Deciding on rangefinder body + lens

[dshfoto]

This guy says it better than I can:
http://www.imx.nl/photo/Analysis/Analysis/Analysis/page80.html
While not everyone agrees with Erwin Puts, at least he thinks about these things in depth.
Another thing to remember is that you are not only just choosing a camera and lens, but buying into a system of photography. You will want other lenses, maybe other cameras, etc. So you need to think about how expandable the line is, and how you many want to add things in the future.

 

[daninjc]

+1

Got my m6ttl + 50 cron v4 here on classified for 1700. Cant be happier.

For 2k with careful looking you can pick up an M6 Classic & a 50mm Summicron and never look back.

 

[dshfoto]

Puts also believes that the Summicron 2/50mm lens exceeds the capabilities of most users. Read all about it here: http://www.imx.nl/photo/leica/lenses/lenses/page92.html

One important consideration is to put the money in the glass. You want a camera that is easy to use, but the quality of the lens will have a lot more to do with how the final print looks.

If you want lower light, then go for the leica 50mm 1.4

 

[PatrickONeill]

my setup cost me just under 2K. I'm in dreamland with my setup. its just so perfect in my hands.

leica m6 classic, $950
35mm cron v.3 $900

you can find a 50mm cron in minty shape for well under $900, ( I spent weeks on deciding between a 35 cron or a user condition 50 lux. I settled for the 35mm and maybe in a year or two, a 50mm will come my way)

whatever you pick, you will be happy with a bessa, zeiss or leica. don't stress it too much.

 

[shadowfox]

For 2K you can get an M4-P and a CV lens and still have enough left for film and a weekend trip to celebrate (and test drive).

 

[CSG123]

I've been going back and forth with this myself (but don't have a $2k budget. I've been thinking M2 because the VF is showing the frame lines for the lenses I'm likely to use (wither a 35mm or 50mm) without goggles (for the 35 anyway).

My problem is I haven't handled a Leica in years and the last one I looked at was a new M7. It seems prices for these 50 year old cameras are still stupidly high in most cases but thanks to places like KEH, I can feel comfortable trying one. The other problem is trying to figure out all the lenses as it's really all about the lens.

My use would be a walkaround, strictly B&W camera with no specific tasks. I'd appreciate any thoughts.

 

[aizan]

if this camera is for joy rides, i would definitely pounce on that nikon s3 2000 set at keh. but if it's your daily driver, i would recommend the zeiss ikon, bessa r3a, or leica m6.

 

[jsrockit]

If it's a Bessa R3A, then it calls for the 40mm Nokton. That should run about a grand.

or even the 40mm Summicron...

 

[jsrockit]

Ok, if I had $2000 to spend on a film rangefinder camera and lens combo, I'd think about the following:

Bodys (Metered): Leica M6, Voigtlander R3 / R4, Konica Hexar RF
Lenses: 50mm Summicron, 35mm Zeiss C-Biogon, 40mm Summicron, 50mm Zeiss ZM

Any combination of the aforementioned gives you a modern rangefinder set-up that will most likely exceed your expectations.