Advice needed on a new RF system

[nightlight]

Hello everyone,

this is my first post on this forum. I've recently got an interest to buy a RF and I've started looking around forums, classifieds etc. I've got a pretty good idea of what I want to use it for, which is mostly spontaneous b/w photography, and also an idea of my max budget, about 1200 USD.

I'm interested in the Bessa R2A/M body with the 40/1.4 and I've been getting quotes from various websites. Thing is, I usually would only buy something that I would keep long term and lurking around this forum for 2 days now, Leica is making its way through my mind. There is no way I could afford a new body but I've seen a couple of M3/M4 for about 900-1k USD at KEH.com.

My question to you: would it be worth buying a used Leica M3/M4 over a brand new R2A/M? Is there any other system worth looking at?

I'd appreciate your input, thank you very much.

 

[pvdhaar]

I own both a Leica M4 and a Bessa-T. Notwithstanding the fabulously bright combined VF/RF on the Leica, it's not my favourite. For me, the size, form and weight are the main distractors. The Bessa-T handles a lot nicer IMO and the Bessa-R2/3/a/M has a similar feel.

I'm sure there are scores of folk who will think otherwise. So the best advice before committing that kind of money towards a camera is to handle them side by side and see what your own impressions are..

 

[Terence T]

I started out with a R2a as I appreciated the modern convenience of a built in meter and Ae mode. It's a much easier transition if you haven't used a classic camera before. A fairly affordable body which will always find a use even when you start picking up Leicas in the future.

 

[ClaremontPhoto]

The R2A and M do not have 40mm framelines for the 40/1.4 you mention.

If you are set on the 40mm Nokton (and it's a great lens) you need the R3A or M instead.

 

[KoNickon]

I take it you're aware that the R2A/M bodies do not have 40mm framelines, correct? They have the 35mm -- you of course can use a 40mm lens (and the Nokton 40 is a great choice) but you will have to estimate the coverage some.

Leicas are great, but you do need to keep in mind that the price of a body will basically blow your budget unless you go for an unmetered body. I agree with Terence's comments about an unmetered body -- you can always get a Leica M later.

Here's a possible thing to consider -- a Leica CL (the Leitz/Minolta CL is the same camera). Not a "true" M because it's a different design, but it's a very nice camera (make sure the meter is working properly) and it has 40mm framelines. The 40/1.4 will focus fine on the camera, even though its effective baselength is pretty short. A lot of folks on this list like them very much. The Minolta CLE is a later version, harder to find but improved over the CL in many respects.

 

[nightlight]

thank you everyone for your replies. It looks like I will be going for the R3x instead of the R2x. Would the Nokton fit a Leica M7 ( if I ever manage to get one) ?

 

[SolaresLarrave]

Yes, the Nokton 40mm will work on a Leica M7. You'll have to figure out the frameline coverage though, because the M7 only has framelines for 28, 35, 50, 75, 90 & 135mm glass, not for 40mm.

One thing: have you ever used a rangefinder camera in the past? If not... try one first and see if you really like it. There are several old rangefinder cameras from the 60s, still functional, metered and highly effective. I'd recommend try a Canonet QL17 G-III for a start, or a Yashica Electro GS to get your feet wet. Rangefinders aren't for everyone because of their innate limitations (don't expect super wides or super telephotos).

Now, if you know what you're getting into... well, happy shopping! 🙂

 

[nightlight]

Franciso,

thank you for your reply. I have never used one before and I actually will have a try at it before I buy. I reckon that I will be using focal lengths between 25 and 50 mm.

thanks 🙂

 

[Bike Tourist]

Yes, the Nokton 40mm will work on a Leica M7. You'll have to figure out the frameline coverage though, because the M7 only has framelines for 28, 35, 50, 75, 90 & 135mm glass, not for 40mm.

I did a search and can't find the info . . . what frameline does the 40 Nokton bring up? 35mm or 50mm?

 

[kevino]

50mm frame lines

50mm frame lines

The Nokton 40 will bring up 50mm frame lines on an M6/M7. I recently got this lens and filed down the little flange on the lens mount so the 35mm lines are displayed.

You get a bit more than what's inside the 35mm frame lines when using a 35mm lens. I've found that the 40mm lens match perfectly with the 35mm frame lines. Even close up it's very accurate.

It also appears that the 35mm frame lines on my Bessa R match the 35mm frame line coverage on my M6TTL. If this is the case, and the frame lines on the R2, R2A & R2M are the same, I personally would opt for the R2A/R2M.

I remember reading a post here not too long ago from one of the members that uses a 40 Nokton with his M7 and is very happy with the combo.

 

[rpsawin]

If you choose the M3 or M4 you should factor in the cost of a good hanheld meter. Pick a number $50 - $200...depends on new or used, quality and type.

Bob