7 Best Rangefinder Cameras In 2024

I introduced several of my favorite Point And Shoot Film Cameras in my previous blog, and it occurred to me that rangefinder film cameras have always been loved by film enthusiasts.

Rangefinder cameras have a lot of great optical properties, plus it's less likely to have your nose pressed against the camera's film compartment when you're trying to focus. I will introduce seven of what I consider to be the best rangefinder film cameras of 2024.

Canon Canonet GIII QL17

• Launch Time: 1972

• Aperture Size: f/1.7

• Lens Focal Length: 40mm

• Notable Features: The "QL" stands for Quick Load, a feature that simplifies film loading; Compact and sturdy design; Manual and shutter-priority automatic exposure modes; Known for its sharp lens and ease of use.

Konica Auto S3

• Launch Time: 1973

• Aperture Size: f/1.8

• Lens Focal Length: 38mm

• Notable Features: Compact body with a very fast lens; Full manual controls and aperture-priority automatic exposure; Renowned for its excellent lens quality and low-light performance; Features a Copal shutter with a maximum speed of 1/500 sec.

Minolta Hi-Matic 7s II

• Launch Time: 1977

• Aperture Size: f/1.7

• Lens Focal Length: 40mm

• Notable Features: Known for its compact size and high-quality optics; Manual and automatic exposure modes; Hot shoe for external flash; Durable build with a simple, elegant design.

Olympus 35 SP

• Launch Time: 1969

• Aperture Size: f/1.7

• Lens Focal Length: 42mm

• Notable Features: Dual light meters (center-weighted average and spot metering); Manual and automatic exposure modes; Renowned for its sharp lens and reliable build; Features a leaf shutter with a maximum speed of 1/500 sec.

Olympus 35 RC

• Launch Time: 1970

• Aperture Size: f/2.8

• Lens Focal Length: 42mm

• Notable Features: Extremely compact and lightweight; Offers manual and shutter-priority automatic exposure modes; Known for its portability and ease of use; Features a Copal shutter with a maximum speed of 1/500 sec.

Olympus 35 RD

• Launch Time: 1975

• Aperture Size: f/1.7

• Lens Focal Length: 40mm

• Notable Features: Similar to the Olympus 35 SP but more compact; Manual and shutter-priority automatic exposure modes; Known for its sharp lens and compact design; Features a Seiko shutter with a maximum speed of 1/500 sec.

Petri Color 35

• Launch Time: 1968

• Aperture Size: f/2.8

• Lens Focal Length: 44mm

• Notable Features: One of the smallest 35mm cameras of its time; Manual exposure controls; Known for its distinctive design and portability; Features a Copal shutter with a maximum speed of 1/500 sec.