Another newbie request: Help required to choose a RF

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maxxum

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Hi All,

This is really my first post to this forum. I chanced upon this forum as I was searching for more infromation on RFs. I have been toying with an idea of getting in to RF mainly for Street/Candid and Family portraits. But for last few days the urge (or itch) to get a RF is getting stronger.

I am currently looking at a used or new Bessa - R3A with a Nikton 40/1.4 as my starter kit. I may add 75mm or 90mm later on.

I have always been Leica fan and wanted to own one of the M series RFs. But I feel they are very expensive (even used). Since I am still going to keep my DSLR for landscape and bird photography, I'll use the RF mainly as a travel and street photography. I am not sure whether I want to buy an expensive Leica at this time.

Can you please guide me in choosing (or confirming) right RF for me?

Rajan
 
maxxum said:
Hi All,

This is really my first post to this forum. I chanced upon this forum as I was searching for more infromation on RFs. I have been toying with an idea of getting in to RF mainly for Street/Candid and Family portraits. But for last few days the urge (or itch) to get a RF is getting stronger.

I am currently looking at a used or new Bessa - R3A with a Nikton 40/1.4 as my starter kit. I may add 75mm or 90mm later on.

I have always been Leica fan and wanted to own one of the M series RFs. But I feel they are very expensive (even used). Since I am still going to keep my DSLR for landscape and bird photography, I'll use the RF mainly as a travel and street photography. I am not sure whether I want to buy an expensive Leica at this time.

Can you please guide me in choosing (or confirming) right RF for me?

Rajan
Click to expand...


Sounds like you're already making the right decision - go with the Bessa (used or new is up to your budget) and start getting good glass.

You can always "upgrade" to Leica later if you choose to do so and will have a good backup body in the Bessa!
 
M mount is the only thriving RF system at the day, so your choice makes sense. However just about any functioning 35mm rangefinder camera would do for the purposes you have described.
 
A new Bessa R3A will set you back about the same as a user Leica M2. M2 (http://shardsofphotography2.blogspot.com/2005/01/paw-4-2005.html) was cheaper than that but needed a 150 euro CLA. All in all I paid about 550 euro for it. Had I lived in the USA, it should've cost me about 550 dollars total. Nice thing is that, if the M2 doesn't suit you and your gonna sell it again, it'll bring about what you paid for it. A new R3A will loose quit some money as soon as it's pre-owned.
 
Thank you George, Eugene and RML.

RML said:
A new Bessa R3A will set you back about the same as a user Leica M2.
Click to expand...
I am little confused... In what way? quality wise or feature wise?

Thank you,
Rajan
 
I think he meant moneywise. An R3A with lens is about $ 875.00, whereas an M2 depending on condition will cost anywhere from $ 750.00 and up. That price also does not include the lens.

Something to think about. The R3A will provide you all of the bells and whistles that you're looking for inlcuding AE.

Sherm
 
varjag said:
M mount is the only thriving RF system at the day, so your choice makes sense. However just about any functioning 35mm rangefinder camera would do for the purposes you have described.
Click to expand...

Remember that, while I wouldn't call it thriving, the LTM system is also still a very good way to go. Most of the CV lenses are screwmount after all.
 
Stephanie:

Great point, and the lenses from CV are a fantastic value for the price. If you eventually buy an "M" mount camera you can always buy adapters. Look at the Bessar R on Stephen's site.... this is a great intro to RangeFinder photography.

Shermb
 
maxxum said:
Hmmmm....
Sherm that makes sense. Thanks for clarifying.

Some thing to think about...
Thanks.
Click to expand...

It's your choice in the end - but I think that the Bessa with TTL metering and AE will be a smooth transition into RF. I'm on the Nikon side of the equation with a Bessa R2S and a Nikon S2. Much as I love the old original - for ease of use the Bessa wins hands down. Particularly if you've been using gear other with built-in metering.
 
another thing to remember when comparing an older Leica and the R3a is that the Leica will not have a built-in meter.. this could be good or bad, depending on your preferences

it's true that the Leica will be a safer investment if you should decide to sell it.. but the Bessa is a nice camera, and is certainly a good way to get into RF photography

another option is to go with a fixed-lens setup intially just to get the feel for what RF is all about.. the Canonet QL17 GIII is an excellent starter setup.. very easy to use, and the lens is tack-sharp with nice bokeh
 
If you can afford it, my suggestion would be to get an m-mount camera (the R2A/R3A or perhaps the older mechanical R2) and a screwmount lens with adapter. Why? Saving money. If this is your first rangefinder, you may find that you don't like it and then you'd end up having a ton of expensive equipment to sell later on. Keeping the kit to one body and one lens to start is a good idea. 40mm is great, but don't discount 35mm or 50mm lenses either. My comfort zone lies with the 50, but I'm slowly getting more and more into using my 35 as I learn with it.

This is just my opinion, though, and all that. The one thing that I would suggest, though, is this: pick a lens with a focal length that you're used to as the first one you get. It will help you introduce yourself to the system with something you're comfortable with. It may ease the transition a bit.
 
Maxxum:

I'd sell you my R2 if you're interested... It's a great camera all mechanical and it has an adapter that I'll include. It also has the side grip as well . I'd sell it for
$ 375.00 everything included. I've a picture of it hear from yesterday... sorry the lens stays with me. If you go to the "camera and coffee thread" you can see a picture of it there.

Sherm
 
Great Thanks guys for confusing me further 😀 ... Just kidding folks...
That is a really good information for me... I am listening and learning....

What is a best place to look for used Bessa -Rs?
eBay doesn't seem to have too many options. Is there any other e-marketplace for used RFs?

Why? Saving money. If this is your first rangefinder, you may find that you don't like it and then you'd end up having a ton of expensive equipment to sell later on.
Click to expand...
Makes sense. I use and love Minolta. I have 3 minolta bodies and many lenses. With the current situation, it would be tough to sell my minolta gear. Not that I want to... I love it and am spoilt by the quality and ergonomics of all of them. I am probably going to sell my film SLRs to get in to RF and keep my DLSR for rest of my work.

But your suggestions surely makes sense to me...
 
The main e-marketplace for rangefinders is really here. You'll probably get offers, such as the one for the R2, without posting a thing in the classifieds. Most people are willing to help people out. 🙂
 
Stephanie Brim said:
The main e-marketplace for rangefinders is really here. You'll probably get offers, such as the one for the R2, without posting a thing in the classifieds. Most people are willing to help people out. 🙂
Click to expand...
I am glad I joined this forum... Thank you...
 
sherm said:
Maxxum:

I'd sell you my R2 if you're interested... It's a great camera all mechanical and it has an adapter that I'll include. It also has the side grip as well . I'd sell it for
$ 375.00 everything included. I've a picture of it hear from yesterday... sorry the lens stays with me. If you go to the "camera and coffee thread" you can see a picture of it there.

Sherm
Click to expand...
Sherm, thannks for the offer. Let me look in to it.
I'll get back to you soon...
 
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