Getting into rangefinders...

[Kyle]

Hello all. I'm looking to get into RF photography. I'm a student (not for photo) and relative newb to photography. I've pretty much limited myself to SLRs, and therefore I don't know much about the RF world, so I have a few questions (I hope this post doesn't end up sounding as confused as I am).

I just upgraded to a DSLR for its convenience (I had way too much money, and nothing else to spend it on). However, I still LOVE film, but don't want to lug around an SLR. So I'm looking to get rid of my film bodies and pick up a RF camera and a lens in the 35-50mm focal length, because I'd like to carry everything in my pocket. I have been looking at the Voigtlander Bessa R or R2 because I'm reading good things about these cameras, they're not too expensive, and they're newer, which I'm hoping means reliable. Anyways, if I'm not mistaken one of the main differences between the R and the R2 is the R uses the Leica Screw Mount and the R2 uses the Leica M Bayonet mount, is this correct? If this is correct, which mount should I buy into (I understand that when using M mount cameras, adaptors can be used to use screw mount lenses)? I will not be spending thousands of dollars on lenses, so which mount has the best selection of 'bang for your buck' lenses, that seem to be readily available (I'm not talking 'dirt cheap' but I don't want $2,500 Leica glass either)? Can anyone make any suggestions as to which camera and lens (28, 35, 50 is what I'm looking for) combination would be good for a budget of roughly $600 (doesn't need to be new, either)?

Thanks in advance for any help. 🙂

 

[wlewisiii]

From what you're describing here, I'd think that the $425 R with 35/2.5 C from www.cameraquest.com would be something to seriously consider. If I were into Leica rather than Contax, I'd have probably bought one a long time ago.

Good luck and enjoy whatever you do get.

William

 

[back alley]

hey kyle, welcome to the forum!

r or r2, screw mount or m mount.
for me the biggest part of that question is do you see yourself changing lenses often? if not, the screw mount will work out ok.
if you're the type of shooter that changes lenses on the fly and likes to carry a few lenses at a time the m mount will be much more convenient.
i like the screw mount and have an r body with just 2 cv lenses the 35 & 75 and it's a perfect combo for me.
i often go out with only one body & one lens though.

i also have some canon rf bodies and will go out with only one body & lens. but at times i will add a second lens to the bag and if i envision using more than one lens i might take 2 bodies with a lens on each.

hope this isn't more confusing than not.

a bayonet mount is just easier & quicker- therefore if changing lenses often is a priority that would be the way to go.

joe

 

[RML]

Welcome, Kyle.

For the differences between R and R2, check out Cameraquest.com where you'll find extensive information on both these cameras and the new R2a and R3a.

If money isn't much of a point you might want to go for the R2 instead of the R, because of the M-mount.
However, a used Leica M2 or M3 will be nearly the same price of a new R2 (food for thought)....

Lenses... the best bang-for-the-buck must the Jupiter-8 50/2 at around $25-$40 (but you'll need an adapter to stick it on an M-mount). For examples of this lens check my galleries at:
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/photopost/showgallery.php/cat/675
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/photopost/showgallery.php/cat/690
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/photopost/showgallery.php/cat/694
Another very good lens is the Leica Summicron 40/2 at around $350 (or the Minolta Rokkor-M 40/2 that is identical but has a 40.5mm filter thread instead of Series 5.5, and it costs about $50-$100 less).
The CV lenses are all great lenses for very reasonable prices; you'll have difficulty deciding which one to buy.

Will that do for now? 🙂

 

[rover]

Welcome Kyle. First, regarding your questions, you have done a good job learning and answered them all. Being in Southern California would you be able to take the opportunity to drive over and visit Steven Gandy and handle some cameras? (If you do you have to tell us all what he is like. He is very reputable and many of us have done business with him, but I bet none have met him.) Take a look at his web site, it is more or less the RF Manual for us.

http://www.cameraquest.com/index.htm

I guess I would suggest that you look things over and most importantly decide where you want to go with this RF thing. You have a big investment in your DSLR, so perhaps a Bessa R with a well thought of 35/2.5 lens for $425 will be a great fit for you. It really is a great buy. Another option may be a fixed lens RF of the 1970s type of which there are many. In general, they are very good cameras with nice lenses, but the Bessa has a bigger brighter viewfinder, modern meter, and more or less will be trouble free for you as a new product as opposed to the potential of issues with a used camera. There are also a number of used interchangable lens RF cameras that you will be able to find which if put together smartly a kit will fit your budget.

I am sure there will be many more comments offered by others, this should get you started though.

 

[Kyle]

Wow! You are all very helpful, I really do appreciate it! I'm at www.cameraquest.com right now, just reading up on everything.

To answer some of your questions for me:
I don't anticipate changing lenses that often, but I would like to carry two on me (I'll start with one, and work my way up to a second). I'd really prefer to go with an interchangable RF rather than fixed lens, because I do envision myself being tempted by something "better" later on, and would rather not have to mess with buying new bodies. I'd like to stick with whatever body I buy, and buy/sell lenses depending on how my needs change. I'm looking into the Bessa R with 35/2.5. Its a good focal length for what I want to do with it, and could always upgrade to a "faster" lens later.

Oh, and another question I left out. Can any of the Bessa R series of cameras accept IR film such as Kodak HIE? I just started experimenting with that, and would like to continue pursuing IR in the rangefinder format if possible.

It really is a breath of fresh air to see such helpful and friendly people. On forums for my other hobby, usually about the nicest response you see towards the new guy with questions is "search n00b!"

 

[rover]

I haven't done it myself, but I believe the answer is yes, you can do it.

Here is a recent thread I just read about this.

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=2987

 

[jlw]

Maybe someone else has said this already in part of a longer post, but I'll say it here separately:

If you want the widest choice of lenses, buy an M-mount camera (which, among the Bessas, would be the R2 or later.)

An M-mount camera can use M lenses directly, or screw lenses via an adapter.

A screwmount camera can use only screw lenses; M lenses cannot be adapted to it.

 

[back alley]

we love answering questions!

how else can we show the world how smart we are?

joe😉

 

[Nikon Bob]

Kyle

If you can work without an in camera meter then RML's suggestion of a Leica M2 or M3 body sounds good to me. They are well built but a Bessa in M mount is not shabby either and has a built in meter, I believe. As jlw says , the M mount body is most versitile allowing the use of both M and screw mount lenses via adaptors. Lots of lens choice and room for upgrading. Have fun choosing.

Bob

 

[zuikologist]

Perhaps a used (1970's?) fixed lens RF might be a good starter cam? They are available for very few $. You could then get the feel of shooting with an RF and see if you like it before making a $400 - 500 investment. The fixed lens could then be your backup body if needed or sold on at very little cost.

 

[Kyle]

Thanks again for everyones suggestions.

I should have also mentioned that I have shot with a friend's Canonet 28 (I believe it was that model). So I have shot with a RF (for a bit) and its something I can definitely see myself really enjoying.

 

[nikon_sam]

Hey Kyle,

I too, am fairly new to this forum, but not too new to photography...and compared to others in here we're next door neighbors..I'm in the Rancho Cucamonga area...so if you want to get together and visit any local camera show let me know..
Welcome and good light to you...

 

[taffer]

Hey Kyle !

Most questions are already answered so... just wanted to say hi, and welcome !!! 😀

R2 eh? very nice choice indeed, good luck !

 

[digitalox]

Hi,

If you want to go the LTM route, you could also get the bessa L and have a little more left over to spend on the lens - and upgrade the body later. I have the bessa L with the cosina 25/4 - great pocket camera.