First Post - Looking for a new/first RF to shoot wide and standard

[e.schaaf.productions]

Hello,

This is my first post! I'm just getting into rangefinder film photography - I got my first DSLR a couple years ago, decided I wanted to try shooting film (the Canon AE-1 with the 50/1.4 SSC was my go-to combo, my father used it for many many years back in the day), and I also explored some of what medium format has to offer (I've got a Mamiya 645 with a few lenses and the C33 TLR) - and I'm looking to purchase an M-mount rangefinder and a lens or two.

I'm a college student, so I'm on a limited budget (I'd say under $1500 ideally) - but I'd like a body I can grow into for the long run and a good all-round lens (I prefer the 35mm and 40mm focal length over 50). I'm very much open to recommendations, but for telephoto use I plan to stick with my SLR's.

So I guess I'm looking for a rangefinder primarily to shoot standard and wide-angle lenses (nothing longer than 50mm). The Voigtlander R4M became an apparent choice, but I'm a little concerned about how focusing a fast 50 (if I get one in the future) might be given the low VF/RF magnification. Are there separate VF magnifiers that fit the Bessa R4M that could help me solve this issue when it arises? Or would a different body be a better choice, even though I plan on shooting primarily wide-angles?

I'm considering the Bessa T for precision focusing with the 1.5x RF magnification, but the prospect of having to always use a separate VF for compositions is daunting (and slow!). That being said, the cost is very attractive, and I could pick up a nice lens/VF with the money I save over a different body.

Anyway, that's my story. I'd love some recommendations!

To sum it up - what would be a good body for use with exclusively standard and wide-angle lenses? And which lenses in the 35mm-40mm range give good bang for the buck?

Thanks!

 

[Dan Daniel]

Leica M2. Just get it over with- you're going to end up here sooner or later (M4 and above is pushing your budget).

40mm Summicron-C is a wonderful lens. Check over on the Leica CL forum for samples.

 

[Bill Clark]

I'd like a body I can grow into for the long run

I've had a body for almost 65 years and I'd sure like to grow out of it by losing some pounds! Ha!

I have two M4s and I think it's one of the best Leicas made. Paid <than $1000.00 for each. I have others but I like M4 the best.

I use 50mm and 90mm lenses. 90 is a nice portrait lens and since quite a few were made, prices seem to be reasonable, at least in Leica terms.

Another option is to consider Voigtlander. Check out Camera Quest.

http://www.cameraquest.com/

Hope this helps you.

Welcome to the forum.

 

[paradoxbox]

an M2 or M4 would be a good bet I think.

An M2 with a voigtlander color skopar f2.5 35mm could be had for well under $1500. If you prefer leica glass you could get a summaron 3.5 instead but that would bring your total closer to $1500.

An M4 is significantly more expensive but offers a different (And some people say faster/better) film loading system, and an angled rewind crank instead of the post like on the M2 and M3.

If I were you I'd get an M2 and a voigtlander 35mm or 40mm.

 

[IEDEI]

Leica M5 and 40mm Summicron C.

you'll have the best Leica body and one of the most underrated lenses around....and you'll probably be able to do it for less than $1500 if you're clever.

 

[Sylvester]

I liked the Minolta CLE + 40 rokkor when I had one
Sold the kit to buy a M6... But I still miss this compact kit...

 

[zuiko85]

Yeah, just strech a bit and get a Leica body. Try not to pay premium for it, get it a little banged up and put $250 in the bank for repairs if necessary. You don't need Leica lenses though, get some modern CV lenses and save some bread.