R vs M for new film camera ?

[colonel]

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Have caught a bug for shooting through some film but can't decide between getting a R outfit or a M outfit

 

R + points

 

1. R Cheaper (probably get a R4s or R5)

2. R lenses cheaper. seem quite decent

3. Framing more accurate (more important for film then digital)

 

M + points

 

1. M focus is best MF I have used (how is R) ?

2. M lenses and bodies might be more expensive but perhaps more easily saleable

3. Can re-use lenses for M digital (not a big consideration for me for this kit)

 

What are your thoughts here ?

[giordano]

R+ point 3 only applies if you're taking trannies and projecting them. Otherwise, cropping is no more trouble than with digital.

 

If you want to try a whole other camera system, get a R outfit.

 

If you want to try film, get an old M body and use it with your existing lenses.

[pgk]

FWIW R equipment for film use is extremely good value for money if you look around. If you can find an R body and a couple of R lenses cheap enough - and there are some real bargains to be had - then as a trial into film R will probably be a lot cheaper than M.

 

Your points:

 

R + points

1. R Cheaper (probably get a R4s or R5)

Cheap yes but repairs can be expensive so buying from a dealer with a warranty is worthwhile and can still be cheap bodywise.

2. R lenses cheaper. seem quite decent

Understatement - many are fabulous lenses.

3. Framing more accurate (more important for film then digital)

Yes I would consider R to be more accurate, although some may not agree.

 

M + points

1. M focus is best MF I have used (how is R) ?

Ummm. Both have excellent focus systems. I'd be happy using either but they are very different.

2. M lenses and bodies might be more expensive but perhaps more easily saleable

Possibly, but if you can find R lenses at low enough prices, you simply can't lose much on them.

3. Can re-use lenses for M digital (not a big consideration for me for this kit)

R lenses can be adapted to use on many dSLRs via Leitax conversion kits or adapters, so can have a digital 'afterlife' too.

[Messsucherkamera]

Here's another vote for getting a used M body and using the lenses you already own.

[AB007]

I use both M & R systems. It depends on what/how you want to shoot.

 

If you already have M lenses, why not try a used M? Some people complain about the size of R systems. I also use Nikon F5 and D3s so size doesn't bother me.

 

R systems has one of the best lenses. Leicaflex SL is great. I sometimes use few of my R lenses on my Nikon DSLRs too. Just realized that I haven't shot digital in a while.

 

Anyway, you can't go wrong either ways - depends on what you are looking for and obviously your budget

[storybrown]

I think the Rs are the obvious choice. R4sP is a favorite of mine, because it's quite compact for an SLR, but I think most would say now that an R8 or R9 would be hard to beat for a film sidearm. Aficionados for their own good reasons like the R6s (or 'flexes). Ignore metering issues - use sunny 16 or the light meter app on your iPhone. Go for the macro 60 lens or a 28 elmarit & you're set for all sorts of adventures -- or teles. You can't miss with any of these.

 

Don't worry the question to death: get one & get shooting! Advice is endlesssssss . . . (especially here!)

 

If you like rangefinders, I'd recommend the CL & its 40 & 90 kit lenses. It's not an SLR, but its a world-class rangefinder & the whole set in good shape is prolly less than about any working M body - use your light meter app & you've got a very tidy (& tiny!) & economical Leica rangefinder kit (you can use the M lenses, too, &c&c).

 

Good luck with whatever you choose! Post stuff . . .

[davidbaddley]

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M.

[Guest reiver]

R 6.2

 

I prefer SLR, an that is the main Question: Rangefinder vs SLR. It depends on what YOU refer.

[masjah]

I'm going to state the obvious - ask yourself what kind of photography you do? Horses for courses.

[tobey bilek]

Accessories that make the R work well are perhaps hard to find today, like the plain matt screen for tele and macro.

 

R 4 and R5 have poor mirror dampening. I sent mine in for repair and they came back the same. Sold them off for R6 and R7. MUCH better cameras.

 

100 APO is a killer lens, close and far, and the ELPRO does not hurt performance one bit.

 

The really good R lenses are still expensive. The less expensive ones are similar in quality to M lenses of the same era.

[Sandokan]

All depends what you take photos of.

 

I use my R with a 50mm, 90mm or 80-200 zoom for people or at the zoo.

 

The M has the 18, 25 or 35 and sometimes the 50mm lenses and i use it indoors or for streets.

 

I still think the best M is the Zeiss as the viewfinder is fantastic.

[AbbeyFoto]

I'm going to state the obvious - ask yourself what kind of photography you do? Horses for courses.

 

+1

[colonel]

+1

 

Thanks

 

This kit will be more for fun. I will probably be using it for portraits and street only.

I plan on having negatives processed only and using a plustek scanner

 

I am quite interested in the R system, but on the other hand it will be useful only having one lens set.

 

I think I will probably get an M, as there are some good M6s around at the moment. I know M lenses pretty well so lighter learning curve