new to rangefinders

color is a no-brainer.. you can take C-41 film anywhere to get processed.. that's film that is developed in color chemicals.. obviously it pertains to any color film, but also a few b&w varieties, which is what Tony mentioned.. the Ilford XP-2 Super.. also there's Kodak BW400CN, and a few, but not many, other b&w films that are designed to be treated as color film.. Tony mentioned telling the labs to do it as b&w.. that refers specifically to the paper they print it on

and yes, RF glass is definitely all about speed and sharpness.. there are essentially no zoom lenses in the RF world.. RF cameras were meant to be used with prime lenses.. and you'll see the most prominent names residing over the RF glass menagerie (couldn't resist that one!).. Leica, Zeiss, Canon, Nikon, Voigtlander, Konica (I'm sure I missed a few).. for the most part they are all outstanding.. an average RF lens is equal to the best SLR glass (IMO)

but aside from a few exceptions (FSU), it isn't cheap.. typical price for an average used RF lens is probably $200-300.. however, the good stuff (Leica, in particular) jumps into the $900-1200 range quickly if you want to buy brand new.. but once you see the photos, you'll know it's worth it!

and a 'slow' RF lens is f/4.. typically they're f/2 and can easily be found faster than that
 
bluedust said:
so does this mean there is no hope for get someone to process colour images?

I prefer black and white but I would like to try some colour
Click to expand...

I think Tony's pointer was in reference to shooting CN-41 processed black and white film if you are having prints done at a regular lab, as they usually do not handle traditional b/w film like Tri-x or HP5, etc. Color negative film is also processed the same way (CN-41) and it should not be a problem having it lab processed as you plan.
 
of course, there are also those who claim you can shoot color film and desaturate it in Photoshop and get the same result as shooting b&w.. assuming your goal is to scan the negatives rather than having prints made, you might want to stick with color film, at least for a while
 
>>of course, there are also those who claim you can shoot color film and desaturate it in Photoshop and get the same result as shooting b&w<<

I've never been able to do that. I usually try to shoot differently with color than with black and white, and it's always seemed somehow unnatural to try to shoot a roll of color film as though it were black and white. I get everything scanned these days, but I shoot about half color and half Kodak C41 B&W (that's what's more readily available in the States and seems to process just fine at one-hour photomats without any requests for special paper).
 
If your new to film photography make sure you go to a lab with a good reputation. Bad processing will have a serious impact on your pictures and may put you off the whole RF experience. A good lab is AT LEAST as important as film choice and what camera you are using
 
I use bonus print for my digital prints and I have found them very good; is there better out there.

Any londoners out there to recommend places for film processing or just processing in general.

I have decided that if I decide to stick with RF I will go for a bessa R and a 35mm f2.5 combination.
 
Great choice, BD.

(The Bessa R is like marijuana, getting you hooked and then leading you to the "harder" stuff <Leica>)
😉
 
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I would like to thank everyone for there input. You guys have been really friendly and I am sure I will not be disappointed with my venture into RF photography
 
Bluedust, if this winds up being a successful diversion for you, but the film and processing costs are getting you down, keep your mind open to the prospect of developing/scanning your own b&w film. It can be done simply, very cheaply, and is a great way to get "closer" to your photography.

It's something I never thought I'd get into when I bought a DSLR a couple years ago, but now b&w has become my modus operandi.

The darkroom forum here is a great resource. 🙂
 
I was considering scanning film but I was not sure if the concept was any good.

I was in a camera store yesterday and I saw a canon GIII 17 full serviced for £100 and the guy in the shop said it was the best RF in the 70s. How does that compare with the Bessa R?

I am wondering if I should get that for a few months before the bessa? The reason why I am so interested in the bessa is that is has a light meter in manual mode.

I know I mentioned that I aquired a olympus RC but I am concerned about getting a batteries for it.

Ife
 
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bluedust said:
...I was in a camera store yesterday and I saw a canon GIII 17 full serviced for £100 and the guy in the shop said it was the best RF in the 70s. How does that compare with the Bessa R?
...
I know I mentioned that I aquired a olympus RC but I am concerned about getting a batteries for it.
Click to expand...
Basically, the Canon G111 compares as well/poorly to the Bessa R as the Olympus RC does. 🙂 I have had an RC for 33 years, and it's a nifty little camera, good not only to learn about RFs with, but handy in the long run as well. Since you have that aspect covered with the RC, I wouldn't bother with the Canon except for purposes of collecting, general RF enthusiasm, or familiarization. I've not had the Canon myself, but I suspect it has the same battery problem as the Olympus.
 
bluedust, I started off with fixed-lens rangefinders a year or so ago and only recently decided to plunk down the cash for a Bessa R and 35 f/2.5 Color Skopar lens; just shot with mine for the first time today, as a matter of fact. After today's experience, I can say that there is a world of difference between using the fixed-lens and interchangable-lens cameras and I wish I'd gotten the Bessa sooner. Fabulous camera; smooth shooter, intuitive control, everything I could want and need in a 35mm camera.

On a side note, I also had the pleasure of having a couple of guests at the wedding ask me "Is that a Leica?" complete with awed look on their face. The wedding photographer even gave me a few extra glances, doubtless wishing he could trade in his oversized Canon DSLR rig 🙂.

Welcome to our world.
 
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