Advice for New (Old) RF User

[frozenmouse]

Many years ago, I learned to shoot on my dad's RF (don't ask me which one it was); then it was SLRs, medium format, some large format, then nothing for quite a few years. I now have a digital p&s for family snaps and just got a digital SLR. I could use some advice as I consider my next camera purchase.

My goal is to take photojournalism-style street shots, be able to process the exposures digitally, and (ideally) be able to determine during digital post-processing whether I want the prints to be color or b&w. I'm as picky as any of you about image quality. I can't afford a RD-1 right now, let alone a M8, so I've been thinking about either a Bessa R, with a 35mm CV lens, or a Ricoh GRD. I'm not at all sold on the GRD (lack of internal VF, noise, RAW write time), but it would be good to get opinions on how well the GRD would suit my needs.

If I went the Bessa route, I would be scanning the film. This would be something new for me. For folks who do this, what kind film do you use? Negative or slide? If I shoot color film and use post-processing to go b&w, what do I lose?

Ideas to meet my goals other than the options I've considered are most welcome, too.

Thanks.

 

[RF-Addict]

The Bessa R or Bessa R2A (has aperture priority and makes for very fast shooting) is a great option for street photography. They are well built, reasonably priced and are esay to handle. The CV lenses are very good quality, esp. considering their price point.

I use slide film and scan it with a Nikon 9000 scanner - i then decide if I will convert the slides to B&W. The disadvantage of slide film is its latitude - you don;t have as much forgiveness as you have with negative film or B&W, but I like the look and the fact that I get zero grain with them.

On occassion I will also use C41 B&W film which is great for scanning and makes life easy - just drop it off at any lab that does C41 processing.

It really is a personal choice - many here use traditional B&W film and don't mind the grain at all.

 

[fishtek]

I think the Bessa R with a 35/2.5 or maybe even a 21/4 would be a great system. It's not conspicuous, it's light, it works, and it's not a LOT of money. I've got the "R" with a 35/2.5, and am saving pennies for the 21. Right now, I'm using Arista 100 EDU Ultra B/W negative film from Freestyle.com. I've also used Fuji c-41 stuff from the drugstore successfully. I'm going to self-developing simply because it's cheap and easy. I use a changing bag from Freestyle to load my tank ($26.00 from Freestyle) and developing costs pennies.I'm using HC110 for developer, but expect to try other developers soon.

The one-hour c-41 machines will give you decent color results, and allow you to convert to B/W, but I'm sure some of the more talented folks here will give you reasons, both pro and con why you should do one or the other.

Finally, in either case, there's a real shot of self-satisfaction waiting for you. Enjoy.

Regards!
Don

 

[mackigator]

Bessa R2, Panasonic Lumix digital

Bessa R2, Panasonic Lumix digital

I'm carrying a Bessa R2 and a Lumix LX1 digital - its been a great combo. If you could find them used, they'd be cheap. I've looked at the GR-D and don't think it offers much over the Panasonic LX1/2. The Lumix write times in RAW are 2-3 secs. One day I'll be able to afford a digital rangefinder, until then, it's a Bessa world.

As an aside, I'm taking much better photos with the R2 system and using the Lumix less and less. Maybe its the rangefinder thought process, the better lenses, but its been an eye-opening experience going back to film and a rangefinder. I like it a lot. For the situations where I want to save on developing, or are unsure about the artistic outcome of a shot, or just need some snapshots, the Lumix has been great.