How Much Difference Does a Camera Body Make?

[wgerrard]

This forum is full of posts from people who are either celebrating the arrival of their Leica or looking for support in their rationalization of a purchase of the same.

But, here's a question: If the lenses stay the same, how much difference does a camera body make?

I own a Bessa R4M and three Voigtlander lenses. If I bought a used M3 or M6 and kept the lenses, would I be wasting my money? (Future sales value is fair game here.)

The premise here, as I mentioned in an earlier post, is that I keep seeing shots that need a lens longer than the 50mm that is the longest R4M has a frameline for. Add to that the fact that I wear glasses. (No diopters. i hate them. Besides, my eyes are worse than the maximum boost I've seen from any diopter.)

I'm thinking I'd be happiest with an RF that could take a 28, 50, and 75/85 lens, assuming the framelines kept me happy. I'm even tempted to look for a nice Nikon F3HP plus lenses, but, man, I really don't want to haul that stuff around.

 

[fishtek]

Without thinking TOO deeply, I'd say that...Yeah...the body can make a difference. The various limitations and features found on various camera bodies are as important as the lenses, in my mind. The great thing about bodies and lenses being separately available is the range of combinations that can be produced.

Regards!
Don

 

[mfunnell]

Different camera bodies do make a difference - and not just because of different VF magnifications and framelines. I work very differently between my M3 and my Hexar RF, for example. I know that, in theory, I could mount the same, say, 50mm lens on either camera and take the same shot. But I find that the particular camera I'm carrying changes the way I work. I compose differently, choose exposure differently, work more quickly or more slowly etc. I quite consiously choose which camera I work with based on the style of shooting I think I'll need or just feel like doing on that basis.

And that's with a couple of M-mount cameras. The differences from, say, a digital SLR with a big zoom or a medium format SLR are substantial.

I think its all good, and I really like having different cameras to work with in different ways as it suits the task or my mood.

...Mike

 

[40oz]

Without thinking TOO deeply, I'd say that...Yeah...the body can make a difference. The various limitations and features found on various camera bodies are as important as the lenses, in my mind. The great thing about bodies and lenses being separately available is the range of combinations that can be produced.

Regards!
Don

\thread


🙂

 

[Roger Hicks]

Longer RF base (and therefore more accurate focusing), closer focusing, automatic frame selection, greater durability, more pleasant to use. Apart from the price, no contest.

 

[sleepyhead]

I think the M3 and Hexar RF example by mfunnel above is a good one - the camera has to feel good in the hand and be intuitive to use (for your method of working).

I use an M3, but sold my Hexar RF awhile ago, because FOR ME, the Hexar was just uncomfortable to hold for long periods of time - it's heavy and has no wind lever to throw your thumb behind.

And I nearly always work with a hand-held incident meter, so the flashing lights in the Hexars display were just a complication. The M3 for me is pure and simple and comfortable.