HELP - which Film Rangefinder?

[TRGRichie]

Hi All,

I'm currently shooting with a M8 but fancy having a go at shooting film -

advice on which film rangefinder to start with?

needs to be fairly inexpensive but will work with either the LTM or m-mount lenses I already have.

its all new to me so any advice greatly received.

Cheers Rich.

 

[FrankS]

Leica M2/3/4/5/6/7

CV Bessa R2/R2M/R2A

 

[Ruhayat]

Metered:
Leica M6. Best bang for the buck.

Meterless:
Leica M3 or M4-P. Probably the cheapest film Ms you can get. The M4-P is noticeably lighter in the hand, too.

I have tried the M3 and M2, owned the M4-P, M6, M6TTL and M7. Now all sold after I got the MP with an MDA as backup. Personally, I am most fond of the M4-P -- light, cheap(-ish), it's all the camera you need and the framelines for 50mm is the best after the M3. Ever since I got the MP I have stopped buying film M's, but one I might go for if I come across it is a black paint M4.

 

[lonemantis]

Do you need a light meter? If not, a classic M like an M3, M2, or M4 is probably your best choice, and will be the most enjoyable to use. You can get into one of these for under $600-700 if you watch the classifieds like a hawk. Make sure it's been serviced recently! You can also pick find M4-Ps for pretty cheap if you need 28mm frames and no meter.

If you need a meter, expect to spend a bit more or get a bit less. Top end is an M6, which will run you at least $1000-1200. There are also the various Voigtlander Bessas (R2A, R3M, R4M, etc.) - not as well built, but very functional and autoexposure is an option. Don't forget about the Cosina-built Zeiss Ikon as well - its viewfinder is exquisite.

One option people often forget is the Konica Hexar RF. This has full AE, a built-in motor drive, and 3fps continuous shooting. It's an excellent body with great ergonomics, but has a couple of pitfalls. First, it's the loudest M-mount body by far, even louder than the M8! Second, the viewfinder really only works with wider lenses like 28-35mm. They're relative bargains though - I picked one up last year for $500.

 

[Ruhayat]

PS,

if you want film Ms that work like your M8 does, then you're limited to the M6TTL and M7. All the others have dials that work "the right way". 😉

 

[Ko.Fe.]

Bessa R if you want it cheap, but very capable and actually nice. You'll need half-case to keep it nice for longer time.
Bellow $200 camera.

 

[mfogiel]

I suggest looking around for a correctly priced, good condition, later version of VF ( after 288xxx serial nr) M7, because it will be the most similar in use to the M8. If you don't like it you will be able to sell it back later for the same price or whereabouts.

 

[FrankS]

Bessa R if you want it cheap, but very capable and actually nice. You'll need half-case to keep it nice for longer time.
Bellow $200 camera.

Only problem is that the R is a screw mount camera and the OP wants to use his existing ltm and M mount lenses. This requirement also excludes other ltm bodies like the Canon P and 7.

 

[Dguebey]

If you are not very seasoned, don't be masochist, take an automated body : cv bessa R, ZI or M7 if you can afford one, then make pictures.

 

[TRGRichie]

Thanks Guys,

I had an Epson r-d1 before the leica M8 - so yes the bessa r would seem a obvious choice....

but any body rate the canon range finders? just wondered.

many thanks Rich

 

[kxl]

Do you need AE? If yes, then your options narrow down quite a bit to the M7, ZI and Bessa R 2/3/4 A.

What FL's do you shoot the most?

 

[marcr1230]

I find this helpful - go big now, save money 🙂

http://theonlinephotographer.typepad.com/the_online_photographer/2010/05/letter-to-george.html

 

[hepcat]

Thanks Guys,

I had an Epson r-d1 before the leica M8 - so yes the bessa r would seem a obvious choice....

but any body rate the canon range finders? just wondered.

many thanks Rich

Which Canon rangefinders? They all used LTM thread lenses which would preclude you from using any M mount lenses.

The Bessa rangefinder bodies work well, but there's a substantial difference in the "feel" between the Bessas and Leica M bodies. If you're used to the M8, and want to do this "on the cheap" but still get a good quality body, I'd recommend the M4-P. It may well be the best buy in used Leicas today. Over the past 40 years, I've had a couple of M3s, an M2, a couple of M4s, an M4-2 and my current body is a 1984 vintage M4-P. I'll just keep this one. After thirty years, it's ready for an overhaul. It works great still, and the shutter speeds are still on, but I can feel a little more drag on the gear train than probably ought to be there. I'm sure the lubricants are dry.

 

[johannielscom]

If you consider a used M5, drop me a line. I tried to warm up to a rangefinder again but seems its not going to happen... Used but fairly clean camera, not expensive...