Would it be Crazy to ....

[newst]

Good point, I forgot about that...
My IIIA and a Minolta/CL might work magic !

Thanks !

You are very welcome.

 

[Sonnar Brian]

The CL "might", I do not know, need the CDS metering Stalk removed for the 21 Super Angulon.
I know it is an issue for some lenses.

The Nikon S-Mount is nice, but the 21mm Nikkor is insane prices. There is an F-Mount to S-Mount adapter, then you can use the 21/4 Nikkor in F-Mount on it.

The Voigtlander 21 in S-Mount still shows as in Stock at Cameraquest.

https://cameraquest.com/inventor.htm

You can also get a 21/4.5 Biogon. It will work on the S2, not sure if it would benefit from a slight adjustment. The 35/2.8 Biogon did benefit from a slight adjustment.
But then again, you can just let Biogons be Biogons and use them on the Contax or Nikon...

 

[Sonnar Brian]

One more thought- Prices on the Nikon SP are way down. Not much more than the S2. The SP has the secondary finder built in for 28 and 35 lenses. The viewfinder glare is much better than the S3 and S4.

 

[helen.HH]

The CL "might", I do not know, need the CDS metering Stalk removed for the 21 Super Angulon.
I know it is an issue for some lenses.

The Nikon S-Mount is nice, but the 21mm Nikkor is insane prices. There is an F-Mount to S-Mount adapter, then you can use the 21/4 Nikkor in F-Mount on it.

The Voigtlander 21 in S-Mount still shows as in Stock at Cameraquest.

https://cameraquest.com/inventor.htm

You can also get a 21/4.5 Biogon. It will work on the S2, not sure if it would benefit from a slight adjustment. The 35/2.8 Biogon did benefit from a slight adjustment.
But then again, you can just let Biogons be Biogons and use them on the Contax or Nikon...

Thank You Brian for your thoughts...

arghhh...Yes looked up Nikkor RF 21 prices / crazy prices

Igor cameras has this which is possibly an F version one can use per your suggestion , F to S adapter ??
Nikor-O 2.1cm/4 #223919, retrofocus, Nikon NKT 2.1cm Finder, UV filter, caps, Mint $645.

Starting to feel anxious thinking about selling equipment, so maybe a CL or Hexar is the way to go

 

[helen.HH]

One more thought- Prices on the Nikon SP are way down. Not much more than the S2. The SP has the secondary finder built in for 28 and 35 lenses. The viewfinder glare is much better than the S3 and S4.

What a Beauty You have there !

 

[Bill Blackwell]

At this point in time, if I had no Leica M film camera in my arsenal I think I'd be in the same position. I would not want to give up my Leica M mount lenses.

As to the film M options: There's no way I'd buy the Konica - it's fully electronic and destined to fail at some point (same with the Minolta CLE and Zeiss-Ikon) and is not serviceable. The mechanical CV Bessa cameras have gotten far too expensive for what they are and a Leica CL (my first choice) would not accept your Super Angulon as it's rear element protrudes too far into the film chamber (unless you get one with a busted meter). Nor would I pay todays going price (~$3,000) for a Leica M6!

Personally, I think I'd look for a nice M2 or M3 (or even an M4), which can still be had for <$2,000 in good condition.

Don't you still own a digital M?

 

[Ororaro]

Really simple solution, IMO.

I’d buy a Leica Barnack (late IIIc, IIIf or IIIg)

I’d sell the Biogon and I’d buy a summaron LTM. The Summaron 35 is a great lens, and such a jewel.

Personally, I could live with that setup.

 

[mapgraphs]

... I Never use a VF, and can visualize 21 easily... I generally shoot with whatever field of view
sometimes center but when wide slightly off center angled with what I truly want in photo, the rest is just fluff adding to the picture
...

One possibility, as previously noted, is the Bessa T, or the L or R. All are LTM. Had an R, it was quite serviceable, should've kept it. The L is dirt cheap (Head Bartender has one), no viewfinder. No rangefinder. Kinda like an M1 perhaps. I was tempted by the aforesaid L but decided on a IIIf.
Also, check Sherry. She has offerings of an MD, M1, 2, 3 and 4, all under a grand. Probably beaters but, all they need to do is keep the film flat (and advance it... ; - )

 

[agentlossing]

Crazy thought, Helen... what about a Voigtlander Bessa-T? You can get one for a little over $400, it has an exceptionally large and bright rangefinder, but no viewfinder. For wide angles you can slap a corresponding hot shoe finder and have a very affordable M-mount camera that operates super fast. I like mine because the easy to use meter is at a glance at the top back of the camera, so you can make changes to your exposure before bringing the camera to your eye. And an accessory finder is super fast to use with no complication of RF patch. Only downside (to any Voigtlander) is a pretty loud shutter sound, for a rangefinder - more similar to an SLR).

 

[shawn]

One possibility, as previously noted, is the Bessa T, or the L or R. All are LTM. Had an R, it was quite serviceable, should've kept it. The L is dirt cheap (Head Bartender has one), no viewfinder. No rangefinder. Kinda like an M1 perhaps. I was tempted by the aforesaid L but decided on a IIIf.
Also, check Sherry. She has offerings of an MD, M1, 2, 3 and 4, all under a grand. Probably beaters but, all they need to do is keep the film flat (and advance it... ; - )

Bessa T is M mount, not LTM.

Shawn

 

[neal3k]

Here is another repeat recommendation. This week I got a Leica Standard (CLA'd) and a Voigtlander 21mm f/4. I've only shot one roll on it but it is wonderful. It is a pocketable version of my Hasselbald Super Wide which I love, except for the bulk.

The lens quality seems to be fantastic and the price was reasonable. And now I've got 10 Barnacks to use it on.

 

[helen.HH]

At this point in time, if I had no Leica M film camera in my arsenal I think I'd be in the same position. I would not want to give up my Leica M mount lenses.

As to the film M options: There's no way I'd buy the Konica - it's fully electronic and destined to fail at some point (same with the Minolta CLE and Zeiss-Ikon) and is not serviceable. The mechanical CV Bessa cameras have gotten far too expensive for what they are and a Leica CL (my first choice) would not accept your Super Angulon as it's rear element protrudes too far into the film chamber (unless you get one with a busted meter). Nor would I pay todays going price (~$3,000) for a Leica M6!

Personally, I think I'd look for a nice M2 or M3 (or even an M4), which can still be had for <$2,000 in good condition.

Don't you still own a digital M?

To BB from HH ...GIGGLES

Digital is just lost on Me... I no longer own a digital camera and have used some of the Best digitals, be it Fuji X100F, Leica Q, Leica M8, M9, M9M, M262, M246
Be it weeks or months I get terribly bored with it...
Just love digital for it's instant gratification and the occasional shot that might truly blow my mind.

just seem to have more keepers with Film than Digital.

 

[helen.HH]

Really simple solution, IMO.

I’d buy a Leica Barnack (late IIIc, IIIf or IIIg)

I’d sell the Biogon and I’d buy a summaron LTM. The Summaron 35 is a great lens, and such a jewel.

Personally, I could live with that setup.

So Ned, not a Biogon man,...

Will agree the summaron is Special, used both versions f2.8 ~ f3.5 for many years



I suppose You have a good point
sell the Biogon for a Summaron...
but I do love Miss c Biogon

Thank You ~

 

[helen.HH]

One possibility, as previously noted, is the Bessa T, or the L or R. All are LTM. Had an R, it was quite serviceable, should've kept it. The L is dirt cheap (Head Bartender has one), no viewfinder. No rangefinder. Kinda like an M1 perhaps. I was tempted by the aforesaid L but decided on a IIIf.
Also, check Sherry. She has offerings of an MD, M1, 2, 3 and 4, all under a grand. Probably beaters but, all they need to do is keep the film flat (and advance it... ; - )

re: Sherry's gear for sale is never available anymore, I do not think she has updated her site in quite sometime.

I would really need to see . feel, hold a Bessa to know if it's for me
Not in the mood to buy and return things... 😉

Thanks much !

 

[helen.HH]

Crazy thought, Helen... what about a Voigtlander Bessa-T? You can get one for a little over $400, it has an exceptionally large and bright rangefinder, but no viewfinder. For wide angles you can slap a corresponding hot shoe finder and have a very affordable M-mount camera that operates super fast. I like mine because the easy to use meter is at a glance at the top back of the camera, so you can make changes to your exposure before bringing the camera to your eye. And an accessory finder is super fast to use with no complication of RF patch. Only downside (to any Voigtlander) is a pretty loud shutter sound, for a rangefinder - more similar to an SLR).

hmmm, sounds interesting
Thanks for that !~

 

[helen.HH]

Here is another repeat recommendation. This week I got a Leica Standard (CLA'd) and a Voigtlander 21mm f/4. I've only shot one roll on it but it is wonderful. It is a pocketable version of my Hasselbald Super Wide which I love, except for the bulk.

The lens quality seems to be fantastic and the price was reasonable. And now I've got 10 Barnacks to use it on.

oh my Goodness, Crazy You, 10 Barnacks, sweet !!

I would not be able to leave the house, too many choices of who to shoot with...but I will admit a IIIG is very tempting to pair with my IIIA

Thank YOU ~

 

[james.liam]

Helen, why in Heaven's name did you liquidate your M bodies? Your images suggest you're a specialist in its application.

 

[jsrockit]

I would grab a Bessa R2. Now that time has passed they feel better to me. They do not feel like Leica, but it is still very nice. I have the green one. So primitive. Though, the Bessa T might work really well especially since you are not a strict framer. It does feel cheaper though.

 

[bluesun267]

Hi Helen,
It took me 2 tries to warm up to the Hexar RF. Bought one in 2018, sold it, then re-bought another last year. Now I wouldn't want to be without one. Neither had any hint of electronic problems (knock on wood), though this last body needed a viewfinder adjustment which was no problem for me as I am used to servicing my own stuff. I love the 1/4000 top speed, the aperture priority, and the very straightforward way of doing exposure lock. And the auto winding. Something about this camera just gels=easy and carefree. I think you'll run into troubles the minute you start comparing it to a Leica M though, because it is not in the same league. But it is in a very good league of its own! I also have the IIIg and alternate between the two. Of course the Hexar has the benefit of taking both types of lenses with adapters. Best, Timoleon

 

[splitimageview]

I don't think there is much risk with Hexar RFs, then again, there isn't much risk with anything, actually. The odds of me dropping an unmetered M and ruining it are probably higher than an excellent condition Hexar RF suddenly failing.

Just make sure you acquire one that has been treasured, well cared-for.

Good luck!