Buying my first RF

[dpanicc1]

Hi,

I shoot a couple of Canon DSLRs for weddings and it's been years since I've played around with film. This website has me sold on trying a RF camera and film and I have tried to shake it (wife hates me already) but can't. So, now I am interested in your opinion on the two I've narrowed it down to: (price an important criteria)

Voigtlander Bessa-L 35mm Rangefinder Manual Focus Camera Kit with Skopar 25mm f/4.0 Lens & Viewfinder - Silver

or

Voigtlander Bessa-R 35mm Rangefinder Manual Focus Camera Kit with 35mm f/2.5 C Skopar Lens - Silver

Just your general thoughts.

Thanks,
Dan

 

[rover]

I just looked over at Photo Village, they have the Bessa R kit for $399. I am partial to the R because of the built in rangefinder which makes it more versitile than the L, and with the R at $399 it is only $70 more.

http://www.photovillage.com/html/voigtlander.html

Have you explained that Bessa isn't another woman?

 

[Pherdinand]

Have you explained that Bessa isn't another woman?

Worse than a woman. Sixty year old Bessas are still triggering our interest. Mine, at least.

 

[Stu :)]

Go with the Bessa R, it more expandible than the L.

That way you can get other lenses if you so wish at a later date. Longer lenses on a L would require a seperate rangefinder and hot-shoe apadter for viewfinder bringing the cost upto a similair price as a Bessa R to start with.

Stu 🙂

 

[nwcanonman]

Yea, what they said - R, R, R !

 

[stephen_lumsden]

Check out the Canonet ql17 g3. It has a fixed lens, but is easy to use and gives sharp pics. Is cheap too.

 

[MCTuomey]

I was in similar position recently. My path - I bought a $60 Canonet GIII QL17. Tried and like it a lot. Got a Hi-Matic E on impulse. Tried and liked it a lot, too. Knew RFs were for me at that point. Then I went for the Bessa.

Knowing what I do now, I should've gone straight to the Bessa. But hey, a few fixed lens rangefinders around for fun never hurt anyone, even my wife who thinks they're cute and vaguely "euro" looking.

I'd get the R combo at $399 or $425 in a heartbeat. In the unlikely event you don't like it at all, you can resell the kit around here or even on photo.net without much trouble.

Good luck and welcome to this site.

 

[Bertram2]

Hi,

I shoot a couple of Canon DSLRs for weddings and it's been years since I've played around with film. This website has me sold on trying a RF camera and film and I have tried to shake it (wife hates me already) but can't. So, now I am interested in your opinion on the two I've narrowed it down to: (price an important criteria)

Voigtlander Bessa-L 35mm Rangefinder Manual Focus Camera Kit with Skopar 25mm f/4.0 Lens & Viewfinder - Silver

or

Voigtlander Bessa-R 35mm Rangefinder Manual Focus Camera Kit with 35mm f/2.5 C Skopar Lens - Silver

Just your general thoughts.

Thanks,
Dan

Take the R plus 35, much more versatile and better for the first step into RF world.
Buy the L plus 25 later, it's a phantastic combo, I am having real fun with it.

Best,
Bertram

 

[DougK]

My vote would also go with the R. Someday I might even own one 🙂

 

[Fedzilla_Bob]

Having just got my R, it gets my vote.

I too had considered an L or even the T. I am very happy with my final choice.

I feel way less conspicuous without a huge viewfinder atop the camera body.

 

[RML]

I have an L and an R. They both have their place. The R is IMO more versatile but the L + 25/4 can't be beat in price as a street shooter. Set distance, shutter speed and f-stop, and be off into the crowd. For $70 you shouldn't let the L slip through your hands; get is as a treat to yourself like you would get yourself a new aftershave or some lingerie for your wife/GF.

 

[dpanicc1]

Hi,

I am very grateful for everyone's response to my question. I think the "Rs" have it! You guys are a great resource and I really appreciate your taking the time to respond on this. Be warned though, I will probably have a few dumb questions when I receive it. 😕

Regards,
Dan

 

[Ed Whitney]

Dan, if you are still interested in an R, I have one that's in excellent condition for sale on this site at a very good price.