Dizzying steps for my first rangefinder

[uinku]

If you have to ask, go with the more economical option. By the time you've gained enough experience, you won't need to ask what to get the next time around.

We all differ in our needs. I ended up saving up and getting a M4P, but after shooting a few rolls with it, I realized that I like the 40mm over the 35mm, and could live with a simple fixed-lens rangefinder (or a CL).

 

[kossi008]

I think it's fine to start with an inexpensive setup in order to establish whether rangefinders are for your or not.

For me, it was easy, as I happened to find a Bessa R with 21/35/75 lens combo at a very good price when I wanted to try rangefinders. I have since upgraded to the Zeiss system, but that 75 mm Heliar ist still with me...

 

[brbo]

In about two years I went through Canonet QL17, Bessa R and Bessa R3A to arrive at M8.2 & M6 combo.

If I was to start with rangefinders again, I would go down the same path, but spend much more time at every step.

Going 'big' from the start, you might miss out on a lot. Especially if you also value/enjoy picture taking process itself and not just the end results.

 

[Pastor Chris]

What is it like, standing at the edge of the rabbit hole, peering down into the darkness and wondering where it leads? Most of us have been down here so long we cannot remember what color the sky is. Come on in, we could use the company. . . (sinister laugh)

 

[k__43]

go cheap on your first RF - mine was a Revue/Vivitar fixed lens, followed by a Zorki 4 with Jupiter8. I still have the Jupiter 8 cos it's a great lens.
You should be able to get the Zorki set in working condition under 40 euros in germany add 7-16 euros for shipping. It's very easy to align the RF vertically so no problem with focus.
The camera was a pain to use: dim RF no framelines and always remember to advance before setting speed. The results where satisfying a lot tho!
I upgraded to a M2 later and used it for quite some time with only the J8.
I'm not so much for the canon rangefinders, I recently sold a excellent working Leica CL for 200€ (w/o lens) so I think no reason to opt for the canons (very dim VF)

get the Zorki .. try shooting (yes, it will be frustrating sometimes/often) and see if the whole RF thing suits you. For me it went this way .. sold almost all my SLRs (except one in 35mm and one in MF)

 

[astro8]

I'd go hard or go home!

Bessa, Leica M or R-D1 (for digital) with a CV lens(es)...if you get an early leica or canon etc as your first rangefinder you may be horrified when you look through the peephole.

If you find RF is not for you, just sell. At least you will have experienced something with friendly function and a great finder.

 

[camperbc]

I say take look at the FEDs/Zorkis first. When one can snag an absolutely pristine FED 2 it is truly a wonderful thing. There's not much out there that can match it in the looks department, and adding a very inexpensive Industar 26 or 61 lens will yield stunning results. My FED 2(D6) is one of my all-time favorites in my entire collection of vintage cameras. I also enjoy using a mint Zorki-4.

Yes, there are lots of people out there trying to pass off their crappy FSU's, but I was fortunate to find an excellent source for mint, fully CLA'd and warrantied FSU cameras at reasonable prices. I recommend Andrey at Synoptics Camera Shop on Ebay; goes by the name of hero4g. He is honest and trustworthy, and has some of the finest Russian cameras available... at any cost. Here is one of his current listings for a mint Fed 2:

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/FED-2-USSR-L...742?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1c26273bee

Here are two photos of the FED 2 that I purchased from him for about $80, including shipping to Newfoundland. I also bought my mint Zorki-4 from Synoptics. Highly recommended!

Glen

 

[davidtan]

I know others are saying go expensive early to avoid a lot of buying and selling. I don't think there is harm in at least one inexpensive rangefinder first. That could tell you immediately if the way of working is valuable to you.

Very true. Being a young man fresh out of college and still in need of paying off his loans, I think I should go about this cheaply. Besides, I still have the rest of my life to mull over the decision: to Leica or not.

David, if you're in NYC, why don't you come to the next RFF meet-up? You'll get to fondle a lot of gear and if the weather is nice and we go out shooting a bit, you might be able to expose a roll. I know I'd have no problem walking around the village with an RFFer using one of my Leica M bodies and seeing if you're actually into that kind of shooting. Just bring a roll of Tri-X or whatever your favorite emulsion may be.

Phil Forrest

Thanks for the offer. I work in Manhattan, but I don't usually go there for anything else. I mostly stay in my home locale of South Brooklyn. If you guys ever drop by Coney Island, that would be swell; I'm practically there once a week. I know you guys are planning to meet for the Mermaid Parade. I'm likely to be there as well, as I have been every year. Who knows, maybe I've already seen your faces; there are always a ton of people with Leicas at Coney Island that day.

What is it like, standing at the edge of the rabbit hole, peering down into the darkness and wondering where it leads? Most of us have been down here so long we cannot remember what color the sky is. Come on in, we could use the company. . . (sinister laugh)

It's much like when I started using film over a year ago. I've been a film-addict since.

In any case, I think I've decided on the Kiev 4a, for reasons described in that other thread.