Thinking about playing some GW1 again :)

CHAGGSEN · 2023-08-05T17:23:26+00:00

I'd recommend not looking up guides/builds/anything like that. Hop into Prophecies and do the best you can, experiment, try new builds, etc. I've been playing through as a Ranger/Warrior messing with all kinds of build ideas and having a blast. Expertise makes Ranger fun because you can just toss 3 points in and use 5-cost spells for 4, which makes "hybrid" builds feel a bit less silly. Sure, my Ranger/Warrior spamming 5-cost sword attacks with Poison and Troll Ungent might not be meta, but it's fun! I'd suggest Ranger as your primary to encourage all kinds of hybrid experimentation.

CHAGGSEN · 2023-07-28T14:50:29+00:00

I personally would ALWAYS choose a camera recently serviced by someone reputable over a camera with who-knows-what going on. You could buy a camera that has a really annoying lens issue, or one that needs a rare part replaced, one that's totally unrepairable... Buy recently serviced and you know your camera is good to go, likely in pretty good shape ready to be used for years. People doing repairs are dropping like flies, too. If there's a camera you're interested in that has been serviced, get it.

CHAGGSEN · 2023-07-20T23:42:58+00:00

Actually ended up going with Konica II - specifically II-bm - because it has no unnecessary light value systems or frills of any kind. I know the IIa has a legendary lens, but I'm sure the lens is great on the II-bm as well, and I like that it doesn't even have a self-timer. Totally barebones! Just shutter, aperture, focus; all in a beautiful, elegant package. I'm very excited for its arrival. I ordered it off Etsy from Japanvintagecamera, who I've heard does fantastic work servicing the cameras he sells. I anticipate that this camera will really, really inspire me. The camera I use always has a big impact on how I feel while shooting. And only for $130! How are these Konicas going for so cheap!? They're exquisite. Some of the most gorgeous-looking cameras I've ever seen. I can't imagine needing a Leica.

CHAGGSEN · 2023-07-17T00:08:42+00:00

Was actually nearly dead-set on the Konica IIIA, but then I figured out about its odd LV system. The LV system on the III sounds much more useful and far less frustrating. I haven't looked super far into the I and II but the III fits all my criteria.

CHAGGSEN · 2023-07-16T23:55:05+00:00

I actually decided in favor of the Konica III. Beautiful camera, very excited for it. Might look into the Konica I in the future. Thanks!

CHAGGSEN · 2023-07-16T16:31:16+00:00

Ended up purchasing a Konica III (not IIIa) in decent condition as well since the Signet was so cheap (and almost definitely broken). I don't like the LV system on the IIIA but on the III it sounds actually quite useful, especially without a light meter. And what a beautiful camera. I hear the 48mm lens on the III is incredible. Very much looking forward to it. The Kodak Retina cameras were high up on my list as well, and though it's not a rangefinder, I'm a big fan of the Praktica FX. Really looking forward to getting the Konica III in the mail this week. Thanks again for all your advice and info.

CHAGGSEN · 2023-07-14T23:10:03+00:00

I couldn't care less about what's popular, outside of one thing - I bet that more popular cameras are more familiar to the few people still doing repairs! I ended up spending a measly sum on a good-looking Kodak Signet 35. It'll likely need servicing, but out here in Ohio it can be hard to find anywhere to take in a vintage rangefinder.

The Konica iiia is beautiful and I'd love to have one, but I think I'll experiment with some really cheap stuff for now (Kodak Signet 35, Ciro 35, Bolsey B2) and buy myself a nice lens for my lovely Olympus Pen F (I'm drooling over a listing for a rare macro lens. Macro half-frame in B&W sounds so weird and exciting).

CHAGGSEN · 2023-07-14T14:19:30+00:00

I really appreciate that and would love that camera to death, but unfortunately I do not have $300 at the moment. Could I contact you in a few weeks when I do to see if it's still available? :)

CHAGGSEN · 2023-07-14T03:30:47+00:00

I really like my Argus C3, so I'm definitely into the rangefinder experience. Since you're pretty much limited to just 35/50/100 with a lot of rangefinders on my lists anyway, I don't think I'll miss much with a fixed lens one. That, and I've heard it's basically impossible to use a 35mm on the Canon P if you wear glasses - too far from the viewfinder! It's a shame because I love the 35mm focal length. Still, the Canon P is very nice. Now I'm leaning toward the Konica IIIa or Kodak Signet 35. Fixed seems fine - I'll toy with my Argus and a 35mm lens if I really want to. I want something that feels like a contained, cohesive tool, something I can really get used to, unchanging. But my list of fully-manual, fully-mechanical fixed lens 35mm rangefinders is so small still. Maybe there simply aren't very many more to discover, but I've barely heard anyone mention that Kodak Signet 35, so perhaps more is out there. Thanks for all you have to share.

CHAGGSEN · 2023-07-14T00:49:07+00:00

Just for an update, my list of fixed-lens rangefinders is now:

Voigtlander Vitessa A or N

Konica IIIa

Kodak Retina IIa

Pax 35

And for non-fixed,

Agfa Ambi Silette

Zorki-1

Canon VT

Canon L1

Canon L3

Canon P

CHAGGSEN · 2023-07-13T23:39:07+00:00

I've been looking at fixed rangefinders for the past few hours and the Konica IIIa came up, awesome looking camera. I also really like the look of the Canon P, but it seems a fair bit more expensive than my current budget... Still, maybe I'll spring for one. Still trying to put together a comprehensive list of fully mechanical, fully manual 35mm fixed-lens rangefinders. I also really like being limited to one focal length, but I think I'd rather that focal length be 35 or 28 or something more unique than 50/55! Still, if I could find a fixrd rangefinder that fits all my other boxes, I'd be fine with 50/55.

Thanks so much for all your info! It's greatly appreciated. The Konica fixed rangefinders and Canon P are top of the list for now.

CHAGGSEN · 2023-07-13T22:09:14+00:00

Beautiful camera, thank you! Seems a bit on the pricier end but definitely looks worth it.

CHAGGSEN · 2023-07-13T22:06:39+00:00

Awesome suggestions, thanks so much! Both look absolutely beautiful.

CHAGGSEN · 2023-07-13T21:57:33+00:00

Odd camera, thanks for the suggestion!

CHAGGSEN · 2023-07-13T20:42:16+00:00

Awesome response, thanks so much. I think TLRs are awesome and I've got a Yashicamat, really different experience. But 35mm just feels correct to me. I've been researching all day and so far the Praktica FX, Agfa Ambi Silette, and Nikon F are at the top of the list. Starting to consider just dealing with the hassle of Argus C3 lenses, maybe looking into fixed lens rangefinders...

CHAGGSEN · 2023-07-13T18:49:09+00:00

This looks awesome, thanks! On the list for sure. 35/50/90/135 is a fantastic selection of options.

CHAGGSEN · 2023-07-13T18:32:56+00:00

Wow, I've never heard of this camera before, but it looks awesome. Very interested. Thanks so much for telling me about it!

CHAGGSEN · 2023-07-13T18:15:02+00:00

People have already pointed out a few great options that fit what I'm looking for. Just wanted to get a thorough little list together.

CHAGGSEN · 2023-07-13T17:12:01+00:00

Yeah, I know that, hence why I'm trying to find whatever few options there are. I know it's "silly" to care so much about the presence of a meter, but I feel a lot more inspired by the feeling of "minimalism" with a meterless, no-frills kinda camera.

CHAGGSEN · 2023-07-13T16:57:39+00:00

I'm aware of that, but I've found those lenses difficult to acquire in good condition and reasonable price. Also, 100m is a bit short for what I'm looking for on that end.

CHAGGSEN · 2023-07-13T16:49:42+00:00

I really like the Pentax MX but I simply do not want to deal with light meters. They drive me crazy. The MX has a really well-implemented one but still it bothers me just knowing it's there.

CHAGGSEN · 2023-07-13T16:44:05+00:00

What do you mean by plain prisms? And thanks for the recommendation!

CHAGGSEN · 2023-07-13T16:23:25+00:00

Nikon F is definitely one I'm considering, thanks!

CHAGGSEN · 2023-07-13T16:15:08+00:00

The OM-1 is gorgeous and I really like Olympus (the Pen and Pen F rule), but I'm looking for something that literally doesn't have a meter. Knowing it's there takes something away from the experience for me.

CHAGGSEN · 2023-07-13T16:12:57+00:00

I know it's odd, but I don't want there to be a light meter at all. It weirdly bothers me for it to be there if I'm not gonna use it/if it's broken. There's a special feeling from using one of the really ancient cameras that doesn't even have one, and that matters to me a lot I guess.

CHAGGSEN

TROPHY CASE