- Видео 39
- Просмотров 153 067
Howard Powne
Добавлен 2 окт 2021
An old guy reviewing the old cameras he grew up with, used and lusted after. 🤔
Видео
Olympus 35 SP/SPn is the best affordable fixed lens Rangefinder Camera!
Просмотров 834Месяц назад
Olympus 35 SP/SPn is the best affordable fixed lens Rangefinder Camera!
Konica C35 - A Great Little Camera
Просмотров 1,1 тыс.3 месяца назад
Konica C35 - A Great Little Camera
Minolta SRT 101 - Minolta's Classic SLR
Просмотров 6813 месяца назад
Hi guys, a couple of errors I made. 1. The aperture range is f1.4 to f16, not f1.4 to f 1.6. 2. I missed pointing out the rewind button on the base. I must be getting old, hang on, I am old Cheers
Yashica Minister III - Well built 60's camera
Просмотров 5283 месяца назад
Yashica Minister III - Well built 60's camera
FED 3b - the "improved" Poor Man's Leica
Просмотров 5165 месяцев назад
FED 3b - the "improved" Poor Man's Leica
Zorki 1 - the real "Poor Man:s Leica"
Просмотров 1,2 тыс.5 месяцев назад
Zorki 1 - the real "Poor Man:s Leica"
Yashica Electro - The Poor Mans Leica
Просмотров 4227 месяцев назад
Yashica Electro - The Poor Mans Leica
Ricoh 500 - an early underrated Rangefinder Camera
Просмотров 2,8 тыс.11 месяцев назад
Ricoh 500 - an early underrated Rangefinder Camera
Olympus OM - 1n - Olympus's Professional SLR
Просмотров 1,9 тыс.11 месяцев назад
It has since been pointed out to me that when I removed the lens, pressing both buttons was unnecessary. Only the top button is needed, the bottom button is actually a depth of field preview button.
Olympus 35RC - a great little camera.
Просмотров 2,8 тыс.Год назад
Olympus 35RC - a great little camera.
Nikon F - The Original Photojournalists SLR workhorse.
Просмотров 3,1 тыс.Год назад
Nikon F - The Original Photojournalists SLR workhorse.
Canon 7 - Canon's Final and Best Professional Quality Rangefinder Camera.
Просмотров 9 тыс.Год назад
Canon 7 - Canon's Final and Best Professional Quality Rangefinder Camera
Voigtlander Perkeo III - another German Gem
Просмотров 3,5 тыс.Год назад
Voigtlander Perkeo III - another German Gem
Olympus 35 S, the Olympus 35 SP's Grandfather?
Просмотров 1,1 тыс.Год назад
Olympus 35 S, the Olympus 35 SP's Grandfather?
Zeiss Contaflex Super B - a very complex leaf shutter German SLR
Просмотров 6 тыс.2 года назад
Zeiss Contaflex Super B - a very complex leaf shutter German SLR
Yashica Lynx 14/14e - Yashica's greatest rangefinder camera?
Просмотров 5 тыс.2 года назад
Yashica Lynx 14/14e - Yashica's greatest rangefinder camera?
Yashica 35 - the Very First Yashica 35mm Camera
Просмотров 4,6 тыс.2 года назад
Yashica 35 - the Very First Yashica 35mm Camera
Konica Auto S, Auto S2 and Auto S1.6 - the Last of the flagship rangefinders.
Просмотров 8 тыс.2 года назад
Konica Auto S, Auto S2 and Auto S1.6 - the Last of the flagship rangefinders.
Konica IIA - another Leica quality Konica.
Просмотров 6 тыс.2 года назад
Konica IIA - another Leica quality Konica.
Konica S/SII - The next flagship cameras after the Konica IIIM
Просмотров 2 тыс.2 года назад
Konica S/SII - The next flagship cameras after the Konica IIIM
Konica IIIM - the last of the Leica quality Konicas
Просмотров 6 тыс.2 года назад
Konica IIIM - the last of the Leica quality Konicas
Voigtlander Vitomatic II - another German Masterpiece.
Просмотров 8 тыс.2 года назад
Voigtlander Vitomatic II - another German Masterpiece.
Petri Color 35 - A very clever little camera.
Просмотров 4,4 тыс.2 года назад
Petri Color 35 - A very clever little camera.
Fujica 35SE - Fuji's 1959 unique 35mm Rangefinder Camera
Просмотров 3,4 тыс.2 года назад
Fujica 35SE - Fuji's 1959 unique 35mm Rangefinder Camera
Ihagee Exakta Varex VX - A joy to behold, a nightmare to use.
Просмотров 12 тыс.2 года назад
Ihagee Exakta Varex VX - A joy to behold, a nightmare to use.
Could you please test French Cameras like Royer Royflex III or Telka III or the nice Foca 3 stars
Please Review Foca 3 Stars from.france
Unfortunately I don't own one or have access to one. Looks like an interesting camera. Cheers, Howard
hi, i bought this camera in Frankfurt but it's difficult for me. can you record your camera while taking photos? and can you show us photos after washing? so we can understand better 🥹 thanks a lot
Hi kubrat. I'm not set up to do that. If the video wasn't clear enough, all I can suggest is that you download the manual from the internet. All the best Howard
never knew yashica actually made this handsome rangefinder. saw on the other video reviewing this camera, while doing CLA he noticed the top plate is obviously thicker that other models on that same era, even thicker than leicas. he mentioned yashice overdo this superb rangefinder✅
Hi Naza. They certainly are very solidly built. The top and bottom plates are definitely thicker than the later models. Probably a result of taking over Nicca who made quality cameras. Cheers, Howard
A beautiful little camera
Agreed!
This is the best soviet rangefinder camera! Its the best looking and most practical designed Soviet Leica and dont forget the Lanthanum glass lens! Its a Tessar called industar that was supplied by Carl Zeiss Jena (GDR) to USSR as bulkware for encasement in the Industar aluminum tubus. This is the sharpest soviet 50mm lens and it even outperforms many expensive "more modern" brandname lenses!
Hi Schlippers. I didn't know about the Carl Zeiss connection. Thanks for that. I agree, they are excellent and well made Soviet cameras with very sharp lenses. I often use the Industar on my Sony mirrorless Alpha 1. Cheers, Howard
Happy 2025 Howard!
Thanks Christopher. Happy 2025 to you too.
I’ve had one of these for a few years and absolutely love it. It takes a bit of practice to get the hang of the controls as they are totally different to every other camera I’ve ever handled, but definitely worth the effort. The lens is super-sharp and the metering works a charm. It weighs an absolute ton though. These things were built to survive .
I had another one many years ago and used it a lot. As you say, once you get used to the ergonomics they are great to use. Excellent cameras. Cheers, Howard
Just found your channel, too bad I didn’t find it sooner!
@@bring-shrubbery Thanks, never too late, at least you can always look back at the earlier videos. Cheers, Howard
Another excellent review Howard. I'm of that age, where "Made in Japan" held a negative connotation. How foolish we were. Amazingly well built and intelligently designed. Thank you for sharing your interests.
Hi Brian, happy new year. Yes, I remember those times too. Every time I handle these early Konicas I am still surprised at the quality of manufacture. My IIa is stunning. If I was only allowed one camera it would be the IIa. Cheers, Howard
@@howpow A happy new year to you, Howard. Since I bought that Kiev camera, I haven't been too thrilled about its ergonomics. I've thought to replace it with one of the Nikon S series cameras. How do you think the Konica III compares?
@@howpow Congratulations on breaking 1K subscribers. I know it was a goal for last year. Very nice.
@@avnostlga I guess you really can't go too far wrong with a Nikon S series, I have never handled one but I am sure they are excellent. If you don't mind the double stroke cocking mechanism, the IIIa model is the pick of the Konicas, preferably with the f1.8 lens. Of course it's a fixed lens unlike the Nikon. Yes, it was nice to get 1000 subscribers, but still no coffee, I need 4000 hours viewing every 365 Days for that to happen. Oh well, at least the reviews are there for posterity.
@@howpow RUclips keeps raising the bar. I see some creators have a heart icon where viewers can contribute to the creator. Not sure if you are eligible for that yet; but just an observation I've made. You still achieved a goal for your channel. I've never handled either camera. The double stroke doesn't bother me, as long as the shutter is locked if you forget that second stroke. Nikon, I only know the build quality from other Nikon's I've owned. That said, the build quality of the Kiev is really nice (1974).
Very handsome camera, Howard. I might take this one!
Hi Malc. Bring me the right amount of money and it's all yours. See you soon.
Hi Howard! This is unbelievable. I got a Konica iii from my wife for Xmas! What a high class and quality camera it is! Hope you're ok and Happy New Year to you Sir! Terrific video too.
@@soldierloz Hi Laurie. What a great gift. Have you put a film through it yet? I'm doing very well thanks 👍
@@howpow Hi Howard, great to hear you’re doing well Sir, that’s great news to us followers. Ok …. I’m about to load a film in my Konica iii (early model no EV scale) so was wondering if you could recommend a safe black & white film? There are many to choose from but always happy for your advice my friend. Incidentally, I took your advice and picked up a mint Olympus RC … what amazing camera it is! It’s almost like a younger brother to the Olympus SP. Such lovely quality and feels great to hold. Please keep your videos coming … I check in most days to watch them! 📸 Sincere wishes to you my friend. Laurie
@@soldierloz Hi Laurie, good to hear from you again. As for film, if you're shooting in good light I'd be inclined to use Delta 100. That would allow you to use an f stop around 5.6 which is probably somewhere near the sweet spot of the lens without running out of top speeds. eg f5.6 at 1/500th. For general shooting in a range of conditions I'd use Delta 400. I'm glad you like the RC, they are great little cameras. Have fun, Howard
Hi Howard, great video, wasn't aware of the Konica range finders. superb build quality, made to last. Got a T3 SLR and that's built like a tank. The Hexanon lens are also very good.
Hi Andrew. I've got a T2, as you say, built like a brick, lovely camera, but not the same quality as the 50's rangefinders. They were amazing. Cheers, Howard
What beautiful condition this camera is in, it looks new. Lovely camera and interesting functionality.
Thanks LE. These cameras hold up remarkably well. Cheers, Howard
@@howpow Some years ago, I set about collecting a sample of the Konica II and III versions. I noted then that almost all I looked at were in very fine physical condition. I attribute that to use of high quality materials and a chrome plating which is probably twice as thick as standard for cameras of the era. Another factor might be that they were made as the age of fixed lens 35mm RF cameras of high quality and expense was drawing to a close, so they probably got less than average use as popular interest move toward SLRs. The Konica RF cameras which followed these were nice in their own right, but had a much lower build quality.
@randallstewart1224 Hi Randall. Thanks for your comment. I think you make a lot of really good points. I suspect that a lot of cameras bought in that era didn't get a great deal of use. Very few of mine show any wear at all on the pressure plates. Have you still got your Konica collection?
@@howpow My sin? I acquire, but I never sold. At 78, I now face a serious disposal problem. From the 1950s, I've got a good cross-section of the neat little Olympus 35 rangefinder models. (Not as optically outstanding as I first thought.) As for the Konica series, I avoided the Model I on the basis that it hardly reflect the qualities of the II and III models. I regret the IIIM, as I decided this Frankenstein addition of the meter to the IIIA was too complex to warrant its repair, if even possible.)
@randallstewart1224 At 83 in a couple of weeks, I have the same disposal problem. I prepared a spreadsheet the other day and marked 35 cameras for disposal this year. That will leave me with about 70 to deal with in the Next few years. My Konica IIa and III and IIIM will go to my daughter along with a few other select cameras.
I am completely new to film cameras and just got this exact one from my grandma - super helpful video! Would love to see the kind of photos it shoots. Do you have any socials you post your film pics to? That would be cool :)
Hi mia. I don't have any other socials. I can though assure you that if it's in good condition and the rangefinder is correctly set, that prints up to A4 size will stand up well against the vast majority of 35mm film cameras. Have fun Howard
Good evening, the B setting on my Konica C35 seems not to work. Do I need a battery for it?
Hi luigi, the c35 does require a 1.35v battery to function correctly.
Excellent and very informative video! I just bought a 1.9 version in a thrift shop and I noticed the lens says: 'Yasinon' instead of 'Yashinon'. I don't remember ever seeing this branding on any other Yashica lenses. Thanks for the thorough video!
Hi, that's interesting. Both my 2.8 versions are "Yashinon", but I checked with a f1.9 on eBay at the moment for $500 (WOW), and it's lens is the same as yours. I assume that whoever made the dress rings for the f1.9 lens stuffed up and Yashica decided to use them anyhow. Very nice lens either way. Cheers, Howard
Such a helpful video Thank-you very much
I'm pleased it was helpful.
The weakness of the full-size Hi-Matics in my view is the lens design. Not a camera designed to last more than 10 years. My first one, bought new, died in 6. Bought another one recently, somebody took the lens apart and messed it up. Old 25-dollar cameras from the 60s are the same, built to not last. My advice, avoid fixed-lens film cameras altogether. To find one in top condition, you'll pay the same as for an EOS Rebel XS or an Exacta. Not repairable! Far better a Pentax, Nikon or even better, medium format with good glass. If you're attached to the Minolta line, an SRT-102.
My experience has been quite different. Admittedly I had to do some work on my 9 to free the shutter, but both my 7s versions work perfectly. You mention a number of very good cameras, but there is a lot of interest in old rangefinders. To each his own.
@@howpow -- A few caveats here. You imply that I dismiss rangefinders. Not so, I own a couple . This idea of the <best> Hi-Matic, taken as a recommendation, jumps the buyer's point of view. My comments were to the reliability of the Hi-Matics 60 years down the road, not when new. Many up on Ebay, usually with no video, just pix and assurances, are likely to need DIY repair, as you did with the shutter on that 9, proving my point to some extent. Or will need a CLA, far from a sure thing. The wise buyer will first contact a repair shop or two to learn if it CAN be repaired, as the problem is often parts. May I ask how much did YOU PUT INTO this Himatic, in guineas and work-hours? Among rangefinders, a Canon QL gen III from 1972, for example, is likely to be repair-able, worth repairing and esteemed on the street. I owned a Hi-Matic bought new, so we can right disagree without the truism To Each His Own. I grant you that the 9, when new, was better than its successor the 11, due to manual mode. The Hi-matic was the pinnacle of Minolta rangefinders, was it? I'd like your review on the 1963 Minolta AL, with its f2.0 lens, Citizen shutter with 1/1000 sec top shutter speed, nice Zebra-stripe stubby lens and selenium cell meter! Like motorcars, older models were often superior. A 1/3 stop brighter lens doesn't make it the best. The Konica -Minolta website incorrectly brags that in 1962 "astronaut John Glenn ... successfully took photographs of the Earth from space, using the Minolta Hi-Matic camera." The Hi-Matic wasn't even coined until 1965; Glenn's camera, proven by a glance at the Smithsonian website, was an Ansco Autoset, though made by Minolta. Selenium-cell meter, heavily modded rig, with Ansco film -- the ONLY rangefinder to go to space, after which for NASA it was SLRs only -- with the rangefinder on the focusing screen!
Nice review of the 35 SP. I have a black version and was very surprised on how nice it performs. Personally, I like the build quality but my Canonet QL17 feels a bite more solid although it is a bit shy of performing better. My 35 SP also has the lens rattle, everything seems tight though.
The SP/SPn cameras are great in my opinion. I have a very nice Canonet GIII QL 17, but for some unknown reason I never seem to use it. It just doesn't call to me. Who can explain it? Cheers, Howard
THANK YOU!! I just found this camera at the Goodwill & decided to try it out. I couldn’t figure out how to open the back. Great info! 😊
My pleasure. Assuming the camera works as intended you have just bought great camera. Enjoy 😁
I thought it was also based on what research I’ve done.
Z
Ok thanks so much for your guidance! That’s where the needle seems most comfortable right now. Tried lightly tapping the lens barrel in an effort to free the needle. Didn’t worth, does seem to be trying as I press the shutter button though. I’m wondering if freeing the light meter up would be on top of the basic CLA fee or if it’ll be included. I have a KEK light meter attached to the camera. Tomorrow I’ll try to shoot a roll and see if it takes pictures ok. If do then I’ll try to get more money refunded and have the CLA done. 🙏🏼
Z
He has until the 19th to offer a satisfactory resolution. At that point if no resolution the eBay will step in. I know that the 9 is not easy to come by but we shall see what happens. Another RUclipsr said he’d CLA it for $100. I’ve asked what would be included but no response as yet.
Z
Battery is seated well and ISO set at 400!
A CLA should mean that the camera will be working when you get it back. Assuming that there is nothing really serious wrong when they open it up. $100 sounds too cheap. If you are going to have done you want it done properly.
Hi Howard another question regarding my newly acquired Hi-Matic 9. I placed two WEIN cell 1.35 V batteries with + side up. Doing battery check needle in viewfinder doesn’t move . Stays at the top of the dim viewfinder. Does this suggest the meter does not work?
Hi. The camera only requires one battery, the battery should be 6mm thick and sits Positive side down into the battery cover. I've never seen a wein cell but I would expect them to be the same 6mm. If they are 6mm you shouldn't have been able to fit them in.
This is what I saw in terms of placement of battery: 3. Insert the Battery: • Place the battery with the positive (+) side facing out (visible when you put the cover back on). • Ensure the battery fits snugly into the compartment. 4. Replace the Cover: Screw the cover back in place by turning it clockwise until secure, but do not overtighten. 5. Check the Meter:
Is this wrong?
@@rodgercarey3480That's correct
@@rodgercarey3480No. The positive + should fit neatly into the battery cover. Another point, have a look at the Iso setting on the bottom of the camera and make sure that it isn't in the OFF position.
Hi thanks for this review. Mine was just delivered haven’t really been able to do anything other than look through viewfinder. It seems a little cloudy. Is there a remedy for this?
You can take the top off and clean the viewfinder components, but you need to know what you are doing. Best to see if everything else works first. If so it would be best to take it to a camera repair person to do the cleaning if it really needs it. Cheers, Howard.
Hey I bought this camera on eBay rated as „very good“ condition but the needle in the viewfinder is only in the middle when I put the shutter on Bulb..otherwise It’s always under exposed. I’m really confused. Do you think it’s broken ? I haven’t photographed film for a long time now
I think the best idea is to take it to a "good" camera shop and get them to have a look at it. There should be someone there who can advise you. Good luck, Howard
Howard, my friend your videos are smashing my wallet! 😂😂 I’ve just picked up a Vito iia with matching Voightlander rangefinder for the shoe and looking forward to trying it out. May I say though (with all jokes aside) that your presentations have brought me such joy in my journey of joining vintage film photography. My thanks to you and wishing you seasons greetings from a cold and blustery England. 🏴 Laurie
Hi Laurie, sounds like you're starting to suffer the dreaded GAS syndrome. I had a bad case about 10 years ago. 😀 Congratulations on your Vito IIa. I've never actually handled one, but I'm sure it's the same superb engineering that Voigtlander practised in that era. Rangefinder unit as well, very impressive. That system will certainly introduce you to "Slow Photography". I'm pleased that you are enjoying your vintage film journey. Have a great Christmas, you never know, you might get some snow for the festive season. Cheers, Howard 🇦🇺
Thanks, Howard. My Olympus is similar. Very good camera!
@@malcolmthomas8161 Thanks Malc. You'll have to show it to me next time we visit.
Lovely video, thanks for sharing
I'm glad you liked it. Cheers, Howard
I love how good all of the old Olympus lenses are, I'm never disappointed by the results, even with a lowly Pen EES-2. Do you have an Olympus Pen F, Howard?
No. Unfortunately I don't have any half frame cameras. I regret not getting a couple when they were nice and cheap, but that is no longer the case. ☹️
Thanks, Howard. The 35sp is the most underrated RF out there and when the battery goes the camera still works manually. My kind of camera. Boy, do they drain quickly! I keep black electrical tape over the sensor while it’s in the closed case. It helps extend the life a little longer, but I keep a few extra buttons in the fridge just in case.
Hi JP. To be fair, they were always very highly regarded by those in the know. That idea with the black electrical tape is a really good one. I might use that on some of my old selenium cell cameras. Cheers, Howard 😀
I have the SP version. These are very nice cameras to use, though the shutter is surprisingly loud.
You're right. I read a review once praising the quiet shutter. I thought, that's not my experience. They are definitely loud. 😀
@@howpow They are indeed. I was quite surprised.
Best tutorial ever! I learnt everything about this camera I needed to know. Thank you
My pleasure. It's always good to hear that someone has benefited from my little videos. Cheers, Howard 😀
Thanks for a great review. I own an Olympus 35UC, the Elusive as some say or the Ugly Twin, the all black plastic front version. Great pics from that one, too. Because of the rarety it seems a bit more expnsive. It was certainly cheaper when I bought it, because people thoughtit to be ugly. I went for inner values 🤣
Well, it has that same great lens and Olympus build. I've never actually seen one but I'm not surprised to hear that it produces great photos Enjoy!
which has the better lens a Konica iiia or the Olympus 35 SP?
That's a tough call. That Hexanon lens is excellent, but I think that the more modern Olympus 7 element lens may just have the edge. But both are fabulous lens.
@@howpow thanks for the answer
@@Socrates... My pleasure 😀
IMO it's not even close. The Konica IIIA is built without compromise in quality. The lens is excellent, as is that of the SP. The SP would have a comparative advantage for its internal light meter and optional spot reading mode. But the spot meter mode rarely functions these days, and the full area meter eats up a Wein Cell battery so fast that no one seriously uses it. The build precision on the Oly isn't even close to the Konica, and the SP lacks the exceptional viewfinder and focusing of the IIIA.
@@randallstewart1224 The Konica IIIa is a fabulous camera. I have both a IIIM and a IIa which I love, and yes build quality is superior to the SP and the viewfinder is brilliant. However the SP's metering makes a big difference to the convenience of photography. My spot meter works okay. Cheers, Howard
Great video Howard. Re-visiting always seems to yield a pleasant reminder of something you have put aside only to find out it is as good or better than you remembered. I do this often. I take something out that I have put on the back shelf only to be reminded that I should have used it more. I have had this camera on my radar for years and I keep pushing it to a lower priority to others I want. After watching this, I have become more motivated to get one now. I love watching your channel for inspiration on obtaining the epic cameras of old. I love to take photos for the art of them but I also love the tools that get me the images I strive for. I thank you for introducing me to so many cameras that I was not aware of. I love using old cameras. They are like the Rolexes of all cameras in existence today. Such a joy to use and even more f a joy when you print an image taken from these older cameras.
Hi Christopher, always good to hear from you. You certainly have a way with words. You should write a novel. I know what you mean though, that was how I picked the SPn up the other day and made the decision to put a film through it. How many cameras do you have now, must be more than a few. It is good handling these mechanical marvels, therapeutic.
Morning Howard, it's always lovely to see an upload from you! I've got a 35sp that I had serviced mid last year mainly to deal with fungus in the lens as it was otherwise functioning perfectly but I said what the heck might as well have it all gone over while it's there and it runs smoother than ever. The shutters in these appear to be quite robust, unlike the metering system, which, according to most of the listings you see around, seems to be the weak point of the camera. That said, I'm not sure how true that is or whether it's a reflection on people not having or not bothering to get an appropriate battery to test them. Haven't taken the SP out in a while, I think there's a roll of HP5 with its name on..
Hi James. Sounds like yours must be operating very smoothly. Definitely time to get it ready and take it for a nice walk. Enjoy, Howard
By far one of the best cameras of its time. The perfect learning tool which is what I am on now. Thank you Howard, you’re a gem. Laurie
Hi Laurie. Thanks for your comment. They really are excellent cameras, and the compact form makes them so much lighter to carry around. Cheers, Howard
By far one of the best cameras of its time. The perfect learning tool which is what I am on now. Thank you Howard, you’re a gem. Laurie
Hi Laurie. Once again thanks for the flattering comment. Much appreciated. Olympus went through a golden age and the OM1n was right in the thick of it. Cheers, Howsrd
@howpow Howard. You are more than welcome. Ok a quick question for you friend. Which camera would you recommend between the Olympus RC or the AGFA Super Solinette? (the latter has a stiff adjustment but working fine vs the Olympus that's had new seals and battery upgrade with meter working) Opinion?
@@soldierloz You don't make it easy for me do you. Two entirely different cameras Both terrific. The Super Solinette has the benefit of folding and fitting into a coat pocket, but with the RC having working metering I'd have to go for that. Basically it's far more convenient. By the way, my Super Solinette also has very stiff focusing, it was the famous Agfa green grease.
@howpow thank you Howard, appreciate your guidance. Apologies for the questions. I do like an Olympus albeit an OM1, SP, RC etc. They have that "joire de vivre" about them. Hope you are well over there Howard. 🙏
@@soldierloz No need to apologise, it was a good question. As for my health, I'm hanging in pretty well, for an old bloke. Cheers, Howard 😄
Thank you Howard! Such a helpful video. I've just picked up my first Agfa Super Solinette and you video really helped me understand the mechanics. Cheers.
Hi Bindu, these are excellent cameras capable of great photos. Enjoy, Howard
I have one and it's in excellent shape ... the lens is a little wobbly a little bit .. it's built like a tank ... I've never taken any pictures with it but what I've read is the lenses awesome .. the guy I worked with traded me for that camera and a case knife .. and he told me that there was a camera guy that took it apart and cleaned it ... I'll probably never take any pictures with his camera because I have a Nikon F4 , and a Pentax MX , a Minolta XD ... this camera came out the year I was born 1965 ... the Konica Auto S2 the one I have is like new
Hi. I think you should at least put a roll of film through the Auto S2, assuming it works as well as it looks. It was one of the great rangefinder cameras, and since the rest appear to be SLRs it would be a new experience. Cheers, Howard
Hi Howard, thanks for posting this--I found my grandfather's old Contaflex Super B and it's the first film camera I've ever touched, so everything was quite a mystery to me until I found this video. I do have one question: the lens is stuck, and I am unable to move it at all after pressing down on the release latch. How would you recommend I go about fixing this issue? Would you recommend using some WD-40 around the lens, or something else? Also, the aperture does not visibly move when I adjust the aperture ring. Does this mean that there is a malfunction in this area, too?
Hi Clark. I think the best idea is to take it to a camera store and let them have a look at it. See what they suggest. Good luck. Howard
Loved the video! Recently I found my grandpa’s camera, exactly this one, but unfortunately it had molds all over the lens. I tried to clean up isopropyl alcohol, but I think I ruined the silver thing on top of the little mirror 😥 I sprayed the alcohol on the mirror and it got on the silver thing too, now looks kinda dull? I don’t know. I’m really sad, my grandpa already passed away and I thought this camera could be a little piece of him with me. Anyways, great great video, loved to see how the camera can look like when its in good hands ❤
Hi Gabriella. The fact that it was mouldy doesn't sound good, but it might be worth seeking out a repairer to see what they think. Good luck. Howard
have one of these, nice piece but totally seized unfortunately
You could try holding the camera upside down and dripping some lighter fluid into the self timer mechanism and see if it loosens the shutter mechanism.
Great video, really helpful thankyou. The coupled aperture and shutter speed was doing my head in. Got two, the 1.9 and the 2.8, only the 1.9 works but works very well. Thanks again
Hi elwrongo. I'm pleased you found my video useful. These were very nice innovative cameras. Enjoy, Howard 😀
@@howpow I did thankyou. And I'm now watching it again as I've bought another one (2.8) for $20! Its in very good condition with a very good case but strangely the aperture seems coupled not the shutter. It fires okay though. Maybe the helical grease has got a bit stiff. I'm very drawn to this model for some reason. Maybe its my Fuji X100 which seems to share a lot of its styling.
@elwrongo Hi again. They are very interesting and capable cameras. Perhaps you should get an EE as well, same styling but the next model . Me SE is f2.8 and my EE has the f1.9 lens Both very nice cameras. Cheers, Howard ps Sounds like you got it for a good price.
I have the same camera but needed to clean up the viewfinder from the inside so i took the top part off. After reinstalling everything the film advance lever is a bit loose (but can still be operated it just doesnt lock itself in place). Do you know what could be the issue? I built it like it was before.
Hi musicianluca. All I can suggest is that the reassembly sequence is incorrect assuming all the original parts went back in. I'm going away for about a week, but when I get back I'll dissemble the wind knob and get back to you with the sequence. Cheers, Howard
Hi. I took my advance lever apart. I took a photo showing the assembly sequence but I don't seem to be able to attach it. Anyhow Lever goes on first then plain washer then spring washer and finally screw down collar. Make sure that the washers are centred properly so that the collar can screw down all the way Good luck Howard
It is a marvel amongst folders with finest color skopar lens known for razersharp results, SKPareek Bhawanimandi,Raj,India
Hi SKP, I agree completely, beautiful compact folding cameras. Cheers, Howard
Hi Howard, im thinking about one of these as my next rangefinder. However i have the chance of Yashica Electro 35 GT (black). Which one do you prefer and would say is the better camera for features and quality? (base your reply assuming thst they are both fully working and functioning) Pros and Cons etc? Laurie
Hi Laurie. Interesting question. Thinking about it, you already have some excellent full size rangefinder cameras so I think in this instance the compact Olympus RC is the way to go. In terms of photo quality I don't believe you could pick the difference and the slightly wider 42mm lens is interesting. If you still favour the Yashica I would opt for a later version, GTN or GSN. Also the Olympus is fully mechanical so even if the metering fails the camera is still operable. Good luck, Howard
@@howpow thank you kindly Howard. Great. The Yashy i have the chance of is a GT model in beautiful condition. I won't ever require a hot shoe for flash use (which I believe is the main difference between the GT & GSN model) and it will my first black camera! However, I really like the look and features on the RC so yes ... taking on board your idea re smaller Rangefinder. Can see where this is going ... 1 will become 2! Hope you're doing well my friend ... kind wishes and a handshake from the UK to you. Laurie
@@soldierloz Hi Laurie , greetings from Oz. Since you appear to be on a buying spree, can I suggest an Olympus SP or SPn. In my opinion these are probably the best affordable rangefinder cameras ever sold. Superb lens, spot and average metering. Full auto metering, shutter speed priority metering and fully manual metering. Excellent build quality, bright viewfinder and rangefinder and a flashmatic system. Downsides, no depth of field scale and no automatic frame line compensation. A good one is not cheap but they are great cameras. You may already have one but if you haven't I suggest you do some research. I took mine out yesterday and it reminded me just how good they are. Cheers, Howard