Newbie: Looking for entry-level RF

[visanic]

I'm looking for an entry level RF camera (film).
Can someone provide me with some inexpensive (relative) suggestions?

PS- I would rather spend the money on the good glass than the body.

Thanks in advance.
Dan

 

[Overconfidence]

What is your price range? If you want something really cheap/intro-level, you could pick up a Canon QL17 G-III, which has a non-interchangeable fixed 40/1.7 lens and a mediocre viewfinder... but it'll probably run you $100 tops.

Your cheapest option if you want a brand new modern interchangeable lens rangefinder would be something like the Bessa R2A and a 35mm f/2.5 color-skopar, which together would be under or around $1000 I believe.

If you go used, things can be considerably cheaper. Again, a price range is especially useful, since there are many good options for pretty much any price range.

 

[steverett]

I'd recommend a Soviet rangefinder; the Zorki 3C was my first rangefinder. You can still use high-quality canon or leica screwmount lenses.

 

[Jason Sprenger]

The defining quality here is what you mean by "good glass". If it means even one modern lens with uncompromising top-level performance then you require an M-mount camera. M-mount lenses generally only work with M-mount film cameras. However, with adapters, an M-mount camera will accept screw mount lenses.

Consequently, I generally recommend a Voigtlander Bessa R2a as a modern entry-level camera. The camera is available new so they work without getting them serviced and most all Leica-type lenses can attach to it. If you move on to more expensive cameras later, the R2a can serve as a capable back-up.

If modern M-mount glass isn't a requirement, I find the Bessa R works very well with the less expensive Russian Jupiter 8 as well as more modern screw mount Voigtlander lenses. If in-camera metering isn't a requirement, a FED-2 or Zorki 4 from a reliable dealer like Fedka would provide an old-time RF experience without breaking the bank.

 

[visanic]

Thanks

Thanks

Perhaps a stupid question, but would I need an external light meter for the older cameras?

 

[aizan]

you can get a good deal on an r2a and 35mm biogon that are in the classifieds right now ($435 + $685 = $1120).

 

[steverett]

Perhaps a stupid question, but would I need an external light meter for the older cameras?

For most of them. The Canon 7 has a built-in meter, but it is not very accurate in low light. On the other hand, it is easy to load and has a range of selectable framelines.

Do you have more specific desires/requirements?

 

[urban_alchemist]

Maybe a stupid answer (but I'll put it out there anyway) - I'm really enjoying my Olympus XA at the moment. OK, so it doesn't have interchangeable lenses, or a shutter-speed dial, but it's cheap-as-chips (<$100 for the best), an RF and supremely pocketable.

I'd probably buy one till I could save up for something in an M-mount if you're really interested in good glass...

 

[JohnTF]

I'm looking for an entry level RF camera (film).
Can someone provide me with some inexpensive (relative) suggestions?

PS- I would rather spend the money on the good glass than the body.

Thanks in advance.
Dan

If you pick up one of the Screw Mount Bessas, you can keep it if you feel you want to go to M mount glass/ camera as a back up and of course the lenses are easily converted to M.

IgorCamera has had several lately, check camera shows as well, I saw two tables with some nice Bessas used at really reasonable prices last Sunday. You can discuss warranty with the guys too. Mark still had at least one, and I saw Bessa L's, a T, and R's at really close to your goal of low cost. And of course keep an eye out on classifieds here.

Tons of cameras fit the LTM of the Bessas, old Canon glass, and of course older Leitz.

Regards, John

 

[alcaraban]

Maybe a stupid answer (but I'll put it out there anyway) - I'm really enjoying my Olympus XA at the moment.

I'm going to say the same about my Hi Matic 7s. Has not interchangeable lenses but anyway I thought you were speaking about one body and one lens for the moment.

 

[januaryman]

I would seriously consider the Canon P - prices have been seriously low on this great camera lately and it's a keeper. I won't sell mine although I have 2 Leicas and a Bessa R (which is another decent camera that, while significantly louder in the shutter department, does have a meter).

 

[sweathog]

If we're talking fixed lens, then I'll chime in for the Canonet QL17 GIII too. Smashing little camera, only major drawback being that the meter won't work in manual.

If you want a cheap, modern interchangeable lens RF and do not necessarily want M mount, then I would say the Bessa R. There are some smashing LTM lenses to be had, and you can pick up some bargain FSU lenses (albeit if you get a good one), but there are some great LTM Voigtlander lenses, plus older Canon and Leica lenses, for example.

 

[wilonstott]

I'm not sure about some of the other cameras mentioned. Myself, I started with a Yashica Electro-35 GSN. It has Aperture Priority Auto Exposure--meaning (and you may know already) that the shutter speed is set automatically depending on the aperture. Now this is all fine and dandy, and you can make good pictures with the GSN--the lens is very sharp, sharper than you'd expect, and fairly fast (45mm f1.7). I think they go for about 70 to 100 USD on the Bay. However, you don't learn much about exposure and light with primary Automatic Exposure, and occasionally (1-2% of the time) the AE is off. I eventually took the plunge and went for a Leica M2--all manual, and I feel that I understand the more technical aspects of photography now, and I'm better for it. Albeit, Leica is an expensive endeavor--actually anything after fixed lens rangefinders is an expensive endeavor. You not only have to buy bodies, but also lenses, filters, hoods, adapters (screw to bayonet), and in my case, light meters, which aren't exactly a bargain, even at their cheapest. Go with something with AE to start--it'll get you out and taking pictures quicker. (all this hedges on the assumption that you don't have much experience w/ manual exposure--which you very well may).

Cheers,
Wil

 

[JohnTF]

actually anything after fixed lens rangefinders is an expensive endeavor. You not only have to buy bodies, but also lenses, filters, hoods, adapters (screw to bayonet), and in my case, light meters, which aren't exactly a bargain, even at their cheapest.
Cheers,
Wil[/quote]

I will kindly grant you that it can be expensive, and I once said something to a friend about expensive hobbies, and he said the cost was not the end factor, but rather the enjoyment of the whole process. And I am not a poster child for restraint in camera investment, quite the opposite.

That said, A Bessa R, or T, or even L, is not very expensive in many places, and you can spend or choose to not spend, almost what ever you wish, with a huge bang to the buck return.

I have several Bessa bodies, and three of their 35mm lenses, one in M mount, so I could not get myself to buy another at the last show, and a Bessa R with sweet 35mm pancake lens went for $300, which is a lot of bang for the buck. I am looking for one for my friend Zuzana, and this was close to what I wanted for her, and I hesitated. Today I would buy it and have them ship it to her.

There has been a rash of Bessa Screw Mount lately, and two local guys are just about giving away L bodies which for certain purposes are just terrific. I tried to get a friend to separate a 25mm CV from the L body, price remained the same. ;-)

The fixed lens cameras mentioned are all terrific, and the bonus is you might find one at a Goodwill type shop for really low.

My Minolta Hi-Matic 7sII, and Petri Color 35e are staring at me as I type, plus the Ricoh's and others, but finding one at the right price and condition (working) seems a bit more difficult.

If you are interested in RF on a budget, you can hardly go very wrong with some of these, I really think you can get out of it financially if you change your mind with little injury.

I guess it revolves around what you think is expensive, but $300 for a very usable outfit with good lightmeter and options for lots of SM lenses, cannot imagine that being expensive, unless you find one of those fixed lens camera at the thrift shop, then, if it is working OK, the price is essentially nothing.


Regards, John

 

[visanic]

Thanks everyone!

 

[JoeFriday]

I started out with a Yashica GSN.. awesome lens, but a bit limited in only have shutter-priority and a crappy RF patch.. not to mention big as a brick

then bought a Kiev 4a which was excellent.. I would definitely recommend one of those, except that they are contax mount and quality is really hit or miss

got a hold of a FED.. I never liked it, but at least it was Leica screwmount

eventually found a Canonet QL17 GIII which is still one of my favorites.. definitely a great starter camera that you will want to keep for a long time.. it now stays in my glove compartment 'just in case'

I also have a Oly XA somewhere.. damned if I can find it, tho.. and the venerable Vivitar 35ES which has given me as many good shots as any of my other toys.. also a Contax T, which probably isn't what you're looking for, but rivals any of my others for image quality as well as exposure accuracy

having gone through all those and moving on to Contax, Leica and Zeiss gear.. I'd say look around for a nice Canonet.. use that while you figure out what your interchangeable lens system will be.. if you decide you don't want to keep the Canonet you'll almost certainly be able to get all your money back out of it when you sell it