Leigh Youdale
Well-known
First up, do consider the Voigtlander Bessa if you decide on a rangefinder. I switched from using SLR's for travel because of the weight and size advantages and have never regretted the decision.
Weight.
I have an M6 and it's surprising how much heavier it is than the Bessa. People make assumptions about "build quality" using weight as a key criteria but unless you are going to abuse them by driving nails they're perfectly satisfactory and much nicer to lug around when travelling.
Why have I got an M6? Simply because I thought I should own and use a Leica before I die. It's a very nice thing to have and hold but the Bessas do the job perfectly well and in fact, have a couple of nice features the M6 lacks - like a shutter release lock. Metering is TTL and is also very accurate.
Currency:
They are still in production. You can buy them new, with a warranty in either fully manual (M) or the "automatic" (A) version which has the option of aperture priority or manual as you please. Some people worry about the shutter being battery operated on the "A" models. I've had two - the R3A and the R4A and neither has let me down or required a battery change inside of a year.
Almost anything else you buy that people are suggesting is going to be some years old. That includes all Leicas, unless you're well-heeled enough to buy new. My M6 is 15 years old.
Lenses.
The M-mount VC range of Voigtlander lenses are very good and compare well with Leica glass but without the "aura" or the price. I use all VC lenses on my M6. All bought new - they're affordable.
Models.
The thing to decide is what lenses you're likely to use. This is a key question, and one where some compromise is involved
The R2 body has frames for 35/50/75/90.
The R3 body has frames for 40/50/75/90.
The R4 body has frames for 21/25/28/35/50
The M6 has frames for 28/35/50/75/90/135
I found when travelling that I gravitated to using wider angle lenses than I habitually chose and in Europe, for example, often used 25mm and even 21mm for interior shots. Thus I found the R4A was best for me there. That means I have to use a supplementary viewfinder if I want to mount a 75 or 90mm lens. And the 50 frame is pretty small!
On the other hand, the R3A has a higher magnification viewfinder at "normal" focal lengths which is great, but requires a separate viewfinder for anything wider than 40mm. If you use glasses the 40mm frame is a bit of a stretch and you may be more comfortable using a 50mm lens.
The R2 body comes closest to most people's ideal with framelines for 35mm which you'll probably use a lot, but requiring a supplementary viewfinder for 25 or 28mm lenses.
Choices.
If I were buying anew, I'd get an R2A and a viewfinder for a 25mm lens - plus 25/35/50/90 lenses. You won't use the 90 all that often but I found the 75 didn't have quite enough "stretch" for me over the 50. But the 75 does have an extra stop of speed.
Last edited:
Dr Gaspar
Established
My thoughts exactly after reading a few posts, reading a few articles and talking to my friend (professional).
I will probably be taking my Hexar AF, and I will buy a Bessa, R3M maybe, which are not that expensive and fits my budget.
All I need is a good 70 or 90 lens that would fit on the Bessa, since I'm also not interested in a 28mm or another 35, since my Hexar AF can do that job.
What do you think about this, Roger?
Thank you for your advices.
Dr Gaspar
Established
I've been told that a few times already, by close friends, and by my cousin who is travelling right now; to go digital, I mean.
Hard decision...
Roger Hicks
Veteran
Dear Gaspar,
The Bessa 90/3.5 is excellent, light, but rather long because of the hood. I'd recommend either that or the 75/2.5 (a stop faster, of course) without hesitation.
In due course, I'd look at another Bessa, but that's simply because I find it easier to use two identical cameras. Also, if I remember correctly (it's been a while since I used them) I prefer the meter on the R3M to the R3A.
Cheers,
R.
