1000 to 1250 USD to spend on ...

[dgray]

"if flexibility is key then ltm offers the most."

With lenses this is certainly true. I didn't make it clear in my post, but I was suggesting an M mount body instead of the Bessa R so that either ltm or M mount lenses could be used both now and in the future. With a Hexar or CLE and an adaptor, the lens choices are wonderfully diverse.

 

[back alley]

gotcha!


.

 

[aizan]

$1561 gets the r3a, 50/1.5 nokton, 28/1.9 ultron, 28mm viewfinder, and two adapters. only $300 more!

 

[Kyle]

$1561 gets the r3a, 50/1.5 nokton, 28/1.9 ultron, 28mm viewfinder, and two adapters. only $300 more!

Well if you go for the R3a, you might as well replace the 50/1.5 Nokton for the 40/1.4. It costs a little more but you don't need the adaptor. Its all personal preference. I'd rather have a 28/40 combo than 28/50.

 

[sf]

I'm sorry, I'm not seeing why there are so many suggestions for the R3a and two CV lenses, especially when most CV lenses need an M adaptor. Why not just go for the R, plus three or maybe even four lenses, if budgeted correctly?

no adapter is needed for the Nokton, skopars, etc. I had an R3A and Nokton. No adapter needed.

 

[aterlecki]

no adapter is needed for the Nokton, skopars, etc. I had an R3A and Nokton. No adapter needed.

You owned one of the very few M mount lenses then. I think there's only 3 VC lenses that are M mount (40/1.4 VM, 35/1.2 VM, 35/2.5 VM). The rest are thread mount and do need an adapter.

 

[Poptart]

I'd skip the camera gear and build a fallout shelter, because you never know . . .

 

[Frank Granovski]

I'd skip the camera gear and build a fallout shelter, because you never know.

Funny you should recommend this because I own a bomb/fall-out shelter. It was my mother's. She passed away last March so now I own it. It's a bit of a drive from Vancouver, though. 🙄

 

[dostacos]

I'm sorry, I'm not seeing why there are so many suggestions for the R3a and two CV lenses, especially when most CV lenses need an M adaptor. Why not just go for the R, plus three or maybe even four lenses, if budgeted correctly?

had I to do it again, I would go with the R2 because I can use both the screw mount lenses as well as all the bayonet mount lenses. I cannot use any of the bayonet mounts on my Bessa R.

on the other hand I am very pleased with my R and 25/35/50/75 lens package. I plan on adding the 90 next and then the 21 and probably end with the 35/1.7 or 28/1.9 and you are correct the budget goes farther with the R.

Bessa R with 35/2.5 $399.00
25/4.0 Skopar with viewfinder not coupled $245.00
50/2.5 Color-Heliar $289.00
75/2.5 Color-Heliar $295.00
$1,228.00

this kit [or the 21mm which is coupled ] would allow you to decide what focal length you want to get for a very low light lens

 

[aizan]

oooooh, here's a great deal. bronica rf645 with the normal and wide lens (inc. viewfinder) for 700gbp.

http://www.robertwhite.co.uk/bronica.htm

 

[RObert Budding]

I bought a Bronica RF 645 myself. Excellent camera. And I love the larger negatives. The only drawback: slower lenses than with 35mm.

 

[Frank Granovski]

3. Lens fasteness is not a priority. Sharpness is more important.

I'm thinking on a mechanichal (that stell shoots when batteries gone) camera, robust body and good hand feel for everyday use.

Then perhaps check out the Bessa R2S deal that comes with the super-sharp 50mm F3.5 lens (from cameraquest). 😀