Best Bang for Buck Modern RF?

[gbb]

Hello, All

Here's the deal. I shoot mostly medium format w a Hassy kit, and some 35mm w Nikon manual gear, mostly people pics. I recently took what I thought would be a small detour by buying a Zorki 4, and then found a j-12. I really like the look and feel of it, and the working style, as well as the photos I'm seeing (and it gets me out to shoot more often). Anyway, it's been a wonderful experience (I was on my way to large format, btw). My problem is that the lenses aren't really up to par for my taste. Whenever I compare the photos to my Nikon stuff, there's just a lot of sharpness and contrast missing.
So, I've been looking into better glass, for little cash. I'm tempted by the Bessa R/ 35/2.5 from cameraquest for $400, and there's also a local guy selling an M2 w summaron 35/2.8 for $700. Can you think of a better deal than the bessa and 35? Any suggestion greatly appreciated.

GBB

 

[taffer]

Haio !

IMHO the Bessa R pack from CQ is the ultimate bang for the buck out there, but that said, if you have located a M2 with the Summaron 35/2.8 for $700 and both are in good working condition, go for them now, as by getting the Bessa pack you have many numbers to develop Leica M lust later 🙂

 

[Stephan]

That m2 is a pretty good deal if its in good shape.

 

[rover]

I agree with the others, for that price the M2 and Summaron are a good deal. Again, condition is king, if the camera and or lens need to be CLA'd things change a little, it will then be a fair deal, not a bargain. Still good though. This doesn't take anything away from the Bessa R which in its own right will always be a great bargain, but for $700 I would go the other way.

 

[gbb]

I haven't seen the leica, I just talked to the guy and he said the camera was used but in good condition, and the lens new. I'll have to go see it I guess.

 

[former member]

I hope he meant the lens was like new! They have not made Summaron's in a very long time. It is a great lens, close to the 35mm Summicron. In mint condition, the 35mm F2.8 Summaron is worth $400 easily. $700 for a working M2 with the lens is a great price.

 

[Igor.Burshteyn]

🙂 world is small indeed. vic_vr is still selling his M2? In Israel we don't have many people that would part with $700 for Leica whatever, I saw many times good prices for classic stuff. Once I bought ex+ Oly OM 35mm f2.8 for $20 and still use it today.

 

[former member]

I will add that if the M2 and Summaron are both in working condition, grab them. If you do not like them, you could resell them for more and have a lot of the cost of the Bessa covered with the profit. If the M2 requires work, figure ~$220 for CLA and minor repair.

 

[aizan]

it must be the hexar rf. aperture-priority, motorwind, great meter (konica owns sekonic), only sub-grand low magnification viewfinder on the market, and build quality on par with leica. a few small paint chips and it goes for less than a new r3a/r2a.

 

[peter_n]

I would join the cacophony for the M2 kit and I agree with Brian that if it is in good nick you could sell it at a profit if you didn't like it, which you will. Another one hooked! 🙂

 

[pvdhaar]

I think you'd have to consider whether and how you'll be using it. Unless you are particularly keen on fondling cameras (a common RFF-member affliction ;-), a Bessa may make a nice user camera. It's got a built in lightmeter, will take LTM lenses (you'll have $300 to spare) without costly adapters, and when new comes with guarantee.

 

[jja]

My vote is the M2, as long as it's in fair condition. I would love a summaron, but the price/condition ratio is not usually in the buyer's favor, imo. With this kit, it clearly is. Find out which version of the summaron it is (LTM- or M-mount), some are more rare than others (see cameraquest for details).

 

[gbb]

Thank for all the comments. what should I check for in the M2? Anything particularly prone to break? Also, what are your thoughts on canon an nikon glass vs vc on the one hand and fsu on the other?

 

[DaveSee]

For the broadest range of glass to find "that look" you ought to start with M-mount bodies, and that M2 sounds/reads a good start--and finish, should you continue to juggle MF and 35(and LF). Although not "popular," the Bessa-T(M-mount, metered) can be had for ~200 USD, shipped(US)... with an external VF, everything in the view is in focus during composition: no lens effects, no meters, no split-image, just the picture, framed.

With an M-mount body, you have the 39mm LTM, and M-mount glass to play with... and whether it's FSU, or many other types(you'll get a LOT of help here on this topic!), this is something you have less likely had in Hassyland or Nikkorworld. Not to knock either of those "themeparks," after this ride, you've got GAS! Oh, and should you feel a bit of upset stomach, folks here like to hear about it 😉

rgds,
Dave

 

[NoTx]

Honestly, that does sound like a good deal. The Bessas could be comparable though. On the other hand, the best bang for buck in RF today is the Contax G series. Build quality a match for the best of the best, lenses equal to the best of the best, and prices you would normally attribute to Vivitar student cameras. FOr $700 you could have a G1 w/ 28/2.8 +35/2 + 90/2.8. And be pretty much set. Heck, you might also get a 45/2 in for that 700. Nothing comparable on the market today, and I am not entirely sure why it is.

Good luck though!

 

[Daniel Unkefer]

Hey,
That's a tough one; I sold my M2 in 1984, and I regret doing that. That's a good price for an M2 and lens, if the lens and body check out AOK. But remember the Bessa R body only was priced at nearly $600 when it was introduced, you can now get a new one for around $249, also an excellent deal. If you need a modern camera (meter/warranty) go for the Bessa R.

 

[Toby]

If you don't already have a handheld light meter you've got to add that to your budget for the M2 if it needs servicing as well thats more like $1100 for a usable kit (serviced M2 + lens + lightmeter)

 

[brachal]

maybe I'm missing something, but if the issue is only sharpness and contrast -- and you're not married to using a wide-angle lens -- stick and industar 61 ld on the Zorki. I don't think lenses come much sharper or with more contrast. Also dirt cheap.

 

[gbb]

I just got bacl from break, and looked at your suggestions. The I 61 is a good idea, was currious whether the l/d coating is what makes th difference, or rather the lens design so that lenses without the coating are as good, just more pprone to flare? I saw some on ebay on fed 5s and spome onb fed 3s, thhoought they only started putting them on the 5s. BTW I already own a light meter.

GB

 

[ZeissFan]

The Cosina Voigtlander Bessa-R is a very nice little camera. However, judging from the posts, make sure the rangefinder in your camera is spot on. The R with the 35mm lens is a very nice street shooter.