Canon LTM Recommendations for body and lens

[Willfo]

Olympus XA

The XA line is wonderful. Have an XA3 somewhere and I think one day I'll probably end up buying an XA for travel, but not exactly what I was looking for in this instance.

As for the Bessa R, I'm not against it but it is $900 and presumably less repairable. But seems I'm having less trouble finding bodies under $500 than I am finding 35mm lenses... Cheapest skopar lens in good nick I saw was $700. But I guess I'm just going to have to eat that cost cause there aren't any cheaper alternatives!

 

[David Hughes]

True, but not exactly going to scratch that M5 itch he was infected with.

But the only cure for that itch is the M5 and a lens or two or three...

With the XA you get the complete package and I have found that duds bought cheaply and then sorted out by the experts are bargains: and expert technicians give guarantees...

Regards, David

 

[Ko.Fe.]

The XA line is wonderful. Have an XA3 somewhere and I think one day I'll probably end up buying an XA for travel, but not exactly what I was looking for in this instance.

As for the Bessa R, I'm not against it but it is $900 and presumably less repairable. But seems I'm having less trouble finding bodies under $500 than I am finding 35mm lenses... Cheapest skopar lens in good nick I saw was $700. But I guess I'm just going to have to eat that cost cause there aren't any cheaper alternatives!

https://www.ebay.com/itm/3942676235...fZoedmoJgz4xIfIkUk2FUZfkQ8rR|tkp:BFBM5MD7qodh

https://www.ebay.com/itm/3345040350...50wYuXGhoA8LVbCtkUKsOjCNwEuh|tkp:BFBM5sD7qodh

https://www.ebay.com/itm/4039579529...epl4jasFHq1NSsVFKIBsilRrmk|tkp:Bk9SR-bA-6qHYQ

https://www.ebay.com/itm/3345693557...iAd5RSlFsza1FVSmXDRfIADfqU|tkp:Bk9SR-bA-6qHYQ

All four R are under 500 USD.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/3943026691...0oN5v9y3m8jhlcq5vopCReCjBw==|tkp:BFBMip2Jq4dh

https://www.ebay.com/itm/3852078969...IzLgOdqjwUo5a+RQ4GXN2ZZBG1fJ|tkp:BFBMip2Jq4dh

https://www.ebay.com/itm/3046342902...SWwmRSC|tkp:BFBMjJ2Jq4dh&shqty=1&isGTR=1#shId

35 2.5 around 300 USD.

 

[jsrockit]

Let us remember that $1000 Australian Dollars is $640 US Dollars (today). The OP is talking about prices he sees in the Australian market.

 

[Sarcophilus Harrisii]

Let us remember that $1000 Australian Dollars is $640 US Dollars (today). The OP is talking about prices he sees in the Australian market.

Exactly—there are obviously exceptions, but generally (ignoring conversion to a common currency) prices for used cameras in Australia are usually higher than what the same model might sell for in the USA. To some extent this may negate the apparent cost in USD to those following this discussion from the Americas. Australia quite simply does not have the same "bottomless pit" (relatively, at least) supply of vintage cameras as the USA. Perhaps this reflects the disparity in average and disposable incomes between the two countries over decades past.

With all due respect to our many forum members in the USA/Canada—and this is not directed at you, John, it is a general observation—this point is not universally appreciated by them. How many of them would, for example, pay 300.00 USD for a working AE-1 Program?, or K1000? (Neither would I, incidentally). But these are not hypothetical examples—each of these models has actual sold listings searchable, on Australian eBay, right now, that have found new homes at prices (just selling price, excluding postage) of up to 350.00 USD.

It is not just the exchange rate in play, in the scenario within which Will has made his enquiry.

 

[Bingley]

The XA line is wonderful. Have an XA3 somewhere and I think one day I'll probably end up buying an XA for travel, but not exactly what I was looking for in this instance.

As for the Bessa R, I'm not against it but it is $900 and presumably less repairable. But seems I'm having less trouble finding bodies under $500 than I am finding 35mm lenses... Cheapest skopar lens in good nick I saw was $700. But I guess I'm just going to have to eat that cost cause there aren't any cheaper alternatives!

I’ve got a couple of XAs, one of which I’m the original owner of. They are great cameras, althought the RF patch is tiny. If you can deal w/ the quirks, they can be terrific cameras for travel. Loaded w/ a bright color film, you can get some great photos. But obviously you can’t swap lenses, if that’s important to you.

 

[jsrockit]

Exactly—there are obviously exceptions, but generally (ignoring conversion to a common currency) prices for used cameras in Australia are usually higher than what the same model might sell for in the USA. To some extent this may negate the apparent cost in USD to those following this discussion from the Americas. Australia quite simply does not have the same "bottomless pit" (relatively, at least) supply of vintage cameras as the USA. Perhaps this reflects the disparity in average and disposable incomes between the two countries over decades past.

oh believe me, I understand. I am from the US but I live in Chile. The used market here is thin too with the same mark ups on very regular equipment.

 

[Willfo]

Exactly—there are obviously exceptions, but generally (ignoring conversion to a common currency) prices for used cameras in Australia are usually higher than what the same model might sell for in the USA...

...It is not just the exchange rate in play, in the scenario within which Will has made his enquiry.

​​​​​​I certainly don't want to dismiss the help of all the overseas people offering feedback: the markets are volatile and you never know which Australian options will be cheaper or more expensive than those elsewhere (there's no rhyme or reason). And it can offer a helpful indication of which gear one might be able to snag on a deal.
​​​​​​
But, to add further to what has been said above, examples listed on international websites (like eBay), are not equally available to all countries. Sellers will sometimes allow sale to America but not Oceania, meaning different listings will be visible to respective buyers. So, one has to be careful to look at the correct version of each website, with the correct postal options selected, to get a fair representation of what's available.

Unfortunately, even if a Bessa R were available to me for 500USD and a lens for 300USD, that'd be about 1300AUD which, whilst not impossible, is only likely to be below the actual cost in Australia

 

[David Hughes]

been thinking; the usual suggestion for RF with a limited budget is to suggest a "posh" body (ie Leica M4 or M2 etc) and a KMZ lens. I've often thought that the more sensible way would be a posh lens like the 35mm Leica Summaron which has a lot of fans and comes in several version - more about that later.

Then marry it with body like that well known war horse the FED 2 or else (for the lever wind) the Zorki 6 which also has the advantage of a hinged back: the FED 2's removes like a Contax. And that suggests a Kiev 2 to me but without the meter. Both the FED and Zorki need a 35mm VF but these are cheap and cheerful if you go for (say) a Japanese made "Helios" brand.

The Summaron come in bayonet or screw mount and with a choice of aperture - both versions endorsed by lots of RFF members. And the bayonet version has - mostly - an adapter to convert it from the screwed version but held in place by a grub screw.

Anyway, just another 2d worth for you to mull over. I'd still go to the XA; so cheap you could buy 2 or 3 and get them checked over and sorted for a lot less that your budget figures. Well, cheap in my part of the world*. Anyway, I'll wish you luck with your quest.

Regards, David

* The last one cost me 3 UK pounds and has a test film in it right now.

 

[peefeeniz]

Where are plenty of Rs, not R2M and such, but R for under 500 USD.
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=voigtlander+bessa+r&_sop=12
And LTM CV CS 35 2.5 are under 300 USD.
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2334524.m570.l1311&_nkw=voigtlander+color+skopar+35mm+f%2F2.5&_sacat=0&LH_TitleDesc=0&_odkw=voigtlander+bessa+r&_sop=12
With half-case it is OK camera. Without ridiculous mess in VFs of old Canons.

Also, advance lever is grossly overrated. If camera is serviced, it is as fast and easy to operate with knob.
https://youtu.be/FrwV8vaEdzg

Barnack with tiny brighlines finder made from crapped out Olymus XA(2) is just awesome.

Honestly, if you are stressed by money and taxes and have to stay under 1000 Australian $, just get working Nikon FM2N with Nikkor 35/2. Those F based cameras are nice. And Vivitar F mount lenses focus rotates same direction as M, LTM. My late film street photography was done with those Nikon series and Vivitar lenses. I enjoyed them almost more than Leica M cameras, because they are better build and for much less money. And even cheap Nikkormat was getting compliments from strangers. I think, my Nikon SLR photos got more Flickr inexplore than my Lieca M photos from longer time of use.

This is the word

 

[aizan]

$200-250 Canon IID2
$300 Canon 35mm f/2.8 LTM w/viewfinder

 

[leicapixie]

I've used RF from 11 years old. I Remember looking and seeing with a SLR! No comparison. I still use my Leica. I made better images with SLR. Many lenses available, not only a few. I bought or was gifted may SLR's. Canon A-series, Pentax SP and K mount, Minolta, Chinon,and Nikon. My M6TTL viewfinder is very inaccurate, unlike and old M3!
The SLR are comparatively inexpensive! Sure, meters don't work. But mechanical speeds are always good. Leica were always expensive even to service. Some of my Pentax Spotmatics, very well used, never needed attention. NEVER! It's wonderful the admiration of RF esp. Leica! I say get an SLR, enjoy, even make money! Later decide if a RF would be better. There is many reasons why Leica only RF in production. When Japanese SLR came, everybody voted with feet and monies to go another way. Think. I am headed to 80!