starting out in RF photography...

[Stradibarrius]

I am new to this forum and this is my first post.
I have MF, 35mm SLR & digital SLR cameras but know basically zero about RF's. I have been reading the information at different forums about RF's and think I want to try one.
The question is one I am sure you have seen many times, Where to start with RF's
My budget is tight so no Leica's in my future.
What is a good camera to start with? I would like to be able to change lenses. I have looked at the Canonnet Giii and the FSU cameras.
I am looking for something that if I don't like RF I have not broke the bank and if I do I can use the lenses with a better body.

Simple right?

 

[le vrai rdu]

voigtlander bessa

 

[Stradibarrius]

Which one? I found a Bessa L in ex condition for $100.00.
What is a good first all round lens...35mm, 50mm?

 

[Al Kaplan]

Bessa makes a good solid camera for a fraction of the cost of a Leica while using the same lens mount. They make some fantastic lenses also. The Bessa L has no built in rangefinder or viewfinder. People mostly use the L with an ultra-wide like a 15mm lens.

 

[le vrai rdu]

Which one? I found a Bessa L in ex condition for $100.00.
What is a good first all round lens...35mm, 50mm?

bessa L is for wide angle, no viewfinder


a bessa R or R2 is the best for 35 and 5à mm 😉

R is screwmount, and R2,R2A,R2M is leicamount

 

[le vrai rdu]

a good lens , not expensive is CV 35 2,5, i have it, and find it excelent, got it for 110€

 

[kxl]

If you're not sure about the RF experience, you should probably consider one of the classic 70's fixed lens RF cameras. You can get them on ebay for $50 or less. That should give you some idea about the RF experience. There may be less contrast on the RF patch and the viewfinders may not be as bright, but it will at least give you an idea.

Scorll down to the bottom of this page from our host to get an idea of what's out there.

http://cameraquest.com/classics.htm

 

[-doomed-]

I started with a canonet , im still up in the air about selling it , but if youre looking into RF and youre not sure ,something like it would be the way to go ...

 

[WDPictures]

Although they're great, I don't think I would recommend an FSU as your first RF. Maybe try the Bessa then once you are hooked on the RF style try something else.

Usually someone suggests looking at the older Leicas which have lower prices...?

Lenses are very compatible - M-mount. Trouble is there are so many choices. What are your favorite lenses you use now? Start there?