For a beginner...

[frametology]

What would you guys recommend for a beginner wanting to shoot with something a lot smaller than a SLR/DSLR? A compact or a RF?

I like the idea of control over my photo (ie the manual functions of the RF, aperture, shutter speed, focus etc) but I also want the most portable camera (a compact cam, Olympus XA2?) I can find with the former characteristics mentioned.

Also, price pays a huge huge role in it. Haha.

Thanks!

 

[navlem]

Maybe a prosumer might be what you need?

 

[Redsun]

What would you guys recommend for a beginner wanting to shoot with something a lot smaller than a SLR/DSLR? A compact or a RF?

I like the idea of control over my photo (ie the manual functions of the RF, aperture, shutter speed, focus etc) but I also want the most portable camera (a compact cam, Olympus XA2?) I can find with the former characteristics mentioned.

Also, price pays a huge huge role in it. Haha.

Thanks!

how bout getting a PnS with manual controls?

 

[frametology]

how bout getting a PnS with manual controls?

PnS with manual control = canon powershot?

I'm looking for something that I can shoot film with.

I've got a canon 400D and a minolta SRT Super. Anything else you guys would recommend?

 

[alternatve]

You want a film Rangefinder?

If you want it small, go for a Canon GIII QL17 and other similar models.

If you don't mind russian, a Fed 2/3, Zorki 3/4/4k/6 are very nice and cheap cameras.

If you want it good and affordable, gun for Voigtlander Bessa RFs. Best bang for the buck in today's RF world. Contact our friendly dealer of Voigtlander products Chi Fei or visit his website at www.chiifcameras.com.

This isn't meant for a advertisement, but as an advise from me. I thought I could save money by buying russian and cheap fixed lens rangefinders, but I eventually sold it all off and got a Bessa R2a, which I love dearly now. I should have paid up and gotten a R2a a long time ago to save all the trouble. Don't compare it to a Leica, it isn't one. Take it for what's it's worth and you'll find an excellent camera.

Samuel

 

[szekiat]

for a beginner, i'd get a good compact, perhaps a yashica T4 or a Contax T2/T3. For a slightly wider angle, consider a Ricoh GR1v. Compacts are irritating little things to use as you really need to study how the metering and focusing works to get the most out of it. Often involves learning how to work around their various quirks.

 

[chiif]

State your budget and maybe we can help you better.

 

[frametology]

State your budget and maybe we can help you better.

hahaha. i like your reply!

i was thinking of getting a bessa r2a. but yah. the body alone is still pretty affordable. but counting the lenses in... its too ex for me.

budget, <750?

i was actually considering getting a olympus xa2 for the time being. until i save enough to get a proper set of RF equipment.

btw, chiff, i've visited your site. cool!!!

 

[frametology]

You want a film Rangefinder?

If you want it small, go for a Canon GIII QL17 and other similar models.

If you don't mind russian, a Fed 2/3, Zorki 3/4/4k/6 are very nice and cheap cameras.

If you want it good and affordable, gun for Voigtlander Bessa RFs. Best bang for the buck in today's RF world. Contact our friendly dealer of Voigtlander products Chi Fei or visit his website at www.chiifcameras.com.

This isn't meant for a advertisement, but as an advise from me. I thought I could save money by buying russian and cheap fixed lens rangefinders, but I eventually sold it all off and got a Bessa R2a, which I love dearly now. I should have paid up and gotten a R2a a long time ago to save all the trouble. Don't compare it to a Leica, it isn't one. Take it for what's it's worth and you'll find an excellent camera.

Samuel

i was told that the Canon GIII QL17 is really good. is it?

also, whats the price of one? i know its a really really old cam, can i even find it?

 

[ngebor]

Canonet is not bad... fast and sharp lens.. with quiet copal shutter... and also small... the price is in the range of S$100 to S$250...
In this clubsnap B&S, on and off you may find someone sell it... ebay always has stock... and i think i saw one in the 2nd hand shop just in front of Ruby (i can't remember the shop's name)...

 

[chiif]

This one looks pretty decent to me:
http://clubsnap.com/forums/showthread.php?t=313767

For 750, you might be able to find a used Bessa R2 in the market with a 2nd hand 35mm/f2.5. But that depends on your luck too.....

If you don't mind a Bessa R, this seems like a pretty decent one to get:
http://clubsnap.com/forums/showthread.php?t=311834

With a new 35mm/f2.5 classic, it's 700. Fits your budget. Still enough for 10 rolls of Tri-X

 

[alternatve]

Concentrate on the lens, that's what follows you all the way when you change bodies.

The Canonet is a good camera, but too heavy for my liking.

I would get the Bessa R. It was the camera I wanted to get, before I got hooked onto a Bessa R2a.

It takes LTM lenses, which are plentiful. I still use mine, a Jupiter 3 and Jupiter 9, and both produce great pictures.

Samuel

 

[creampuff]

frametology, Get a Minolta CLE if you can find one. Really good.
The Ricoh 500G that is advertised is pretty compact and has a pretty decent lens. Lens is not changeable though. Had the 500GX model years back. The Olympus XA2 is very compact but lens quality is so-so. Get to know the different grades of RF cameras as build quality can vary widely.

 

[frametology]

This one looks pretty decent to me:
http://clubsnap.com/forums/showthread.php?t=313767

For 750, you might be able to find a used Bessa R2 in the market with a 2nd hand 35mm/f2.5. But that depends on your luck too.....

If you don't mind a Bessa R, this seems like a pretty decent one to get:
http://clubsnap.com/forums/showthread.php?t=311834

With a new 35mm/f2.5 classic, it's 700. Fits your budget. Still enough for 10 rolls of Tri-X

i saw that thread and was super tempted to get it. but its not a M-mount...

am i right to say that a M-mount has more lens variety?

but i like it cause its fully mechanical. (it is right?! HAHAHA.)

thanks for your advise chiif!

anyway, i'm bidding for the canon QL17 on ebay. hoping i'll get it for about 30USD. ha. then get it done by david from P&G. he was recommending it to me.

btw, whats CLA ah?

 

[alternatve]

i saw that thread and was super tempted to get it. but its not a M-mount...

am i right to say that a M-mount has more lens variety?

but i like it cause its fully mechanical. (it is right?! HAHAHA.)

thanks for your advise chiif!

anyway, i'm bidding for the canon QL17 on ebay. hoping i'll get it for about 30USD. ha. then get it done by david from P&G. he was recommending it to me.

btw, whats CLA ah?

A M mount has more variety in lenses because it can take both M bayonet and Leice Thread Mount (LTM) lenses.

A Canonet QL17 is a great camera. Do try to get the third series, as there are three versions of it.

A CLA is a Clean, Lubricate and Adjustment of the camera.