Canon ivsb or Bessa R ?

[thomas29]

I am new to rangefinder cameras and have the opportunity to buy a Bessa r rangefinder with a 35mm1.7 ASPh Ultron lens or a Canon ivsb rangefinder with a Leica 35mm 1.7 lens. I know the differences of each camera. They both will cost the same amount. I just am unsure of what camera to get. Could someone give me any info that might help me make up my mind?

 

[FrankS]

I am new to rangefinder cameras

BAsed on the statement above, I'd suggest the Bessa, due to it's viewfinder and meter. Leica makes 35mm lenses in f1.4 and f2. Never heard of a 1.7. On the other hand, either Leica 35mm lens is worth quite a bit. You may buy that package just for the lens.

 

[back alley]

buy the newer bessa.

i love the older canons but they are not the best first or only camera to have. they are more finicky and harder to load, slower to use and the finder is a cave compared the bessa.

if you like the rf life and stick with it then buy a nice 4sb and use it a great slow day walkabout camera.

joe

 

[FrankS]

Oh, yes. Welcome!

 

[JohnM]

Man, that is a wide choice.

The Bessa has framelines for the Ultron 35 whereas the Canon has an optical finder that is switchable between the 50, 100 and 135 fields of view. You would have to buy an external finder to use the Canon with the 35. (I think you have to recheck what 35 the Canon comes with.)

From the general tone of your question and since you are new to rangefinders, I would recommend the Bessa - it's newer, more convenient in terms of having a meter and much simpler film loading, etc.

The Canon is a great, great rangefinder, but maybe make that your second purchase down the line.

 

[FrankS]

That Canon's viewfinder is quite squinty. The slightly later series with a 2 at the end of the string of letters has a slightly better viewfinder.

What Leica 35mm lens is it?

 

[rover]

Hi Tom, welcome to RFF.

You will find the Canon to be a very good camera, and though I am not sure what lens you speak of (Leica did not make a 35/1.7) I would not recommend that kit to a RF newcomer.

The Canon viewfinder is tiny, film loading is from the bottom and can be tricky (you have to cut the leader of the film longer) ergonomically you will find the shutter release in a slightly awkward position.... It is a nice camera, but an acquired taste.

The Bessa R on the other hand has a great bright viewfinder, familiar ergonomic simplicity in loading and function, is light weight but solid, and the Ultron is a great lens.

Have a look at this thread, I think you will see that the R is quite a nice camera.

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=313&highlight=bessa+review

 

[raid]

I would say to go with the Bessa, and once you get the feeling that you are ready for an old vintage rangefinder camera, look for a Canon [maybe]. Either way, you can't lose. You will be getting lots of affections for the camera and lens. Enjoy, and let us know how rangefinder photography is growing on you.

Raid

 

[ray_g]

I would tend to agree with the others, but would advise you to ascertain what lens comes with the Canon. You'd hate to pass up a bargain.

 

[thomas29]

The lens I was told is a Leica 35mm. I will confirm again what lens it is tomorrow and hopefully have more info.

 

[FrankS]

Leica did make a (very good) cheaper 35mm lens called Summaron f3.5. This sells form 2 to $300. The f2.8 version sells for 5 to $600. The Summicron 35mm f2 line sell for $800 to $1500 depending on version. The Summilux f1.4 line sell for so much, I don't even bother knowing how much. These prices are assuming EX condition.

Knowing which Leica 35mm lens is vital!

There was also an old 35mm f3.5 Elmar lens, which sells for less than $200 I think. If it sells for more, it is for collector's interest rather than optical performance.

 

[ray_g]

Leica did make a (very good) cheaper 35mm lens called Summaron f3.5. This sells form 2 to $300. The f2.8 version sells for 5 to $600. The Summicron 35mm f2 line sell for $800 to $1500 depending on version. The Summilux f1.4 line sell for so much, I don't even bother knowing how much. These prices are assuming EX condition.

Dont forget, it is on a screwmount Frank.

 

[FrankS]

You're right, Ray. I forgot that, got thrown by the f1.7 aperture.

 

[venchka]

Hold on! My first rangefinder was a Canon IV-Ssomething. I loved it. Didn't know any better. My second rangefinder was a Canon with a funky Nikkor lens. I was bummed because it wasn't a Canon lens. Thank goodness the other lens was a Canon 35/2.8. The nerve of somebody putting a Nikkor 50/1.4 on a Canon body, hey? 🙂

What's your point Wayne? Buy quality. Buy the Canon/Leica combination. If you hate the Canon body you can sell it for at least enough to buy a used CV body. Or start saving up for a CV body and another lens.

That's my story & I'm sticking to it. 😀

 

[thomas29]

The lieca lens that was in question is a lieca 35mm 3.5 with the canon ivsb body they want 625.00us dollars. The Bessa R with the 35mm 1.7 ASPh Ultron lens would be about the same price.

 

[raid]

The Summaron 35mm/3.5 is not as sharp as the 35mm/1.7 Ultron. It is a nice little lens though. I have one like it. The Ultron is a bigger lens. that is much faster and also sharper at wide apertures. The Canon IVsb may soon require a CLA due to its age. I would still recommend to consider the Bessa + Ultron combo unless you have a special preference to vintage cameras and lenses. Then, go with the Canon and Summaron.

Raid

 

[ray_g]

I would go with the Bessa. If that price is for used, it is too high. You can get that set brand new from PhotoVillage for $249 + $379 = $628.

 

[thomas29]

I would tend to agree with the others, but would advise you to ascertain what lens comes with the Canon. You'd hate to pass up a bargain.

The lens is a lieca 35mm 3.5 and with the canon ivsb body they are asking 625.00

 

[ray_g]

As I had said, I would go with the Bessa. I'd consider this too.

 

[FrankS]

Depending on condition, the Canon RF body is worth $200, the Summaron $250. The asking price of $625 is way too much.