What RF camera first?

[Rodchenko]

My first RF was a Kiev 4a or a Zorki 4K, I can't remember which came first (they arrived in quick succession). OK, so they were not so old back then (c.1989), but they were easy to use, and felt very natural to me. The only thing the Zorki had over the Kiev was a wind lever. otherwise, the Kiev was far superior.

 

[Jack Conrad]

Not long ago, I found a Contax IIIa with two 50/1.5 sonnars locally.
It ran smooth and was beautiful. Sold it to Brian Sweeney. I'm an idiot.
Should have kept it. Zeiss was at the top of their game.

 

[gb hill]

Not long ago, I found a Contax IIIa with two 50/1.5 sonnars locally.
It ran smooth and was beautiful. Sold it to Brian Sweeney. I'm an idiot.
Should have kept it. Zeiss was at the top of their game.

Jack that is a beautiful camera. If I had that camera I don't think I could ever sell it. BTW what two lenses is with the camera?

 

[Wulfthari]

Not long ago, I found a Contax IIIa with two 50/1.5 sonnars locally.
It ran smooth and was beautiful. Sold it to Brian Sweeney. I'm an idiot.
Should have kept it. Zeiss was at the top of their game.

She is also a great choice, very old school.

Otherwise the soviet sister if you are on budget, until the 50s they were basically the same camera, althought today a good Jupiter-3 is almost as expensive as a Sonnar 1.5.

Like other people said it's all a matter of budget and seller.

 

[seblock]

I started with a simple Bessa R, the first one with the screw mount bayonet. Looking back now, it is a really really solid and reliable camera and as i think really lets you dive into that whole rf stuff since its very easy to use and you can learn stuff really fast with it. Maybe i should get one again myself. 🙂

Anyway, go Bessa!

 

[Jack Conrad]

Jack that is a beautiful camera. If I had that camera I don't think I could ever sell it. BTW what two lenses is with the camera?

They were both Sonnar 50/1.5's. I bought them together at a Flea Market for $80 including tax. One of my better days. The meter was reasonably accurate too.
When I sold the kit, I told myself that I didn't like the focus wheel. It was usably smooth, but a little rough on my soft and sensitive (though manly) forefinger. 😀
Also, I really liked that it went to Brian Sweeney, so I don't feel too bad about it. I miss him here. Fountain of Sonnar Love he was.
Both lenses were in very good, almost excellent condition, a little foggy and some slight scratches, but I was nervous about cleaning them myself.

 

[gb hill]

They were both Sonnar 50/1.5's. I bought them together at a Flea Market for $80 including tax. One of my better days. The meter was reasonably accurate too.
When I sold the kit, I told myself that I didn't like the focus wheel. It was usably smooth, but a little rough on my soft and sensitive (though manly) forefinger. 😀
Also, I really liked that it went to Brian Sweeney, so I don't feel too bad about it. I miss him here. Fountain of Sonnar Love he was.
Both lenses were in very good, almost excellent condition, a little foggy and some slight scratches, but I was nervous about cleaning them myself.

The Contax is in great hands & Brian helped me with my J-3 (sonnar clone) & it's my go to 50. Very much miss his post here.

 

[BW400CN]

You want a good looking - perfect working RF?
You don´t wanna spend that much of money now you have to pay for a Leica
You want a camera and lenses with a great brand and perfect reputation?

Get one of these:


Kodak Retina IIIs von Michael Relguag auf Flickr

Kodak Retina IIIS with interchangeable Schneider Kreuznach or Rodenstock lenses - lines in the VF from 35 to 135mm
Lenses from 28 to 135mm if you can live with scale focus on a telephoto lens up to 200mm 😉
And the best you get a whole set for less then a worn out M2 body!!!
If you want a perfect one buy the worsest and cheapest you can find and send it to Chris Sherlock for an complete overhaul - even then it is much less money you spend as a M2 body in good condition!!!


Kodak-Retina III S-Fuji Superia 200-029_ji von Michael Relguag auf Flickr


Kodak Retina III S - Kodak Elitechrome 100 von Michael Relguag auf Flickr


Kodak Retina III S - Kodak Elitechrome 100 von Michael Relguag auf Flickr


Kodak Retina III S - Kodak Elitechrome 100 von Michael Relguag auf Flickr

I´m wanna get the 4,0 85 tele-Arton for it and maybe the 4,0 28mm Curtagon then I´m happy and have no intend to buy a Leica!
PS: you could use these lenses on a Voigtländer Bessamatic/Ultramatic SLR too or digital on nearly any DSLR and not only on a NEX or MFT!

 

[edodo]

Leica M4.

For 120 a TLR is best, Rolleicord V, and if you really have'nt much money rolleicord III.
Should look for clean glass.