GAS in cyberspace

[Diggin99]

Hi folks!

I know that only I can answer this question but I at least wanted to share what I am going through with people who understand! I have a serious case of GAS and want to get a rangefinder. I have a Bessa L (that I love) but I want something that will be good for the 40 to 90 mm lens range (esp 40 and 50mm). Here are the options:

1. Get a a Bessa R from cameraquest.

I have a Russian lens that I cannot use yet...got it from ebay for about 15 including shipping. Not sure of the quality. It has on it written a backwards N-26m. also it is a 2.8 and 52mm? I could use this with the bessa. This is the cheap option...not really very sexy, for me anyway.

2. At my local camera shop is an early leica, scratched up but in working order, it comes with a 35mm and a 50mm lens, and also the attachment that gives you multiple finder sizes. This is, for me, a sexy option but is it worth $600? I know it is a Leica IIIf but I am not sure if it is the early III (f) or the 1950's IIIf, only recently read about this distinction. I do not mind not having a meter in camera.

These are the strong fron runners...basically sticking with screwmount...I feel that I will not be able to afford M mount lenses anytime in the near future.

But I have also seen some very nice looking Contax IIa's on ebay for 650...this is a camera that I have never seen in person, not familiar with it really.

What I wish I could do is actually see some of the cameras I am thinking of in person, I find GAS in cyberspace somewhat frustrating, I miss that feeling you get when you hold the camera and look through the viewfinder, before you buy it. At least the Leica screwmount option I have seen in person, I know the size was great, nice and small, maybe a little heavy, and the viewfinder was also an the small side. But at least I have the handled it before thinking of sinking the dough!

About 600 to 800 is all I have for a camera and a lens combined!

Any thoughts welcome!

Nancy

 

[Diggin99]

Ps

Ps

also a side note...I do have my eye on the Leica m2 that stephen is selling but am worried about how much a 50mm lens would cost, or if it would be a reasonable option to get an adaptor and use the Russian lens I have with it (again not sure of the quality of picts with this lens)...

Nancy

 

[Silva Lining]

Hmmm, I'd be looking at the Leica - and trying to see the state of the lenses.

I share your frustration about GAS in cyberspace - you are always taking a risk, but can sometimes get a special bargain too! I have been lucky in my purchases with only two or three dud ones out of over 100 - and even then they were not expensive ones thankfully, alhtough I do have a Summilux I am waiting for that I am nervus about!!

 

[Silva Lining]

also a side note...I do have my eye on the Leica m2 that stephen is selling but am worried about how much a 50mm lens would cost, or if it would be a reasonable option to get an adaptor and use the Russian lens I have with it (again not sure of the quality of picts with this lens)...

Nancy

mmmm M2! I'd look at this - you can pick up an 50mm f2.8 collapsible Elmar for a reasonable price on eB*y. Not as sexy as a Summicron but still a good lens - and what I started with. Be careful though, you first Leica purchase is unlikely to be your last....😀

 

[flashover]

I have owned the Leica III series c and now an a model. I have a Contax IIIa and have handeled a Bessa R and they all feel and handel differant. You are probably correct in your need to handel each model if you aren't sure. Is there a RFF group that meets near you?

 

[rbiemer]

Nancy,
I know how it feels to be considering the various choices and not being able to check 'em out in person. It is frustrating, to say the least!
The lens you already have sounds like the Industar-26. Capable but not as sexy as some of the others.
The Leica seems like a fairly good deal. And you could probably get most/all of your $ back out of it if you ever decide to get something else.
The Bessa R is, I think, a really good camera. And one advantage of buying new is that it will have a warranty. Stephen(Cameraquest) is a great guy to deal with, in my experience. For your budget, you could get the R/35mm lens combo and have some bucks for other things--film, another lens, those small accessories(filters,hoods,etc). And as you already have an L, the R would be familiar to you already.
One other thing occurs to me: is there any possibility that the local camera store would let you use(borrow or rent) the Leica for a little while to let you see if it will serve your needs/wants?
Of course, for a LOT less $ there are all those FSU cameras...😀
Rob

 

[lubitel]

Bessa R is a great choice, but when you hold that M2 in your hands - you are gone!

😉

 

[Diggin99]

Thanks!

Thanks!

I wanted to thank you all for your thoughts and advice! I went back to the camera store today (a mistake probably) and looked at the Leica and lenses. Long story short I ended up puting a downpayment on this "Leica kit" and the final price will be $500 dollars! At the end of the week I will be going back to pick up my first Leica!

Here is what I am getting:
Leica III f (This is what the guys at the store think it is, but I am not 100%sure...)
Two lenses, one a 50mm Summintar collapsable 2.0, the other 35mm
universal viewfinder (VIOOH?)
The original leather case, which needs to have the front part re-attached to the base.
Leica lens cap

The camera is in working order, the only thing that puzzles me is that the camera store seemed to think this is a 1955 Leica III f...but the pictures I have seen on the Leica IIIf are different than this camera...namely what I have seen online of the Leica III f (from the 50's...ie red dial or black dial) is that on the winding knob they have two windows for the film speed indicator. The camera I am getting does not. I will be able to find out for sure what model it is at the end of the week!

Ok to sum up...Yippee!!

Nancy