Toronto Photography Meetup Group

First off - hi all.

I've traditionally been an SLR shooter (currently 5D2) and last year added an mFT kit (GF1). I've been finding through the years my shooting style is more approached and contemplative and I've been thinking a lot more about rangefinders.

Thing is, I've found it difficult to find sources in the GTA that have them in stock to actually hold and try out (kind of). I did go to one of the camera shows last year but found it so busy that I couldn't actually get any quality time to discuss the whole RF thing with any of the vendors.

I was hoping some of the members here would meet occasionally and bring along their gear. I think I need to discuss what RF shooting is all about in a more sane atmosphere and actually see and handle what people are using.

Thanks in advance.

do yourself a favour and buy a $100-150 japanese rangefinder... use it and decide for yourself if it suits you.. once you've shot 25-30 rolls of film with it, then you'll know if a fixed lens RF limits you or is sufficient.. if it suits you then spend your money on film... if you find it doesn't suit you then sell it and buy a RF system that offers interchangeable lenses..

fondling cameras and talking about how OTHER people use their camera won't get you any closer to finding out if RF suits your needs/way of seeing/making images..

Well, on a lark I checked out the pawn shops on Church St., just to see what was there. All the optics seemed to be blurry, and I decided that I didn't want to get an iffy camera and have it taint my RF experience.

I have looked at the Bessas. They are within my price range but I'm hesitant to plop down even that amount of money in case I find the RF thing isn't for me.

What specific japanese RFs would you recommend? There is another camera show coming up in a few weeks.

Canon QL17
Olympus SP
Yashica GSN

all can be had for under $150... all of these fixed lens cameras perform as well optically as Leica/Canon/Zeiss glass of the same era...

google is your friend... good luck ...

just out of curiousity, what do you want to do with a RF that you can't/aren't able to do with a dSLR or GF-1?

I find the optical viewfinder of a RF appealing.

Check out the PHSC's show on May 16th. There will be lots of RF to chose from.

http://www.phsc.ca/fair/spring-2010-poster.pdf

All the fixed lens Japanese rangefinders that I've played with had a really dim rf patch. I found this made focusing a challenge. The modern Bessa rf's are much better in this regard.

hey bokehman,

I also got into the RF experience early this year and have been loving it. I got myself a Leica M6. It's simplicity and compact size is what I liked about it. Before going with the M6, I looked into the 4/3 system, but the electronic viewfinder didn't really appeal to me. Nowadays I carry my M6 everywhere I go. I also have a 5D2, which I enjoy very much, but it's too bulky and heavy to carry around.

I haven't used my 5D much since I got the GF1.

The thing I like about the rangefinders is the bright (well, depending on the camera I guess) viewfinder and no blackout when shooting. And I totally get the simplicity and compact form.

Even with my FF SLR I find the viewfinder too tunnel-like. Even my old Konica TC and 50mm lens is like looking at an IMAX movie compared to my FF. And looking at an LCD on the back of a camera is just odd sometimes - as though I'm not really there, but watching it on TV so to speak.

I'm not sure how the whole manual focusing will work for me. I have tried it on an M6 and it seems a bit strange. From what others have said you do get used to it.

And yes, the EVF for the GF1 is nasty. But necessary on a bright day.

You can try some of them new and used at 8 elm photo and Downtown Camera.

Yeah you'll get used to focusing with a RF after some time. I find focusing with a RF a lot easier compared to focusing with a manual dslr. ie. Just line up the multiple images and you're good to go.

I've tried the Bessa at Downtown a bit. Never heard of 8 Elm Photo. Will definitely check that out. Thanks.

I think they need to update their page. It says the Bessa R is coming in 2003!

I don't think they even realize they have a website it's so out of date

If you are near Burlington keep your eye on Big Camera Workshops.

Is $240 too much for a working Olympus SP?

Yes I can provide you with a good working condition but not mint for $50. Not really selling it but don't use it much. Just came across a canonet ql17 for $35 but it needs cleaning and new seals.

Can you send me a private message or email so we can discuss your SP? Thx.

Just PM me with any questions you might have.

$50 for a working SP is a steal!

Even though it actually takes good photos I don't think it's the best camera for a new user may be better to go to the camera fair next weekend I picked up my canonet ql17 in near mint shape for I think $85 it's optics isn't as good but it's smaller quieter and a more modern package. Although I do like the sp function and the ability to meter on manual.