Taking the Plunge? Which RF to start with

I have been shooting film on and off for many years. I have recently started back up again seriously in photography with a nice digital (Fuji XT-2), but wanted to shoot film also. For 35mm I really like rangefinders (though have SLRs also), and started with a Kiev 4a, and soon after ended up with a Contax IIa. I had the Contax CLA'd (Ross Yerkes), and it is working very nicely. The Kiev needs a CLA, but I am not sure I am ready to drop the same $$ on it as the Contax.

A Contax is worth considering because it is of Leica quality, but perhaps a little less capable than the M3 and above, but it is also a 1/10th the cost (M3 and above). Personally I like using the rangefinder for focusing then a view finder for framing, so the framelines are not as big an issue for me. Another drawback of the Contax is it has a rotary winding mechanism vs. lever. Not too big a deal. A final issue to consider is that the Leica probably has more lenses and accessories available (but at 3-4x the cost), and is easier to get repaired.
 
Nikon has no frame-lines. But Nikon LTM cameras are not as overpriced as Leica LTM cameras.
With Nikon LTM body, 35/50 viewfinders it opens wider choice for lenses.
Serviced LTM Nikon (after purchase) would still cost less than Leica purchased as is.
 
Ko.Fe. said:
Nikon has no frame-lines. But Nikon LTM cameras are not as overpriced as Leica LTM cameras.
With Nikon LTM body, 35/50 viewfinders it opens wider choice for lenses.
Serviced LTM Nikon (after purchase) would still cost less than Leica purchased as is.
Click to expand...

😕 Nikon LTM *cameras* do exist? 😕

edit: Perhaps you mean NICCA, later YASHICA LTM cameras?
 
I suggest you start with a lens: 50mm or 35mm Summicron. These hold their value in many ways, including the fact that they make great digital images if you later go in that direction.

I would get a newer body than an M3 or M4. Leicas break and they need maintenance. Maybe an M6, which was my last Leica film camera. You can still get a brand new Voigtlander for $1000. They aren't Leicas but are great to shoot with. As others have mentioned, the Zeiss Ikon is a great rangefinder of very recent vintage.

Good luck,
Tom
 
I was in your exact situation a few years ago, so let me tell you what I did. I chose an S2 as my first “real” RF because of my familiarity with and affinity for Nikon gear. It’s a great camera. Of course, this fueled my curiosity for other RF experiences. I then tried an S3 and eventually added an SP. I tried several screw mount Leica copies and later Canon screw mount rangefinders. Then I decided to try Leica and got an M2, and just recently a IIIc. They’re all good cameras. Of them all, the one that stands out as the best photography tool is the M2. If had to keep only one camera, this would be the one.
 
If you enjoy shooting the VitoII why not a VitoIII? Great camera and the Ultron is a very high quality lens. Finder is a bit small but usable.

The Prominent II is an interesting camera. In some ways very close to the VitoIII, in others it is very different. The Prominent II has a 1:1 viewfinder and has framelines for 35, 50 and 100mm lenses. If you shoot left eye avoid it, the positioning is bad for that. Both the VitoIII and Prominent II are very nicely built cameras.

Shawn
 
I can't comment on how the Nikon RF compares with the Leica RF because I have never owned a Nikon RF.

I have two Leica film cameras, an M3, which I really like to use, and an M6.
I originally got the M3 so I could use the 21mm Leica Super Angulon lens, but I found I was really enjoying using it with a 50mm lens.

The main reason I am posting is that I'd like to let you know about Youxin Ye who will repair and/or do a CLA on your Leica camera, if you should buy one. You may purchase an older Leica camera and you may want to have a CLA done at some point. Youxin Ye has a fantastic reputation on RFF for reasonable price and getting the camera back to you quickly, as well as quality work. I used him to do a CLA on my M3 and was very pleased with his work.

It's good to know if you do end up buying a Leica RF that is within your stated budget.
 
I once owned a plain prism Nikon F, it's a wonderful camera to work with I only ever used the 50mm but what a wonderful, amazing & beautiful camera.

I would suggest you handle as many cameras as possible before even making a short list, I always wanted a Leica until one day I held one ... no thanks not for me 🙁

I'll stick with my Olympus OM4-T 🙂
 
nikon s3 2000 bodies go for under $1k, and you can get a nikon or voigtlander lens to go with it for not that much. you already know what the nikon f feels like, so imagine that but with a reverse galilean viewfinder with etched framelines and a fuzzy round rangefinder spot.
 
Do not buy a Leica M.
They are jealous cameras and will throw all your other cameras out of the bag.
They are unique. There are similar, almost, practically same or close!
Viewfinders "may" be bigger, clearer, have auto functions, lighter or heavier.
None are Leica, never will be.
Get a decent condition M4 upwards (I prefer my M3 but..) Leica lens for Leica!
If you don't bond after good usage one year, move on.

THe moment I picked up a Leica M, it rested against my cheek, my eye easily
seeing the frame and Rangefinder rectangle., we bonded..
The smooth film wind, the slick shutter.
It's a tool but special.. use one to know.
Do not build up "lots" of lenses.
Wait the year!
A wide 35mm, the 50mm and if possible the 90mm.
After my year with my own M, my portfolio was 90% Leica.
 
Leica M6 TTL: available, 'modern', repairable, rugged, relatively cheap. Zeiss-Ikon ZI, if you want the best RF viewfinder, back loading, lighter...in today's market, not necessarily cheaper than an M6.
 
If you found the Vito II (wonderful little camera, have one too) nice, there is the option of getting an Leica screwmount, like a Leica III series (a to f) with a 50 Elmar or 35 Elmar.

Whatever you do, try to find actual cameras that you can hold and put up to your eye. The internets are fine and dandy, but real-world experience is worth a thousand words.
 
If a plain prism F feels good in your hand you have a few choices.

Nikon S3, SP, or S4.

They feel the same, load the same, all the stuff on the lenses turn the same way, accept an AR-1.......

Leicas are wonderful, Bessas are fun (I loved my Bessa L CV 25/4 Snapshot combo), but the Nikon F was built on the basics of the S series of cameras.

On a budget start with an S2. It has a different shutter speed control mechanism, but will also feel as good.

Start with either an F2 or F1.4 50mm Nikkor.

I move the Nikon RFs from Leica for the handling. I didn't use my SLRs enough to justify switching and found after growing up in a Nikon home that the S2 just felt like my Nikkormats and Fs.

A lot depends upon your budget.

B2 (;->
 
Followup

Followup

Thank you all for your input. I have gleaned the following:

1. I really need to hold these things, wind and click, hold it to my eye and look through it etc.... before making a choice. I see there's a guy in Stamford CT (not too far away) who deals in nice old RFs, maybe I should pay him a visit.

2. If I stick with a Nikon, Leica, or even Contax, I probably could sell it for what I put into it, assuming I don't abuse it (I don't - I still use the Nikkormat I bought in 1974). That's assuming I'd ever sell it.

3. A Nikon S2/3/4 or SP would probably be the most "natural" transition based on my affinity for the F. An M3 or M4 would be a marvelous instrument. All could be within my budget.

4. Considering all factors above, and the issue of reliability/service costs etc.., an S3 Millenium might be the most cost-effective solution in the long run.

5. Lens recommendation - right up my alley anyway.


Thank you all. For what it's worth, https://bprunesquallor.wordpress.com shows some of my more recent work.

phil
 
What is nice about getting a Nikon S2 is, if you later want something with a meter in it, you can get a Bessa R2S. The S2 with a 50mm of most flavors (except once you go past f1.4) is well within your budget, with some left over for a 35mm.



Later on, you can get the 85mm which is a lovely lens, and has a setting on the Bessa finder, or if you need some more reach there are the 105mm and 135mm. Nikon did have a Visoflex style rig for even longer focal lengths, but unless you're a real enthusiast, it's kind of an expensive accessory, especially if you already have a nice SLR tele lens grouping. Factor in you'll need an external finder for anything other than a 50mm on the S2, where the Bessa has selectable frames for 35, 50, and 85mm.



PF
 
mgpsmith said:
Thank you all. For what it's worth, https://bprunesquallor.wordpress.com shows some of my more recent work.

phil
Click to expand...

Dear Phil Bernard Prunesquallor,

you (and your brother!) ought to consider the very fine French FOCA brand cameras:

174668356_d83fdfa8ae.jpg

8057364702_3d4667e759.jpg

5068603435_9291a88af0.jpg


http://camera-wiki.org/wiki/Foca
http://camera-wiki.org/wiki/Foca_Universel

😀
 
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