Thinking of Buying First M...Recommendations?

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Simon,

I didn't understand why you quoted my last words...

In my first ones, I recommended seven different Leicas and one Bessa. The Bessa just because no Leica can do what it does...

Cheers,

Juan
 
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Joe (Creagerj), I'm afraid you posed one of the most loaded questions on RFF. Maybe you've already tuned out, it's what I would have done about two pages ago if I were you.

You have made it clear that this is going to be a bit of a splurge and a gift to yourself, and that's why the answer must be: try them out.

You may not have a brick-and-mortar store or a camera show nearby, so the next best thing is KEH. Set aside a little money so you don't feel bad about returning one or two that you're not satisfied with. It will be money well spent, and KEH's prices may very well be unbeatable by any local store even so.

I don't own an M or have ever really tried one, apart from a little handling at a show, but that's what I intend to do if and when I'm so inclined.
 
batterytypehah! said:
Joe (Creagerj), I'm afraid you posed one of the most loaded questions on RFF. Maybe you've already tuned out, it's what I would have done about two pages ago if I were you.

You have made it clear that this is going to be a bit of a splurge and a gift to yourself, and that's why the answer must be: try them out.

You may not have a brick-and-mortar store or a camera show nearby, so the next best thing is KEH. Set aside a little money so you don't feel bad about returning one or two that you're not satisfied with. It will be money well spent, and KEH's prices may very well be unbeatable by any local store even so.

I don't own an M or have ever really tried one, apart from a little handling at a show, but that's what I intend to do if and when I'm so inclined.
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Great advice. Even about tuning out. As I keep reading, it seems this thread is starting to erupt into a hockey game.

KEH is a good, safe place. I buy from them all the time.
 
Juan Valdenebro said:
bob338,

I think there are thousands of working Bessas all around, and very few of them have had problems. You might be using your imagination co create a different reality. I'm not saying Leicas are bad, but they give a lot of problems because of their age, precisely because most of Leicas in the world are old.
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i don't think the very well documented Bessa vertical alignment problem is a part of my imagination.

i was trying to point out that there are hundreds of thousands of leicas that are all very old that are still working. i can't imagine how many bessas there are floating around, maybe 100,000? none of them are more than 10 years old, so they do not have a proven track record.


Juan Valdenebro said:
About your question on initial run R Bessas, I've never had one in my hands, but I have heard R3 and R4 are the best Bessas... When I shoot with my R4M I feel it as strong as my Hasselblad.
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i had an original R and an R3A. i think the R was a great entry level rangefinder, but i'll bet there won't be any of them working in 50 years. the R3A was a great camera and i enjoyed using it, but it felt like using an SLR, so why wouldn't i just use a better camera like an Olympus OM4?

Juan Valdenebro said:
You clearly think some of us don't have a Leica because we can't buy one... Come on! Those cameras are normally priced... Even an MP! Any common person with a common job can buy a Leica. I use ten cameras in all formats, and even my digital body costs more than an MP... Don't be so imaginative again...
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hmmm, you think a $4595.00 M7 is within the budget of most people? i don't agree.
you make it sound like i am being uppity about this, but i'm not. i said that i think we all want to have the nicest camera we can afford. in my opinion, if you want a 35mm rangefinder, the leica is the best one around.

bob
 
Juan Valdenebro said:
Creageri,

You say...

“Additionally, I think it is unfair to say I am only interested in the brand since I am willing to look at non Leica lenses, in fact its probably the rout I'll go.”


“Exactly, if I wanted a bessa I would have bought one any time. I want a Leica, always have. I have a Canon L-1, and it is a great camera, even thought it is a bit used, but it doesn't scratch the itch.”


Maybe a little contradiction here? :)


You need a Leica. Get any of them.


Cheers,


Juan
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Oh I see, you just feel like arguing with me and anyone else who will take the time to reply to you.
 
Joe,

I recommended you lots of Leicas. For real wides there's no Leica that's better than a Bessa R4M. No fighting here in any way... You want a Leica, so buy it.

Cheers,

Juan
 
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