Buying my first RF

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dpanicc1

Newbie
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Mar 11, 2005
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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
 
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 :)
 
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.
 
dpanicc1 said:
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
Click to expand...

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
 
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.
 
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.
 
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. :confused:

Regards,
Dan
 
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