which camera for the zeiss 35mm 2.8 zm ?

[gzisis69]

hi there, i tried the leica m6 and the zeiss 35mm 2.8 from a friend and i found the lens really spectacular. im looking for the cheapest camera to attach the lens. i currently bought a mirrorless system so im on a budget. which camera would you suggest ?

 

[Ko.Fe.]

Bessa R2 series with M mount. It does the same M6 does.

 

[jsrockit]

Voigtlander Bessa R2 or Konica Hexar RF.

 

[james.liam]

Bessa R2 series with M mount. It does the same M6 does.

Good recommendation. The R3 is now almost as expensive as an M6.

 

[Steve Bellayr]

Save up and get the Leica M6. You will never regret it.

 

[Phil_F_NM]

Get the least expensive, but complete, Leica M body you can find and then get a CLA. The reason I think this is a good option is because you'll often need a CLA regardless, so why not save money? The M4-2 and M4-P are historically a little cheaper than the older bodies and the later M6. If you think you need a meter, get a meterless body as well as a good handheld meter, and you'll learn to judge the light by eye. You won't need a light meter at all then. If you're thinking about going with another brand, the CV cameras are cool but the Hexar RF is an amazing suggestion, previously listed. The only issue you may face is difficulty of repair, if needed. I loved my Hexar RF while I had it for a few years. Really, the camera body is just a box to hold the lens, which is what really matters. If you like the ZM 35mm, get an affordable body to hang the lens from and go have fun.
Phil Forrest

 

[jsrockit]

Save up and get the Leica M6. You will never regret it.

I would always regret not having a camera while I was saving... he can buy something cheaper while saving and then sell it.

 

[xayraa33]

I would go with a Bessa T with that Zeiss 35mm lens....it be sort of a nod to the late Al Kaplan...although Al used a simpler CV camera and a much wider lens.

 

[Deleted member 65559]

Wow the Bessa R2 has gotten pricey. Cheapest? while you're saving for the M?.... a Leica CL can be found under $500 as a stop gap camera

 

[xmas_one]

M2. I’ll never sell my M2.

 

[Ko.Fe.]

Good recommendation. The R3 is now almost as expensive as an M6.

R3 has no frame lines for 35mm lens OP have.

I bet cheapest one (OP asked for it) is T with FSU 35mm VF.

 

[Deleted member 65559]

M2. I’ll never sell my M2.

A great choice.... the cheapest one on ebay right now is $869..and a couple over $1k













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[james.liam]

Damn, checked out the prices on the Bessa R4 and its about the cost of an M6! That is crazy.
The Bessa is a lighter, flimsier piece of kit. You hold both in-hand and there's really no comparison.

Save your ¥ for an M6. I had a business until Wuhan plague killed it, and if I had the $$,
I would hold out for an MP. If you're a real filmista, you'll end up there anyway.

 

[Shac]

My preference M2 then M4 then M6

 

[Huss]

Damn, checked out the prices on the Bessa R4 and its about the cost of an M6! That is crazy.
The Bessa is a lighter, flimsier piece of kit. You hold both in-hand and there's really no comparison.
...

yeah, I had a Bessa R3a (basically the same as an R4a but w different finder magnification) and I hated the way it felt and handled. I sold it off after a couple o weeks as I'd never use it instead of an M2/3/4 etc

Cheapest M option right now for the 35mm lens seems to be M2 or M4-2.

 

[Ste_S]

im on a budget

Four words you probably shouldn't be using when considering m mount glass and bodies.

Zeiss do a 35 2.8 for a number of (cheaper) mounts if you're willing to consider that? A Contax 139Q with Zeiss 35 2.8 would be magnitudes cheaper than a m mount equivalent for instance.

 

[CharlesDAMorgan]

Define your budget.

 

[Rob-F]

M2. I’ll never sell my M2.

I would also suggest an M2, or else an M4P, if you can live without a meter. They are real Leicas! M6 only if you need a built-in meter. Be aware that that the M6 35mm framelines are slightly small, making them accurate only at minimum distance. Not a big deal, but something to be aware of. However the M6 50mm frameline is something else. It's woefully undersized. Should you add a 50mm lens, you may not be OK with that (some people are, but I'm not).

I have added the M5 to my outfit. The framelines are excellent and it has a semi-spot meter. I love it, but it may be overkill for some.

An M2 or M4P makes for a good Leica experience. If the M4P has not had a CLA, it will need one, due to viewfinder fogging--another thing to be aware of. Any really old Leica will need a CLA, though.

 

[MCTuomey]

as others say, modest budget and m gear are mutually exclusive terms

sometimes i think the best way to work with m gear is to do it as simply and exclusively as possible. as in an m body and an m lens and just shoot pockets of film with only that set-up. off-load other non-m gear, or just pack it away.

 

[twvancamp]

I have added the M5 to my outfit. The framelines are excellent and it has a semi-spot meter. I love it, but it may be overkill for some.

Was going to say this. M5 has great 35mm framelines and you can find user bodies cheaper than a Bessa R2/3/4 if patient. Though as you say it's a lot of camera.