Coming back to 35mm film?

[jtzordon]

I used to shoot a lot of 35mm film, but probably only 3 rolls in the past 2 years or so. The main issue was producing a final product. I used a flatbed scanner for my negs and got poor quality for any moderate enlargements. I've recently purchased my first enlarger and have been making prints. This is such an enjoyable process and I'm finally enjoying my film shots, so I've started to think about getting a rangefinder.

I have an old Minolta SRT and XGM that I could use, but I'm not very excited about that. I have had a Canonet GIII in the past that I really enjoyed. It was small and quiet, but I had difficulty getting good focus in low light. I've had a Zorki 4, which I loved photos from, but I couldn't get over the squinty viewfinder. I've often in the past considered getting a either a Bessa R or a Canon P. The Bessa has a meter, while the Canon has a classic look and a certain appeal to me. I know everyone's going to come down with a different opinion based on preferences, but what is the main selling point for these respective cameras for you?

 

[Gaspar]

The only rangefinder I have is the bessa R. It is a very capable product at a very affordable price level. The lenses are top notch and that is the primary reason why I use it as I find SLR's more user friendly.
Many people here have leicas but unless you use a M6 or M7 you will be meterless. For me that would just not do, though I woul like to have an M6.

 

[jtzordon]

Well,I guess it's been settled. I just bought the Bessa R in the classified. I was thinking a meter would be good to have on this camera for the type of shooting I have in mind for it. Now I just need to find a lens.