I learned the hard way that heavy glass ruins the experience after my wrist started acting up walking through Manhattan. You might want to consider some of the f/2 primes because they are light and usually under that 500 dollar mark if you shop around.

• Fujifilm Fujinon XF 23mm f/2 R WR
• Fujifilm Fujinon XC 35mm f/2 I would suggest checking the used market first, but be careful with that XC version since it lacks the physical aperture ring which might feel weird on a rangefinder body.

Re: "I learned the hard way that heavy glass..." - honestly, same. I tried the TTArtisan 27mm f/2.8 AF thinking it would be a budget dream but unfortunately the build quality was so sketchy. The lens hood just fell off in a crowd... not as good as expected. Switching to the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary was a lifesaver tho. It is super sharp and feels way more reliable on the camera mount.

Transitioning from a heavy zoom to a prime lens makes total sense for a rangefinder-style body. I think I remember the f/2 series of primes being frequently recommended because their tapered design minimizes obstruction in the optical viewfinder. While I am not 100% sure about the exact current pricing, I believe most of those compact primes sit well under your budget. I recall someone saying the 23mm is the sweet spot for urban environments, tho the 35mm is also popular for its tighter rendering. I havent used the pancake lens myself, so I cant say if the trade-off in aperture is worth the smaller size. Usually, these lenses offer quick autofocus and weather resistance, which are helpful for long walks. Not sure if you have a preference for focal length, but those smaller f/2 options seem like the logical next step.

Same boat, watching this