"Hello" from Newbie member

[GrahamM]

Hello

I just joined this forum and wanted to introduce myself and ask a question. While I primarily shoot digital, I have had an ongoing fascination with film both 35mm and Medium Format. I am recently retired, and spent most of life in the analog world.

On the film side, I currently own a Nikon F100 and a Mamiya RB67. Which brings me to my question. My wife and I are going to Hawaii in early December. I want to bring a film camera with me in addition to one DSLR. What recommendations would anyone have about a suitable RF camera?

My criteria is basically as follows:

• Lightweight and fairly compact (i.e. lighter and smaller than the RB67)
• Easy to focus
• Primarily shooting landscapes including some low light situations
• Cost under $1,000
• Does not have to have a lot of electronics
• User friendly

Two cameras I have been considering so far are one of the Leica R series (M is too expensive), and the other is one of the Fuji GA645 models. Please forgive my ignorance on this, but I'm not sure if the Fuji qualifies as a Rangefinder. I realize that the Leica is 35mm. During my research I found quite a few people recommending a rangefinder camera which is what brought me here.

I will probably just be an observer for a while until I learn the ropes in this forum.

Thanks

Graham

 

[FrankS]

Welcome to RFF, Graham!

Why not just take your f100? I don't see the logic of getting a Leica R camera if you are interested in eventually getting a RF camera.


Here's an excellent site that is packed densely with info:

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

 

[GrahamM]

Re Rangefinder cameras

Re Rangefinder cameras

Thanks for your reply Frank. If you were to take a rangefinder for a trip like this which one do you think might meet my criteria? Once again, forgive my ignorance, but do they use 35mm film and not 120 or 220.

 

[FrankS]

Just as SLR cameras come in models that take 35mm film (f100) and 120 film (rb67), so do RF style cameras. You have an exciting time ahead of you learning all this stuff. The site link in my first post is required reading! Have fun!

 

[paulfish4570]

welcome from alabama.

 

[GrahamM]

Thanks, I just took a quick peek at that website and it is amazing. I will have to bookmark it.

 

[cambolt]

Leica R series cameras are not RF (rangefinder) cameras. They are SLRs like your F100. I would just take your F100, or if you must have a mechanical camera, a Nikon FM2 or similar. If you must have a Leica M, an M2 and 50mm lens will not cost more than $1000.

 

[sojournerphoto]

Or a Bessa R2 or R3 m or a with a 35 or 50 colour skopar wil also be relatively inexpensive. Not a fast lens, but compact and light. Both 35mm.

120 rf's are second hand at that price, but there are a few around of various ages.

Welcome.

Mike.

 

[zauhar]

Welcome to RFF, Graham!

Why not just take your f100? I don't see the logic of getting a Leica R camera if you are interested in eventually getting a RF camera.


Here's an excellent site that is packed densely with info:

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

I second that recommendation. I would also add Karen Nakamura's excellent site photoethnography.com.

Although he is much- maligned on rff, I learned a lot from Ken Rockwell's site (Kenrockwell.com)

Randy

 

[GrahamM]

I second that recommendation. I would also add Karen Nakamura's excellent site photoethnography.com.

Although he is much- maligned on rff, I learned a lot from Ken Rockwell's site (Kenrockwell.com)

Randy

Thanks for the welcome and recommendations. Poor old Ken Rockwell! He's the Rodney Dangerfield of photography. I know he's kind of quirky, but I actually enjoy some of his reviews.

 

[Landshark]

The Bronica RF645 is compact for a 120 camera and has several lenses available for it. Gets 15 frames per 120 roll. If it takes 220 film also then twice as many.
Mamiya 7/7ll BIG camera.
The Fuji you mentioned is compact and light weight.
Bessa lll 6X7 & $$$$$
The Bessa 35's are pretty average for RF cameras and would give you an idea of what you would get into if you want to go Leica.
Konica Hexar RF uses Leica M mount lenses.
Leica CL or Minolta CLE are very compact cameras, Leica M mount.
If you just want to try one on The Canon Glll 1.7 or Olympus SP/RD would be good entry non-interchangeable lens cameras. for around $100