Downgrade from Leica to Bessa-L?

[jamais]

During the the years I have set up a nice kit consisting of a Leica M4-P and three lenses, namely the Voigtländers 4/25 Snapshot Skopar, 1.4/35 Nokton and 1.8/75 Heliar. I thought this outfit would cover 100% of my photographic needs. BUT: I just have not used it for more than a roll or so. I have much preferred my SLRs (for both 35mm and MF). Recently I have decided not to shoot colour film in 35mm anymore. Bought an X-E1 as replacement and am quite happy with it so far. Now my plan is limiting 35mm photography to BW and to using just two lenses - one 58mm lens for my SLR - besides the Snapshot Skopar and a dedicated body for it which should be lighter (and preferably smaller) than my M4-P. So what options do exist? My initial idea was a Zeiss Ikon SW (too expensive) or a Leica II/III (no light meter which may be one of the reasons why I have not been using my M4-P that often). What do you think about a Bessa-L? I own the Voigtländer 25mm accessory finder. How would the L with finder compare to an R4A size-wise and regarding the handling?

 

[bigeye]

Jamais! I would have a IIIc or IIIf to a Bessa L.

 

[hamish_gill]

I went out with a just bought bessa-l and snapshot-skopar to take photos of my little girl on her new bike today. It might be a bit light and cheap feeling, but it does the job perfectly with the 25mm. They are cheap as chips too ... Why not give one a go, if you don't like it you won't loose on it.

 

[newspaperguy]

I've been using the L/25 combo as my go-to kit for years. Very happy with it.
My only complaint is the big plastic CV finder... Wish. I had the new wee one.

 

[hamish_gill]

I've had the lens for a little while and also find the VF a bit big ... I found a Panasonic DMW-VF1 for £20 second hand and use that sometimes. But actually, whilst big, the Voigtlander one finds the eye quicker

 

[tunalegs]

My personal opinion is that I would just buy a light meter and use the M4.

There's no point in dealing with a screw mount leica if you won't use your M4 anyway just because it doesn't have a meter in it. The LTM models may be smaller (barely and to little if any real practical effect in actual use) but they also have a smaller viewfinder and a separate RF, knob wind, and bottom loading. Which is to say if you feel the M4 is too inconvenient, the LTM models are not going to be for you.

 

[traveler_101]

My personal opinion is that I would just buy a light meter and use the M4.

There's no point in dealing with a screw mount leica if you won't use your M4 anyway just because it doesn't have a meter in it. The LTM models may be smaller (barely and to little if any real practical effect in actual use) but they also have a smaller viewfinder and a separate RF, knob wind, and bottom loading. Which is to say if you feel the M4 is too inconvenient, the LTM models are not going to be for you.

To the OP: It sounds like a good plan.

In response to Tunalegs: Although a Leica IIIf also lacks a light meter, it is a much smaller and lighter camera than a Leica M. There is no comparison, so if size is a factor it would make sense to trade "down" to a Barnack. For convenience nothing beats a Bessa, however. Along with the IIIf, I have a Bessa-T which is like the L but includes a rangefinder. The light meter is real useful and the camera is light--though larger than the IIIf. Build quality and feel: there's no comparison, the IIIf is like a little jewel, much better in your hand than any M.

 

[thegman]

I've had a few Leicas and now on a Bessa. Obviously the Leica feels nicer, feels higher quality, but the ease and convenience of the Bessa wins it for me. I prefer the meter, film loading, and even the lighter weight all contributes to a pleasurable experience with the Bessa.

I've never used a Bessa L, but have used a Bessa T, which I really liked. My experiences with Bessa R3M and R4A are very positive too.

I had a IIIf, but could not get on with the shutter speed selection and the film loading was something to be dreaded. Obviously people have different experiences, and I'm sure given time, loading a Barnack becomes easy, but it's certainly not for me.

I think if I was to get another 35mm RF, I'd consider a Bessa T.

 

[Pioneer]

Go for it. You are not using your M4 now, so perhaps remodeling your kit to make it more convenient to use will make it more attractive for you.

 

[gho]

I would simply keep the M4-P if you can live without a build in light meter. Rather than changing the body I would get a light meter and learn how to read the light. Your X-E1 already has a light meter.

 

[Ko.Fe.]

If you like SLRs, you'll be fine with loud L shutter.
Do not panic if it also gets jammed once in a while...

 

[ruby.monkey]

At least pick a Bessa T - it's the same shape and size, it too has a meter, it's not much more expensive, and you'll always have the option of a rangefinder should you choose to mount longer/faster lenses.

Or just accept that you have no real use for your Leica-related kit and sell the lot.

 

[kshapero]

Do whatever it takes to get you to shoot more than just one roll.

 

[jamais]

Thanks to all for sharing your experiences and ideas!
Is there another RF camera that offers 24mm (or 25mm) framelines next to the R4A? I have just played around a bit with my M4-P with mounted external finder. It just does not feel right for me.

 

[gb hill]

I have a Bessa L w 25/4. It's lightweight, a + if you are carrying around all day. Leica & FSU screwmounts are too heavy to lug for me. The L has the lights on the rear instead of thru the lens which is for me less distracting. The camera doesn't feel cheap to me & is sturdier than one might think. It was a good enough camera for Al Kaplan to carry around all day so I think that bout sums it up right there.

 

[Bill Clark]

I don't think it's a downgrade.

Same person making the photographs? That's what counts.

 

[Harryo1962]

My Bessa L with the 21mm Voit is a hoot. A whole different deal than just about anything else. Its so wide, you just point in the direction of what you want to shoot, and fire away. The meter on the outside of the body is just gravy. Go for it!

 

[FrankS]

Before you sell off the Leica M, buy a Bessa L and try it out. They aren't very costly. Then make an informed decision for yourself.

If it were me, I'd use the Bessa L (or Leica CL) as a dedicated body for the 25 (I have the 21), use the M4 as a dedicated body for the 35 Nokton, and the SLR for any longer lenses.

Sell the CV75 for funds to buy the L and a bunch of b+w film.

 

[jamais]

OK, maybe I shall give the L a try. Just another question regarding the T: Is the T made of the same build quality as the L? As I can see, the T is considerably more expensive. There are currently two offers that I know of. Both T copies cost EUR 290 each which is 3 times the price of an L.

 

[FrankS]

I've never owned a T so I can't say, but a RF is not necessary for a wide angle lens.