mfogiel
Veteran
First, I do not understand, why you want a rangefinder - for a different framing experience?, Lighter and smaller body? Better lenses? More accurate focusing with WA lenses?
None of the above seems to coincide with your stated desire. Considering your budget, you might as well go directly to the very best: Zeiss Ikon ZM with the Voigtlander 35/1.2 Nokton. I would advise you against Bessa, because of the short base length and generally lousy handling, and against non AE cameras, because for slow shooting the Nikons are probably better. If you really want a non AE small camera with a great lens, you could get the Leica CL with the C Summicron 40.
Zeiss Ikon+ CV 35/1.2
2008020209 by mfogiel, on Flickr
None of the above seems to coincide with your stated desire. Considering your budget, you might as well go directly to the very best: Zeiss Ikon ZM with the Voigtlander 35/1.2 Nokton. I would advise you against Bessa, because of the short base length and generally lousy handling, and against non AE cameras, because for slow shooting the Nikons are probably better. If you really want a non AE small camera with a great lens, you could get the Leica CL with the C Summicron 40.
Zeiss Ikon+ CV 35/1.2
2008020209 by mfogiel, on Flickr