I bought a Fed 2 recently and a zorki 4. I definitely prefer the zorki. Bigger brughter viewfinder. But i think the lens that came with the fed is horrible so that might be another reason i like the zorki better. Ended up ordering a Jupiter 3 so we'll see if its a good one.
@ikaros4203Күн бұрын
wondering if you could please make a video on how to adjust the alignment of the rangefinder in leica iii and its copies?
@extremebanding274812 сағат бұрын
It is pretty easy, the horizontal atleast. The vertical is not difficult either but can be a bit more fiddly. I might do a video on it in the future, but there should already be some out there. A step by step can be found here: www.mediajoy.com/en/lrc/lbal/index.html
@extremebanding274812 сағат бұрын
The horizontal is just the screw in the last step. So if the vertical is alright you can just adjust the screw.
@timithy1332 күн бұрын
I hope you get your hands on a Yasuhara T981 and make a video on it
@winedemonium4 күн бұрын
I admire (and am sometimes baffled by) French engineering. They don't copy - they work from first principles it seems. So, after seeing how all sorts of manufacturing countries copied best in class (Contax or Leica), the French?.... It makes me curious to try a Foca actually.
@extremebanding27482 күн бұрын
Yes, it is a cool camera, and a bit different experience, which is always nice in its own way. Would have loved to try the Foca URC, but they are very rare, unfortunately.
@winedemonium4 күн бұрын
I got excited in the first half of this review, but being an eyeglasses wearer, in addition to having a large nose and non-protuding eyes, my heart sank a bit. Still, what a cool camera. Which, in your view, is the best eye relief viewfinder of any LTM Barnack-type camera you have used?
@extremebanding27482 күн бұрын
Since I don't use glasses I unfortunately have not tested it. But I guess something with low magnification and a big eyepiece would be the best. Since the eyepiece of the Canon 7 is so big, it should be good with the 50mm frame. The 35 would probably be a little bit difficult to see. If just talking about rangefinder cameras, the Minolta Super A and Agfa Ambi Silette should be good candidates. Will have to check and see
@extremebanding27482 күн бұрын
The Leica CL and Minolta CLE are good candidates also, regarding eye relief
@winedemonium4 күн бұрын
such a superbly well-balanced review, thank you.
@winedemonium4 күн бұрын
I watched this last night and came back to comment. Thank goodness for cold bleak Swedish winters! What a good use of time! I benefitted a lot from your in depth commentary on the Canon rangefinder system. It's a rare find on KZread, as most videos are superficial "hands on with..." type ones, and you quickly realise you have more experience than the presenter. Not so this one, wow! I love that you showed us through the viewfinder and the rangefinder in operation for each camera, compared them physically side by side, and gave us the more intelligent answer to "which one is best?" = i.e. it depends on your use case and priorities. I would LOVE to see your take on the Nikon rangefinder system. Everyone seems to say SP, but for glasses wearers like me there are arguments for the S2, S3, S4. Right, now to binge watch the rest of your series...
@extremebanding27482 күн бұрын
Thanks, glad you liked it! Regarding the Nikons, this series of course has a big Contax-shaped hole in it, which would include Contax/Kiev/Nikon. The Nikons are a bit expensive though, hard to find below 1000€, especially since I don't have any lenses that fit currently. It is summer now however, but we will see what happens the coming winter...
@johntibzdeleon15138 күн бұрын
i hopeu ju did not broke the zorki c!
@extremebanding27482 күн бұрын
Haha, no, it is almost unbreakable!
@sonuvasteele222612 күн бұрын
So i dont think i heard you say why not to buy a fed 2 with the self timer. Is it more prone to breaking with rhat feature?
@extremebanding274811 күн бұрын
I prefer the one without just because of ergonomics. It is a tiny bit smaller and lighter, and the cold shoe is a bit lower (but that can also be a downside depending on what external finder you use, if any), and as I don't use the self timer I think it is mostly in the way. Personally I also prefer the knob of the one without the self timer. Other than that they are very similar, and should be just as reliable.
@DessieTots14 күн бұрын
I can see where Pentax got the design for their new half-frame camera?
@linjicakonikon766614 күн бұрын
I love the Canon VT Deluxe so much I've acquired five of them with Canon and Voightlander ltm lenses. For me, the perfect camera.
@Rangefinder4815 күн бұрын
Hi! I just picked up a Canon P and was wondering about using a collapsible lens. In the video you used the Elmar on the P. Does the lens hit the internals when collapsed? Was thinking of picking up a Canon Serenar 50mm f1.9 or f3.5 if there’s no problem. Thanks!
@extremebanding274814 күн бұрын
You can sometimes feel the Elmar touching the baffles (I think that is the correct word) a bit when collapsing it, but other than that it works just fine
@gatsbye5315 күн бұрын
Great video, love your content!
@extremebanding274814 күн бұрын
Thanks!
@numbersix891917 күн бұрын
Duhrhurr, duh, is this the L mount?
@extremebanding274816 күн бұрын
This is the original Leica CL, with m-mount, not the digital one.
@numbersix891916 күн бұрын
@@extremebanding2748 Thanks!
@chickenitsa17 күн бұрын
Thank you. I'm afraid that your excellent review of this (excellent) camera has just contributed to making it even MORE expensive! But thank you for helping to keep old Leica LTM cameras affordable!
@fergusfitzgerald977Ай бұрын
This looks very interesting and is aesthetically very pleasing ? Love to see some photos ?
@extremebanding2748Ай бұрын
The standard lens is a coated tessar from the 60's, and it is a nice performer. Apart from that the cameras influence on the look of the photos is minimal. Any 35mm film camera with a similar tessar lens will look basically the same. As the look of the image is mostly influenced by the photographer, and the image quality (besides from the lens) mostly depends on type of film, exposure, developer and (in digitized form) scanning with digital post processing, I do not think random photographs are of value when evaluating these types of cameras, potentially more confusing really. It is always nice to look at photos, of course, but it is not the purpose or aim of this particular series.
@KhunTui-jl5njАй бұрын
Hello, I ask for your advice. Now I'm interested in VL , VI-L , P . Which one do you think is the most complete? (I secretly like the VL more because it doesn't have the word Canon on the front, which is like the M2 and M3 ). Which do you think has the least disadvantages? The best material. thank you for the advice
@extremebanding2748Ай бұрын
Well, you have my views on the pros and cons of the different models in the video, but apart from that, as it is most common, it is generally easiest to find a Canon P in good condition for a good price, but of the cameras you mention are very well built and nice cameras. As they are all quite old, I think the best camera would be the one that is in best condition, especially concerning the viewfinder (the VL seems to be one of the most problematic in that regard, but you still might find one with a clear finder).
@KhunTui-jl5njАй бұрын
@@extremebanding2748 Thank you for your comment. If you have anything else to recommend, please advise me.
@KhunTui-jl5njАй бұрын
How about VI-L (6) What do you think VS P , please advise me.
@extremebanding2748Ай бұрын
@@KhunTui-jl5nj The VI-L is more useable with 35mm lenses, but the finder seems to suffer more from ageing, and usually it costs a bit more. If you would find a VI-L with a finder in super condition, I would say it would be preferrable to the Canon P, but if you do not use 35mm lenses, the Canon P is basically just as good.
@KhunTui-jl5njАй бұрын
@@extremebanding2748 thank you for the advice. From what I've researched, VL / VI both have a problem where the viewfinder isn't sharp and hard to see. .which matches what you said. It makes me worried about using VI or VL. I'd like to ask more. If I see a VI with a bright viewfinder? But in the future it will get worse. And you can see it, right?
@zoltankaparthy9095Ай бұрын
The Barnack camera solution has been shown as a very good one. It is basic, compact and functional. It defined the genre. And as much as I dislike the aura of Leica I am glad to pick mine up because it works. Consistently. That means a lot.
@peterchristopher2258Ай бұрын
my Zorki 4 (1957 make) is one of my favorite Soviet RF cameras. It feels decently built, and I absolutely love the feeling of all the knobs. Bonus points for that it has a combined RF/viewfinder for 50mm and its not a bottom loader. The early model Zorki 4s are the way to go, the later maodels feel more cheaper as the years of production kept going.
@aw614Ай бұрын
Just got a Minolta 35 on ebay, and luckily found one with decent condition shutter curtains, though the shutter speed dial was not put correctly back on and whoever did it stripped the screws on it, but other than that its usable, but the price was really good... I like the flat bottom of yours more than the one I have on my 35 Model II. It's weird that the other screw mount lenses didnt work on your Minolta 35. Outside of a few lenses being close to the self-timer, most mounted ok with mine. I've tried a various Japanese screw mount lenses the ones that dont hit the self-timer fit fine.
@extremebanding2748Ай бұрын
Yes, a flat bottom is better, but that is a small thing. Maybe you can get 40 frames on a roll with your Model II, that would not be bad at all, and worth the trade off I think. Yes, there was probably some kind of issue with the rangefinder arm on my Minolta-35. Good to know that it was probably just that copy, and that it works like it should on yours. Hope you'll enjoy your camera!
@50mm-f1.8Ай бұрын
Will there be a video on the kodak retina rangedinder cameras? the IIIc comes standard with a 50mm f2, it has a retrackteble lense and great focus throw.
@extremebanding2748Ай бұрын
I have considered that one, an interesting design, but have not made up my mind yet on how long this series will be. We will see
@Socrates...Ай бұрын
@@extremebanding2748I hope this series lasts a long time, it is amazing
@Socrates...Ай бұрын
I have the Agfa Super Silette with the 50mm f2 Solagon lens.
@kay139oАй бұрын
Hey, thank you for this video. Have had to clean any fungus from the rangefinder/viewfinder area before? If so, what did you use?
@extremebanding2748Ай бұрын
When cleaning out fungus I usually use hydrogen peroxide mixed with ammonia, but that said, when cleaning a rangefinder you do have to be a bit careful, not touch the half silvered mirrors and so on. I always start with a cloth, then lens cleaning fluid and see what difference that makes. There are usually good tutorials on youtube and forums for specific cameras, and what to watch out for
@kay139oАй бұрын
@@extremebanding2748 Thanks for your advice
@Tall_Films2 ай бұрын
Are you certain that collapsibles don't fit? I'd read elsewhere that the m39 elmar 5cm f3.5 could collapse okay
@extremebanding27482 ай бұрын
Yes, I am certain. They fit on the mount and you can collapse them of course, but not all the way. There are workarounds to limit the lens so it doesn't collapse as deep, but then it won't be as compact either. Some collapsibles work perfectly fine, but not the 50mm elmars and industars for example.
@Tall_Films2 ай бұрын
@@extremebanding2748 Thanks for the detailed response! Good to know :)
@OutRAjious2 ай бұрын
best paperweight? Surely not…)
@alberttong52812 ай бұрын
Your Leica IIf has what looks like a hot shoe, which is really intriguing. Is it functional and can you tell us more about it?
@extremebanding2748Ай бұрын
Yes, you are right about that! As I never use a flash on these cameras I do not know if it is working, and as many of these videos were recorded some time ago, I am afraid I no longer own this camera, so I can't test it, which is quite unfortunate as that actually would have been quite interesting.
@jasongold67512 ай бұрын
a very unreliable piece of junk! Sorry! A failure! Snake oil salesmanship. Ashamed!
@extremebanding27482 ай бұрын
Sounds like you've had a bad experience, sorry for you. What broke in your camera? Besides from the light meter and some issues with the film spool it does seem pretty solid, but I've only had one copy, so my knowledge is very limited. I guess they need regular service though, like all mechanical cameras.
@palesmichael2 ай бұрын
I have just been thinking about getting this. Mostly for 40 and 90mm. Would you still recommend this?
@extremebanding27482 ай бұрын
Well I do like it. So if you do not like the larger rangefinder cameras I think it is a nice option indeed. 90mm could be a bit problematic though. Haven't used it with long lenses myself, but it might be necessary to stop a 90mm lens down a bit for accurate focus.
@gerogerogegege2 ай бұрын
I've shot a couple of rolls on mine and I enjoy the experience. I just wish that there was some kind of accessory grip for the camera because, at least for me, it hurts to use it after a while. I usually use a small strap and roll it around my left wrist but it does make my wrist hurt. It is indeed a nice camera and I'm happy that I was able to finally get a Leica, it is also my first rangefinder camera
@extremebanding27482 ай бұрын
Yes, they could have made it a bit wider on the side where you grip it. The Minolta CLE is nicer to hold, but it is fully electronic and more expensive, so that might not be worth it. The CL is not perfect, but still very nice.
@KyleCrocodile2 ай бұрын
Could you do a video about the Yasuhara t981?
@extremebanding27482 ай бұрын
Did not know about that one, looks very interesting. I do not have it coming up, but if I would come across one I would surely be tempted to try it out.
@Socrates...2 ай бұрын
Thank you very much
@theblackandwhitefilmproject2 ай бұрын
I own an MP and an M2. I mainly shoot B+W HP5+ and use the MP Iso400 and M2 Iso800 low light. My M2 has a self timer so I can use on a tripod down to 1 sec without needing a cable release. I chose the M2 over the M3 because I wanted the framelines for 35mm. I prefer the spool loading with the M2 over the MP as there is more certainty that it is loaded correctly. I use a Doomo cold shoe light meter which gives the same meter readings as the MP. It is a brilliant camera. I bought from Ebay CLA'd with new paint, leather, viewfinder. I had to get the rangefinder adjusted when I bought it. The technician had never seen another Leica M where every shutter speed is perfect. The film counter dial is fine- just set it up when loading the film. Never had a problem. I feel very lucky to have this camera. When using it is the same feeling as driving a classic car. FYI the framelines are 35mm, 50mm and 90mm.Cheers!
@extremebanding27482 ай бұрын
Yes, you are right, it is 90mm, too many frame lines to keep track of, I guess. Congratulations to your M2! It is very hard to imagine a camera with a nicer feel. The analogy with a classic car is spot on, there's just something about it.
@theblackandwhitefilmproject2 ай бұрын
@@extremebanding2748 When I looked at M3 or iiig the framelines of 50/90/135 were too limiting. I had the chance to use a 135mm lens and it was almost unusable - too heavy to keep stable under 1/250 and with such a small frameline too hard to focus. Even using hyperfocal distance to focus the f stops are so close together to be usable.Cheers and regards.
@VirtualGuth2 ай бұрын
Nice video - I love Minolta cameras. Many years ago I was strongly considering selling my Leica M6. I bought a Minotla CLE to evaluate as a possible replacement along with two M-Rokkor lenses in the 40mm and 28mm focal lengths. (After much searching I managed to find an example of the 28mm lens completely free of the white spots that typically plague this model.) In the end I decided to keep the M6 but I also kept the CLE. While they compliment each other nicely, the CLE is just a great camera in its own right. That Super A is particularly lovely (it would look right at home in a Wes Anderson movie).
@extremebanding27482 ай бұрын
Good decision to keep both! A CLE with the 28 and 40, just a perfect set, Minolta really nailed it there.
@VirtualGuth2 ай бұрын
@@extremebanding2748 Agreed.
@palesmichael2 ай бұрын
The canon 4sb2 has the effective base lenght of 25 with the shortest magnification, right? So if we set it to 1.35 we will have ~50mm, is that correct?
@extremebanding27482 ай бұрын
Well you have the magnificationsettings of 0.67x, 1x and 1.5x, and then you have a base length of about 25mm, 37mm and 55.5mm
@mstrshkbrnnn19992 ай бұрын
I want a cle so bad but they’re out of my price range 😢
@extremebanding27482 ай бұрын
Yes they are a bit pricey. If you do not require metering (there are nice apps for metering with the phone for example) a working Leica CL with broken meter can usually be had for alot less. Quite similar experience, but no 28mm frame lines of course. Otherwise a tip would be to look for sets with the Minolta CLE and some lenses. If you sell the lenses you can most of the time get a camera for a bit less compared to buying it separately, but that of course requires some funds for the inital investment, and you still need at least one lens...
@_Sisyphus2 ай бұрын
It's always a joy to watch a review on lessor know rangefinders. My Minolta Super A with 35-3.5, 50-1.8 and 85-2.8 will never part. A wrist strap helps with the weight. I adore this camera.
@extremebanding27482 ай бұрын
Yes it is lovely, I will give the wrist strap a go!
@TiliTheSleepStealer2 ай бұрын
I can listen to you talk about rangefinders all day. I love your voice!
@extremebanding27482 ай бұрын
Thanks, that is nice to hear!
@Bertzcommodities2 ай бұрын
I use a Chiyoko super rokkor 45mm lens on my Leica IIIf , honestly such a beautiful lens , design , feel , and results !! I also use the leitz elmar 3.5 50mm collapsible lens as well
@extremebanding27482 ай бұрын
Yes the rokkor is really well built, the most solid feel of almost any lens I've ever handled. 45mm could actually be quite useful also on the Minolta CLE and the Leica CL for example, where the 40mm frame lines are a bit tight
@stevecoffey52902 ай бұрын
I didn't expect to see the CLE on this series. I am waiting on my CLE from KEH as I type this. I decided on it over a Leica due to price. Sure, the prices are going up but they are going up on anything worth getting even Barnacks. The Super A looks incredible!
@extremebanding27482 ай бұрын
Well...me neither actually, but it became too hard to overlook. Hope you'll enjoy it, it is truly a super camera, and compared to its rivals with equal specs, the price is still pretty good. Yes, the Super A is a unique experience, still surprises me when I pick it up.
@VirtualGuth2 ай бұрын
I've owned a CLE for a number of years now and really enjoy it. When my example arrived (I bought it from a seller in Japan) the metering system demonstrated the jumping LEDs that others have written about. I was able to resolve this by partially disassembling the camera and cleaning the electrical contacts that reside under the shutter speed dial (I found all of the information I needed by searching online). Should the need for a repair arise, you can also check out Nielsen Photographic Services in Oakdale, California. Scott Nielsen has fixed CLEs for others and the reviews have been very good. Enjoy!
@quite1enough2 ай бұрын
just looked up Minolta CLE prices on eBay and just... ouch...
@extremebanding27482 ай бұрын
No, not cheap, then again, if you take a look at the Leica M:s with metering and 0.58x magnified finders...
@sputumtube2 ай бұрын
The camera body is only half the story. It will also need a compatible (Leica?) lens which will double the total outlay.
@extremebanding27482 ай бұрын
Of course. But a nice thing about Leica screw mount, and even more so the M-mount, is that the lens selection is enormous, and you can get an ltm to m-adapter and a Soviet 50mm lens for very very little, if you want to keep costs down. And on the other hand, if you want a more expensive lens, you can choose to save money on the camera body instead.
@ROTTENMUSTBEKILLED2 ай бұрын
Absolute gem of a channel! Thanks for this overview. I will pick up a M2 this Friday and I‘m super excited to shoot with it. Personally I don’t think the frame counter will bother me all that much. You‘re always going to at least have one spare roll in your bag with you. So even if you manage to fiddle it to something other than your current frame count, you‘ll be fine.
@extremebanding27482 ай бұрын
Thanks, and good choice! I'm sure you'll enjoy the M2 immensely, it is one of the nicest cameras there is.
@gerogerogegege2 ай бұрын
I've yet to see any Leica M getting sold for under a 1000€ but I appreciate the overview otherwise. Myself I've got a Leica CL and I quite like it, despite the tiny EBF
@extremebanding27482 ай бұрын
Here in Sweden it is actually not uncommon to find the m2's around the 1000€-mark, with a little bit of patience. If you are based in the eu you can check out the swedish form of ebay, called tradera, where good deals surface from time to time. The CL is a wonderful camera though, and as long as you don't use longer focal lengths the base length is most of the time more than sufficient.
@stevecoffey52902 ай бұрын
I once owned an M2 but but sold it. In recent years I'm wanting another but I remember constantly hitting the frame counter in my bag. It drove me crazy so maybe it's time for an M4 to go with my Barnacks.
@extremebanding27482 ай бұрын
Yes, that's a good point actually. I haven't experienced it, that I know (so I probably have), but I can see it happen. The M4 is of course in many ways an upgrade, the M2 perfected in a way, but also more expensive.
@mlzplayer92432 ай бұрын
I would be interested in a comparison between the M3 and S3, SP etc.
@extremebanding27482 ай бұрын
Indeed, me too...
@Socrates...2 ай бұрын
I prefer M3 for 50mm
@LeendertCordemans2 ай бұрын
I like them all. I've them collected all.
@johannesjacobsson42252 ай бұрын
Tjenare! Det var jag som köpte den här kameran av dig :) blev förvånad när jag insåg att det var kameran jag hade framför mig när jag tittade på videon! Jag lämnade in den till Alois Kosnar direkt när jag fick hem den och nu fungerar den felfritt. Frammatningen går mjukt och fint! Fick även nytt glas till viewfindern. Tycker det är intressant att den har så tidigt serienummer. Enligt nätet så är de tidigaste man hittat på 102000.
@extremebanding27482 ай бұрын
Haha, ja, så kan det bli, särskilt när kameran i fråga är såpass ovanlig. En service är något alla dessa gamla kameror förtjänar egentligen, så kul att du rustat upp den och att den går fint! Och intressant med serienumret, hoppas du gjort ett fynd...🙂
@photobobo2 ай бұрын
Way over priced.
@extremebanding27482 ай бұрын
Depends on what you find it for of course. It is generally much cheaper than all other metered cameras with Leica M-mount, save for the Leica CL, but many of the Bessas have seen much less use than the CLs, and they are almost 30 years younger...
@hotrode69692 ай бұрын
hi,what was that lens on zorki 1 ?
@extremebanding27482 ай бұрын
Hi, it is the Russar 20mm f5.6. It is not rangefinder coupled, but really compact as you can see. Because of the protruding rear element it is not a good choice for digital, so best used with film
Пікірлер
I bought a Fed 2 recently and a zorki 4. I definitely prefer the zorki. Bigger brughter viewfinder. But i think the lens that came with the fed is horrible so that might be another reason i like the zorki better. Ended up ordering a Jupiter 3 so we'll see if its a good one.
wondering if you could please make a video on how to adjust the alignment of the rangefinder in leica iii and its copies?
It is pretty easy, the horizontal atleast. The vertical is not difficult either but can be a bit more fiddly. I might do a video on it in the future, but there should already be some out there. A step by step can be found here: www.mediajoy.com/en/lrc/lbal/index.html
The horizontal is just the screw in the last step. So if the vertical is alright you can just adjust the screw.
I hope you get your hands on a Yasuhara T981 and make a video on it
I admire (and am sometimes baffled by) French engineering. They don't copy - they work from first principles it seems. So, after seeing how all sorts of manufacturing countries copied best in class (Contax or Leica), the French?.... It makes me curious to try a Foca actually.
Yes, it is a cool camera, and a bit different experience, which is always nice in its own way. Would have loved to try the Foca URC, but they are very rare, unfortunately.
I got excited in the first half of this review, but being an eyeglasses wearer, in addition to having a large nose and non-protuding eyes, my heart sank a bit. Still, what a cool camera. Which, in your view, is the best eye relief viewfinder of any LTM Barnack-type camera you have used?
Since I don't use glasses I unfortunately have not tested it. But I guess something with low magnification and a big eyepiece would be the best. Since the eyepiece of the Canon 7 is so big, it should be good with the 50mm frame. The 35 would probably be a little bit difficult to see. If just talking about rangefinder cameras, the Minolta Super A and Agfa Ambi Silette should be good candidates. Will have to check and see
The Leica CL and Minolta CLE are good candidates also, regarding eye relief
such a superbly well-balanced review, thank you.
I watched this last night and came back to comment. Thank goodness for cold bleak Swedish winters! What a good use of time! I benefitted a lot from your in depth commentary on the Canon rangefinder system. It's a rare find on KZread, as most videos are superficial "hands on with..." type ones, and you quickly realise you have more experience than the presenter. Not so this one, wow! I love that you showed us through the viewfinder and the rangefinder in operation for each camera, compared them physically side by side, and gave us the more intelligent answer to "which one is best?" = i.e. it depends on your use case and priorities. I would LOVE to see your take on the Nikon rangefinder system. Everyone seems to say SP, but for glasses wearers like me there are arguments for the S2, S3, S4. Right, now to binge watch the rest of your series...
Thanks, glad you liked it! Regarding the Nikons, this series of course has a big Contax-shaped hole in it, which would include Contax/Kiev/Nikon. The Nikons are a bit expensive though, hard to find below 1000€, especially since I don't have any lenses that fit currently. It is summer now however, but we will see what happens the coming winter...
i hopeu ju did not broke the zorki c!
Haha, no, it is almost unbreakable!
So i dont think i heard you say why not to buy a fed 2 with the self timer. Is it more prone to breaking with rhat feature?
I prefer the one without just because of ergonomics. It is a tiny bit smaller and lighter, and the cold shoe is a bit lower (but that can also be a downside depending on what external finder you use, if any), and as I don't use the self timer I think it is mostly in the way. Personally I also prefer the knob of the one without the self timer. Other than that they are very similar, and should be just as reliable.
I can see where Pentax got the design for their new half-frame camera?
I love the Canon VT Deluxe so much I've acquired five of them with Canon and Voightlander ltm lenses. For me, the perfect camera.
Hi! I just picked up a Canon P and was wondering about using a collapsible lens. In the video you used the Elmar on the P. Does the lens hit the internals when collapsed? Was thinking of picking up a Canon Serenar 50mm f1.9 or f3.5 if there’s no problem. Thanks!
You can sometimes feel the Elmar touching the baffles (I think that is the correct word) a bit when collapsing it, but other than that it works just fine
Great video, love your content!
Thanks!
Duhrhurr, duh, is this the L mount?
This is the original Leica CL, with m-mount, not the digital one.
@@extremebanding2748 Thanks!
Thank you. I'm afraid that your excellent review of this (excellent) camera has just contributed to making it even MORE expensive! But thank you for helping to keep old Leica LTM cameras affordable!
This looks very interesting and is aesthetically very pleasing ? Love to see some photos ?
The standard lens is a coated tessar from the 60's, and it is a nice performer. Apart from that the cameras influence on the look of the photos is minimal. Any 35mm film camera with a similar tessar lens will look basically the same. As the look of the image is mostly influenced by the photographer, and the image quality (besides from the lens) mostly depends on type of film, exposure, developer and (in digitized form) scanning with digital post processing, I do not think random photographs are of value when evaluating these types of cameras, potentially more confusing really. It is always nice to look at photos, of course, but it is not the purpose or aim of this particular series.
Hello, I ask for your advice. Now I'm interested in VL , VI-L , P . Which one do you think is the most complete? (I secretly like the VL more because it doesn't have the word Canon on the front, which is like the M2 and M3 ). Which do you think has the least disadvantages? The best material. thank you for the advice
Well, you have my views on the pros and cons of the different models in the video, but apart from that, as it is most common, it is generally easiest to find a Canon P in good condition for a good price, but of the cameras you mention are very well built and nice cameras. As they are all quite old, I think the best camera would be the one that is in best condition, especially concerning the viewfinder (the VL seems to be one of the most problematic in that regard, but you still might find one with a clear finder).
@@extremebanding2748 Thank you for your comment. If you have anything else to recommend, please advise me.
How about VI-L (6) What do you think VS P , please advise me.
@@KhunTui-jl5nj The VI-L is more useable with 35mm lenses, but the finder seems to suffer more from ageing, and usually it costs a bit more. If you would find a VI-L with a finder in super condition, I would say it would be preferrable to the Canon P, but if you do not use 35mm lenses, the Canon P is basically just as good.
@@extremebanding2748 thank you for the advice. From what I've researched, VL / VI both have a problem where the viewfinder isn't sharp and hard to see. .which matches what you said. It makes me worried about using VI or VL. I'd like to ask more. If I see a VI with a bright viewfinder? But in the future it will get worse. And you can see it, right?
The Barnack camera solution has been shown as a very good one. It is basic, compact and functional. It defined the genre. And as much as I dislike the aura of Leica I am glad to pick mine up because it works. Consistently. That means a lot.
my Zorki 4 (1957 make) is one of my favorite Soviet RF cameras. It feels decently built, and I absolutely love the feeling of all the knobs. Bonus points for that it has a combined RF/viewfinder for 50mm and its not a bottom loader. The early model Zorki 4s are the way to go, the later maodels feel more cheaper as the years of production kept going.
Just got a Minolta 35 on ebay, and luckily found one with decent condition shutter curtains, though the shutter speed dial was not put correctly back on and whoever did it stripped the screws on it, but other than that its usable, but the price was really good... I like the flat bottom of yours more than the one I have on my 35 Model II. It's weird that the other screw mount lenses didnt work on your Minolta 35. Outside of a few lenses being close to the self-timer, most mounted ok with mine. I've tried a various Japanese screw mount lenses the ones that dont hit the self-timer fit fine.
Yes, a flat bottom is better, but that is a small thing. Maybe you can get 40 frames on a roll with your Model II, that would not be bad at all, and worth the trade off I think. Yes, there was probably some kind of issue with the rangefinder arm on my Minolta-35. Good to know that it was probably just that copy, and that it works like it should on yours. Hope you'll enjoy your camera!
Will there be a video on the kodak retina rangedinder cameras? the IIIc comes standard with a 50mm f2, it has a retrackteble lense and great focus throw.
I have considered that one, an interesting design, but have not made up my mind yet on how long this series will be. We will see
@@extremebanding2748I hope this series lasts a long time, it is amazing
I have the Agfa Super Silette with the 50mm f2 Solagon lens.
Hey, thank you for this video. Have had to clean any fungus from the rangefinder/viewfinder area before? If so, what did you use?
When cleaning out fungus I usually use hydrogen peroxide mixed with ammonia, but that said, when cleaning a rangefinder you do have to be a bit careful, not touch the half silvered mirrors and so on. I always start with a cloth, then lens cleaning fluid and see what difference that makes. There are usually good tutorials on youtube and forums for specific cameras, and what to watch out for
@@extremebanding2748 Thanks for your advice
Are you certain that collapsibles don't fit? I'd read elsewhere that the m39 elmar 5cm f3.5 could collapse okay
Yes, I am certain. They fit on the mount and you can collapse them of course, but not all the way. There are workarounds to limit the lens so it doesn't collapse as deep, but then it won't be as compact either. Some collapsibles work perfectly fine, but not the 50mm elmars and industars for example.
@@extremebanding2748 Thanks for the detailed response! Good to know :)
best paperweight? Surely not…)
Your Leica IIf has what looks like a hot shoe, which is really intriguing. Is it functional and can you tell us more about it?
Yes, you are right about that! As I never use a flash on these cameras I do not know if it is working, and as many of these videos were recorded some time ago, I am afraid I no longer own this camera, so I can't test it, which is quite unfortunate as that actually would have been quite interesting.
a very unreliable piece of junk! Sorry! A failure! Snake oil salesmanship. Ashamed!
Sounds like you've had a bad experience, sorry for you. What broke in your camera? Besides from the light meter and some issues with the film spool it does seem pretty solid, but I've only had one copy, so my knowledge is very limited. I guess they need regular service though, like all mechanical cameras.
I have just been thinking about getting this. Mostly for 40 and 90mm. Would you still recommend this?
Well I do like it. So if you do not like the larger rangefinder cameras I think it is a nice option indeed. 90mm could be a bit problematic though. Haven't used it with long lenses myself, but it might be necessary to stop a 90mm lens down a bit for accurate focus.
I've shot a couple of rolls on mine and I enjoy the experience. I just wish that there was some kind of accessory grip for the camera because, at least for me, it hurts to use it after a while. I usually use a small strap and roll it around my left wrist but it does make my wrist hurt. It is indeed a nice camera and I'm happy that I was able to finally get a Leica, it is also my first rangefinder camera
Yes, they could have made it a bit wider on the side where you grip it. The Minolta CLE is nicer to hold, but it is fully electronic and more expensive, so that might not be worth it. The CL is not perfect, but still very nice.
Could you do a video about the Yasuhara t981?
Did not know about that one, looks very interesting. I do not have it coming up, but if I would come across one I would surely be tempted to try it out.
Thank you very much
I own an MP and an M2. I mainly shoot B+W HP5+ and use the MP Iso400 and M2 Iso800 low light. My M2 has a self timer so I can use on a tripod down to 1 sec without needing a cable release. I chose the M2 over the M3 because I wanted the framelines for 35mm. I prefer the spool loading with the M2 over the MP as there is more certainty that it is loaded correctly. I use a Doomo cold shoe light meter which gives the same meter readings as the MP. It is a brilliant camera. I bought from Ebay CLA'd with new paint, leather, viewfinder. I had to get the rangefinder adjusted when I bought it. The technician had never seen another Leica M where every shutter speed is perfect. The film counter dial is fine- just set it up when loading the film. Never had a problem. I feel very lucky to have this camera. When using it is the same feeling as driving a classic car. FYI the framelines are 35mm, 50mm and 90mm.Cheers!
Yes, you are right, it is 90mm, too many frame lines to keep track of, I guess. Congratulations to your M2! It is very hard to imagine a camera with a nicer feel. The analogy with a classic car is spot on, there's just something about it.
@@extremebanding2748 When I looked at M3 or iiig the framelines of 50/90/135 were too limiting. I had the chance to use a 135mm lens and it was almost unusable - too heavy to keep stable under 1/250 and with such a small frameline too hard to focus. Even using hyperfocal distance to focus the f stops are so close together to be usable.Cheers and regards.
Nice video - I love Minolta cameras. Many years ago I was strongly considering selling my Leica M6. I bought a Minotla CLE to evaluate as a possible replacement along with two M-Rokkor lenses in the 40mm and 28mm focal lengths. (After much searching I managed to find an example of the 28mm lens completely free of the white spots that typically plague this model.) In the end I decided to keep the M6 but I also kept the CLE. While they compliment each other nicely, the CLE is just a great camera in its own right. That Super A is particularly lovely (it would look right at home in a Wes Anderson movie).
Good decision to keep both! A CLE with the 28 and 40, just a perfect set, Minolta really nailed it there.
@@extremebanding2748 Agreed.
The canon 4sb2 has the effective base lenght of 25 with the shortest magnification, right? So if we set it to 1.35 we will have ~50mm, is that correct?
Well you have the magnificationsettings of 0.67x, 1x and 1.5x, and then you have a base length of about 25mm, 37mm and 55.5mm
I want a cle so bad but they’re out of my price range 😢
Yes they are a bit pricey. If you do not require metering (there are nice apps for metering with the phone for example) a working Leica CL with broken meter can usually be had for alot less. Quite similar experience, but no 28mm frame lines of course. Otherwise a tip would be to look for sets with the Minolta CLE and some lenses. If you sell the lenses you can most of the time get a camera for a bit less compared to buying it separately, but that of course requires some funds for the inital investment, and you still need at least one lens...
It's always a joy to watch a review on lessor know rangefinders. My Minolta Super A with 35-3.5, 50-1.8 and 85-2.8 will never part. A wrist strap helps with the weight. I adore this camera.
Yes it is lovely, I will give the wrist strap a go!
I can listen to you talk about rangefinders all day. I love your voice!
Thanks, that is nice to hear!
I use a Chiyoko super rokkor 45mm lens on my Leica IIIf , honestly such a beautiful lens , design , feel , and results !! I also use the leitz elmar 3.5 50mm collapsible lens as well
Yes the rokkor is really well built, the most solid feel of almost any lens I've ever handled. 45mm could actually be quite useful also on the Minolta CLE and the Leica CL for example, where the 40mm frame lines are a bit tight
I didn't expect to see the CLE on this series. I am waiting on my CLE from KEH as I type this. I decided on it over a Leica due to price. Sure, the prices are going up but they are going up on anything worth getting even Barnacks. The Super A looks incredible!
Well...me neither actually, but it became too hard to overlook. Hope you'll enjoy it, it is truly a super camera, and compared to its rivals with equal specs, the price is still pretty good. Yes, the Super A is a unique experience, still surprises me when I pick it up.
I've owned a CLE for a number of years now and really enjoy it. When my example arrived (I bought it from a seller in Japan) the metering system demonstrated the jumping LEDs that others have written about. I was able to resolve this by partially disassembling the camera and cleaning the electrical contacts that reside under the shutter speed dial (I found all of the information I needed by searching online). Should the need for a repair arise, you can also check out Nielsen Photographic Services in Oakdale, California. Scott Nielsen has fixed CLEs for others and the reviews have been very good. Enjoy!
just looked up Minolta CLE prices on eBay and just... ouch...
No, not cheap, then again, if you take a look at the Leica M:s with metering and 0.58x magnified finders...
The camera body is only half the story. It will also need a compatible (Leica?) lens which will double the total outlay.
Of course. But a nice thing about Leica screw mount, and even more so the M-mount, is that the lens selection is enormous, and you can get an ltm to m-adapter and a Soviet 50mm lens for very very little, if you want to keep costs down. And on the other hand, if you want a more expensive lens, you can choose to save money on the camera body instead.
Absolute gem of a channel! Thanks for this overview. I will pick up a M2 this Friday and I‘m super excited to shoot with it. Personally I don’t think the frame counter will bother me all that much. You‘re always going to at least have one spare roll in your bag with you. So even if you manage to fiddle it to something other than your current frame count, you‘ll be fine.
Thanks, and good choice! I'm sure you'll enjoy the M2 immensely, it is one of the nicest cameras there is.
I've yet to see any Leica M getting sold for under a 1000€ but I appreciate the overview otherwise. Myself I've got a Leica CL and I quite like it, despite the tiny EBF
Here in Sweden it is actually not uncommon to find the m2's around the 1000€-mark, with a little bit of patience. If you are based in the eu you can check out the swedish form of ebay, called tradera, where good deals surface from time to time. The CL is a wonderful camera though, and as long as you don't use longer focal lengths the base length is most of the time more than sufficient.
I once owned an M2 but but sold it. In recent years I'm wanting another but I remember constantly hitting the frame counter in my bag. It drove me crazy so maybe it's time for an M4 to go with my Barnacks.
Yes, that's a good point actually. I haven't experienced it, that I know (so I probably have), but I can see it happen. The M4 is of course in many ways an upgrade, the M2 perfected in a way, but also more expensive.
I would be interested in a comparison between the M3 and S3, SP etc.
Indeed, me too...
I prefer M3 for 50mm
I like them all. I've them collected all.
Tjenare! Det var jag som köpte den här kameran av dig :) blev förvånad när jag insåg att det var kameran jag hade framför mig när jag tittade på videon! Jag lämnade in den till Alois Kosnar direkt när jag fick hem den och nu fungerar den felfritt. Frammatningen går mjukt och fint! Fick även nytt glas till viewfindern. Tycker det är intressant att den har så tidigt serienummer. Enligt nätet så är de tidigaste man hittat på 102000.
Haha, ja, så kan det bli, särskilt när kameran i fråga är såpass ovanlig. En service är något alla dessa gamla kameror förtjänar egentligen, så kul att du rustat upp den och att den går fint! Och intressant med serienumret, hoppas du gjort ett fynd...🙂
Way over priced.
Depends on what you find it for of course. It is generally much cheaper than all other metered cameras with Leica M-mount, save for the Leica CL, but many of the Bessas have seen much less use than the CLs, and they are almost 30 years younger...
hi,what was that lens on zorki 1 ?
Hi, it is the Russar 20mm f5.6. It is not rangefinder coupled, but really compact as you can see. Because of the protruding rear element it is not a good choice for digital, so best used with film
@@extremebanding2748 nice thank you