RF camera and lens for under $1000

[boffen]

Hi!

I'm going to the US this easter, New York to be specific. I very recently (as in still waiting for my first rolls) got in to RFs, and am beginning to realize some of the limitations in my Olympus 35RC (although it is a very nice camera). At first I was toying with the idea of maybe buying a better camera system later this year, but when I realized how much cheaper stuff is in the US compared to Norway, I am thinking of spending whatever money I have on a decent system when I'm there. Even if I should decide in a couple of months that rangefinders aren't for me, I could sell it without really losing that much.

So, what can I get for about $1000? I see that the Voigtlander Bessa-cameras and a Voigtlander 40mm f1.4 will cost me about $1100, which is slightly above, but doable. Anyway, what would you get if you were in New York City, needed a full system, and had $1000 to spend? I am willing to buy used, as long as it's from a store or a very reputable person. I think I'd like something with an M-mount, seeing as it's pretty easy to find a M-lens even in Norway.

 

[richardvanle]

The Bessa bodies and Voigtlander lenses are great options.

I live in NYC and always buy used from Adorama, B&H Photo, or Photo Village (I have no relation to any of these shops, BTW). I'm sure others will chime in with recommended shops.

The only problem I see is that right now, everyone seems to be in very short supply of M-mount lenses and bodies (new or used).

 

[boffen]

I was looking forward to going to B&H, but they're apparently closed while I'm in town. Photo Village and Adorama seem to sell the R3 and the 40mm 1.4 for the same price, but Photo Village has a lot of used stuff as well. I guess I'll email both and check who can offer me the R3 (still have to decide between M and A) and 40mm combo at the lowest price, used or new.

 

[jsrockit]

Voigtlander R4m + 35mm f/2.5 (but even that will be over $1000 after tax). For Voigtlander (especially used), Photo Village is your best bet.

 

[rbiemer]

I got my Bessa R2a from Photovillage and am very happy with both the camera and the store.
I have not been there in person but have been well served when ever I have called them.
Knowledgeable, polite, friendly and efficient.
Were I in your position, they would be my first stop.
Rob

 

[richardvanle]

One other thing I forgot to mention. If you're buying in NYC, then you'll have to pay sales tax, which is currently at 8.875%. So on a $1,000 purchase, you'll have about $89 in tax. Just something to factor in.

 

[boffen]

First of all, thanks for all of the great answers!

Yeah, I'd get it refunded, but would also have to add the Norwegian sales tax, which is at 25% if the purchase exceeds a certain amount. I think the Bessa + 40mm is just under the set amount.

Regarding the Zeiss: If I got together all the money I have, and asked my father for a loan, I could afford the body. It doesn't seem worth it at this point, but maybe in the future. I have some upcoming apartment/dorm-related expenses I need to keep my extra money for.

I'll send Photo Village an email about an R3 and the 40mm.

 

[richardvanle]

A good point, and something to keep in mind. If you're from out-of-state then order online. If you're from another country - you should be able to get the sales tax refunded (at least it works this way in reverse coming from the EU as a U.S. citizen regarding the VAT).

You can't get a refund on sales tax. From the B&H website:

Purchases in our store are subject to an 8.875% local sales tax. This tax is not a VAT, and cannot be recovered by non-USA visitors when returning home.

​

I'm pretty sure this is the case with any US store that charges sales tax.

Another thing to add. No matter what, DO NOT buy from any of the many electronics shops on Broadway throughout Manhattan. They will charge you too much, or out right scam you.

 

[jsrockit]

I think you better try to get just a few hundred more to work with...just to be safe.

 

[boffen]

Why? I can spend an absolute maximum of $1200 when I'm there. There is literally no way I could spend more unless I somehow won more money.

 

[jsrockit]

Why? I can spend an absolute maximum of $1200 when I'm there. There is literally no way I could spend more unless I somehow won more money.

$1200 is good. $1000 may be too little. You cannot count on used Voigtlander bodies in NYC. Considering Photo Village charges $400-450 for the original Bessa R, their used prices aren't that great either. Also, they don't really have to haggle on price since they are one of two Voigtlander dealers in NYC (Adorama has even less stock) and have plenty of buyers.

I'm just being realistic... I wouldn't want you to leave empty handed.

$619 for a Bessa R3m and $339 for a 35mm 2.5 or $479 for the 40mm both go over the $1000 mark after tax (and even before tax for the latter).

Just trying to save you a headache. Prepare for the worst and if you find a deal, then great!

 

[boffen]

Oh ok, I misunderstood you. I thought you meant "just a few hundred dollars" as in "1000 more so you can buy the ZI", haha. Sorry if I came across as an idiot.

 

[thegman]

Bessa is a good choice, if you want aperture priority, that rules out all Leica apart from the M7, which is not cheap. You're basically choosing between Bessa and Zeiss Ikon. I have the Ikon, and love it, but the Bessas look really nice too. It's the lens that takes picture and the body is exclusively about enjoying it's use, it play no part in the actual photo other than be a light tight box. So, I think Bessa + lens is a good choice, no point getting a pricey body and compromising on the lens.

 

[pixelatedscraps]

For $1200 I'm sure you can find an R4A (I like me wide-angle for street shooting) + 35/2.5 Color-Skopar, either new or second hand. I'd go for second hand, personally.

Good luck, and welcome to the world of rangefinder shooting!

 

[jsrockit]

Oh ok, I misunderstood you. I thought you meant "just a few hundred dollars" as in "1000 more so you can buy the ZI", haha. Sorry if I came across as an idiot.

No problem... I know sometimes forum folks come off as though they think everyone has expendable income. 🙂

 

[rbiemer]

One other thing I like about the Bessa is that it makes using screw mount lenses a bit simpler: when I got my R2a, I only had LTM lenses and because the Viogtlander has manually set frame lines I didn't need to get different M-adapters for each of my lenses. I started with one and just left it on the camera.
Yes, lens changes are slower than with M-mount (or individual adapters) but I'm rarely in that much of a hurry and I most often only carry the camera and the lens that is on it so it has worked well for me.
Rob

 

[SimonSawSunlight]

if you don't need the meter, used M2s are often cheaper than bessas. I paid 250€ for my M2 (here in germany even), which works perfectly since day 1, even though it may look a little scruffy. I have hardly ever seen a bessa r2/3/4 go for less than 300€, no matter in what condition.

 

[bwcolor]

Perhaps, keeping your eyes on the classified section here would serve you well. I have Bessa, Leica and Zeiss rangefinders. I really like my R4A. It works nicely with 21mm - 35mm lens range and slower 50mm. If I were on a budget, I would buy a Zeiss 35mm f/2.8 "C" lens. Put it on a shelf and save for the camera.

 

[boffen]

For $1200 I'm sure you can find an R4A (I like me wide-angle for street shooting) + 35/2.5 Color-Skopar, either new or second hand. I'd go for second hand, personally.

Good luck, and welcome to the world of rangefinder shooting!

I've been exchanging some mails with the Photo Village (incredible service by the way), and I've come to the conclusion that the R3 is the best fit for me. I don't need anything wider than 40mm, at least for now, and that 1:1 viewfinder seems incredible. I still have some time to decide though, although if I they was going to put something used on hold for me, I'd have to decide a couple of days in advance.

No problem... I know sometimes forum folks come off as though they think everyone has expendable income. 🙂

This is too true. Although I generally agree that buying a half-way kind of thing is stupid, I don't feel like the Bessa R3 and the 40mm is anything sort of excellent.

if you don't need the meter, used M2s are often cheaper than bessas. I paid 250€ for my M2 (here in germany even), which works perfectly since day 1, even though it may look a little scruffy. I have hardly ever seen a bessa r2/3/4 go for less than 300€, no matter in what condition.

I think I'd like a proper meter on my first "real" rangefinder. Besides, finding a 250 euro M2 would be impossible in Norway, unless it was literally broken.

The R3 and the 40mm 1.4 lists for about $1800 dollars in Norway, that's how expensive **** is here. I could literally earn money by buying the Bessa in NY and selling it in Norway.

Perhaps, keeping your eyes on the classified section here would serve you well. I have Bessa, Leica and Zeiss rangefinders. I really like my R4A. It works nicely with 21mm - 35mm lens range and slower 50mm. If I were on a budget, I would buy a Zeiss 35mm f/2.8 "C" lens. Put it on a shelf and save for the camera.

As I said earlier, stuff is really expensive in Norway. If I spent all of my money on a lens in NY I'd probably have to wait at least half a year to be able to buy a decent RF.

 

[jsrockit]

if you don't need the meter, used M2s are often cheaper than bessas. I paid 250€ for my M2 (here in germany even), which works perfectly since day 1, even though it may look a little scruffy. I have hardly ever seen a bessa r2/3/4 go for less than 300€, no matter in what condition.

Leica Ms have gone up a few hundred recently. You will not find one cheap in NYC unfortunately.