RC - if only it wasn't f2.8
Oly XA - if only it wasn't f2.8
Oly 35RD - if only I could find a reliable one (been through 3 now)
Canon QL17 GIII - didn't get on well with this

[Rayt]

Did Yashica make a compact with a 40/1.4 lens? I was playing with it yesterday in a camera shop. It looked like a Lynx but had a hugh 40mm lens.

[pesphoto]

Did Yashica make a compact with a 40/1.4 lens? I was playing with it yesterday in a camera shop. It looked like a Lynx but had a hugh 40mm lens.

lynx 14e i believe.

[peter_n]

As a QL17GIII user I would vote for a Leica IIIF with a Konica UC Hexanon 35/2 on it, if it was on the list. :)

[Bruin]

Yashica GX is my pick over the Konica S3 and Oly SP because I can't live w/o aperture priority! (ok I probably could but I won't be as happy :D) I covered mine in Griptac for a MUCH-improved hold on the body.

I only wish the shutter release travel were shorter (a softrealease somewhat makes up for it) and the ISO setting went higher than 800, like the GL. The 35CC would be even better if the highest shutter speed were 1/500s like the GX.

[Krosya]

I have 3 fixed fast lens RF cameras:
I dont know which I like better, while all are great cameras - each has it's great points and weaknesses. I love lens on Konica (as I do on all Konicas I have in M-Hexanon line), but it's a bit of a large camera. I really like Oly RD - great and smallest camera with superb lens, yet I like handling of Canon a bit better, and lens on it is very good as well. So, I really can't vote, as I'm torn apart - I think all and any are a super choice.

[FPjohn]

Does the Black Natura s by Fuji deserve mention?

yours
FPJ

[f16sunshine]

Take the Yashica GX over any on the list. Since it is not there The QL17III and Electo CC are a close second. The CC is great unless you have strong light and need to stop down much. It has an Ugly 2 bladed aperture that makes some filthy OOF highlights sometimes. Also only AE but that works for me using iso stetting as exposure comp.

[raid]

Does the Black Natura s by Fuji deserve mention?

yours
FPJ

I sold my Black Natura. The lens is awesome. There is hardly any distortion.

[johnastovall]

Leica IIIG with Canon 50/1.2.

[Yvon]

no rollei 35??? you must be kidding me...

[btgc]

Reading on CC's max speed, I'll guess if it is dictated by construction of aperture?

[NickTrop]

Reading on CC's max speed, I'll guess if it is dictated by construction of aperture?

I thinks so. The Hexar AF - built 20 years after the "CC" and much more automated, had a similarly spec'd lens 35/2 (v the CC 35/1.8) and also had only a 2 blade leaf shutter and a top shutter speed of 1/250. Neither camera - especially the Hexar, was "low end". Wouldn't seem to be a cost-cutting measure. My guess is there is some physical limitation imposed by this lens spec (fast/wide) on shutter speed and shutter design with a leaf shutter. Kinda interesting. Would like to know if these assumptions are true (would seem to be) and why...
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[Trius]

I thinks so. The Hexar AF - built 20 years after the "CC" and much more automated, had a similarly spec'd lens 35/2 (v the CC 35/1.8) and also had only a 2 blade leaf shutter and a top shutter speed of 1/250. Neither camera - especially the Hexar, was "low end". Wouldn't seem to be a cost-cutting measure. My guess is there is some physical limitation imposed by this lens spec (fast/wide) on shutter speed and shutter design with a leaf shutter. Kinda interesting. Would like to know if these assumptions are true (would seem to be) and why...
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Interesting question. Given that shutters for LF lenses (though none as fast as f2,) are physically much larger and have speeds up 1/500, I don't think that's it. The AF is motor driven but the CC is not, so I don't think shot-to-shot performance is it either.

[NickTrop]

Interesting question. Given that shutters for LF lenses (though none as fast as f2,) are physically much larger and have speeds up 1/500, I don't think that's it. The AF is motor driven but the CC is not, so I don't think shot-to-shot performance is it either.

Hi Trius : ) It is curious, though. Why the top shutter of 1/250 and 2-blade shutter construction on both cameras made decades apart? Had to be some physical/engineering consideration, and a big one, since the Konica engineers couldn't overcome it 20 years after the fact. Why limit a higher-end RF like the Hexar AF to 1/250th top shutter speed? Why the 2-blade aperture?
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[sircarl]

I voted for the Canon QL17 when this poll first came out, but I later sold mine and got a Yashica GX. It's miles ahead of the Canon in image quality, and a joy to use. This from a trip to Palermo last year:


http://sircarl.smugmug.com/photos/387888309_y6Ug6-XL.jpg

[NickTrop]

I voted for the Canon QL17 when this poll first came out, but I later sold mine and got a Yashica GX. It's miles ahead of the Canon in image quality, and a joy to use. This from a trip to Palermo last year:


http://sircarl.smugmug.com/photos/387888309_y6Ug6-XL.jpg

Tomioka Optical, then Yashica-owned, are much underrated overall... along with Konica and Pentax. Not to slight the others... They just cranked out great lenses and left the "mystique building" efforts to others (cough... Leica, cough... Nikon). Camera manufactures competeted in a "monopolistiIC competition" setting if ever there was one...
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Monopolistic competition is a common market structure where many competing producers sell products that are differentiated from one another products (ie. the products are substitutes, but are not exactly alike)...

Monopolistically competitive markets have the following characteristics:

There are many producers and many consumers in a given market, and no business has total control over the market price.
Consumers perceive that there are non-price differences among the competitors' products.
There are few barriers to entry and exit[2].
Producers have a degree of control over price.

Another concern of critics of monopolistic competition is that it fosters advertising and the creation of brand names. Critics argue that advertising induces customers into spending more on products because of the name associated with them rather than because of rational factors.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monopolistic_competition

The above is the reason why I never buy and will never buy expensive cameras
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[DennisPT]

Leica CL + Canon 50/1.2.

[btgc]

Why limit a higher-end RF like the Hexar AF to 1/250th top shutter speed? Why the 2-blade aperture?
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I'm not familiar with Hexar, though this morning Konica Auto S3 came to mind - well, it's not exactly wide, though close - 38/1.8 and has....I can't find direct statement how many diaphragm blades it has, though I'm pretty sure they are five.

Interesting, how design compares to CC and Hexar lens to allow use of more blades (please, confirm or decline this, anyone). My speculation is that KAS3 is shutter priority only, so automatic aperture selection could be more compact than manual aperture selection. Though GN system also sets aperture, so I'm not dead sure if this is the reason. Do really those extra 3mm make difference ? :)

[PMCC]

Another vote for the Yashica 35 GX. Great 6 element 40/1.7 lens, contrasty VF with parallax correction, 1/500 top speed, and smaller and lighter than most on the list. Can fit in the pocket of your windbreaker without wrecking the jacket. I think the black version is especially sharp looking. Don't foresee parting with mine.

[Mablo]

Oly RD lens is really really sharp.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3317/3646483655_8ee9d20f3a_b.jpg

My Electro 35 G comes close but I find it a little too bulky sometimes. It is a great camera for those late evening photos on a tripod though.

[johnastovall]

None of the above, a Leica IIIG with the Canon 50/1.2.

[arthur sadowsky]

Hey 'Krosya (http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/member.php?u=4587)',

could you tell me what kind of shade/hood you're using on your Oly 35 RD?

What brand is it and where did you buy it from?

Thanks a lot in advance!!

[krohmie]

I vote for the Lynx 14e.

It ist not a really compact RF, more a bulky one.

But it has a really nice fastF 1,4 Lens!

[raid]

I recently bought a Lynx 14E and I had it CLA'd.
Now I need to try it out.

[TXForester]

If you have the Olympus 35RD, then you might as well put in the 35RC since it adds manual control.

[Brian Legge]

The 35RD and 35SP both can be used in manual of automatic. The 35DC is automatic only.

[Vics]

How about a Leica CL with a CV Nokton 40/1.4? :)
Or even with the 40 Summicron!

[Calzone]

Didn't vote.

My current small fast compact RF'er is a black paint Leica II (Model D) with a 35/1.8 Mikkor in LTM. I use my Zeiss 25/28 external VF'er and can easily imagine 35mm framing by doubling the difference between the 25 and 28 framelines.

Cal

[f16sunshine]

I like fixed lens cameras... rf's in particular.

Voted for the Konica auto s3.
The Yashica GX is actually the best one of all but not in the poll.
The canon QL17iiiis nice but has a poorly designed shutter button imo. causes lots of motion.
The S3 and GX are smooth operators with crispy sharp lenses and compact bodies.
GX is my fav for being aperture priority rather than the S3's shutter priority automatic

[FrankS]

I went through most of the fixed lens rf cameras and didn't like them. It seemed to me that the copies that I had had all reached or passed their life expectancies and showed their wear and age. (eg wobbly lens, burnt out meters)

Because of my experiences, my vote also goes to the Leica CL with 40 Summicron C for most compactness, or CV40f1.4 for most speed, or Canon 50f1.8.

[ColSebastianMoran]

Another vote for the Yashica GX. Very nice, Aperture preferred, and I like the 40mm view. Parallax correction.

[Bill58]

I can't figure out how to vote, but can state I think the Oly 35RD is the best.

[Spicy]

Poll's closed, Bill.

[Bill58]

Poll's closed, Bill.

So, that's why I couldn't vote!

Thanks