1750Shooter
Established
I've got about $1500 to spend & I can't decide between a used M5 & 35mm or a new Bessa R3A with a 40mm. Any ideas/ recommendations? Thanks.
thirtyfivefifty
Noctilust survivor
What kind of 35mm? Can you expand on your thoughts a little.
flip
良かったね！
What he said. ^^
Lacking additional info, I'd say go Leica for build, investment, and feel.
Lacking additional info, I'd say go Leica for build, investment, and feel.
kdemas
Enjoy Life.
If say go for my Leica m5 in the classifieds.
It's such a personal thing, totally whatever works for you and your needs.
It's such a personal thing, totally whatever works for you and your needs.
filmtwit
Desperate but not serious
Minolta CLE + 40mm Rokkor or Leica or Nokton
kokoshawnuff
Alex
I don't know what your reasoning behind the M5 is, but you could also get an M6 and a good 35mm for under $1500
mfogiel
Veteran
In my opinion, the best middle FL lens for the money is C Summicron 40. In practice, it is the same optically as the much touted 35mm "bokeh king" which sells for USD 2000. Having this lens alone would justify to get the Bessa R3A. I have also a strong preference for AE in my rangefinders, as this is what's needed for the street - if I have the time to fiddle with non AE metering, then I have other cameras that can get me better image quality than 35mm, therefore, down the road, you might consider Leica M7.
1750Shooter
Established
Sorry, I wasn't too clear. I have held the M5( didn't get to use it) & was able to borrow am M6 for a weekend. The M5 just felt better in my hands & having to disassemble the M6(seemingly) to change film was a dealbreaker, for me. I was thinking either the Summilux 35 for the Leica or the 40mm Nocton for the Bessa. This camera will be my "companion" camera, replacing a Nikon FE w/35mm. Sorry.
NicoM
Well-known
I doubt you'll be able to find an M5 and 35 Summilux that will fit your budget...
iuseruby
Member
bessa r2a (or r2m if you don't need aperture priority mode) + color skopar 35mm 2.5 is a best camera 'companion' for low money.
traveler_101
American abroad
If you had your hands on the M-5 and liked it, really liked it, then you should buy it. Having a camera you actually like to use is the most important thing. Your other option is to wait and try out the Bessa you were thinking about. My guess is that having handled a Leica means the other camera will be something of a disappointment. Just a guess . . .
As to the lens buy the best 35mm lens you can afford. It won't be a Summilux on your budget, but does that really matter?
As to the lens buy the best 35mm lens you can afford. It won't be a Summilux on your budget, but does that really matter?
quejai
Established
If I were you, it'd definitely be a Mamiya 6 or 7ii.
*edit: I read your question incorrectly; however for that dosh I wouldn't spend it on a 35mm.
http://www.kenrockwell.com/mamiya/7.htm
(note: the garish photo of the 7 body in the link is decieving. Check out photos of the black 7ii - so good)
*edit: I read your question incorrectly; however for that dosh I wouldn't spend it on a 35mm.
http://www.kenrockwell.com/mamiya/7.htm
(note: the garish photo of the 7 body in the link is decieving. Check out photos of the black 7ii - so good)
ray*j*gun
Veteran
If you get an M5 make sure its sorted out. No reason to eliminate CV lenses on an M5 (not superwides though)...and I think a J12 won't work on an M5.
Dwayneb9584
Well-known
You can also get a Zeiss Ikon with a nice lens for $1500. I used to have one, awesome viewfinder.
Roger Hicks
Veteran
Which will give you better pictures? Why?
Or is it simply that you have $1500 burning a hole in your pocket?
Cheers,
R.
Or is it simply that you have $1500 burning a hole in your pocket?
Cheers,
R.
yossarian123
Sam I Am
If you don't need the meter, I'd offer up an M4-p + the 40 Summicron. If you play your cards right you'll probably have money left over.
boomguy57
Well-known
I'd maybe recommend the Zeiss Ikon and a Nokton 40/1.4...pretty cheap combo, AE, nice viewfinder (better than Leicas in many ways, in my opinion).
Eric T
Well-known
Go medium format and get a Mamiya 7ii with 65mm lens. You can get both for $1500 if you shop around a bit.
maitani
Well-known
Kdemas m5 and my black paint vc color skopar 50 2.5 all in the classifieds and you re there.
1750Shooter
Established
Kind of a bit of both, Roger. I primarily use film Nikons for what I do.
I've sold some photos & prints & although I'm no where in your & Francis' league, I enjoy what I do. I've bought a couple of Kodak Retinas, a Baldax, & a Yashica GTN & don't really like using them. The local camera shop owner says, "Buy a Leica so you know what a real rangefinder is & if you don't like it, you won't lose any money reselling.". Part of me wants to know exactly what the fuss is all about...