Huck Finn
Well-known
Thanks, doug. 
Soapy Kittens
Young Professional
That is some excellent advice, guys. Huck, I appreciate your advice on the L; it's been tempting me at $69. This made me start thinking about what the first priority should be. Is it better to go for a quality lens first and just get a body that'll carry the lens(i.e., the L) or should body compatibility be the first consideration(i.e., the 7/P or R)? The end goal for me I think is to not have to carry around the Canonet and an L at the same time. I guess I'm thinking the built-in VF/RF is key since I'll still usually be rolling with a 40 or 50 anyway and just switching to a wide, etc for variety.
What do you guys think about the Lens-first versus Body-first approaches? I really need to keep it around $300 for now, so that combo, although excruciatingly tempting, is probably out. The options could be:
Lens-priority:
1. L with the 25/4 or 35/2.5, keep looking for a 7/P.
Body-priority
1. 7(I think the P's a longshot) and a J-8, etc.
2. R with a J-8 or something and a nicer lens later.
Oh, another concern I have with the L is the flash situation. I know alot of people think flash is uncool, but I'm shooting in clubs and bars alot, so it's pretty important, especially if I'm using a relatively slow wideangle. How annoying would it be to have a side bracket flash on the L with a 35-50? I'd rather just have the thing synched on a shoe. This is why I'm thinking built-in VF.
Continuing thanks,
Ben
Any and all thoughts welcome again!
What do you guys think about the Lens-first versus Body-first approaches? I really need to keep it around $300 for now, so that combo, although excruciatingly tempting, is probably out. The options could be:
Lens-priority:
1. L with the 25/4 or 35/2.5, keep looking for a 7/P.
Body-priority
1. 7(I think the P's a longshot) and a J-8, etc.
2. R with a J-8 or something and a nicer lens later.
Oh, another concern I have with the L is the flash situation. I know alot of people think flash is uncool, but I'm shooting in clubs and bars alot, so it's pretty important, especially if I'm using a relatively slow wideangle. How annoying would it be to have a side bracket flash on the L with a 35-50? I'd rather just have the thing synched on a shoe. This is why I'm thinking built-in VF.
Continuing thanks,
Ben
Any and all thoughts welcome again!
Based on your current thinking, I would go R and J8 over the L and 25. If you opt for the L and 35 remember you have to add the viewfinder which will bump your price up by $128. You would be better off with the R and 35 combo than L and 35.
FrankS
Registered User
If you are thinking of replacing the Canonet and "not carrying both" and using a 50mm lens on the new body, then I think you can't do better than a new (or used Bessa R) with a $30 J-8. It's a great lens for the money if you get a good one. Heck, I've got a spare (yes another one) I-61LD that I'll send you for free if you buy a new or used Bessa R.
($225 might buy you a used Bessa R. Joe?)
($225 might buy you a used Bessa R. Joe?)
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back alley
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i think i've decided to keep the bessa rig. kinda crazy to lose money on a near new outfit.
i may start carrying it everyday instead of the digital and/or the kiev.
too many cameras too little time...
joe
i may start carrying it everyday instead of the digital and/or the kiev.
too many cameras too little time...
joe
JohnS
Member
Interestingly enough I am in the same boat. I have been reading the forum for a while and just registered today. I have been shooting with a Canonet GIII for a couple of years now. I really enjoy using a manual camera. I also have a very modest EOS system.
I keep looking at buying an interchangable lens rangefinder but can't decide if I am crazy for going that route. Should I just keep expanding my EOS system and eventually move towards digital (logical) or just buy a Canon 7? I know that for what I tend to shoot the SLR makes more sense, but I really enjoy the solid feel and thinking that goes into using a RF.
John
I keep looking at buying an interchangable lens rangefinder but can't decide if I am crazy for going that route. Should I just keep expanding my EOS system and eventually move towards digital (logical) or just buy a Canon 7? I know that for what I tend to shoot the SLR makes more sense, but I really enjoy the solid feel and thinking that goes into using a RF.
John
FrankS
Registered User
John, you're just crazy. Come join us.
I have never used a Flash on the Canon 7. I also have some fairly fast lenses for it...
Getting a good flash with a nice bracket can set you back some; not just a cheap hot-shoe mounted unit. A cold shoe does not bother me, I have a hot/cold shoe adapter and older flashes with PC cords. If you use flashes quite a bit, it is something to weigh in. A Vivitar 283 with its grip would be a nice balanced rig.
Getting a good flash with a nice bracket can set you back some; not just a cheap hot-shoe mounted unit. A cold shoe does not bother me, I have a hot/cold shoe adapter and older flashes with PC cords. If you use flashes quite a bit, it is something to weigh in. A Vivitar 283 with its grip would be a nice balanced rig.