Leica or Voigtlander Body?

[Ken Ford]

When I got back into RF I purchased a new Bessa-T and two used Leica lenses - a 40 Summicron and a 90 Elmar-C. This was after a twenty-year absence from RF photography. (In the early 80's I had a kit with an M4-P.)

The Bessa-T got the job done with absolutely no drama.

Problem was, I longed for another Leica M body. Early last year I broke down and bought an M6.

The M6 gets the job done with absolutely no drama.

However, there are certain "extras" I get from the M6 and now with my M3, too. Part of it is how the body totally fades into the background of my consciousness when I shoot - I never achieved that state with the Bessa. It's also a sense of quality that I never felt with the Bessa.

There's absolutely nothing wrong with a Bessa if it works for *you*. I just happen to interface with M bodies so damn well!

 

[Krosya]

I'm looking to buy my first rangefinder camera.

The lenses I'd like to use are the CV 15mm, CV 35/1.2 and a 50mm (in my dreams, the noctilux).

I'm having a hard time deciding between the R3A, the R4A and a used Leica M6 or M7. (Thinking it'd be good to save money on the body since the lenses will add up quickly.)

Since I like to shoot wide, the R4A seems like a good choice.

(Though relying on batteries and an electronic shutter seem kind of wonky when working with a rangefinder. How much time do you find the AP mode realistically saving?)

I'm wondering if there're any fatal flaws (focusing more difficult on Bessas?)
that should keep me from trusting in the Voigtlanders.

People's results on the Voigtlander seem great, so I'm leaning that way, but looking to get some feedback before I dive in.

Thanks for any thoughts...

I had Bessa . Was a good camera. No issues with quality, although some have problems. I use Leica now. Why? Some of my reasons should apply to you I think. It looks like you have fast lenses. Leica body is much easier and better than Bessa to focus them accurately. If you ever use anything longer than 50mm - you will really hate Bessa. Well, that is if you like things sharp. 😉
Now, Leica is not a "perfect camera", but it's a very good one. Once you get used to bottom loading - its hard to beat. All that said, there is Zeiss Ikon thats a good (at least on paper), some people had very good luck with it, others didn't. I went with Leica as it didnt seem reliable enough to me. But everyone is different. Plus Leica were the smoothest and most silent on a block - important to me.
All that said, if you chose to stick to a bit slower lenses or wider ones - Bessa should do the trick. But all depends on what you want. Used Leica M 2,3, can cost as much as Bessa 2-3A/M new. All in all - comes down to personal choice really.

 

[cbass]

Peter, Barrett, thanks for the info on buying used. My apologies to the OP...we had a common question; I'm not trying to hijack the thread 🙂.

 

[snausages]

Thanks again for all the input after my initial post.

Here's what I ended up with:

Leica M6 ttl ("demo" with 1 year warrantee from Photo Village)

CV 28mm/1.9

Summilux 50mm/1.4 pre-ASPH (bought from a RFF member)

Here's a link to my first test roll (Fuji 1600) with the kit.

 

[MISH]

Thanks again for all the input after my initial post.

Here's what I ended up with:

Leica M6 ttl ("demo" with 1 year warrantee from Photo Village)

CV 28mm/1.9

Summilux 50mm/1.4 pre-ASPH (bought from a RFF member)

Here's a link to my first test roll (Fuji 1600) with the kit.

I couldn't access the link and see your pictures but your kit sounds very good and i am sure it will be a joy to you for a long time to come

just to add my two cents worth ...... along with a Bessa L I have two 50 year old M3s and a Leica Standard that is 68 years old. When you consider the Bessa L is in reality a moderenized version of the Standard with many improvements it might not be that logical which one i prefer to shoot with* (or even hold in my hand) The other thing that comes to my mind is that for the rest of my life (30 to 50 years tops) I expect to be able to get the Leica serviced as needs be ..... not so sure about the Bessa
one last thought .... when you buy a used Leica there are enough other Leica obsessed people out there you should be able to get your money back if you decide to sell at a later time


*(please note the cost of the bessa L was one third the cost of getting a CLA on the Leica)

 

[x-ray]

I have no particular love for one camera over the other even though I've shot Leicas for 4 decades and still shoot 6 including three new MP's. I also shoot Zeiss and use it regularly and find it to be a superb tool. To me it's not about the name or status it's about getting the shot. If I were starting today and not 40 years ago I would seriously look at all Zeiss bodies. The RF / VF are the best in my opinion and if you seriously want a Noctilux the Bessa won't cut it due to a short RF base. At f1 it will not focus accurately with reliability every time. DOF is near nothing at close rang and f1. Even the 35 1.2 CV requires a longer base for accurate focusing. The ZI is the king of the long base RF. It's a very fine professional machine at a little more than the price of a used M6 and you'll have a warranty and a camera with 0 frames on it. If you aren't going to bet the Noctilux then the Bessa is fine and it too is a very good tool. Don't let anyone tell you it isn't.