How To Get Started With Rangefinder Cameras 

Good point regarding the the critical focusing issue of using Soviet lenses on Japanese and Leica mounts.

Great topic. You might also consider the Argus C series of cameras if you are in the US. I’ve been able to get a good working copy on eBay for as low as $3.99. The 50mm f/3.5 Cintar lens that comes standard with the camera is a 3-element Cooke triplet, whose design I’ve heard was derived from the Leitz Elmar you mentioned. Not as refined as the cameras you discussed, but a very serviceable entry-point into all-mechanical 35mm film rangefinders, if you can tolerate its boxy form factor and limited shutter speed.

Good topic. Another suggestion is the older Konica rangefinders. The Konica II series in particular are gems. Superb build and a bit of a cross between a Leica II or III and an M2 with a smallish but integrated, single window rangefinder/ viewfinder and standard, non fiddly film loading. The lenses are fixed with 45mm to 50mm variations. The film counter is set manually like an M2 and the film advance and rewind are performed by knobs on top of the camera. The shutter is cocked manually as well. My version is the Konica II B-m, a budget version with a 45mm 3.5 Hexar lens. Other versions use 48-50mm F2 or F1.8 Hexanon lenses. Also the shutter release is the smoothest I have ever experienced on any camera and the leaf shutter is near silent. As mentioned the build on this version is superb but I find as the years progressed the build quality of the Konica series slowly became lesser.

Thank you for the great video. Very in depth and super informative. Great timing for me as well, as over the past few weeks I’ve been looking at Canon Rangefinders (iid, and iii) and Canon lenses from Japanese eBay sellers, as well as some Russian lenses, so I learned a lot from you, e.g., the issue with Russian lenses on Japanese cameras. I have a Canonet QL17 and really have enjoyed the camera, which got me looking at these other Canon rangefinders with interchangeable lenses. Thanks so much. 🙏🙂

Very interesting discussion. I was bitten by the Russian rangefinder bug & have quite a few. I don't use them for shooters usually. They could have been great cameras but they are not. Some of the innovations such as diopter correction were wonderful. I had a Leica III F & M-3 but really never got along with them. I know I am swimming upstream with this but then I got a Canon 7 & love it!

Beautiful camera, but I don't think it's the IVSB. I have a IVSB and the shutter speed tops out at 1/1000. If your top speed is 1/500th, it's a different model.