Tough Fortnight

[Stephen23]

I've just spent 2 weeks agonising over the Leica M7 entry kit and deciding in equal proportions that I can a.) afford it and b.) not afford it. It felt a bit like one of those Tom and Jerry cartoons with the Devil on one shoulder and the Angel on the other.

Finally the "Buy it you're a long time dead" theory bit the dust and I've ordered one of the Bessa R3M 250th Anniversay outfits.

Any reports out there on this gear would be appreciated (if only to make me feel better about not burying myself in debt for the rest of my natural).

Cheers

Stephen

 

[Todd.Hanz]

I don't know much about the R3M but the images I've seen from the Heliar are outstanding, besides, think of all the money you have for film now 😉.

Todd

 

[FrankS]

Whatever you do, don't keep thinking about the Leica! 😉

 

[Trius]

Just think of all the extra pints of Guiness (aka food) you can buy with the savings.

 

[rover]

Yes, just enjoy the Bessa, you made a good choice. I mean that because I don't think there is a bad RF out there being sold new right now. We are in a good time with regards to RF cameras.

 

[Wayne R. Scott]

And by all means DO NOT pick up and handle a Leica. They can become a nasty little mistress. Taking over your soul and thoughts at night, not to mention your wallet.

Wayne

 

[Seele]

I have handled and used many cameras over the decades, including a lot of Leicas. Strange that they did not do much for me; they never inspired in me any particular "lust" as in "have to have it". I feel more comfortable with Voigtlander Bessas though.

 

[Daniel Unkefer]

I recently agonized over Leica, ended up getting another Bessa, a T😛

Twenty years ago I had an M2, had to sell it. Now I have Voigtlanders, and I'm happy with that. And I can afford to have most of the whole system for the same cost (or less)😀

 

[B_Algood]

Congrats on the new R3m / Heliar setup Stephen, I bought the same setup last month, and I find it a stellar performer, in a neat, compact package..I thought long and hard about a Leica M6 or M7 but decided to go the Bessa route, no regrets..best of luck to you and your new kit..

 

[ClaremontPhoto]

I went for Voigtlander R3 rather than Leica M7 last year and have never regretted it.

When I got the camera I had a handful of keepers photos, now I have a hundred and fifty and increasing about twice a week.

 

[Flyfisher Tom]

I've seen nothing but good sharp results from the Heliar samples on RFF, so I think you will do great with it. congrats on the kit, let us know what you think after you have handled it a bit 🙂

 

[Stephen23]

Thanks for all the encouraging comments you've saved me a fortune in therapy...

 

[zuikologist]

I have handled and used many cameras over the decades, including a lot of Leicas. Strange that they did not do much for me; they never inspired in me any particular "lust" as in "have to have it".

I am with you. I had an M2 and had no real feeling about Leica one way or another - just another tool to (hopefully) do a good job. The Bessas ad CV lenses are excellent. Enjoy.

 

[ChrisN]

Congratulations, Stephen. If the image (photo) is the thing, you won't be disappointed with the Voigtlander gear.

 

[tedwhite]

Stephen. I don't know how many cameras you currently have, but when you get your Bessa, shove the lot in a drawer and spend the next three weeks with your new Bessa. At the end of it, you'll know it well, and then tell us what you think.

That's what I did when I bought my Bessa R. A bit of getting used to after a lifetime of SLR's. Now I only use the SLR's for work a Bessa Can't do: Macro or telephoto, and it's so small I can carry it in a jacket pocket.

Enjoy.

 

[newfinder]

I've got a R2M, but not the kit; I swith to a 35f1.2 Nokton; very good camera for photography.

I love Leica, but it's just too good for taking pictures...🙂