Should I switch to a more complex rangefinder, like Bessa ? (Need opinions)

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utku

Utku KAYNAR
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I’m currently using compact rangefinders like Yashica Electro GSN and Canonet QL17 GIII. Both are working properly, producing sharp, good photographs... I tend to use only one lens, so this system works for me.

The matter is, I’m planning to begin a documentary project soon and my camera of choice will likely be rangefinder.

My question is, should I switch to a more complex and robust rangefinder system like R*A / R*M ?? Or should I keep going with the two old guys ??

Your opinions ?



Cheers,




utku
 
There is a common opinion that new cameras are more dependable than vintage stuff. However, it is not unknown for new cameras to have defects or develop failures either.

If you have two cameras that you're familiar with and which proved reliable in operation thus far, it's fine to stick with them. Use one, and carry another as back-up.
 
I would really base this decision on whether you want interchangeable lenses. If the 40 or 45mm lens of your present camera is all you need, there really is little reason to switch. My primary rangefinder camera was a Canonet GIII-QL17 until I switched to a Bessa R. I sometimes still miss the autoexposure capability, and the Bessa is a bit bigger than the GIII, especially sideways (smaller than the GSN, though). The GIII, on the other hand, is quite a complex camera and can be difficult to repair or so I've heard; mine has occasionally given me trouble with the metering.

In your case, that would probably mean the R*A and a fast lens. (The R*M is overrated in my opinion, especially if you are used to battery-dependent cameras anyway.)

If size is an issue, you could also look at getting a Leica CL (interchangeable lenses, good finder, as small as the GIII, no autoexposure, some lenses won't work due to metering system, old, can be expensive to repair) or a Minolta CLE (interchangeable lenses, good finder, a bit bigger than the GIII, TTL metering - but only in autoexposure mode, otherwise no metered manual).

Philipp
 
As I see it, the question here is will you derive more benefit from a system camera than a fixed lens camera? Do you want a range of focal lengths or are you happy with a fixed normal? If you like what you're using now it may well be best to stick with it for a project.
 
Hi,

The last months I made a documentary on mental disabled people. I did this with only one Rolleiflex. For me it makes it more simple. No worries about which lens to use.
The Canonet is a perfect camera. It has AE and AE lock. The 40mm is in my opinion the best angle there is.
Of course it also depends on your project. If you plan to do a lot of portraits you might want to use a longer lens. Anything more PJ style can perfectly done with the two cameras you already have.
If realibility is an issue, just buy another one. I have two Canonets. They don't cost more then $50. Light seals can easily be replaced by anyone.

Cheers,

Michiel Fokkema
 
If you do not have the need for additional lenses and did not face reliability issues with your Yashica and Canon in the past I recommend to stick with your current set up.

Your are handling your current tools very well (I like your gallery pictures very much), any change of tool might disturb and result in a (temporary) quality decrease.

Post more about your project!
 
wow..

I like this forum... you post about a confusion and get a bunch of tremendous answers in a minute or so...

thanks for all..

I think I'll stick with the old system by the way...

jgeenen : thanks for positive comments about my photos...

regards,

utku
 
Save your money and buy more film. You take beautiful photos with your cameras. Not only that the Yashicas are so quick and quite.
 
I'm still in a learning curve to operate my 'collection' of 3 pentax SLR's, 2 rangefinders and a couple of manual camera's. Only recently a film was wasted because I didn't recognise the metering failure when using uncoupled lenses in low light condition on the Pentax ES, while this is a wonderful camera to shoot in plenty-of-light conditions.

Conclusion: unless you really need some specific feature (like e.g. TTL flash), stick with the regular equipment for the important work. But there's no-one saying that it's not interesting to get into something new, and work it out gradually, without risking important work. Then you have to choose which way to go: into more features (read: more chances to break something) or into less features (read: more control)...

Success!

Vic
 
A modern camera will probably meter better in low light but if you don't need that, stick with what you've got. I have modern cameras with interchangeable lenses and regular find myself preferring to use an old Olympus 35SP.
 
Excellent work on Flickr. I agree with others if your GSN is working fine stick with it, some of my favorite images were made with the same camera.
 
wintoid said:
A modern camera will probably meter better in low light but if you don't need that, stick with what you've got. I have modern cameras with interchangeable lenses and regular find myself preferring to use an old Olympus 35SP.
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And new bigger brighter viewfinder. Bessa's are very nice, but if you like what you got, and GAS isn't overwhelming (yet), keep working with your current cams.
 
I'll buck the trend here...If you have some money to burn and are feeling some G.A.S. Go ahead and get your camera. Use it , Maybe not for this upcoming project, but use it none the less. It never hurts to get something new, you may even find that you like it and your enjoyment may well be more with a new camera.

I have a bad habit of buying cameras and every time I do I enjoy photography that much more. Why? I don't know, I guess it makes me concentrate more on what I am looking at with the viewfinder. Or just the raw excitement I get useing something else. I just bought a new digital two days ago and can't wait till it gets here to do some shots. Next month I start my dark room project, and then another new camera after that and I should be done for the year. (I hope)
 
I have almost the same equipment, a GTN and GT, a couple of the same Canonets and I've been asking the same question to a couple of users that I know. I think most answers here seem to urge sticking with what you know and I am being swayued, although I'd really like a new, bright viewfinder and the ability to change lens later. But I still think I'll shake off my addiction to getting cameras and settle down to REALLY get to know them.


My Flickr Canonet set

My Flickr Yashica Electro35 set
 
rxmd said:
In your case, that would probably mean the R*A and a fast lens. (The R*M is overrated in my opinion, especially if you are used to battery-dependent cameras anyway.)

Philipp
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I had an R3A then got an R3M. Probably more from GAS than anything. Anyway whatever the "ratings" you refer to, I have not seen. Both are excellent for the money. The R3M has a sexier finish IMHO and all manual controls makes you think a little more. But for the most part they are the same camera. Therefore I rate them both super duper!
:p
 
utku said:
I’m currently using compact rangefinders like Yashica Electro GSN and Canonet QL17 GIII. Both are working properly, producing sharp, good photographs... I tend to use only one lens, so this system works for me.
The matter is, I’m planning to begin a documentary project soon and my camera of choice will likely be rangefinder. My question is, should I switch to a more complex and robust rangefinder system like R*A / R*M ?? Or should I keep going with the two old guys ??Your opinions?
Click to expand...

A Bessa is not really "more complex" - if you take a R2a/R3a with AE aperture priority it's as "noncomplex" as your fixed lens rangefinders. Bessas have newer, maybe more accurate meters (at least in low light), exchangeable lenses (something you don't need as you say), but I think they're not tougher than your old cameras which msotly used to be built like tanks.

An option could be a complimentary (not replacing) camera: a Bessa L or T with a superwide lens, 21mm for instance. This would allow discreet, scale-pre-focused shootings, quite useful in some moments.

Didier
 
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