pedro.m.reis
Newbie but eager to learn
Ok guys and gals, if you're poor like me and couldnt afford an "high end" camera like a Leica, what would be your 2nd choice within the so called "poor man's Leica"?
What is your favourite "Poor man's Leica" ?
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Byuphoto
Would like to upgrade
C/V Bessa R with Leica and Leitz lenses
peterc
Heretic
I always drool on the case containing the Bessa R, but I figured I really couldn't afford one of those either so I went with a Zorki 4K. I had a Zorki 4 years ago and it was a great little camera.
The Zorki is not built to the tolerances of a Leica, but they're cheap enough that you don't have to be shy about taking them apart to make adjustments.
Peter
The Zorki is not built to the tolerances of a Leica, but they're cheap enough that you don't have to be shy about taking them apart to make adjustments.
Peter
Fred
Feline Great
If your looking for a friend for some LTM lenses then I'd say the FSU route, a decent FED or Zorki. Now if you want metering and different framelines the Voigtlander Bessa R would leap into the frame.
For M mount lenses the Bessa T (no Viewfinder) Bessa R2 are options, as are the CL and CLE cameras.
For M mount lenses the Bessa T (no Viewfinder) Bessa R2 are options, as are the CL and CLE cameras.
Burkey
Well-known
It's simple for me, Voigtlander R3A with 40mm Nokton.
Tuna
Fotoğrafçı
Pedro, I used a Leica IIIc with 50/3.5 Elmar from 1946 for years as my main rangefinder and still use it as my point-and-shoot that I carry everywhere - great results. Shooters can be had for $200-$300 on ebay or some dealers. But if a CLA is needed, add another $150 or so...
Tuna
Tuna
vrgard
Well-known
Konica Auto S2
Konica Auto S2
A real "poor man's" camera ($30 to $40 plus shipping on ebay). Fixed lens, of course, but has a very nice feel to it with a large, bright viewfinder and a great lens. A bit bigger than some of the other fixed lens cameras, but you did ask for a poor man's leica not a recommendation for a pocket camera. So, if you can be happy with a fixed 45mm lens on a body that even has a built-in meter yet can still be run full manual, the Konica Auto S2 is a great choice.
Konica Auto S2
A real "poor man's" camera ($30 to $40 plus shipping on ebay). Fixed lens, of course, but has a very nice feel to it with a large, bright viewfinder and a great lens. A bit bigger than some of the other fixed lens cameras, but you did ask for a poor man's leica not a recommendation for a pocket camera. So, if you can be happy with a fixed 45mm lens on a body that even has a built-in meter yet can still be run full manual, the Konica Auto S2 is a great choice.
pedro.m.reis
Newbie but eager to learn
So besides the konica, i must spend at least 300€ on a camera to get into the "next level".
How do you compare the Bessa R + Lens to an konica auto S2, Yashica Electro 35, canonet, etc? (at same focal lenght offcourse)
How do you compare the Bessa R + Lens to an konica auto S2, Yashica Electro 35, canonet, etc? (at same focal lenght offcourse)
Fred
Feline Great
The Bessa R is an entry into a system of Leica thread mount (LTM) lenses. This gives you the chance to buy new lenses when funds allow without changing the camera body.
I sold all my fixed lens RF cameras in favor of my Bessa R. Even the best viewfinder in a fixed lens camera is 30+ years old and can't hold a candle to the finder in a Bessa. The old 1970s lenses are very good too, but I had a 35 Ultron on my R, and again it shined in comparison. My fixed lens RFs were a GIII QL17 Canonet, Konica Auto S3, Himatic 9 and GSN.
pedro.m.reis
Newbie but eager to learn
Can i use the Jupiter, Industar lens on a Bessa R?
darkkavenger
Massimiliano Mortillaro
Kiev-2 or Kiev-2A with a Jupiter-8 😉
MCTuomey
Veteran
It all depends on how important it is to you to be able to use different lenses, Pedro. If you can be happy for awhile with a fast 40 or 45, get the fixed lens RF. If you think you'll want some flexibility to shoot other focal lengths, get the Bessa R as a starting point.
It's nice to have a kit with, say, a 35 and a 75. It's also true that the more you shoot with just one focal length, the better your composition will be. I believe it really depends on your tastes.
Deciding between a Barnack Leica and a Bessa R, since they're priced similarly, is more a question of whether you want an inboard meter in a new camera vs a fully manual, nonmetered camera. IMHO.
It's nice to have a kit with, say, a 35 and a 75. It's also true that the more you shoot with just one focal length, the better your composition will be. I believe it really depends on your tastes.
Deciding between a Barnack Leica and a Bessa R, since they're priced similarly, is more a question of whether you want an inboard meter in a new camera vs a fully manual, nonmetered camera. IMHO.
pedro.m.reis said:
Sure, I had a nice J8 that worked well with my R. I wouldn't go collapsing any lenses into it, or use long very fast lenses on it, but other than that it is a great camera.
S
Skinny McGee
Guest
Zorki 1...............
K
Kin Lau
Guest
User condition Leica IIIa + 50/3.5 Elmar or 50/2 Summar. I paid less than USD$100- for each of the above, so about $200- for body + lense. It's still a classy camera.
jano
Evil Bokeh
this is not for the poorest of the poor, but take a look at a used contax g1 with 45mm lens.. yes, it's automatic and a bit noisy with the whirring and film advance, but for a little over $300, you can get into a real nice set of lenses later on (28, 90, 35, 21, and 16).
pedro.m.reis
Newbie but eager to learn
Well, much to think about.... Christmas is comming and i still dont know what to buy myself 🙂
GeneW
Veteran
For a modern camera, one of the Bessas for sure.
But I'm partial to my Zorki 3M ... I like its Leica-like pretensions and its Contax-like bottom plate ...
Gene
But I'm partial to my Zorki 3M ... I like its Leica-like pretensions and its Contax-like bottom plate ...
Gene
N
Nick R.
Guest
Start with the Hexar AF. That gives you one leica quality lens. Otherwise, try a Kiev with some nice lenses. Otherwise, Konica auto S2, or, if you like to shoot color, the Konica auto S3. I think it has a better color look. I have both.
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