one out of three

[Pherdinand]

I am thinking about getting a new camera. 🙂
OK, more than thinking. Planning, maybe is more adequateto say.

Anyway.. I want something that mounts 50 to 90 mm and can focus them properly. I also would prefer a ttl meter. This to complement my m2, both for finder mag/rf and for metering.

Three choices: zeiss ikon, leica m6 .85 and bessa r3a.
How would you compare/what would you prefer in this case?
Most probably i would use a 90/2 on it, and often the canon 50/1.2 as well. I want properly sized framelines for the 90mm (the one on the m2 is ridiculously small). Here's what i was considering so far:
-The r3a's 1:1 finder and its price is attractive;
-the zeiss ikon supposedly has a better vf/rf and a bit better build (and looks better to me);
-the m6 has a higher mag finder than the ZI and is more robust, esp. with a big 90/2, but more expensive and no AE and more difficult to load (to me!) and ...i prefer the look of the ZI.
But functionality / ease of use first, then price; look comes at the very last only.
I would most probably get them second hand (maybe i can afford the r3a new).

What is your take? especially from people who have/had/use/used two of them (or all three).
thanks

 

[payasam]

Can't help. Find the 90 mm frame of the M2 good enough.

 

[ferider]

You will have a tough time focusing most faster 90s on an R3. The ZI finder is bright but a Leica's patch contrast beats it for low light shooting. The M6 90mm framelines are not ideal (in particular compared to your M2).

Forget the meter, get an M3. It's made for 90mm.

Or get an R3 and use a 75 instead of 90.

Cheers,

Roland.

 

[FrankS]

I was thinking M3 too. As a match for your M2.

 

[rover]

But it sounds like you are rationalizing the purchase of a ZI, which is perfectly fine. The right choice is the one that you will be happy with.

 

[maddoc]

M6TTL 0.85x or M3. I used to use both with 90mm and found them best suited for this FL. On the other hand, the 0.72x VF of the other Leicas is good enough to focus a 90/2.0 even at very close distance (my own experience). Finally, the 0.6x VF of the Hexar RF is sufficient enough to focus a Noctilux at f/1.0 and 1m distance but far from ideal.

If you don`t need TTL metering, go for the M3 🙂

 

[photogdave]

If you will be using a fast 90mm I would get the Zeiss. If not I would save some $$$ and get the Bessa. Since you already have the M2, getting an M6 is too similar - have some fun with something different!
I've course I should shut up - having an M4 and an M6! :angel:

 

[SolaresLarrave]

If anything, an M3 (magnification) or an M6 (not the TTL).

The finder is big and good for a 90mm lens.

The shutterspeed dial turns the same direction (the M6TTL has the same type as the M7, also known as the Alka-Seltzer size).

Otherwise, go for the ZI.

I've never handled the newer Voigtlander, so I cannot say anything about them.

Have fun shopping! 🙂

 

[icebear]

I recently got an M3 and the higher magnification really makes a difference in composition with a 90mm. Properly focusing is not the critical issue either with my M6 or MP. But having the 90mm with the 0.91x mag of the M3 is just more convenient to frame and compose the picture.

 

[Spyderman]

Also, keep in mind that M6 .72 and later have smaller 50 and 90 frameline (smaller coverage of what will be actually on film) than M2. I'm not sure about .85, but I think it's similar in this aspect.

 

[Pherdinand]

as Icebear says,i'm not so much concerned about accuracy of focusing but instead, the size of the 90mm framelines in the vf. I did use my m2 with the 90mm, and it certainly can be used, but i would like a higher magnification. That's why the bessa comes in the game.

M3 is nice.. i would have bought one already, if it wasn't that my m2 is meterless too. If i go around with both of them, would be nice if one had a meter so i can check once in a while.

And yes, maybe i am rationalizing the purchase of a ZI (or a M6) 🙂

thanks for the details, guys.