First RF buying advice

[ibot]

I come from shooting SLR style cameras for about 1,5 years, both film and digital. In spring I bought a Canonet 28 for cheap on a flea market and used it a few times during summer. This was my first rangefinder experience and I now want to buy my first analog exchangeable lens rangefinder.

After extensive research I learned a lot about RFs, but I still don't really know what to buy.

I shoot more wide than tele, so 24 or 28 mm would be great. For the occasional portrait I can probably live with an external finder. I don't need metering or automatic modes, full manual is perfectly fine as I want to experience the moment when shooting. Since I travel regularly, I would love a reliable camera that is not too heavy.

Although not a perfect fit for what I want, I checked out these in more detail:

Leica M4 – I could afford it, not sure if I should though. Seems to be an alright camera I could use, not more, not less. Although I would love to own a Leica for the look.

Canon P or VI-L – Seems reasonable and a good and solid package for me. If I had to rush it, this is probably what I would get right now.

Voigtlander Bessa R2/R2A – I currently crave this the most, although it seems quite expensive for what you get. I tried one and I like it, but I have not much to compare against.

For Analog I only own a Pentax SLR and lenses. This Pentax never built a RF, I am open to any system.

Budget around 1000$ – would be great if this could include body and one lens. I'll spend more if I get obsessed ;-)

Any help is appreciated!

 

[ACullen]

Of the models you mention Canon P handles very nicely but the VF flairs easily. A Leica M2 would be my recommendation for affordable RF body.

 

[benlees]

If you shoot wides then the Bessa R4M or R4A should be added to your list. 24mm or 28mm would mean accessory viewfinders are needed for framing for almost all rangefinder cameras.

 

[cjm]

If you could live with a 50mm or 35mm (there are plenty in the $100-300 range), I would suggest a Leica M2 (working copies can be found for $700-900). Alternatively, a Canon P with a Voigtlander 28mm LTM (the f1.9 or f3.5 version) and an external finder could work within your budget. There are other 28mm LTM options too. Bessa's are great but so overpriced these days.

Hope this helps.

-Chris

 

[B-9]

If your in it for the wides... easy Bessa L and a 25 Snapshot.

No frills no fuss... but you do gain a built in meter!

 

[Ko.Fe.]

You purchased 1k$ camera. Now what?...
Lenses. 24,28 cost a lot. And here is no wide cheapies or zooms in RF.

My advise is to get Bessa R with half-case and Orion-15. It will work with entire VF for framing. And Color Skopar 21 with external VF.

M4 will work with Jupiter 12 just fine, but it is not wide.

 

[David Hughes]

Hi,


The M2 might be a suitable alternative to the M4 and cheaper but this (price) varies from country to country and day to day at times. There are also some bargain Leica lenses about like the 35mm f/3.5 Summaron.


Regards, David

 

[mpaniagua]

umm you could get a Bessa T and a wide lens for less that $1000. A very unusual camera but nice for wide shooting. Modern handling, superb rangefinder, light meter, no viewfinder but since you say you shoot wide I dont think that would be an issue. Bessa T goes for about $300 or less. Voightlander 15mm goes for $300-400. True, it may not suit everyone but a fun camera to use.

Marcelo

 

[Ste_S]

I went through this last year and ended up with a Canon P and don’t regret it. I’m happy with 35mm as my widest lens though - if you want 28mm frame lines (and id recommend not relying on an external viewfinder) i’d look elsewhere

 

[mpaniagua]

Here is mine

 

[aizan]

If 28mm is your main lens:

- Bessa R4a
- Konica Hexar RF
- Minolta CLE
- 0.58 Leica M

If 24mm is your main lens AND you don't get a 28mm:

- Bessa R4a
- Anything and everything else if you use an accessory viewfinder!

If you will use a 24mm AND a 28mm:

- Bessa R4a

 

[DHK]

There’s an m4-p at keh for $950 right now. I’d grab that instantly if I was in your shoes.

 

[aizan]

Just an idea:

$450 Leica IIIc, in good, recently CLA'd condition
$350 Voigtlander 25mm f/4 LTM
$100 Voigtlander 25mm viewfinder, plastic

$900

 

[Pioneer]

Just an idea:

$450 Leica IIIc, in good, recently CLA'd condition
$350 Voigtlander 25mm f/4 LTM
$100 Voigtlander 25mm viewfinder, plastic

$900

Great idea Aizan.

Or the OP could pick up the Bessa L complete with 25mm lens and viewfinder for $399 that is available on Ebay right now.

I'm half tempted to pick it up myself except I have a perfectly good 25mm in Contax mount for my Bessa R2C already.

 

[Abbazz]

And why not a Fuji GSW690?

And why not a Fuji GSW690?

For less money than a Leica, the Fuji GSW690 will provide a negative five times bigger, a wide field lens (wih a field of view comparable to a 28mm on a Leica) and a large and bright viewfinder with a clear rangefinder patch, in a nearly indestructible body. Of course, it's a tiny bit bulkier and heftier than a Leica but, as they used to say when our planet was still cool and clean, there's no replacement for displacement!

Cheers!

Abbazz

 

[BillBingham2]

If your in it for the wides... easy Bessa L and a 25 Snapshot.

No frills no fuss... but you do gain a built in meter!

+1,000

The L and a 25 Snapshot were my favorite combination every. Not an RF, but it weighs almost nothing, world-class glass, bright finder, and a light meter you can see without bringing the camera to your eye.

If you like wide, you will love this combo.

B2 (;->

 

[Huss]

If your in it for the wides... easy Bessa L and a 25 Snapshot.

No frills no fuss... but you do gain a built in meter!

not an rf

😉

 

[Pioneer]

not an rf

😉

Not too sure that you need RF with the 25 snapshot do you? 🙂

 

[ibot]

Thanks so much for the replies so far!

It never crossed my mind that I could use different cameras for different focal lengths. Right now I am eyeballing a Bessa-L with the 15/4.5 Heliar. Now I have to decide if this is maybe too wide for me ;-)

In case I pull the trigger on it, I could even effort a Canon P at the same time 😱

 

[Ko.Fe.]

L is not RF. Make sure to have half case for it. And advance it slow, but steady.
Canon P or any Canon RF is not the best RF, VF and framing experience.