10 years of JCH: 10 Favorite Rangefinders

[@Ostblockjunge]

I can still remember discovering your blog 10 years ago. I was so blown away from the analog camera opportunities that i have never seen or heard from before ❤.

[@xjoexedge]

awesome as always. So happy the videos are always coming out. The knowledge from you is great to hear

[@japancamerahunter]

Glad you like them!

[@lancebrooks4553]

Great Video! Congrats on 10 years! The M6 you got for me in 2012 is still going strong :)

[@erichung9043]

I am surprised none of the Voigtlander Bessa is in the list.

[@weisserth]

Because, in the words of Ken Rockwell, they're dirty little Voigtländers. ;)

[@EOSHDTV]

​@@weisserth Sunstars at F11 not good enough?

[@Seapatico]

Haha, for sure. Even just statistically, it feels like Voigtlander makes 20% of the rangefinders in existence.

[@richardsimms251]

Excellent video. Good teaching, good subject. Keep it up. Very enjoyable. Learned lots. RS. Canada

[@japancamerahunter]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@nachase100]

Congratulations on the big 10 year anniversary! My freezer full of film in JCH film cases thanks you.

[@japancamerahunter]

That is awesome!

[@aag24]

How dare you tell us YOUR top ten list! I expect MINE.

[@japancamerahunter]

I know, right?

[@gewglesux]

Love this Channel and it's content. I am recently getting back into Film shooting! I simply cannot do without this channel. Cheers!

[@TheAgeOfAnalog]

Nice list, nice video, nice ratings. Glad I got my GW690ii last year from a local FBM seller for just $120. It's a blast to use and those big frames are so great in the enlarger.

[@gavingo8969]

No no... xpan... i think I was one of those lucky ones who have used and owned at least 5 of the cameras included... but xpan is so great... with the 43mm wow... sometimes I still think about it... Congrats!

[@johnfarley4201]

GREAT SHOUT MATE. THOROUGHLY ENJOYED YOUR REVIEW AND WISDOM OLD CHAP.

[@japancamerahunter]

Much appreciated

[@nandi123]

Great stuff! Thanks Bellamy!

[@BeingWolfy]

Happy 10th anniversary, Bellamy. Proud to say I've been following along with you the whole time.

[@nateeames6826]

When are we going to get a JCH watch collection tour? I’m sure there’s a huge overlap between vintage camera and vintage watch lovers!

[@tc227]

Great video. I just want to add a bit about the Yasuhara camera. According to Yasuhara-san's memoir 安原製作所回顧録, the Yasuhara cameras are not related to Cosina. Both T981 (Issiki) and T012 (Akizuki) are designed by Yasuhara-san and manufactured by Phenix Optics in China.

[@japancamerahunter]

Thanks for the info!

[@sophrapsune]

I recently had my 1954 Leica M3 serviced by Leica itself. What other camera from the 1950s is still serviceable through the OEM?

[@albertmeyer8983]

Leica

[@jsshayes1]

Great video Bellamy. Congratulations on 10 years!

[@albertmeyer8983]

The M3 is the winner in my opinion, I is so easy to work with.Love your beautiful MP!

[@erome5903]

love the ranking! would you do one for classic slr cameras? regards

[@alandavis9180]

Interesting but not surprising that the top three are all non reliant on electronics/batteries other than the for the MP's meter. Now for your SLR list..

[@ofeykalakar1]

FM3A number one

[@richpence]

Really Fun overview, I had never heard of the Yasuhara camera! It's very interesting to see that 8 was the highest rating in the useability category. I'd be really interested to see if you've changed your mind, or have found any other cameras that rank higher on the purely useability area! Just based on features, I would think the Ikon ZM would get an extra point up to 9 since it has the Aperture Priority that the MP lacks, as well as much easier film loading and unloading. But then again the MP is certainty smoother, and more satisfying to actually want to hold up and make a picture, so maybe it evens out.

[@justinkingery2489]

Wondering about Leica M suggestions you have for shooters, like yourself, who wear glasses. I have and really like my M5 with a 50mm because 50mm is the second largest set of framelines and I can even see just outside of that frame. I have a hard time seeing the 35mm lines at the edge of the finder. However, as a 50mm shooter, I really want an M3. Will I be absolutely unable to see the framelines because I wear glasses?

[@erome5903]

take out the eyepice of the viewfinder or get a nikon f2 with the eye level finder or a f3 with hp finder

[@justinkingery2489]

@@erome5903 Not interested in other cameras, especially SLRs (I have plenty). I'm wondering specifically about the Leica M3 rangefinder.

[@erome5903]

@@justinkingery2489 i used to have the same problem as you with my glasses and my m3 and the only solution that really work for me was take off the metal eyepiece of the viewfinder. i first put some tape in the eyepiece for protect my glasses and then i just end take it off from the camera.

[@erome5903]

@@justinkingery2489 you can use external viewfinders as well like the SBOOI, works flawless.

[@justinkingery2489]

@@erome5903 Good advice. Thanks a lot. Sounds like the M3 sadly isn't a great fit for me with the 50mm. My M5 eyepiece still scratches my glasses a bit, which isn't great, but that's user error more than likely.

[@hotpinkbulb]

Happy Birthday! Congrats on 10 years.

[@DrJRaven]

My first 35mm camera was a Canon VT de lux. It was a fantastic camera.

[@tuisitala9068]

My favourite range finders are Kodak Retina 1B, Konica IIa and Leica M3 - ranked according to amount I use them. The engineering and build quality of all three is superb. The Retina is used most as it is so easy to carry and use with the flip out lens - no need for a lens cap. The wind-on and shutter firing experience is as good as the M3 as is the big second generation viewfinder. The Konica IIa is simply fantastic - it feels like a top Swiss watch and looks so cool.

[@frankcameratalk]

What would you rate the Minolta CLE?

[@michaelherskovitz4203]

Congratulations Bellamy on 10 years ! This was a very fun comparison. The Yasuhara was quite a “dark horse” entry and it was interesting to see how it placed. It is a fun little camera.

[@japancamerahunter]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@bensharplesfilm]

Love my Fuji690ii to death, definitely try the second model if you haven't already! Happy 10 yrs thank you so much for all the wonderful help and content over the yrs!.

[@Kevin-finity]

10 years! congratulations. I know your existence since the beginning. Time really passing very fast.

[@japancamerahunter]

Wow, thank you!

[@slimnics]

Monty Python "and now for something........" yes? cool vid 👍

[@japancamerahunter]

😁

[@martiningram8799]

Fun video, thanks! Agree though, would have liked to have seen you rank a Canon P or 7 also!

[@wichersham]

Yasuhara is legendary for a wrong reason. But I agree this should be in the list. It was such an ambitious project of Mr. Yasuhara.

[@TheBigNegative-PhotoChannel]

Congratulations Bellamy, you are really a stable of the film community!

[@japancamerahunter]

Thank you kindly!

[@alexcarrillo5510]

Ok, Well I do enjoy your videos, and also your website, especially when I see the Camera from other shooters use. However in my RF line, I have both in 35mm is one: Olympus SP in which that I have use this model in Paris in 1989 as it pull through in the light conditions, and also of the 10 degree special spot metering feature that it recorded the candles in Norte Dame, as also I use it in Tokyo in 1992 as I was experimenting with the shutter in using at 1/8 to 1/15 of a second shooting passing people in Shinjuku, and Shibuya-Hand Held by holding my breath. Then for the other 35mm RF my other Leica which is not a Leica but a Yashica YF, and then a Canon 7, and Vt models as I do not use the meter on the 7 but I have a hand held meter, and as for the Vt, Love the film advance, and on both bodies that I have a 35mm Komura, and 35 Jupiter 2.8 lens also for 39mm mount as I find the both lenses have a certain tonality when shooting Color, but for B/W, very Contrasty, and Crisp on the Jupiter lens. And last I also have a Zeiss 35mm it is the Contax II, and III from the early 1950's from Zeiss Jena, in which I these both models on ebay. As I have with the 50mm Sonnar 2.0, and the 85mm 2.0 Sonnar, and the Biogon 35mm 2.8. All from Zeiss Jena. Now for Medium Format, I have the models that are the ones that I will be using mostly, One is also a Plaubel Makina, but from 1933 German Model, as this is a 6x9 size, and when I shot with Color film that I was blown away with the Contrast, and Sharpness, as I improve the RF window by placing a bright Red Gel on the circle window, and the other medium format 120 is my Graflex XL from 1968 in which I use this model during my Art School days in early 1980's, and still have it as the lens has a 80mm 2.8 Rodenstock in which they never issue one for this model. as I have a 58mm, and a 100mm Zeiss. And last I pickup a Zeiss Ikonta from 1938 as I was also please with the 80mm Tessar lens that I shot my first roll in how it came out very too sharp for me. So it is not in owning a Leica, or a Mamiya, is that I am lucky to own very historical models to use, and I am very happy in what I have ... Thanks for the video.....

[@yakub3962]

Congrats on the 10th anniversary!

[@paulrigas]

Enjoyed every minute of it. Ive owned Leicas in the past. In retrospect carrying around 2 or 3 of the Canonet in my travels would have been just fine. The T891 looks interesting.

[@japancamerahunter]

Thank you for watching!

[@johnrflinn]

The gonzo rangefinder of all rangefinders is the Mamiya Press with 6x7 and 6x9 backs, 50mmF6.3 (Great optics), 65mm, 75mm, 100mm F2.8 (Great optics), 150 and 250 mm F5 lenses. The Mamiya backs are noted for their film flatness. Has a swing back and lots of accessories. Another sleeper is the Kodak Retina IIIc. Price is 1/4 that of a Hasselblad.

[@markgray2835]

Loved you're list, its always good to hear what cameras someone else things are great. But....I want to know what fixed gear/SS you were riding?!

[@jonflan691]

Interesting video, I really enjoyed it!

[@Definitely_not_Andrew_Yoshiaki]

Really awesome concept and vid :) Just out of curiosity, what would you rate a Nikon S3 as well as those numerous Japanese Barnack clones? (Such as Nicca, Leotax, Tanack, Canon III, etc). Keep doing what you do !

[@JeffWernerIthacaNY]

FUN! I love my Nikon SP, but is it really serviceable? I've been told that the weak focusing patch is a common problem and absolutely not fixable, not reparable, not replaceable. However, the lenses that are available for this camera are fantastic for one very special reason: they are cheap! There are some benefits to a using a less-popular camera system. Thanks this was a fun video. And, I've refrained, so far, from adding, "what about the Zorki 1?" lol.

[@andreasd3346]

I think a Voigtlander Bessa, between R2 an R4, is missing ...

[@DustinGuy123]

Congrats on 10!

[@ChDe]

Congrats on 10 years! Hope to be a customer soon. Happy to know that the M3 and SP scored high on the Bellamy Score!

[@Narsuitus]

Here are my favorite film rangefinder cameras: 1. Leica M6 2. Fuji GW670iii 3. Fuji GSW690iii 4. Contax G1 5. Canon Canonet G-III QL17 6. Minolta Hi-Matic 9 7. Argus C3 I still own and use all of them.

[@dominiquepierre-nina6120]

Hi Bellamy, Many Congrats on a successful decade of trading in the art of analog cameras , lenses etc. Regardless of the top 10 cameras, I think you have managed to achieve something amazing in the industry / the trade of cameras buying , selling , repairs and more. I also think you have managed to create and revive the industry from its dormant type of phase and made it your own and to some extend your views, thoughts and comments on these cameras is of the Standard/ bench mark. You also have managed to bring/ helped to bring Film photography to what it is today a very sort after hobby especially the Camera. So Chapeau Bellamy, AKA Japan Camera Hunter. Wishing you the very best for what's to come. Regards, Dominique pierre-Nina.

[@Cameraville]

I like how you gave your personal camera the #1 spot. That’s how it should be as it’s your list 😁.

[@andrewv.5909]

Thank you for the video! Interested in your opinion about Canon P rangefinder

[@Cameraville]

Nice format

[@japancamerahunter]

Glad you like it

[@CRJines]

Congratulations!

[@ofeykalakar1]

The Leica IIIG and the Leica MA would be my pix for tops. Solid no nonsense no batteries required

[@corunseen]

12:49 what lenshood is that?

[@CristianGeelen]

Congrats on the ten years

[@japancamerahunter]

Thank you.

[@megansalt]

whoever filmed you in situ in the Tokyo streets did a great job! I can see the passion you have for photograph in the nervousness of your hands, love it! Plus the funny take on being a sports commentator! My fave is the Canonet! I've got my best photos from it. Sadly, I haven't been able to join the enthusiastic Leica community. I've tried them out (with one of the new 35mm Voigtlander lenses) and it renders just too sharp and hard...and ergonomically they didn't feel right, i worried it would slip out of my hand... maybe I need to give a different lens a try.

[@andrewinaustintx]

Bravo! I would have placed the Cosina Voigtlander Bessa R2 in the slot occupied by the Canonet QL 17. My main reason is the Bessa R2 allows for room to grow with regards to optics.

[@andersgustavsson8232]

Great video as always

[@placeishereandtimeisnow]

Damn this man boutta single handedly double these camera prices

[@VirtualGuth]

Of course, were he trying to drive the prices for these cameras downward instead, it wouldn't make for a very good business model.

[@CalumetVideo]

Where would the Leica IIIf place?

[@kiattipong]

Happy 10th Anniversary! Can't believe I followed your channel for 10 years! Didn't look at your vid lately...you loose a lot of weight 😅. Anyway thanks for a cool vid.

[@japancamerahunter]

Thank you! 😊

[@Nafregamisrocanob]

Great to see one of the Canon rangefinders making the list! I’ve owned both the 7 and Canonet GIII and found both a joy to use. The 7 had the 50mm f1.2 monster which was great when shooting slow chrome. Miss them both.

[@mgman6000]

Why not have the Canon 7? I just got one and love it and it's reasonably priced I got it from Japan for $200 It works perfectly even the light meter definitely more camera than the canonet

[@nuzleafyi]

Sad to see neither the CL or the CLE made the list.... the CLE is such an amazing camera!

[@Visions_in_Toyko]

Nice list, I would have certainly added the xpan to that list

[@douggottlieb]

XPan?

[@thomasjames7644]

The only thing I don’t like about this great video is the prices are going to go up again. Hope to see more top ten videos, cheers.

[@placeishereandtimeisnow]

Exactly. Rangefinder cameras are already too expensive imo, good luck getting anything affordable now!

[@AlexBuckMaurer]

Surprised that the Fuji GSW ended up so far down the list.. But i kinda get it.. Also I would have thought there was a Canon P or Canon 7 on there. But owning an M3 myself I do agree that it is such an amazing camera! Oh and congrats on the 10 years!

[@ZacharySilvey]

Those aren't expensive enough to sell on JCH. This is a marketing video, no matter how much he spins it.

[@michaelc4917]

Canon P and Canon 7 were when Canon started cutting corners. Not as well made as the earlier Canon Leica copy. And no one wants to repair those nowadays. I have a Canon p that needs adjustment, 1 sec is very sluggish, and no one wants to touch it.

[@ZacharySilvey]

@@michaelc4917 Have you reached out to Blue Moon Camera?

[@peterjohnson1012]

Congratulations on 10 years! These raking camera videos are such a subjective matter. I'll take my M2 over the M3 any day if for no more than I can go a 35mm lens with no external viewfinder. Canon P is next up and probably gets slightly more use as it is easier to load. Lastly is the Zeiss Contessamatic and while it does have a fixed 50mm as well as the selenium meter (so it requires careful storage) I find it to be a wonderful example of engineering. My two bits.

[@johnsomers8269]

How do I get a Yasuhara here in the USA?

[@dummybert]

Fantastic video. I'm dissappointed that there isn't any negative comment yet. :D I'm a big fan of the Rollei 35s, and I wonder where would it stand in this list...

[@25lightersonmytopshelf]

it’s not a rf

[@dummybert]

@@25lightersonmytopshelf You are right. Shame on me.

[@honghanguyenthi8754]

don't forget the Xpan

[@tallaganda83]

Excellent metrics chosen.

[@fernadoramirez3765]

I thought the fuji gf670 would be on here, what do you think about it?

[@japancamerahunter]

Awesome camera, but too fragile. It is very easy to break.

[@ernestthomas9406]

as I thought Leica would be on the forefront of your rankings but I'm glad you mention Nikon RF. Since I've been watching you been shooting more film . Just bought a Nikon S3 2000 , been waiting for my light meter to arrive can't get here to soon but like your videos 👍

[@injeolmi6]

It's the first time I hear something about the Yasuhara. A little interesting camera.

[@andrelousada]

Awesome! I enjoy great rangefinders... !!! :)

[@ryanbhangdia]

I enjoyed this top 10 a great deal! it is so interesting to me, I agree 95% with your rankings based on the criteria considered, but specifically for the canonet all of those reasons which put is decidedly in the lower-mid rankings are exactly why is is among my absolute favorite: understated, mechanical, limited, cheap. Sometimes with my M3 there are too many options or I spend too much time considering the monetary value of the camera/lenses and don't then shoot as much with it.

[@shereemaebalangue1296]

I’ve put myself on the waitlist in my local Leica store for an MP. What exactly is the MP-6?

[@_Sisyphus]

Wonderfull, thank you.

[@ardenchiucarello8990]

When are we gunna get a run down on the fixed gear? :) great video

[@japancamerahunter]

Good question!

[@JoeyShip]

Bummed the GSW was so low. But stoked to see It on the list nonetheless. I love mine to bits. I got mine for $350 cause It had some lens haze and I couldn’t be happier with It not that she’s all cleaned up.

[@japancamerahunter]

Score!

[@pefawa]

Any thoughts on the Soviet rangefinders.?

[@erichartke4331]

What no Zorki? Haha a Zorki 4 was my first rangefinder and got me hooked, still my most reliable camera. My favourite rangefinders are the Leica M2 and Contax II.

[@spyratekodaks7494]

Do the same with slrs!!

[@danijelk8246]

great video, congratulations on the jubilee. ps. please, the background music is too loud and irritating.

[@rudigerdaum1548]

I missed Mamiya Universal / 23 press....

[@Jimbojam]

Fuji Japan will stop servicing the silver GF670 in June 2024. They have already stopped servicing the black version.

[@shahrammehdizadgan5614]

Great review! Keeping it real! I used to have a Leica MP, I was so stupid for selling it. I shoot mostly colour and the photo labs around where I live are super expensive and always stuff the films up. So unfortunately I’ve had no choice but to go digital, and the only digital I like is the Leica M9. I bought two of those with newer replaced sensors. However MP is dope!

[@PublicUniverse]

The Isshiki's a great camera, fun, somewhat rare, and a conversation starter. The Nikon S is great, but have you shot its inspiration-the Contax iia? The iia is such an elegant shooter. It's small, exceptionally smooth, superior viewfinder and oozes German quality.

[@NeverToBeSeenAgain]

Inspiration is a VERY kind term for what the Contax ii is to the Nikon S.

[@TheCooliodad]

Very nice complication. I agree that M6 takes the top, but I was surprised not to see the outstanding Hasselblad Xpan on the list.

[@sebvz89]

minolta CLE?

[@bobbleczar]

is the background music here from Kerbal Space Program? haha.

[@TannerGarcia]

Great video! Unfortunately I’m so new to film, my only experience with a rangefinder is my Minolta HiMatic 7s. She’s an absolute beast. Only downside for me is there is no interchangeable lens 🥺 But I’d never give her up!!

[@krishnansrinivasan830]

Awesome & Thanks :)

[@Hi-lb8cq]

The current camera im using is a Canon 2f Ep

[@carlosoruna7174]

Ql17 was and is great. So was the Olympus rd.

[@erichstocker8358]

Why MP6 rather than M6?

[@Necroblob]

Great video enjoyed watching. One suggestion - I think 'range' should be a 5* category. Some great cameras were penalised very heavily for being fixed lens. Perhaps a category for 'quality of glass' might be worth adding to make up the total!

[@MT_Firefly]

The M3 Kintsugi style!

[@NCSTalkid]

I want to use rf. But the price is too high. And i love waist finder

[@thenotoriuosbg7372]

Great video and good to see an objective ranking system. In my opinion, Price should be a greater factor and Range a lessor factor. A lot of the time you don't need a large assortment of accessories and with many rangefinder users, they use them for their simplicity. Look forward to seeing the SLR ranking video, I would not be surprised if a Nikon takes out the top seat.

[@y2ktube]

Bellamy, you really should add a "Durability" (1-10) ranking to these reviews (not really covered in the serviceability or build quality categories). i.e. In the medium format zone, a Mamiya 7 is no where near as reliable/durable as a Hasselblad. Finally, a Canon P 'should' be one of your favorites...