My favourite, moderately priced manual focus rangefinders

The Olympus 35RC, from the 1970s, is an easy to use pocketsized (110Lx75Hx50W(including lens) rangefinder with a medium fast (f2.8) and useful focal length (42mm) Zuiko lens, which can produce sharp contrasty images. Film speed is set from inner ring on front of lens. Bit difficult to adjust but once done for the film loaded that's it for 36 shots. CDS (cadmium sulphide) meter is on the left hand side of the lens and a great thing about this camera it does have an 'off' switch operated via the aperture ring so the battery is not wasted through lack of a lens cap. Use a Varta 625PX or Wein MRB625.
Setting the shutter speed (B - 500) is very easy and convenient with the top mounted wheel. Set the aperture ring to A (auto) and choose an appropriate shutter speed for the conditions - the 35RC sets the aperture according to available light, or operate totally manually. The viewfinder displays both aperture and selected shutter speed. The 35RC is not sealed against dust or weather - in particular the film winder slot, although nicely tucked away, is an invitation for internal contamination. This little Olympus is a well built delight to use and offers a return to the art of photography for a moderate price. Very desirable and a nice, working example can be a bargain at NZ$100 - $250.

The Canonet rangefinder from the 1960s, by Canon of course, can be found very cheaply these days. NZ$10 - $50 should land a good example. Solid well built body measuring L140mmxH80mmxD70mm, including lens housing. Quite heavy so not a pocket camera. The selenium light cells can be a problem as they don't go on forever if continually exposed to light, but this is a lot of camera for the money and needs no battery to operate. If the light meter is operating set the aperture ring to 'auto', select an appropriate shutter speed for the conditions and the auto aperture chosen is shown in the viewfinder. Can be operated manually. Don't forget to have set the appropriate film speed on the base of the lens housing. The Canon 45mm f1.9 lens is sharp and bright combined with film such as Velvia 100 results in some stunning trannies. Unusually the film advance lever is located on the base plate and takes a little getting used to. The tripod socket is set to the right, at the outer extremity of the body so creating an unstable mount. I like the solid feel of the Canonet and the fact that no battery is required. Some basic photography knowledge is required to get the best results.

The Canonet QL17 GIII rangefinder, from the early 1970s is often named the 'poor-man's Leica'. L120mmxH75mmxD60mm (including lens housing). I don't know about this never having experienced a corresponding Leica, but I can say the QL17 can do the business, and for probably 20% of the $ you would spend for a Leica. You could become the owner of a clean, working example of the QL17 for NZ$150 - $450. At the lower end some minor work may be required. The secret of this camera is the superb f1.7 40mm lens. The glass is the most important part of any camera and the quality of this glass is well ahead of the competition. The CDS meter sits at the top of the lens housing and as long as light falls on it is constantly operating and draining the battery. The QL17 has no 'off' switch so if your purchase doesn't have a lens cap do invest in one as this is the 'off' switch. Size: 49mm.
The first examples of the QL17 were manufactured at the Canon factory in Japan, with later manufacturing being transferred to Taiwan. If you spot one of Japanese manufacture - definitely worth chasing.
Set to 'A' and with appropriate shutter speed selected the QL17 will choose an aperture for just about any shot due to it's very fast f1.7 lens. Also can be operated full manual. The Canon 'quickload' film system overcomes one of the trickier jobs of the film shooter - loading the film and the leader not winding securely on the takeup spool. Use the Wein battery MRB625. Occaisonally you could be lucky and find one with it's leather case in good condition. One of the best leather cases produced for this class of camera and can be used as a half case.

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