Bessa alternative

[valtof]

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Hi dear members,

 

Beside my M6 (and apart of my M8) I'd like to get a second film M body.

If I could afford I would go for an M7 because I want the aperture priority feature but...

the price, even second hand, is too high for me these days.

Therefor I'm considering the Voightlander Bessa's bodies and especially the newest R4A

with its convenient wide angle RF frames including the 21mm.

It's also a matter of : 670$ for a brand new camera versus 2500$ for a second hand Leica.

 

I know there's always a counterpart to anything as I understand the Bessa is maybe :

- noisier ;

- less reliable ;

- not as beautiful ;

- well, not a Leica...

 

Any pros and cons, opinions and advices welcome.

Cheers

Christophe

[andym911]

I faced a similar situation some time back.....

 

If you are looking for rational arguments you will find them to support the Bessa purchase...the images you get from it will be indistinguishable from those of the M7 assuming you use the same glass.

 

What happened to me was that all the logic and data supported the Bessa.

I then went and bought a very slightly used M7 purely on emotion, and based on the fact that I knew I would always want one.

Now it is one of my favourite cameras and I use it a lot on AE mode, very quick and excellent metering.

BTW the Bessa is no louder than your M8:D

 

This reply is not really answering your question but you need to think about whether or not you will use the camera in the future even if it is not a Leica.If the answer is yes then go for it.If no then take the M7 now and put it behind you.

 

I hope someone will chime in with a more helpful reply than me:)

 

good luck and let us know what you decide on.

andy

[kwpatlaw]

good morning... i just went through the same exercise as i was considering the very same purchase options . the bessa really interested me but once i actually handled the leica m7,the decision was made for me.. that camera ( the m7 ) is something to hold. it is rock solid and will last you a lifetime. you will never wear it out and the quality is unmatched. as with most things in life, you get what you pay for. nothing against the bessa, but there really is a reason that leicas cost so much more....i just love mine....good luck with your quest!

 

ken