Getting a Rangefinder

[kentay]

Hi, im interested in traditional film photography. Having grown up in the digital age, i thought i should at least give it a shot and what better way to do it than to get a good ole rangefinder ( i hear the old ones can be relatively cheap as well)

i was just wondering where i might find such cameras and how much they would cost. I hear that there are some really cheap ones waiting to be found.

[sabahan]

I would recommand Konica hexxar RF or Votglander R2,both can accept Leica M lens.

[fWord]

Nice to see that you've chosen to venture into film...I got involved in it for the same reasons. And it's good fun having a relatively cheap film camera by your side. Play with a dog in Ubin and then get back to shooting without worrying much about the camera!

Anyway, I've found the following link most useful:

http://www.photoethnography.com/equipment.html

Here you can read up more about how to safely buy an old rangefinder/ SLR (very important to know) and also view some of the recommended choices. It was one of the things that made me consider using a camera from yesteryear.

The Yashica Electro 35 GSN is one camera recommended at this site and can be obtained quite cheaply. It seems easy enough to use with Aperture Priority, and the fast lens means that you should be able to cope in most lighting conditions with ISO 400 film loaded. Take a look at Ebay to get a rough idea of what the prices are like and don't overpay for your camera.

If you get seriously interested in rangefinders, get in touch with GC1. He's busy most of the time, but I'm sure he'll gladly help you.

[the mac 13]

Im going back to film too!

So where can I buy rangefinders locally? Other than CS and auction sites...

regards,
tm13

[kex]

the bessa range of RF cameras are the "value for $$" type.

[fWord]

Originally Posted by the mac 13 Im going back to film too! So where can I buy rangefinders locally? Other than CS and auction sites... regards, tm13

Well, there's definitely some on sale at Camera Hospital and also at Cam.X. However the prices are going to be upmarket and you'll probably be looking more at the collectors-item sort of stuff.

There's supposed to be a rangefinder forum around...I think it's www.rangefinderforum.com. Might have some luck chatting up some of the members there. From what a friend told me, they're exceptionally nice, considering most of them don't even know each other in person.

[Terence]

The Singaporeans and Malaysians hang out HERE on RFF. There's a pretty good classifieds section there but most sellers are in the US and may not ship overseas.

For local purchases, I personally thing the B&S forums of CS is the best bet. Some do pop up at Offstone at times too.

I personally have a bunch of mid to high end RF cams for sale if interested. Drop an email.

[hongjone]

Just wondering how much does it cost for a XPanII + 45mm brand new? Thanks.

[EOS10D]

get a CANON QL17 !!
I did a back to back comparision with Leica M6 35mmf2
vs CANON 40MMF1.7

You REALLY got to look closely to see any difference if at all

but the price is more than x20 difference!!!
talk about getting what you paid for

[hongjone]

Originally Posted by hongjone Just wondering how much does it cost for a XPanII + 45mm brand new? Thanks.

Found it.

http://forums.clubsnap.org/showthrea...highlight=XPan

[YOL925]

Originally Posted by hongjone Just wondering how much does it cost for a XPanII + 45mm brand new? Thanks.

S$4K+

YOL

[hongjone]

Yar lor, almost the price of 4 Sony PS3.

Then anyone any idea how about a Fuji TX-2?

[Terence]

Originally Posted by hongjone Yar lor, almost the price of 4 Sony PS3. Then anyone any idea how about a Fuji TX-2?

About $3k for a nice used one with the 45mm. The answer was in the thread you posted.

[hongjone]

Originally Posted by Terence About $3k for a nice used one with the 45mm. The answer was in the thread you posted.

Just wondering how about a new one? Thanks.

[Terence]

Originally Posted by hongjone Just wondering how about a new one? Thanks.

About $3800 or thereabouts. Except that supplies are thinning out since production has ceased.

[hongjone]

Originally Posted by Terence About $3800 or thereabouts. Except that supplies are thinning out since production has ceased.

Wow, that was fast. And Thank you so much...

[Terence]

Originally Posted by hongjone Wow, that was fast. And Thank you so much...

I aim to please. You are probably better off finding a used body, it's a lot easier on the wallet. The TX-1 or Xpan I is still a good alternative over the newer version, even easier on the wallet.

[fattlee]

Originally Posted by the mac 13 Im going back to film too! So where can I buy rangefinders locally? Other than CS and auction sites... regards, tm13

Cam.X shop at Peninsula,plenty also.

[hongjone]

Originally Posted by Terence I aim to please. You are probably better off finding a used body, it's a lot easier on the wallet. The TX-1 or Xpan I is still a good alternative over the newer version, even easier on the wallet.

Thanks again, may need to wait awhile, I'm going to need the money for my new car. Cheers!

[Onigiri]

anybody want to sell canon G3 17? he hehehe