In search of a compact rangefinder

<p>If we're talking true RF, then the Olympus XA is the smallest overall. The next size up (approximately) includes the Ricoh 500 G, Konica C35, Minolta Hi-Matic F, and Olympus 35 RC. The Olympus and Ricoh both allow manual settings. The Hi-Matic F and C-35 are programmed, although the electronic shutter in the Hi-Matic has a broader range of shutter speeds. The C-35 will function without its battery at 1/30 second at f2.8, but the Olympus and Ricoh can still access all shutter speeds. Not sure if the Hi-Matic F has any function w/o battery or not. The Olympus XA, though, is as dead as a can of spam w/o a battery. If zone focus is accurate enough you can also add the Rollei 35 and Petri Color 35 to the compact list because of their compact lenses and battery independence (needed only for metering). If batteries are not a problem, then there are several Minox 35mm compacts to consider. In the C-35 size category, there's the Hi-Matic G, Konica C35-V, and Yashica ME if you're willing to give up the RF. Those three have similar lenses and shutter programs.</p>

<p>Another little one that's relatively unknown is the Olympus 35SII with a brilliant 42mm 1.8 G. Zuiko lens which is just a smidge larger than the Canonet QL17.<br>

The 35SII is fully manual though. No batteries at all.</p>

<p>The epitome of small compact rangefinder cameras is the Kodak Retina. You have to be carefull which version you get, the early models weren't rangefinders, just scale focusers. I have a IIC (or is it IIc, I forget), and I'm happy with the results I've gotten. When collapsed (it's a folder) it's small enough to go in a shirt pocket. I also have a Ricoh 500, which was my first 35mm camera. It's still working fine for me after 40 years, and I got it used.</p>

<p>Since you have a Yashica Electro, I would recommend a Yashica CC or CCN. Both of these cameras function in the same way as the big electros, but the over/underexposure lights are inside the rangefinder instead of on top of the camera. What's more (and really sets them apart) is that they come with a fast wide-angle 35/1.8 lens.</p>

<p>As noted in previous posts, the Olympus RC. Very small, light, ruggedly constructed, and a five element lens that some have dared to compare with Leica optics. I love mine. <a href="http://www.kenrockwell.com/olympus/35rc.htm">http://www.kenrockwell.com/olympus/35rc.htm</a></p>

<p>Jack's suggestion of the Olympus 35-SII is a brilliant one. I have a roll of film in one right now that I hope to post pictures from after it's finished. It's an elegant RF from the late 1950s with a beautiful 7-element f/1.8 lens as Jack mentioned. It is fairly hard to find, especially in good condition, but it's very nice and fairly compact.</p>

<p>Just a quick comment based on my experience...<br /><strong>Yes, Yashica GS or GSN</strong>, that's my winner here. Just think about all those women walking around with SLR cameras... :) For me there is P&S for snapshots or Camera that Delivers which got to have proper size.<br />(except for my tiny Minox GT which delivers!).<br />If You really prefer something smaller I would go with <strong>Minolta Hi Matic 7sII</strong>. Excellent lens.<br>

<strong>Canonet GIII QL17</strong> is a great camera when stopped down to 2.8. When wide open GSN wins hands down. <br /><strong>Olympus XA</strong> - forget it. It's nice small camera, great engineering but vigneting is a big problem, especially when set f2.8 or f4.<br /><strong>Fujica GER</strong> mentioned above - Small neat camera, very nice but lens got some corner softness and chromatic aberrations (in corners). I would rather go with<br /><strong>Canonet 28</strong>, got better lens than Fujica.<br />I never tried <strong>Olympus Rangefinders</strong> but they should be among the best.<br />Never tried <strong>Konica Auto S2</strong> but heard many times that the lens is truly excellent.<br />Mentioned above are smaller rangefinders, I would add <strong>Minolta Hi Matic 11</strong>, Excellent glass but size is similar to Yashica Electro.<br />Last but not least;<strong> </strong><br /><strong>Voigtlander Vito BL</strong>.... version with 2.8 Skopar lens...I know, it's not a rangefinder but this is small camera with <strong>one-hell-of-a-lens!</strong> Amazing sharpness (that outperforms <strong>Olympus Trip</strong> in my test), absolutely NO distortions and <strong>Beautiful warm colors.</strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>Summary:</strong><br /><strong>1. Yashica GSN</strong><br /><strong>2. Minolta Hi Matic 7sII</strong><br /><strong>3. Voigtlander Vito BL (2.8 Skopar)</strong><br /><br />4. Please check out Konica Auto S2 and Olympus SP rangefinder.<br /><br /><em><strong>Take care and let us know about Your decision :)</strong><br /><strong></strong></em><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong><em>M.S.</em></strong></p>