It looks like I might need another film RF...

[skopar steve]

If you want to stay with a Canadian Leica, here is a nice one.

https://boston.craigslist.org/gbs/pho/d/leica-m4-voigtlander-50mm-f15/6456003747.html

 

[Ko.Fe.]

My "problem" is I have cash (a.k.a banknotes) now and it is easier to buy locally. ... 🙂

 

[retinax]

As an alternative to the Zorki, how about a Canon 7, P or something? Lever advance, internal 35 framelines, no accessory shoe though on the 7. If I needed one, honestly I'd just glue one on it with a glue than can be dissolved if need be. Much less need of maintenance than Leicas it seems. And metal curtains. They cost less than a little maintenance work on a Leica.

 

[stompyq]

UPD: M3 is gone locally. For same price I have purchased it locally two years ago. So, now with cash, my only option is to buy locally. I checked how much is new Bessa locally. R2M is 1149 CAD before taxes. It is close to 1K$ USD before taxes and 1050 USD after taxes...

I have a funny feeling what my best option is to get 28 and 35 viewfinders and use my Zorki as second, if not main film RF camera with J-3 (I already have Leica VF for it), Jupiter-12 and Ultron 28 1.9. I already have usable VF for 35 and it worked with Orion-15 as well. But it is crappy DIY from crapped out XA.

And for 1K$ CAD I could locally purchase used Canon 6D FF DLSR and use it while M-E will be for long time in service. And sell it slightly less after M-E is back.

It seems to be most practical and boring solution. 🙂

Why not buy a Sony A7/A7r/A7s and adapters for your existing lenses

 

[capitalK]

How much of a backlog do you have of undeveloped rolls that may exhibit the light leak? Sorry to hear about that.

There's a decent-looking M2 in Toronto on Kijiji right now:

https://www.kijiji.ca/v-camera-camc...m2/1326367770?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true

 

[Ko.Fe.]

CapitanK, no backlogs! Only four reusable cassettes are loaded with not exposed film. I developed C-41 single use roll yesterday, exposed during sunny days and can't see the light leak with loupe, but haven't scanned it, yet.
Yes, M2 looks good, but how long it will lasts before it needs CLA just like my M4-2 was needed. I'm still more into buying fresh or new Bessa instead.

Retinax, Canon 7 is even bigger than FED5 is 🙂 Maybe just P. 🙂

Stompyq, I can't stand A7 EVF, getting motion sick. And I hate EVF in the middle.

 

[Fjäll]

M2 indeed. The Leica aficionados camera body of choice besides perhaps the M3. A personal favorite focal length is 35mm. I went with the M4-P. Not a lesser camera in any way. I just like to have a newer camera and a hot shoe. I do prefer black cameras too. Not as expensive as its counterparts.

 

[pesphoto]

R2A, 35 1.4 ...best bang for your buck...I wore mine out and am about to by another one.

 

[Ko.Fe.]

R2A, 35 1.4 ...best bang for your buck...I wore mine out and am about to by another one.

Did camera lasted for five years or less?

 

[pesphoto]

oh its still shootable after about 5 years, it'll be a backup...
needs an alignment, the covering is peeling badly, a corner is broken off where I dropped it, etc.

 

[pesphoto]

...that's with heavy, daily use...

I never could get comfortable with bottom loading with Leica...The R2A has everything that makes shooting so easy and quick..

 

[Axel]

+1 for the repair of your M4-2.

 

[Ko.Fe.]

oh its still shootable after about 5 years, it'll be a backup...
needs an alignment, the covering is peeling badly, a corner is broken off where I dropped it, etc.

Thank you! This sounds as reasonable wear amount. I had R for couple of years.

 

[jsrockit]

Have you looked at the Hexar RF?

 

[Doug]

The Hexar RF is a really excellent camera. Imagine a Leica M6, add AE exposure with AE lock, motorized film wind/rewind, finder shutter speed display, and an electronic metal shutter with a wider speed range. Or, consider a larger Minolta CLE with AE lock, metered manual, a wider shutter speed range, and motorized film advance -- but without the TTL flash. I have two of them, one Titanium and one black as above. 🙂

 

[michaelwj]

Sorry to hear the problem has returned. I sometimes get light leaks through the felt of me reloadable cassettes, the pattern is very distinctive and only happens on the first few frames (usually the leader anyway). The light that gets through cannot go through too many layers of film once it has gone past the felt. Of course I don't leave the canisters in the sun.

If the C41 roll comes out okay, maybe you just need to replace your cassettes? Maybe try and hunt down some IXMOO cassettes?

If you want to change the camera, I like the M4, some were made in Canada (but not at a nice price to the buyer). And it must be a Canadian camera, you can't stop your thread!

 

[michaelwj]

It seems to be most practical and boring solution. 🙂

Practical and boring sounds boring. Might as well buy the cheapest digital SLR with a kit lens if you want to be boring, no need to spend $1000.

 

[Ko.Fe.]

Michael, you are right! I already have old trusty DSLR which works fine. ISO is little bit noisy at 3200/6400 but nothing too bad.

Well, out of the blue sky fellow Canadian RFF member came to my rescue. From West Coast to East Coast work is now in the progress. Will keep our board updated.

 

[Ko.Fe.]

The 2018 RFF Miracle!

The 2018 RFF Miracle!

This week was most peculiar 2018 week so far. 🙂
It started with sale of M3 on this Monday. I was not able to sell it in 2017. No regrets after sale, but needed another type of RF as I described in OP.
My short frustration, getting ready to wait for unknown time and realizing what I need to add more money was cut short on Tuesday. I was offered NiB R2M. The owner (RFF member) and his spouse made shipping quick and even paid extra for XPress Canada Post shipping on Wednesday. Due to the great shipping distance (across Canada) it was scheduled for next week Tuesday. But Canada Post picked up the tune and did the miracle again. It came this Friday morning! With free perks included!!! Only because seller and RFF member was so generous to me I'm able to have it all:

Oh Canada... and friendly RFF!

 

[f16sunshine]

Hey great! Looks like a Mr Zhou 1/2 case. Those are very nice!
Congrats on a new Bessa!