new to rangefinders - questions re Bessa

[stefankr]

Hello ! I've been using digital SLR for the past years and wanted to discover rangefinders for shooting mostly slides. So I did some research and came across the bessa series.

Now my question, is the R3a any different from the R3m at all ? I know the latter is the anniversary model, but I was unable to find any differences in specs... I just found out that they come with different kit lenses.

Which lens is the better choice for everyday photography - the 40 mm f1.4 or the 50 mm f2 ? Or maybe a 35 mm is better ?

For a rangefinder camera, is 50 mm also the "standard" focal length ?

As far as I understood the battery is just for metering. How long does 1 set of batteries last then if used in normal conditions ?

I think this is all for now. There is so much for me to discover and to learn, I would be greatful if you could help me. Thank you !

Stefan

 

[Jocko]

Now my question, is the R3a any different from the R3m at all ? I know the latter is the anniversary model, but I was unable to find any differences in specs... I just found out that they come with different kit lenses.

- Hallo Stefan! The 3m has a mechanical shutter. The 3a has an electronic (battery powered) shutter and aperture priority (semi) automatic exposure.

"Which lens is the better choice for everyday photography - the 40 mm f1.4 or the 50 mm f2 ? Or maybe a 35 mm is better ?"

- That is entirely a matter of personal choice and the job at hand. Many would argue that the 35mm is the natural "standard lens" for RF cameras. Just as many would go for 50mm. Mr K. who runs Cosina loves his 40mm...

"For a rangefinder camera, is 50 mm also the "standard" focal length ?"

- Yes, as with any 35 mm camera, where the 50mm lens is said to approximate to the perspective of the human eye.

"As far as I understood the battery is just for metering. How long does 1 set of batteries last then if used in normal conditions" ?

- Depends how much you use it! - A good long while 🙂

All the best, Ian

 

[mfunnell]

"For a rangefinder camera, is 50 mm also the "standard" focal length ?"

- Yes, as with any 35 mm camera, where the 50mm lens is said to approximate to the perspective of the human eye.

"As far as I understood the battery is just for metering. How long does 1 set of batteries last then if used in normal conditions" ?

- Depends how much you use it! - A good long while 🙂

Ian gave you the good gear there. I'll only supplement it with two observations:

One is that the "normal" focal length for any sensor size is the diagonal of the sensor. For 24x36 (ie. a frame of "35mm film"), good old Pythogoras tells us that's 43.27mm. Your call what focal length is your favourite approximation.

The second thing to note is that the 3M only uses the battery for the metering (the shutter is mechanical) whereas the 3A uses the battery to control the shutter as well. Exposure is (or, at least, should be) more accurate with the 3A - but it won't shoot without the battery (does it have a purely mechanical speed? I don't know.). The 3M will shoot at all shutter speeds, with or without battery, but can only work at fixed (ie. less accurate) f-stop/shutter settings.

Your call, as Ian said.

...Mike

 

[stefankr]

Thanks to both of you for your comments, I do have a clearer idea now of what I am getting into... 😉

I will probably get the 3a with the 40 mm, and as I use aperture priority a lot, it makes sense. Anyway I still have a few days to think, and I'll have to put my d70s on ebay first...

Kind regards,
Stefan

 

[BJ Bignell]

Stefan,

Welcome to the RF world! I would encourage you to try out a rangefinder camera before selling your DSLR gear. Not everyone who tries a rangefinder feels comfortable with them, and you may have seller's remorse after a while.

If you live near a pro shop that sells Leicas or other RF gear, head there first. Handle the cameras, and get an idea of what it is like to see through an RF viewfinder. If you're interested, but can't afford an RF without selling all of your DSLR gear, maybe go to a used camera shop (or eBay) and pick up a used Olympus, Yashica, or other fixed lens rangefinder. This will let you experiment with RF for less, without selling all of your existing gear.

Cheers,
BJ

 

[stefankr]

Hi BJ,

I know, I really should try them out first. I wish there were a camera stored close to my place. I'm afraid I'll have to drive far to find a store that sells one of the RFs that I am looking for. All the stores I know only have a few digital point & shoots on display !🙁

Which Olympus, Yashica, or other fixed lens rangefinder can you recommend ? I am open for any input that might help me getting started with RFs 🙂) It's true that I don't need to go for a €700 Bessa + lens at first, without having ever tried one. Bad me, I always want the good gear when I start something new... 😉

Stefan

 

[Jocko]

Which Olympus, Yashica, or other fixed lens rangefinder can you recommend? Stefan

The Yashica electro 35 series are modestly priced but very highly regarded by many people here - with aperture priority and excellent viewfinders they may be right up your street, Stefan. You might also enjoy the extraordinary Lynx 14, with it's excellent 1.4 lens for low light and "bokeh" 🙂 . You can read about them here -
http://www.yashica-guy.com/document/chrono.html

Cheers, Ian

 

[kshapero]

Consider a Bessa R. Cheap with 35mm f2.5 lens. Can be had at Cameraquest for about $400 new. A greta starter kit and makes a great second body later or just sell it.

 

[BJ Bignell]

The only small fixed-lens RF I could recommend is the Minolta Hi-Matic F, because I own one. But any one will do, I suppose. A used Bessa R could be a good starting point, too.

If you're only familiar with SLR viewfinders, you'll need to get accustomed to: (a) seeing everything in-focus all of the time, and (b) keeping your composition within the framelines. For most people it's not a problem, but there are some who find it difficult to adapt.

If you can't wait, just buy the R3a+40. Let the GAS* consume you! 😀



*GAS = Gear Acquisition Syndrome

 

[stefankr]

Hi guys, I think the GAS already has me... I will start slowly though, maybe with a Bessa R as I just noticed one on ebay yesterday, and a 35 mm f2.5. If I like it, I will keep it for a while and then sell it again and get a R3a. If, for some reason, I do not get along with the Bessa R, I can also sell it and go ruefully back to my D70s... However, I suppose the latter will not be the case !!

But please tell me one thing: How can you focus let's say on a face, with a shallow depth of field, if you see everything in focus all the time ? Yes, I know, I do lack basic knowldege about RFs, it would be great if someone could briefly explain how this is done (on a Bessa R for example) or give me the link to a good website. Thank you ! 🙂

Stefan

 

[Sparrow]

You aim for the eyes and hope for the best!

 

[Sparrow]

The 35 f2.5 isn’t difficult to focus wide open

 

[Jocko]

But please tell me one thing: How can you focus let's say on a face, with a shallow depth of field, if you see everything in focus all the time ? Yes, I know, I do lack basic knowldege about RFs, it would be great if someone could briefly explain how this is done (on a Bessa R for example) or give me the link to a good website. Thank you ! 🙂

Stefan

In the centre of the viewfinder you'll find a brightly illuminated spot where an image is
projected from the rangefinder. When the lens is focussed at a given point the projected image will coincide exactly with the view you see through the viewfinder. It's rather like the split-screen of an SLR.

Detailed explanation and illustrations here: http://www.photozone.de/3Technology/camtec2.htm

Cheers, Ian

 

[stefankr]

Hi Ian, thanks for the short explanation and the link to photozone. I really think I could get used to rangefinders, as they seem to fit my shooting style. I don't care about sports or wildlife, I usually enjoy people, street and general nature stuff.

I've been reading a lot, also on the cameraquest site which is really good. I am still not sure as to what I should get, and from where, but I am weighing all my options...

I hope I will be able to post some results soon !! 😉

Regards
Stefan