if you had to buy fresh, which one would you go for?

Chico,

Do you mean - which RF camera?

We need some more info.

For example, what is your "budget". Do you prefer new gear or is used okay etc.

Please provide some "context" as to what you are asking.
 
If I was buying fresh, I suppose the first thing that I'd consider is my budget, and then the following would be my choices :

If I had the dough to play with : Leica M7/35mm Summicron

If I had some money : Zeiss Ikon/35mm

If I didn't have that much money : Voigtlander R3A/Nokton 40mm f1.4

If I was dirt poor - FSU camera and some decent 35 or 50mm lens

If I was buying a used camera, I'd not hesitate on buying a Leica M3 and a nice clean summicron or an Elmar.

for medium format, there is only one good choice : Bronica RF645 kit with whatever lens you can find
 
Last edited:
Go to a shop, either bricks and mortar or online, and see that buying new the prices go from about €500 to €5,000. Many people buy used, and that's less expensive.

It's like asking hoiw much is a car? The Chevrolet is a little cheaper than the Bentley.
 
Buying used is probably the best choice. IN fact, for a beginner, it IS the best choice because you can find a greater variety used than new, and you will not pay more than the true value of the camera (you will be able to sell whatever you buy for what you paid if need be).

If you buy new, you're paying a premium for newness that is without warrant in most cases. That premium is like what you pay on a new car - it means very little and costs alot. Buy a clean used camera, and you'll be able to buy a nice set, not worry about things because you'll be able to get every last cent back if things don't work out, and if you buy from KEH, you'll even have some form of warranty.

Forget Ebay completely. Buy from KEH or something used from one of the sponsors if that is possible. And for a first camera, don't do the Leica thing, buy something middle of hte road like the Voigtlander R3A and get used to rangefinders and develop a more keen sense of what you really desire BEFORE putting $4000 down on a Leica kit.

Also consider if you want 35mm or medium format. And forget AF cameras or little P&S cameras, they are not going to give you the experience you need or want from rangefinder photography.
 
sometimes I wish I could go back and start over again...if I could I would not have bought me canon gear and what not and get a leica m7 and a 35 summicron asph
 
We can't really help if you don't tell us something.

P.S. I heard Voigtlander has come up with the R2M and R3M. Which is a variation on the R2A and R3A.
 
good advice shutterflower. Get a user that's in good condition so the age and wear won't be bad enough to inhibit the learning curve and sour you on RF. But don't get a high end user, no pristine leica MP with a 35 cron or anything that'll give you more angst in worrying about it than help you'd get from it in terms of learning basic rf photography.

I like the bessas for a first go. They're so much more affordable than leicas I was able to buy it new. Light, strong, built in meter, pretty cheap to buy into the system and the lenses are tops. If you start to outgrow the bessa and want a leica, all of your glass will fit. I have the bessaR2 with the CV 2.5 lens and it's gotten some of my best shots. I use it alot.

Most people here don't put too much focus on the camera. I've seen great shots that came out of an oatmeal tin. I don't know how much photography you do already, but it might be fun to just buy the cheapest thing you can find and try and make it work for you for awhile.
 
Welcome,

I'd suggest reading up on some of the posts in the areas of the forum that discuss the different camera types and makes. This will give you an idea of the good and not so good points about specific models.

Bottom line though you need to set a budget then work within it.
 
From a recent RF convert, it worked out very well for me to get a not-so-expensive Canonet QL17 right at first (Olympus XA is similar). I used it for a couple months to get the feel for this type of camera. I intended to then get rid of it and move up to a more versitile kit, but instead I just added a kit and kept the Canonet. I picked up a new Voightlander R2a and a couple lenses (and a delicious Luigi case!) and use it regularly, but still love my little Canonet and even used it exclusively on a trip to Colorado the other week.

It's always tempting to jump right into something serious, but there's really a lot of value in starting with a cheaper camera, especially since its still very impressive. It also gave me some time to realize what features of a rangefinder I personally think are important. When all was said and done, I had a great R2a and lenses that fit my style. I'm happier with my current list of equipment than I ever have been!
 
The Zeus is out of my price range and there are too many Bessa models to figure them out. I know nothing about cameras. Which camera under 500 dollars is a good one and which one is the best chick magnet? I don't want something ugly hanging around my neck.
 
So you are saying that you feel you have zero charisma and need some artificial means to get women to notice that you exist?

I would suggest that you don't need a camera . You need a reality check. The only camera in my collection that has ever caused a woman to approach me and make a comment is my Omega 4x5" view camera.

And it is, in my opinion not a very pretty camera and damned difficult to hang around your neck.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

G
Which rangefinder to get for 35mm lens
2
Replies
26
Views
2K
WJJ3
WJJ3
P
Which camera for 28 and 50mm?
3 4 5
Replies
95
Views
7K
Beemermark
Beemermark
B
Working with outdated Delta 400
2
Replies
30
Views
869
Freakscene
Freakscene
R
Where do you develop/scan your negatives?
2
Replies
30
Views
2K
Luftfeder
L
M
Pivoting my rangefinding
4 5 6
Replies
106
Views
7K
mlzplayer
M
Back
Top Bottom