JE Posted March 8, 2008 Share #1 Posted March 8, 2008 Advertisement (gone after registration) I'm currently using a iiif with a 50mm summitar. I'd like to get a new body, one with TTL metering, but I can't afford a Leica, any suggestions? Someone mentioned the Bess R, anyone with experience care to comment? Any other suggestions? Thanks, Jonathan Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted March 8, 2008 Posted March 8, 2008 Hi JE, Take a look here Non leica body. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
peter_n Posted March 8, 2008 Share #2 Posted March 8, 2008 I use a Bessa R4 for my wide-angles, a unique camera and well made. Try the R2 or R3 for a 50mm lens. Over at the Rangefinderforum they have a special forum devoted to the Bessa with much information. The forum is maintained by the importer for Voigtlander cameras in the US. There is a classifieds section there with used Bessas on sale all the time. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
valtof Posted March 8, 2008 Share #3 Posted March 8, 2008 I've been inquiring a lot on this topic as I'd really like to add an M7 to my M6 but really can't afford it these days. As an alternative, you have the choice between : - Voightlander Bessa : a bit "cheap", a bit light and quite noisy shutter, bad ergonomy (especially the speed knurl, nearly impossible to use quickly) ; - Zeiss Ikon : difficult to find second-hand, also a bit light and quite noisy shutter, not really convincing ; - Konica Hexar RF : never hold one but discontinued and nearly impossible to repair ; - Leica CL or Minolta CLE ; that's what I really recommend, the CL especially for about 300$ look at : Leica Minolta CL Note : All these body expect the CL have aperture priority mode As far as I am concerned, I will wait and spare until I can get an M7, nothing compares to it. Cheers Good luck Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rona!d Posted March 8, 2008 Share #4 Posted March 8, 2008 hexar rf - best non-leica leica Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
stunsworth Posted March 8, 2008 Share #5 Posted March 8, 2008 The problem with the RF is that it's nearly impossible to repair if there's a problem. In fact I've just sold one on eBay for either repair, or to be used as parts. Do look at used M6 prices, they've dropped a lot over the last couple of years and it's possible you may be able to afford one. Certainly I'd buy a used M6 rather than a new Bessa R. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
echorec Posted March 8, 2008 Share #6 Posted March 8, 2008 I agree with Steve. A "user" M6 classic is a bargain these days. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rona!d Posted March 8, 2008 Share #7 Posted March 8, 2008 Advertisement (gone after registration) Was it out of order? Why didn´t you simply send it to the Sony (Photo) Customer Service? They do repair younger Konica Minolta cameras as they told me here in Germany. The problem with the RF is that it's nearly impossible to repair if there's a problem. In fact I've just sold one on eBay for either repair, or to be used as parts. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
stunsworth Posted March 8, 2008 Share #8 Posted March 8, 2008 Was it out of order? Why didn´t you simply send it to the Sony (Photo) Customer Service? They do repair younger Konica Minolta cameras as they told me here in Germany. Hi Ronald, the rangefinder was seriously out of alignment, both horizontally and vertically, and one of the prongs that are used internally when rewinding a film was broken, so a film wouldn't rewind after use. As I have film Ms (M3, M6) and film SLRs (SL, R4s, R8) that I haven't used for over a year I didn't think it was worthwhile having it repaired. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nick De Marco Posted March 9, 2008 Share #9 Posted March 9, 2008 I have a Minolta CLE (very nice camera), a Bessa R3A (nice, but I prefer the manual and cheaper Bessa R2 I had before), and a Konica Hexar RF, as well as some film Ms (M3, M2, M4-p and M6). the konica Hexar is the best non M and as good as the Ms, but the M6 is the one I prefer most out of all of these (with the M4-P being my second best even though it lacks an exposure meter. If you want an exposure meter and automatic, the Konica is definatly the best option Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martin T-M Posted March 11, 2008 Share #10 Posted March 11, 2008 Jonathan, if you want a new body with TTL metering at low price for your screw-mount lens, the BESSA R is the one. I have a R-2M (for M-lenses) and its a very good camera, not very noisy for me, but sounds metallic (unusual for a LEICA user). It's very chic with a Luigi half case (I have the basic version on black grainy leather). BTW : The BESSA R is in plastic and the new R2M is in metal (you can set your lens on it with an adapter). Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
earleygallery Posted March 12, 2008 Share #11 Posted March 12, 2008 Jonathan, If TTL metering is your main need then maybe you should consider an SLR? There's never been a better time to buy a s/h film SLR camera, choose your system! If you want to use your Summitar on another body than the lllf I'd suggest thinking again and buying a really good hand held meter. TTL metering really isn't that much quicker for RF type of photography IMO. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
thomasw_ Posted March 12, 2008 Share #12 Posted March 12, 2008 Yes, James is wise. Considering the cost of M2/M3 users, you can get one for roughly the same as a Bessa new. Just get a little digisix and become familiar with sunny 16, and you will be pleased with what you can accomplish. I think the really well made M3/M2s are the deal of day for Leica bodies. Good cheer, Thomas Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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