recommend a camera for wedding candids..

W

wblanchard

Guest
What camera would you recommend for wedding candid's..? I'm a wedding photographer who shoots photojournalistic style and thought it would be nice to use a rangefinder or fixed lens camera for candids at the receptions or during the wedding if I'm a second or third shooter.

I like the fixed focal length because its easier to dial in the hyperfocal distance.

Any suggestions?
 
Konica Hexar AF for informal reception shots - very quick and unobtrusive! Use with matching flash for great ambient/flash light balance.
 
Photojournalistic style? I assume something around a fast, normal lens would be the answer?

I would think you'd have a load of great options. If this is a paying gig, you probably aspire to more than some of the fixed rangefinders like the Canonet, etc.

In terms of rangefinders, perhaps a Bessa R3 with a Nokton 50 or the upcoming 40 would do the trick. Obviously, there are any number of Leica options as well.
 
JohnM said:
Photojournalistic style? I assume something around a fast, normal lens would be the answer?

I would think you'd have a load of great options. If this is a paying gig, you probably aspire to more than some of the fixed rangefinders like the Canonet, etc.

In terms of rangefinders, perhaps a Bessa R3 with a Nokton 50 or the upcoming 40 would do the trick. Obviously, there are any number of Leica options as well.
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Your budget will determine a lot. The Bessa kit John mentions will do the job very well. A Leica with a 35 or 50 Summilux will do it too, for much more money, and some more quality.
 
For something quiet, easy to use and non-threathing - Canonet QIII.
 
nwcanonman said:
For something quiet, easy to use and non-threathing - Canonet QIII.
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I agree with Harold. The softer lens on the GIII QL-17, in coupled with a yellow filter on Neopan 400 or XP-2, will give you beautiful flesh tones. If you want shrpness, go with Viv ES or OLY RC.

Russ
 
Voigtlander Bessa L with 25/f4 and viewfinder. Usually I don't even have to focus it. About a quarter of the time, I don't bring it to my eye. The shutter is quiet enough that it won't be intrusive at a wedding reception, just a little k-click.

TTL metering and great glass. You can find them on eBay for a steal. I love mine.
 
I like the Bessa-L too but am not sure I agree. I find the shutter way to loud for my taste. I don't find it quick to use. The dials are stiff and I have to take my eye away from the subject to see the settings. But admittedly I need to practice with it a lot more.

I haven't tried very many RFs so I can't recommend any, but whatever you get, just make sure you get a chance to put a few practice rolls through it - rangefinders are pretty different.
 
The Bessa L is really given to wides and there aren't a lot of "fast" options there - given the low light of most weddings and receptions, the f4 or f/4.5 maximum apertures might prove limiting especially for evening events.

What a fun camera though - like Scott, I need more practice with it, but so far, I really enjoy using it. It's a little dangerous - it's trying to push me towards the 21 or even the 15.
 
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