Help me (: rangefinder NOOB


Agree with the recommendation of an R2x above. Its VF is more versatile if you're still unsure about your preferred focal length. Personally, I use 35mm on an R3M but that's not for everyone especially if you wear glasses.

As to whether to go for an A or M model, I like what chiif said on his website:

"If you are a purist, like everything mechanical, marvel at mechanical watches and antique cars, then I would recommend you to get the M version. It's not difficult to get good at setting the shutter speed quickly as it only takes some practice."

I also like the glossy finish on the M models better.

Best way to find out more about the Bessa range is to talk to the man himself :)
 

New from store - local dealer Chiif.

Bessa is a nice camera. A Bessa and an old LTM (Leica Thread Mount [screw mount]) lens wouldn't set you back very far. Just throw in a LTM to M adapter, can you're free to use most of the LTM lenses on Leica M mount bodies. (I believe) Do take note that some LTM lenses with infinity lock would give it some problems, not too sure about that though.

Bessa M bodies does NOT have APERTURE priority, but the shutter works without batteries. Bessa A bodies shutter will not work without batteries, but have aperture priority and a very accurate shutter.

Depending on what type of lenses you'll normally shoot, you can either opt for the 2, 3, or 4. More information on Chiif's website. If you can't decide, get the 2. Can't go wrong with 0.7x.

Depending on the focal length appropriate for you, there are a wide array of choices for a lens. Be it a user-condition M lens, LTM lens with acceptably clean glass, or a new Voigtlander.

If you're a 35mm shooter, Voigtlander has a discontinued, but still available, 35mm ƒ2.5 Color-Skopar. A great lens on sunny days, low contrast, high resolution. If you're a 50mm shooter, I've used the 50mm ASPHERICAL ƒ1.5 before. A wonderful lens, sharp-sharp and contrasty!

Just to ask, does all LTM lenses fits and focus nicely on a M mount body with a adapter? Especially on the FSU lenses. Heard there are some compatibility issues due to wonky quality control. Thanks!
 

Just to ask, does all LTM lenses fits and focus nicely on a M mount body with a adapter? Especially on the FSU lenses. Heard there are some compatibility issues due to wonky quality control. Thanks!

Most LTM lenses with a Voigtlander adapter would fit and focus nicely. Exceptions are those china-china-made adapters with 0 QC, or mis-aligned lenses.

FSU lenses are made to work with FSU cameras. If you can find one that works on the Leica M perfectly, you're in luck.
 

OFF TOPIC:
=======

i just brought a Pentax MX SLR with 50/f1.7 lens ...hahahaha..

I bought it because because i wanted to see what the fuss is about regarding slrs,
other considerations:

a. it is film and mechanical camera. LR44 Batteries are for the meter.
b. it is considered by many as the smallest slr around. Some say a bit too small.
c. supposed to be quite sturdy throw-at-the-dog-and-the-dog-will-die type of sturdiness.
d. No one ever say Pentax 50mm lens are lousy.
e. Lastly, the main reason why I am buying it is for the 45cm minimum focus of the 50mm lens. The closest i have found on my venerable Leica was the 50cm on the DR Cron.

should arrive in a couple of weeks.

raytoei
who considers himself a camera rip van wrinkle, never used a slr, used a dslr for 1 month, didn't like it. started photography on small film 35mm cameras and now currently in the medium format infatuation phase. Latest toy is the uber compact-as-a-cigarette-pack Agfa Isolette III. you can view his portfolio here: http://www.modelmayhem.com/2021705
 

Most LTM lenses with a Voigtlander adapter would fit and focus nicely. Exceptions are those china-china-made adapters with 0 QC, or mis-aligned lenses.

FSU lenses are made to work with FSU cameras. If you can find one that works on the Leica M perfectly, you're in luck.

I see..thanks for the information! Was kinda planning to get a Jupiter-3 and maybe a Bessa or a M2. Quite like the Jupiter's look and rendition. Plus it's cheap too. Only thing is that I'm worried it might not work properly with any non FSU RFs.
 

I see..thanks for the information! Was kinda planning to get a Jupiter-3 and maybe a Bessa or a M2. Quite like the Jupiter's look and rendition. Plus it's cheap too. Only thing is that I'm worried it might not work properly with any non FSU RFs.

The jupiter 3 is actually a clone of Zeiss Sonnar. Perfect for portraits.

Glass is excellent but mechanically wise & build quality, its a "see luck" kinda thing to get a good copy.
 

Hijacking on this thread again...I've kinda decided on the Bessa R2A....any advise on a specific lens to pair with it for a starter?Thanks.
 

Hijacking on this thread again...I've kinda decided on the Bessa R2A....any advise on a specific lens to pair with it for a starter?Thanks.

35mm f2.5 colour-skopar? Or try to get a Canon ltm lens for a 50? The 50mm 1.4 ltm from canon is an amazing lens!
 

35mm f2.5 colour-skopar? Or try to get a Canon ltm lens for a 50? The 50mm 1.4 ltm from canon is an amazing lens!

And I suppose those can only be purchased 2nd hand?Which shop do you suggest me to view them?Am intending to get to Chiif Camera tmrw to take a look at the RF..
 

And I suppose those can only be purchased 2nd hand?Which shop do you suggest me to view them?Am intending to get to Chiif Camera tmrw to take a look at the RF..

The Skopar can be still bought brand new (though discontinued). As for the other lenses, try BnS, evilbay, and local antique camera dealers.
 

or should I spend the extra little bit to get the 35mm/f1.4 Nokton (S.C & M.C versions)??Any major difference for the color-skopar and the nokton?
 

which store to visit to get a yashica electro 35 gsn?
 

The jupiter 3 is actually a clone of Zeiss Sonnar. Perfect for portraits.

Glass is excellent but mechanically wise & build quality, its a "see luck" kinda thing to get a good copy.

Hmm guess I might settle with the Canon 50/1.5 LTM then. Safer investment I guess.
 

hi i am new to photography, i was thinking of buying my 1st camera but can't decide on whether to get a RF or just any dslr (since film can be quite troublesome especially i will be spending a year in europe).

if i'm a newbie in photography, which RF shld i get? budget is 1k below.

should i invest in RF or just stick to my original plan, nex 3?
 

mrwakame said:
hi i am new to photography, i was thinking of buying my 1st camera but can't decide on whether to get a RF or just any dslr (since film can be quite troublesome especially i will be spending a year in europe).

if i'm a newbie in photography, which RF shld i get? budget is 1k below.

should i invest in RF or just stick to my original plan, nex 3?

A DSLR, m4/3 and rf are all different kinds of camera although in the end all functions the same to take photos..it's best that y try them before deciding on which suits u the best...on a side note,film prices are on the rise for now...just so you know..
 

hi i am new to photography, i was thinking of buying my 1st camera but can't decide on whether to get a RF or just any dslr (since film can be quite troublesome especially i will be spending a year in europe).

if i'm a newbie in photography, which RF shld i get? budget is 1k below.

should i invest in RF or just stick to my original plan, nex 3?

What kind of pictures you will be taking will dictate what kind of cameras to buy. If you have no idea, stick to iPhone 4, which is the best all rounder, in my opinion. Of cos, load in a few useful apps like Auto Stitch and Instagram and PhotoShop for iPhone...
 

hi thanks for your replies.

i dun own an iphone =)

anyway, i'm really fond of black n white pictures. any to recommend? thanks alot :)
 

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