lyauyeungaa
Newbie
Based on my own lessons learned I would stick to the QL17 for a while instead of upgrading the gear unless you have a specific use case which would require a different camera. Many of RF cameras of that era will give you a very good image quality. I started with Yashica Electro 35 which I still own and use today. I bet this will apply to QL17 as well. The lens is sharp, bright and the shutter is very quiet. The 40mm lens is also very close to 35mm.
I was however at the same place as you some time ago and went for 2 of options which you mentioned at the beginning. Out of curiousity and gear acquisition syndrome. There is however no perfect camera - all of them have some pros and cons. After a while I stopped to look for the non existing ideal gear and learned to admire what I already have. Let me share my own experiences:
Bessa - I own a Bessa R. Built quality is really OK however it's not the same level as Leica. The common issue with Bessas is RF which seems to be prone to get ouf of alignment. Once I got my camera I had to adjust it. It held several months until I noticed that it needed adjustment again. This time I secured the screw with the nail polish and so far so good (2 years now) however I don't use my Bessa too often. You will read many comment like my on this forum with regard to any of the R models. Plus the Bessa's shutter is noticeably louder compared to other cameras.
The M5 - (like probably any of the M cameras) it feels like a real tool designed to get something done, something serious. I tend to compare it to a gun. Other cameras may feel more like fragile toys compared to it. +100 points to confidence. M5 has some advantages compared to other M cameras when it comes to user friendliness minus the unusual look among other leicas. Leicas are very precise instruments which entails professional service. The seller who sold me the M5 claimed it was CLA'd several years before. Unfortunately there is no definition of CLA and after several months of using it I decided to get a full overhaul of my M5 which is a very costly process. That's why I don't advise anyone on a tight budget to start with the M system. Secondly if you are looking for an interchangeble lens camera it means at least two lenses. That something what doesn't come with a tight budget 😉
The final question is - will you really notice any difference once you look at your pictures taken with any of the cameras mentioned above? I like to look at one particular 30x40cm hand made print at home taken with my Yashica Electro. It's pretty damn sharp photo taken with a 45 Years old camera which didn't even cost me 50EUR 🙂
Thank you for your very detail opinion!!
Unfortunately, the QL17 was a Christmas present for my girlfriend as she wanted an rf camera.
And when I tested it to make sure it is working and exposing fine, I completely fell in love with rf for its ability to look outside the frame and it feels like I am in the scene, unlike an SLR.
I even kept her present for a bit longer so that I can shot with it lol.
That's why I want to buy an rf and want to spend a little more money so that the camera can stay with me for a little longer.
I will try to adapt the lens that I have to see if it works out.
It is because I simply enjoy the feeling of shooting an rf camera so as long as I have a 35 and 50 (I may buy a 7A 35 or a used VM35 SC and adapt a 50mm that I have), I am good to go.
Btw, that 30x40cm hand made print would be amazing!! Hope I could have a chance to see it. 🙂