35mm film rangefinder buying advice

[hepcat]

Any thoughts on the Minolta CLE? Big issue I see with it is the lack of exposure lock, and I've read it can be difficult to get repaired due to scarcity of parts.

The biggest problem with the CLE is the short base length of the rangefinder.

You don't mention what your budget is for a body.

If you really need a metered body (and I'm not convinced anyone needs one) then pick the Bessa model that fits your most-used frame line choice around $500. A Leica m6 with a meter will run you $1200, but an M4-P can be had for under $800. I'd tell you to go for the M4-P personally.

Good luck!

 

[michaelwj]

I wound up going with a Bessa R2A. I don't foresee using anything longer than a 75mm, so I guess we will see how it goes. I do appreciate all the advice given. I have an SLR and I just don't like its bulkiness and loud shutter, at least not for the use I have in mind for an RF. I may well wind up going with a Leica body at some point. From what I could see online, Zeiss Ikon bodies are close enough in price to Leica bodies that I don't see why I wouldn't just go with a Leica down the road.

I am considering picking up a Jupiter 50mm for the Bessa, speaking of Russian gear.

Enjoy it!

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