Hey all (: ~


axis90x

Senior Member
I am quite new to rangefinders.

I am currently using FED5, had been using it for about a few months..
I am thinking to upgrade to a better rangefinder, like for example Voigtlander Bessa caught my attention.

I was thinking whether which bessa should i get as?
And any pro can clarify some of the questions i have :x

What is the difference between R3A and R3M? A? M?

I know that the difference between R3 series and R4 series is the bigger frameline in the viewfinder right, and which one would be better and more useful.

For the lens i already had one in mind :D
that would be 40mm/f1.4 Nokton..
that will be my first lens.

Any pros would like to recommend other models or brands of rangefinder :D ~
but definitely not leica :x
cant afford leica HAHA :x

Thanks in advance (: ~
cheers.
 

For CV gear, u shld make an appointment to see Mr Ho Chi Fei
 

Just a quick check, do you wear specs?

If you do, go for the R2A/M or the R4A/M. R3A/M, has a VF mag of x1, which is not very friendly to specs users.

Try x0.72 & below should you be wearing specs. If you dont, R3A would make a fine camera if you like the x1 mag
 

Just a quick check, do you wear specs?

If you do, go for the R2A/M or the R4A/M. R3A/M, has a VF mag of x1, which is not very friendly to specs users.

Try x0.72 & below should you be wearing specs. If you dont, R3A would make a fine camera if you like the x1 mag

haha i am wearing spec :x ~
so which one would you recommend?
i was thinking of R4A/M coz they are 0.52 :P ~
 

haha i am wearing spec :x ~
so which one would you recommend?
i was thinking of R4A/M coz they are 0.52 :P ~

Head down to Chiif Cameras & ask boss to let you try. Give him a call before you actually go down to make sure that he is around. He will let you try until you shoik before buying.

I would say give the R2A/M & R4A/M a try.

I'm using a Hexar RF with x0.6 mag, very comfortable for a specs user like myself.
Previously I did own a R3A, I had difficulty seeing the framelines for 40mm/50mm on the R3A. As in you can see the lines but not fully...... I could only see 2 corners of the 40mm lines but not the other 2.

Tried a R2A/M before, worked well but I am very sure R4A/M would be very very comfortable for a specs user.
 

Head down to Chiif Cameras & ask boss to let you try. Give him a call before you actually go down to make sure that he is around. He will let you try until you shoik before buying.

I would say give the R2A/M & R4A/M a try.

I'm using a Hexar RF with x0.6 mag, very comfortable for a specs user like myself.
Previously I did own a R3A, I had difficulty seeing the framelines for 40mm/50mm on the R3A. As in you can see the lines but not fully...... I could only see 2 corners of the 40mm lines but not the other 2.

Tried a R2A/M before, worked well but I am very sure R4A/M would be very very comfortable for a specs user.

haha alright thanks for the explanation.
i think i would give R4A/M a go
but what does the A or M means?
 

haha alright thanks for the explanation.
i think i would give R4A/M a go
but what does the A or M means?

A = aperture priority and M = manual. RxA gives you aperture priority (on top of manual)
 

hi,

If you look around, you can probably get a Leica CL for around 400-500sgd, around the same price as a Bessa. I previously sold 3 -4 CLs around that price. The features aren't as rich as the bessa but it takes M-mount lens and LTMs with an adapter.

I mentioned this you said in your earlier post that you aren't interested in Leicas, presumably because of the price factor.

cheers!

raytoei
 

A = aperture priority and M = manual. RxA gives you aperture priority (on top of manual)

oh so does A also have manual?
as you sayd A gives you aperture priority on top of manual.

hi,

If you look around, you can probably get a Leica CL for around 400-500sgd, around the same price as a Bessa. I previously sold 3 -4 CLs around that price. The features aren't as rich as the bessa but it takes M-mount lens and LTMs with an adapter.

I mentioned this you said in your earlier post that you aren't interested in Leicas, presumably because of the price factor.

cheers!

raytoei

ya, i am not interested in leicas due to the price factor :x ~
 

got alot of 2nd hand used leica bodies quite cheap leh

it is inevitable. feel the force of the dark side. you will eventually be poisoned.

it is inevitable...
 

Welcome! Chiif is one of the friendliest and true RF fans among us. Pls do make an arrangement to visit his shop and he will be able to educate you all about the fantastic Voigtlander line of products.

If you're used to FED RF that's without meter, then either a M or A will be just as nice. If I am not mistaken, the M functions similarly to M6. You can use all the shutter speed functions even if the internal meter fails due to low battery. Usually for Aperture priority camera, the shutters are controlled electronically meaning once there's no battery, you are usually restricted to 1 or 2 shutter speeds to shoot manual. Usually @ 1/125s.

The Voigtlander line of RF is truly value for money. Great japanese quality control and reliable machines!

I think most people go for R2A for a general purpose body. R4 is more if you like wide-angle lenses and R3 with its 1x magnification is perfect for 50mm and above lenses.

Guys, correct me if I am wrong cos' it's based on my memory. Anyway, you get all the info on chiifcameras.com

Be warned though... it's the start of POISON!!!

Frankly, all of us will end up with a Leica no matter what. :-)
 

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If you're used to FED RF that's without meter, then either a M or A will be just as nice. If I am not mistaken, the M functions similarly to M6. You can use all the shutter speed functions even if the internal meter fails due to low battery. Usually for Aperture priority camera, the shutters are controlled electronically meaning once there's no battery, you are usually restricted to 1 or 2 shutter speeds to shoot manual. Usually @ 1/125s.

The Voigtlander line of RF is truly value for money. Great japanese quality control and reliable machines!

I think most people go for R2A for a general purpose body. R4 is more if you like wide-angle lenses and R3 with its 1x magnification is perfect for 50mm and above lenses.

Guys, correct me if I am wrong cos' it's based on my memory. Anyway, you get all the info on chiifcameras.com

Yep, the M versions of the voigtlander works similar to the M6. Fully mechanical. The batteries in the M versions are only used for light metering. Even with the batteries dead, the camera still works except without the meter.

A versions will require batteries to function. Dead batteries means dead camera. But of course, just carry spare batteries around, they weight less than 5grams, slightly bigger then a ear ring stud......


Boss Dave, I think the version you are talking about is the Leica M7 if I am not wrong, it functions only at 1/125 if batteries are dread. I think so la, going by memory also :sweat:
 

Bro... only time will tell. U master mah.. Any camera also turn into gem photos!

No master la, beer master & drunken master got la, shooting photography master still far from it!!!
 

Voigtlander is really good value for money, and the lastest Voigtlander bodies are much more refine than the earlier batch. I am using a R4M and is very happy with it.

http://www.fuwen.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogcategory&id=86&Itemid=151

The only issue is u can only use lens up to 50mm with it. Of course there are ways to use lens longer than 50mm with it but personally I think its not practical.
 

haha i see bessa is really value for money :P ~
but it is expensive to me too LOL! xD

let me slowly save up HAHA!
at the meanwhile shall shoot with my fed5 :P ~
 

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