Maggie_O Posted August 19, 2007 Share #1 Posted August 19, 2007 Advertisement (gone after registration) OK, so here is my situation: someday, I would like to purchase an M8 (or M9, if it takes that long to save the $$$), but in the meantime, I would like a true rangefinder camera, with M-mount or Lecia-adaptable lenses, lenses that would eventually wind up on the digital M. Knowing that the M8 has a crop factor, I'm inclined to go with a camera that has a viewfinder that will couple with a 35mm lens or wider. I don't think I want to commit to the Epson RD-1, as it's out of production, too expensive (even used) and moving towards obsolescence. Therefore, I've been looking at the Bessa 250th Voigtlander Anniversary R2M Presentation Set with 50/2 Heliar, priced at $999.00 US. There's also a used Bessa R4M for $649.00 US, which could be outfitted with a lens for around the same amount of money. (For instance, the 35/1.7 Aspherical Ultron (scroll halfway down the page) with an M-mount adaptor) Or maybe do the 250th anniversary kit and pick up something like the Ultron in a couple of months? What do the rest of you think would be a good Leica-compatible starting kit around the US $1000.00 mark? I've already got a 70's Canon GIII and a Nikon F3, along with my Leica D-Lux 3, but the M8 is calling my name. It's just too expensive and so there will have to be some savings involved. But I want to get going with interchangeable lens RFs. Thanks! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted August 19, 2007 Posted August 19, 2007 Hi Maggie_O, Take a look here Working My Way Up To An M8. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
marknorton Posted August 19, 2007 Share #2 Posted August 19, 2007 I'd look for a secondhand M6 Classic and 35mm Summicron-M, pre-ASPH to get you started. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jlancasterd Posted August 19, 2007 Share #3 Posted August 19, 2007 OK, so here is my situation: someday, I would like to purchase an M8 (or M9, if it takes that long to save the $$$), but in the meantime, I would like a true rangefinder camera, with M-mount or Lecia-adaptable lenses, lenses that would eventually wind up on the digital M. Knowing that the M8 has a crop factor, I'm inclined to go with a camera that has a viewfinder that will couple with a 35mm lens or wider. I don't think I want to commit to the Epson RD-1, as it's out of production, too expensive (even used) and moving towards obsolescence. Therefore, I've been looking at the Bessa 250th Voigtlander Anniversary R2M Presentation Set with 50/2 Heliar, priced at $999.00 US. There's also a used Bessa R4M for $649.00 US, which could be outfitted with a lens for around the same amount of money. (For instance, the 35/1.7 Aspherical Ultron (scroll halfway down the page) with an M-mount adaptor) Or maybe do the 250th anniversary kit and pick up something like the Ultron in a couple of months? What do the rest of you think would be a good Leica-compatible starting kit around the US $1000.00 mark? I've already got a 70's Canon GIII and a Nikon F3, along with my Leica D-Lux 3, but the M8 is calling my name. It's just too expensive and so there will have to be some savings involved. But I want to get going with interchangeable lens RFs. Thanks! Hi Maggie If you don't want to spend a lot of money on a rangefinder camera, the Voigtlander Bessa system is a good one to start with. Whether the R2M or the R4M is the right camera for you depends on what you normally shoot. The R4M is very definitely a wide angle camera, having frames that go down to 21mm, from 50mm, whereas the R2M only goes down to 35mm but also covers the short tele end up to 90mm. I have the R3M, in the rather tasteful dark grey paint finish, which has a 1:1 finder (meaning you can keep both eyes open when you shoot) but it only goes down to 40mm. I use it when I don't want to risk my M8 in a harsh situation - such as the footplate of a working steam locomotive. The latest Bessas are well built but not 'bomb-proof' in the way that a Leica M film camera is. In particular the rangefinder can go out of adjustment if they receive a hard knock. That said, they are very good value for money and the lenses are excellent. I have several of the lenses, ranging from 15mm to 90mm, which I use with my M8 and I get excellent results - my current favourite on the M8 is the 28mm f3.5, which costs about £240, tax included, here in UK. The equivalent on a film camera would be the 35mm f2.5, which is even cheaper. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
cocker Posted August 19, 2007 Share #4 Posted August 19, 2007 I'd second Mark's suggestion of a s/h Leica body - M6 sounds in your price range and will retain its resale value much better than the Voigtlander (but like John I think their lenses are good value) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maggie_O Posted August 19, 2007 Author Share #5 Posted August 19, 2007 I'd look for a secondhand M6 Classic and 35mm Summicron-M, pre-ASPH to get you started. An interesting choice that I hadn't considered, as the M6s in the classified here seem to be $1500.00+. Any suggestions where to look for a used M6? What should I keep in mind while looking for one? Where to look for the 35mm Summicron-M, pre-ASPH lens? Also, any specific thoughts about the R2M 250 anniversary set? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shootist Posted August 19, 2007 Share #6 Posted August 19, 2007 Not that the VC Bessa cameras are bad but if you want a real rangefinder like a Leica M then BUY a Leica M3/2-4-5-6. The M3 doesn't have framelines for 35mm but the 2-4-5-6 do. All Leicas have a wider rangefinder base, the distance between the viewfinder window and rangefinder window, so focusing is easier. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
fursan Posted August 19, 2007 Share #7 Posted August 19, 2007 Advertisement (gone after registration) why not a zeiss ikon. i just got one. superb viewfinder. along with the zeiss planar 50mm f2 ( equal if not better than the 'cron 50 ) a superb package. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maggie_O Posted August 19, 2007 Author Share #8 Posted August 19, 2007 Will a Zeiss take M-mount lenses? I'd like any lenses I buy to work on the M8. What do y'all think of this item? Made in Canada? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
fursan Posted August 19, 2007 Share #9 Posted August 19, 2007 the zeiss ikon takes m mount lenses and m8 is also m mount. i recommend 50mm planar because you will save yourself the hassle of lens coding required on lenses of fl 35mm and below. this is if you use the recommended ir filter on lenses for the m8. i am a newcomer to m8 and rf and will let the experts why coding and ir filters are necessary for m8 lenses. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill W Posted August 20, 2007 Share #10 Posted August 20, 2007 Maggie, The M4-P's are nice but keep in mind that they do not have an exposure metering system built in like the M6 will. You did not mention this as a requirement but the Bessa does have a metering system within the camera. Personally I would look for a good M6. It will certainly hold its value better than the Bessa. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maggie_O Posted August 20, 2007 Author Share #11 Posted August 20, 2007 I'm wondering if I was wrong to rule out the Epson RD-1s? I'm thinking that the cost of film and processing could make an RD-1s (with say a 35mm CV lens) comparable to an M6 in a couple of months, if not sooner. Damn, I wish I could find a sub $3000 M8! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
simon_hughes Posted August 20, 2007 Share #12 Posted August 20, 2007 Maggie, I used a pair of R-D1 cameras for a couple of years and they were the best digital experience I had had at that point (I went digital in 2000). I had some minor difficulties with the rangefinder adjustments but overall, I absolutely loved them. I sold them as I missed the long telephoto and macro, but always felt the loss. Last weekend, I sold my Canon 1D system and got a pair of M8s! I'm just waiting for my lenses to arrive at the moment. Bottom line is that the R-D1 is a very usable DRF and should not be discounted in your thinking. Cheers, Simon Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shootist Posted August 20, 2007 Share #13 Posted August 20, 2007 Let me make another suggestion. Beg, borrow or steal the money to go out and buy the M8. If you then THINK you want to get into film with a M then look for a used Leica M. What you are thinking of doing now, buying some other brand of digital camera or a used M or other brand film camera, is just throwing money away. You know you want a M8 and not something else. You will never be satisfied with any film rangefinder. Just DO IT. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Albert4321 Posted August 20, 2007 Share #14 Posted August 20, 2007 You know you want a M8 and not something else. You will never be satisfied with any film rangefinder. Just DO IT. Exactly, buy cheap, buy twice. You end up spending more and waste of time/opportunity. Don't waste $1000 on the things you don't want. and the Bessas may be harder to sell. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
gdi Posted August 20, 2007 Share #15 Posted August 20, 2007 Maggie - I would strongly recommend doing as suggested and buying an M6 with a Summicron for $1000. In fact get 2 and I'll buy one as well! The reality is that if you need to stay around $1000, you may get lucky and wind up with a decent M6 and $75 to spend on a lens. (Though there was one on eBay for about the price of a used R3A - $400 - that was submerged in the ocean) If your budget is more, you can get a 35 Summicron for another $700+. So, if you want to spend that much then you'll have a nice start, but if you need to stay at 1000, you may be better off with a used Bessa kit w/ CV or Leica lens. Good luck! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shootist Posted August 20, 2007 Share #16 Posted August 20, 2007 Maggie - I would strongly recommend doing as suggested and buying an M6 with a Summicron for $1000. In fact get 2 and I'll buy one as well! Good luck! If she can find a M6 without any lenses for under $1000 I'd be surprised, but you never know. Buy 3 M6's W/50Cron for $1000 and I'll take one for $1200 sight unseen. Like gdi said, Good Luck. Wishing you the best. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
fordfanjpn Posted August 21, 2007 Share #17 Posted August 21, 2007 I'm wondering if I was wrong to rule out the Epson RD-1s? I'm thinking that the cost of film and processing could make an RD-1s (with say a 35mm CV lens) comparable to an M6 in a couple of months, if not sooner. Damn, I wish I could find a sub $3000 M8! Although I have an M8, I still think the R-D1s is a cool camera and I still want one. Before going the film route, I'd calculate, for example, the cost of buying 100 rolls of film, having it developed and scanned (or buying a decent scanner), and then decide if it might not make better economic sense to go digital in the first place. That assumes of course that digital is your goal. There is certainly nothing wrong with sticking with film, if you prefer the way it looks, like shooting it, and can deal with the work involved in getting from film to print. Personally, I think the best solution is to have both, as long as you're willing/able to make the investment. And of course the M glass will work for you regardless of which way you decide to go. Bill Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
gdi Posted August 21, 2007 Share #18 Posted August 21, 2007 Maggie - I would strongly recommend doing as suggested and buying an M6 with a Summicron for $1000. In fact get 2 and I'll buy one as well! The reality is that if you need to stay around $1000, you may get lucky and wind up with a decent M6 and $75 to spend on a lens. (Though there was one on eBay for about the price of a used R3A - $400 - that was submerged in the ocean) If your budget is more, you can get a 35 Summicron for another $700+. So, if you want to spend that much then you'll have a nice start, but if you need to stay at 1000, you may be better off with a used Bessa kit w/ CV or Leica lens. Good luck! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maggie_O Posted August 21, 2007 Author Share #19 Posted August 21, 2007 I think I can go to about $1400 without selling one of my guitars. Thoughts in that price range? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maggie_O Posted August 21, 2007 Author Share #20 Posted August 21, 2007 OK, so here's a snapshot of who I am as a photographer- I was just standing outside in 70MPH winds, my D-Lux 3 manually focused to infinity and on unlimited burst mode, trying to capture a severe thunderstorm. Earlier in the day, I was shooting 9-year-olds playing at a local park. I no longer have access to a darkroom, but I've got a scanner and a MacBook Pro. I'm going to France, Germany and Sweden in one month. I'll take my D-Lux 3, but what should my second camera be? I expect to make pictures in equally extreme conditions. Because I am, well, a photographer, like it or not. I've been doing this thing since I was five (darkroom at seven) and I love what I do, maybe even more now that I'm not paid to do it. I'm not sure I can raise the scratch for the M8 by bon voyage time, tho', Multiple guitars would have to be sold, some of which I adore. Help me out, folks. Any chance of getting a Leica at a discount in Germany, or is the dollar so in the toilet that's just not going to happen? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.