getting a rangefinder on a budget

[olleorama]

Hexar AF or Bessa R + 35mm skopar.

Que? Hexar AF is far from a RF! Very nice lens and all, but very different from working with a rangefinder.

My first rangefinder was a yashica lynx 14e, it got me into it real good. I think any cheap fixed-lens rf cam is a good bet. But the prices have really gone up.

 

[cosmonaut]

I agree with all about the Canonet. Just be careful and get a good one. Many of them have stuck shutters. The lens on te Canonet is sweet. Then save up and get an M6.

 

[thegman]

I'd be getting a Bessa and a Color Skopar. I think you're right to get into M mount, as that really is where the range finder action is. You can try out cheap lenses like Jupiter, and see what focal lengths you like. You can trade lenses, so you can change lenses without spending anything too.

 

[TaoPhoto]

I agree with the advice to start with the Bessa, and if you go Bessa R and stick to LTM lenses, you'll be able to put a lot of glass together for relatively little. M mount lenses tend to be pricey and there aren't that many alternatives, other than getting a LTM to M converter.

The reason I recommend the Bessa over the fixed lens, Barnack and Russian cameras is the viewfinder. It is truly lovely to look through, and the in-built meter will make those first months a lot easier. After that, if the rangefinder bug bites, you can upgrade.

As it happens, I have a Bessa R in the classifieds now. It's a great starter rangefinder, and you won't have to squint through Barnack viewfinders, or go mad searching for the rangefinder patch on older fix-lensed cameras.

 

[HoodedOne]

The Bessa+lens is always a good way to get into a M-system camera. But as you said, this is gonna be your first RF camera. Do you have any experience with RF cameras at all ?
Not everybody likes using a RF camera, so maybe a fixed lens RF is a better way to start.
Most fixed lens Rangefinders are not that expensive anymore, and the quality of some is truly amazing.
Recently i bought a Contax-T for around $150. And the Carl Zeiss 2.8/38 T* lens on this little camera, is simply amazing.

 

[Matus]

I had Konica S3 and Bessa R3A with Jupiter and would decide for the later if I were serious about rangefinders. The viewfinder is much better, the focusing is easier, the camera is a bit heavier (yes - it actually is an advantage when shooting). Actually - if I would do it again I would probably go with Color Skopar 35/2.5 from VC just that I like that focal length more. But the Jupiter was really nice for B&W portraits.

So - for you budget I would follow the Bessa R + jupiter or Canon or VC lens. Remember - the Jupiters may be tricky as they were produced for camera with slightly different standards (Contax) and need work to focus properly over the whole range . I had mine adjusted by our very own Brian who did a very good job with it. So I personally would pick Canon 50/1.8 over the Jupiter to save you the trouble.

Whatever you get used for reasonable price (just watch the eBay for a while) you will be able to sell for around the same if it does not work for you.

good luck.

 

[dannybear]

thanks for the help everyone, ive narrowed it down to either a bessa or a leica iiif, its going to be for general every day use, which would you recomend?

 

[mooge]

I'd vote for the bessa... separate VF/RF is sooo 1930s.

 

[jmooney]

If you want to learn how to use an RF and get a good feel for what it's like and what it can and cannot do, go for the Bessa. Lots of people use IIIf's on a daily basis, I have myself but I wouldn't recommend it for someone starting out. You'll get frustrated and wonder what we're all banging on about around here.

My recommendation is a Bessa R and a Leica Elmar lens either the 35mm or 50mm whichever you prefer. The Bessa gives you easier film loading, a meter, and a really great view finder. The Elmar gives you a taste of Leica glass at a low price. Honestly you could start with this and never go any further and get wonderful pictures. It really is a great kit. Work with the Bessa for a while and once you have the routine down, try a IIIc or IIIf if you want. They are cool cameras but you'll be much better equipped to deal with them if you've had some RF experience first.

A film camera is really just a light tight box that holds the film. The lens is what makes the image. Granted Leica makes REALLY awesome boxes to put film in but the lens is where the magic happens and everyone should try some Leica magic.

Jim

 

[dshfoto]

There are Fuji brand rangefinder cameras that take 120 film. The lenses are exceptional, and the prints can be stunning, and large. A Fuji GS645S can be purchased for less than $500. It give you a chance to develop your rangefinder technique, and shoot medium format at the same time.
If I was going to buy a fixed lens camera then I would go for a medium format Fuji.
Then later a Leica 35mm, with a 50mm Summilux lens.

 

[35mmdelux]

Or, brand new Holga for about $20. Save the rest for a good party. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holga_camera

 

[Frontman]

Any old rangefinder will probably suffice, and, believe it or not, a fixed-lens rangefinder camera might be the best way to go. At least with such a camera you will be shooting rather than lusting over what other lenses you can buy for your camera.

Early Minolta, Canon, and Yashica fixed-lens rangefinder cameras are fully mechanical, and operate without batteries or meters. If you have been shooting manual cameras, or know how to use a hand-held meter, one of these is a good way to go.

Then there are hybrid cameras which feature manual or automatic operation, like the Canonet QL17 or the Olympus SP. These are good cameras to start with as you can use the built in meter to adjust or verify your settings, and both cameras are capable of taking superb quality pictures.

The latest of the fixed lens rangefinder cameras featured aperture-priority automatic or full automatic operation. The aperture-priority cameras are the better choice as you can still have a great amount of control. The best cameras of this type for the money are the Yashica Electros; all have outstanding lenses, and many are almost giveaway cheap. And lately their prices are appreciating a little, if you decide to move along to a Leica, you won't lose anything if you sell your Yashica.