My favourite, moderately priced manual focus rangefinders - page #2

My Minolta Hi-matic 7sII rangefinder is one of my favourites for travel. It is light, easy to use and has the outstanding Rokkor f1.7 40mm lens. Overall the Minolta is not as robust as the Canon QL17 or the earlier Olympus but it is easier to use and doesn't weigh you down. It is almost pocketable at L115mmxH77mmxD75mm including lens housing and it is very light. It has no dedicated 'off' switch so keep a lens cap on when not in use otherwise the CDS light cell is generating current and draining the battery. Use the Wein MRB675 cell to replace the original mercury cell. Set to auto, with appropriate shutter speed selected - don't forget to set film speed (lever under the lens) and with Ilford XP2 loaded, the supersharp black&white images are a delight. The bright lens combined with reasonably fast film allows handheld shooting in a wide range of conditions. These little beauties have become quite expensive recently with a good condition working example costing NZ$180 - $350.00 or more, but don't hesitate if you spot one for sale.

The tiny Olympus XA rangefinder is the only member of the Olympus XA family which is actually a rangefinder (the others; XA1, XA2 etc are zone focus cameras) and is the smallest rangefinder ever made. L104mmxH65mmxD40mm. It's unique sliding clamshell design conveys a robustness and security to be a true 'go anywhere' camera. There are no protrusions to catch in pockets and when the clam is open the camera is on and when it is closed the camera is off - very straightforward. Moderately fast, F Zuiko f2.8, wider angle than most fixed lens rangefinders. Sharp, contrasty images are produced. The shutter release is extremely light touch and the shutter almost silent - brilliant and unobtrusive as a 'street-shooter'. 2 of the commonly available SR44 batteries are required. The XA can be paired with an A11 or 16 flash unit which uses a single AA alkaline. A clean, fully operating XA with a flash unit, instructions and presentation case can run to NZ$150.00 but occaisonally you may come across one - camera only in good working order costing NZ$50-$75. You can always lookout for a flash unit later if you need one. When I spot a nice XA for sale I can't resist so I have several.

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