Making a $700 Bessa body/lens package?

[bml]

Hullo.

I am considering picking up an R2 or R3A after a couple days of extensive studying. I'm trying to budget myself to spend $700 or less, including a lens. (I obviously don't mind buying used...)

My question is... what package would you come up with, based on this budget? I am leaning towards the R3A, as long as I can find a good deal... As for lenses, I'm liking the sound of a Skopar 40mm for day-to-day shooting. (That is, assuming I land an R3A; 50mm would probably be a smarter choice for the R2)...

Whaddaya think? Any tips? Or good links for lens / body deals?

Thanks!

 

[haagen_dazs]

hihi
welcome to RFF
another fellow NJ resident =)
where are you located at?

I do have a CV 35 skopar f2.5 for sale if you like =)

i think the r3a used price ranges between 400 to 440usd..

 

[bml]

Hey there:

I'm up in north NJ, East Rutherford to be exact.

I'll keep that offer in mind, maybe... ;]

 

[woodphoto]

depending on which one you get R2/R3, you could also get an older screw mount lens and an adapter....to save money
I just got the R2A w/ a Skopar 35, 2.5. I chose R2 becuase it has the 35 framelines.... I like the wide angle stuff.

 

[Kyle]

Personally, I'd go for a Bessa R and 35/2.5 Skopar for $399 brand new at CameraQuest. Then you can add a CV 75/2.5 for $295 (new) and you have a very good, light weight wide/short-tele kit that will serve you well. Unless you see your budget expanding rather significantly in the forseeable future so that you can start using Leica lenses, having a screw mount body will not limit you much.

 

[shenkerian]

Kyle's advice is good, especially if you favour daylight shooting.

If you prefer the R3A, though, I've got one and a 40 f/1.4 Nokton to sell. I haven't posted them yet because I haven't had time to take pictures of them (I hope to this weekend). If you like, I can let you know when they're ready.

 

[kshapero]

The R new with 35mm 3.5 sounds nice, but if you are looking for a faster lens then probably the R3A w/ the 40mm 1.4 used if you can find it, is CHERRY!!

 

[fishtek]

I concur with Kyle's advice...

I concur with Kyle's advice...

Those of us on a budget will probably be shopping hard to get the right gear. I bought the "R" expecting that I WON'T be looking for anything but screw-mount lenses. "M"-mount lenses are usually fairly pricey (in terms of MY budget, anyway). Although decidely not quite up to the build and esthetic standard of the newer bodies, I think the "R" is just fine. The meter in the newer bodies is more advanced, but not an issue, for me.

I bought my "R" kit at Photo Village in NYC, (order monday, received tuesday eve via ups), because CameraQuest was out of stock, and wouldn't have any for 2 weeks. Will at PV was quite pleasant to deal with, and he sent a few "extra" goodies along with the kit.

I'll buy a 50/1.5 and a 75/2.5 sometime soon, and still think I've kept to my budget!

Good luck with your decisions!

Regards!
Don

 

[kshapero]

Those of us on a budget will probably be shopping hard to get the right gear. I bought the "R" expecting that I WON'T be looking for anything but screw-mount lenses. "M"-mount lenses are usually fairly pricey (in terms of MY budget, anyway). Although decidely not quite up to the build and esthetic standard of the newer bodies, I think the "R" is just fine. The meter in the newer bodies is more advanced, but not an issue, for me.

I bought my "R" kit at Photo Village in NYC, (order monday, received tuesday eve via ups), because CameraQuest was out of stock, and wouldn't have any for 2 weeks. Will at PV was quite pleasant to deal with, and he sent a few "extra" goodies along with the kit.

I'll buy a 50/1.5 and a 75/2.5 sometime soon, and still think I've kept to my budget!

Good luck with your decisions!

Regards!
Don

Working on this same setup for daughter when she graduates in May. Photovillage guys are swell.

 

[haagen_dazs]

he sent a few "extra" goodies along with the kit.

Don

what kind of goodies were with the kit?
film?:angel:

 

[fishtek]

Hi, Mark!

They included a copy of LeicaWorld News, a spiffy Nikon-badged pen, and a cased set of jewelers/phtographers screwdrivers.

Regards!
Don

 

[BillBingham2]

I would add my vote to Kyle's suggestion. I have a 35/1.7 & 75/2.5 for my son and he is very happy with it. I would have gone with the 35/2.5 but I had a 1.7 not doing too much these days (it was replaced by a 40/1.4).

You will not be poorly served by any CV lens and the R is a fine place to start.

If you are close to NYC, Rich @ photovillage is a great guy. Stephen at CameraQuest is world class (straight shooter on everything) and you might save tax, depending upon where you live.

B2 (;->

 

[NIKON KIU]

Here is one you may consider:

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/photopost-classifieds/showproduct.php?product=2003

I have noticed Bessa's show up around here all the time, just keep looking at the classifieds.
Kiu

 

[bml]

Thanks for all the insight.

I have considered an R, but I would prefer a camera with a more solid build off the bat. I am not interested in buying a cheaper body now, and upgrading later. I should say that I am interested in building a decent package with a solid body and a couple of lenses now, because down the line I don't want to get into the upgrading game.

Although the R is such a great deal that it might be a good idea anyway... because I could use the extra savings on lenses/elsewhere...

I also like the sound of an R3A because of its lifesize viewfinder. I shoot with my left eye, but I really like the idea of being able to shoot with both eyes open. As far as lenses, like I said before... I'm interested in a 40 (all the descriptions I've read sound really appealing), and eventually: a longer lens (75?), and maybe one wider lens (28? 21?)...

Also, yes... I am primarily interested in daylight/natural light photography, although I do like the occasional nighttime stuff. I'm interested in street/candid stuff, portraiture, and stuff like that.

Ah, decisions.

It is probably best if I make a trip to B&H and get some hands-on time with the cameras... That will make decided much easier.

Thanks again for the suggestions!

 

[kshapero]

Go to Photovillage. They are more knowledgable on rangefinders and have a better selction.

 

[Kyle]

Go to Photovillage. They are more knowledgable on rangefinders and have a better selction.

I second this!

 

[BillBingham2]

I third that, if you live in the area, do PhotoVillage. You might be able to find a better deal, but you will not find too many other places that will be able to give you good advice and have a reasonable stock of options. Rich is a great guy and very helpful.

B2 (;->

 

[triplefinger]

Might i suggest the Bessa II 6x9 rangefinder that I have in the classifieds? Less than $700!!

 

[bml]

Go to Photovillage. They are more knowledgable on rangefinders and have a better selction.

Yah, a good idea...

I will probably be there sometime this week and have a looksee.

triplefinger : I think I have to pass for now...!

 

[bml]

Stopped in at the Photo Village today and had some time to talk and get some nice hands-on time with the R, R2, and R3M. I'm digging the R3-A, and it's probably my top choice now. (They didn't actually have any R3As in, but the M is essentially the same body anyway, so it didn't matter.)

I like the feel of the R as well, but the R3A's options are more appealing in the end.


Actually, I have a question that might be silly regarding framelines... On the 40mm setting (R3A), what do the small inner lines represent in relation to the outer lines?

http://www.cameraquest.com/jpg4/vr3a-frame.jpeg