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	What camera to buy
	APS
	Some APS options
	SLR APS
	Compact or P&S
	35mm SLR
	35mm SLR Autofocus
	35mm SLR High end
	35mm SLR used
»	35mm rangefinder
	Medium Format
	Summary

The 35mm rangefinder manual focus cameras were what the pros used before the advent of the SLR. We the amateurs, either had box or rangefinder folding cameras such as the Voigtländer, Retina and the like. Legendary names are Leica, Contax and Nikon. Legendary not just because of the precise mechanisms but also due to the magnificent interchangeable lenses produced for these beauties both by Leitz, Zeiss and then Nikon.
 

1958 Nikon S3 rangefinder camera, offered again as a limited edition ..

Nikon S3		Leica M7
Behind the scenes, almost discretely, the news of a rebirth of the famous S3 rangefinder camera slowly came out and were finally confirmed. It came back to market in a limited edition. Based on the 1958 model with minor cosmetic changes: frame counter has 24 and 36 marked instead of the old 20 and 36; the film speed reminder was modernized to read ISO instead of ASA. Production numbers are still a mystery but well founded rumors talk from no more than 3,000 cameras made. When introduced in 1958, it was offering the largest lens range of any 35mm rangefinder system, from the 21mm f/4 to the 1000mm f/6.3; it also offered a macro lens, the 50mm f/3.5. It was typically sold with the 50mm f/1.4 and the 80mm f/2, which had caused quite a stir in the photographic world of the Korean war era. A great buy both for the user and the collector.		The Leica is the cult star. The preferred jewel of the professional photojournalists, from the time Oskar Barnack designed it in 1914 to 1959 (when the Nikon F was introduced) and even beyond. The latest model, the Leica M7 is for many the epitome of classic, timeless elegance, not just a piece of high precision technology, at this time integrating modern electronics with the well proven mechanics. With great, razor sharp Leitz lenses, Leica helped make the images we cherished or cried over, specially those of the Korean war. Although in the 50's they were replaced with Nikon lenses, those Leitz ones were and are a true marvel. Viewfinders show less than 1x the image (0.58X, 0.75x, or 0,85x) but not only you get used to that, you may even learn to shoot from the hip. Or you can buy the new 1.25X viewfinder magnifier. All of the above of course, if budget is no object.
. KONICA AND VOIGTLÄNDER .
Konica Hexar RF		Voigtländer Bessa R
With Leica bayonet type mount, rugged and beautifully manufactured, the Hexar RF adds a built in 2.5 fps motor plus auto rewind, auto loading, auto exposure and DX.  Shutter speeds from 16 to 1/4000 sec. It has an aluminum die cast body and a titanium shell.		Auto and manual metering, manual winding and rewinding; manual everything. Old Leica type screw lens mount. Three M-Hexanon lenses were designed for this camera: the 28mm f/2.8, the 50mm f/2 and the 90mm f/2.8. Beautifully made in Japan by Cosina. Other models are the L and T.
. CONTAX .
Contax G1	..	Contax G2
With a titanium cover, bottom and sides, the Contax G1 is an excellent choice for an interchangeable lens, AF and manual rangefinder camera. It combines the flexibility of an TTL metering SLR camera with the portability and ease of use of a compact camera. Shutter speeds from 16 to 1/2000 sec. The lenses are from Carl Zeiss and their performance is naturally superb. A zooming viewfinder provides an appropriate view for any installed lens.		The G2 is the Contax AF and manual rangefinder flagship with TTL exposure metering. It adds a four frame per second integrated motor drive, top shutter speeds of up to 1/6000 second, X sync at 1/200 second. The Carl Zeiss T lens line is now extended from the 18mm f/8 Hologon to the Sonnar 90mm f/2.8, enhanced with the addition of the Biogon 21mm f/2.8 and the Planar 35mm f/2.0, plus the Carl Zeiss Vario Sonnar 35-70mm f/3.5-5.6 zoom lens.

35mm Rangefinder Recommendation: As said before, no matter what, stay clear from APS, it is not 35mm.  If you are casual photographer, get a compact 35mm Point & Shoot.  If you want to get serious about it, buy a 35mm Single Lens Reflex.  If you have the budget, like to feel in control and savor exquisite pieces of high tech machinery and optics, get a 35mm rangefinder camera like the ones shown above, although you will encounter a limited set of (superb and expensive) lens choices and not that many zoom lenses as of yet.  Least WYSIWYG, but you may even learn to shoot from the hip. In terms of status, yes there are models that will enhance it: the Nikon S3 and the Leica M7 TTL; the Contax G2 and the Hasselblad Pan-X; even the Hexar RF. Bear in mind that a Leica M7 body or a Contax G2 body will cost you about the same as a Nikon F5 SLR body when not more.  Which one is the best? The one you like the most will be the easier to learn to use well. Now, if you want superior negative's quality at all times, or are considering becoming a pro and/or have no serious budget constraints, go for the ...... Medium Format