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I'd like to get an entry level, second hand 35mm rangefinder with a fast (preferably about 1.4) 50mm lens before the end of the year. Any suggestions with what to look for, how much to expect to pay and where to get one in Sydney? I would prefer fully manual to keep the price down as I can take an initial light reading off my D70.

On a side note, being film, why is there such a huge difference in the price of bodies? What is it that sets Leica apart from the rest or differentiates between other bodies?

Such a plethora of questions which basically comes down to what you can afford. The Leica is the creme de la creme for many professionals over the years and is still a much sort after camera system. One simple reason for the Leica being so brilliant was the super quite shutter action unlike SLRs’ and the superb optics, although these days it would appear that the lenses are made by a diversity of companies including Cosina

Where can I start looking for one? What are the lower level models and how much can I expect to pay for one along with a lens?

I would try ebay along with local shops for second hand cameras and also trading post. Basically I would expect to pay anywhere between $50 and a couple of hundred. For the top models you can still pay in the thousands!!

If I get a chance tomorrow I will check some sites out for you

sirhc55 wrote:I would expect to pay anywhere between $50 and a couple of hundred.

Not with a lens you won't, no matter wich model.

phillipb wrote:

sirhc55 wrote:I would expect to pay anywhere between $50 and a couple of hundred.

Not with a lens you won't, no matter wich model.

Absolutely correct. I should have stated body only

Foto Reisel on Kent St would probably have a selection. Maybe Paxtons on George St as well.

If you're thinking of a trip to Melbourne, Camera Exchange would be where I would be looking.

Thanks everyone. I had a look on EBay and there wasn't much of a selection so thought I'd ask.

In the end I just bought a cheap Minolta Himatic 7s off Ebay. Paid $27 for it, possibly got ripped off, not really concerned with such a low price. It's got a non-interchangable 45mm f/1.8.

Leica M8 mate

You could have saved yourself $27 on the RRP of the M8
M8 = mate

Regards,
CD

Not the M8 to start up with rangefinders... I think it spoils the fun of traditional Leica, at least from the winding film lever action...


A M6 or M7 can be into rescue for the money to spend...


Otherwise, something else cheaper to start with, maybe a Contax system.

spaz wrote:In the end I just bought a cheap Minolta Himatic 7s off Ebay. Paid $27 for it, possibly got ripped off, not really concerned with such a low price. It's got a non-interchangable 45mm f/1.8.

For the money, that’s a good choice.

There’re 4 popular and very similar cameras: Canonet GIII QL17, Yashica Electro 35 GSN and Minolta Hi Matic 7S II and one from Olymus, all manufactured in the 70s. These units, in good state, can be bought for $150AUS from respected traders.
Then, there are more expensive cameras: such as Minolta CLE, Konica Hexar, Vogtlander Bessa variants and old Nikon S2. Then you have Leicas and new Nikon S2 both are in the range $3KUS +.
You can also buy medium format rangefinders. The prices vary from very cheap to very, very expensive.

Try looking at the Contax IIA & IIIA models from the 1950s & 60s as this bulletproof camera was what Nikon copied for their first effort and they still shoot well with superb optics. Early Leicas sometimes have shutter curtain perforation problems but the Contax has a metal shutter. Look at Ebay. I have one. Great machine.
Col

Here we go.
http://www.cameraquest.com/voigrf.htm

Here we go.
http://www.cameraquest.com/voigrf.htm
Love this camera!