Leica Cm vs Contax T3 va Contax G 45mm

[Parchiao]

What about getting a Zeiss Ikon ZM instead? I know the price is a lot more and the camera a different category, but would it be a better idea? Also, how different would a Zeiss Ikon vs the M6 be like?

 

[Terence]

Why buy a glorified Bessa when you can get a R3 or R4 for a lot less? I personally find the Ikon kinda expensive for what it is. Not particularly well made for a camera in its price range, I'd rather fork out a bit more and get a M6, at least its value will keep better than the Ikon. The only thing the Ikon has going for it is its excellent viewfinder.

 

[Parchiao]

Is there any difference between the Bessa and Ikon viewfinders? What about the M6 viewfinder, is it different from the one on the M7? I saw the prices for the M6 and they look relatively low, second hand can be lower than a new Ikon.

 

[K3N]

Is there any difference between the Bessa and Ikon viewfinders? What about the M6 viewfinder, is it different from the one on the M7? I saw the prices for the M6 and they look relatively low, second hand can be lower than a new Ikon.

The M7 has a curved mirror, light condenser and improved multicoating on the RF glass to help prevent RF focusing patch flare. Some of these improvements can fitted to M6 as well. Early M7s do not have the light condenser and curved mirror improvements. I think the Zeiss Ikon has longer RF focus baseline compared to Bessa (the distance b/w the RF patch window and main window for triangulation), other than that they appear to be the same.

 

[Terence]

The Ikon has one of the brightest viewfinders I've looked through. The baselength isn't quite associated with the viewfinder but a longer baselength does provide for more accurate focusing. The vf of the ikon is just super clear and bright, framelines are easily visible and it's just a real joy looking thru it and composing a shot.

 

[alvinchuan]

What about getting a Zeiss Ikon ZM instead? I know the price is a lot more and the camera a different category, but would it be a better idea? Also, how different would a Zeiss Ikon vs the M6 be like?

Hi Parchiao

To begin with both cameras are excellent RF with unique merits.

I was introduced to the Bessa R3a by a friend. That’s when I start to get interest in the RF photography. Soon I save enough to purchase a grey R3a. It is a great camera to start with. After 3 years with the Bessa, I decide to look for an upgrade. My choice was a used leica M6 or a new Zeiss Ikon. Like many I could not decide because I was trying to to buy a camera based on specs or comparing what other people think simply isn’t the same.
Some might not agree, but my experience was got down to hold the cameras in your hands feel the ergononomics ,work through the functions, how the camera feels in your hands and eyes that’s where hands-on comparison will help any buyer in their decision-making.
My choice may not be your choice. The important thing is you must feel it for yourself.

Cheers
Alvin

 

[chiif]

Hi Parchiao

To begin with both cameras are excellent RF with unique merits.

I was introduced to the Bessa R3a by a friend. That’s when I start to get interest in the RF photography. Soon I save enough to purchase a grey R3a. It is a great camera to start with. After 3 years with the Bessa, I decide to look for an upgrade. My choice was a used leica M6 or a new Zeiss Ikon. Like many I could not decide because I was trying to to buy a camera based on specs or comparing what other people think simply isn’t the same.
Some might not agree, but my experience was got down to hold the cameras in your hands feel the ergononomics ,work through the functions, how the camera feels in your hands and eyes that’s where hands-on comparison will help any buyer in their decision-making.
My choice may not be your choice. The important thing is you must feel it for yourself.

Cheers
Alvin

Yes, many a times, I have been asked which Bessa or RF body to get... And I've always advise my customers, get one that meet your needs, if you need AE, get one with AE. If you don't need AE and have been shooting in M mode, get the M. If Bessa is too light for you, get a M6. But do bear in mind the cost of a good condition M6 (condition 8 or 9) is going to cost about $2.2K. If the M6 has been used, then a good CLA is recommended and that will set you back by another ~S$250. Adding up, the body of a M6 will come up to twice (if you are lucky) or more than twice the price of a new Bessa R3A Matt Black. But I have to say, the M6 is a different class. I personally like to shoot with the Leica, but love the R4M for the 21mm framelines and R3M for the 40mm framelines with 40mm/f1.4. For holidays, nothing beats a single lens R3M + 40mm/f1.4 combi.

Comparing the Bessa, Ikon & Leica M is like compaing Honda Civic Type R, BMW M3 & Porsche GT3. All 3 are performance class cars with pretty good engines, but they are different class. Buy what suits one's pocket.

The strength of the Ikon as Terence has said, is the bright viewfinder & long baselength. Which some people said the VF is brighter than the Leica M series. If one compare Bessa R4 with Ikon, R4 beats Ikon in brightness, as it is a 21mm viewfinder, lots of light come in at that kind of lens. That's why it's brighter. If a bright viewfinder affects your phototaking skills, because, you need a bright VF to feel the mood, then GET THE R4!

In the world of classic RF, it's not as difficult as chosing a digital SLR body (so much specs to consider abt). All you need to do is pick up a RF body and if you feel good holding it, feel good looking through it, fits your budget, then u can get the body.

 

[K3N]

The Ikon has one of the brightest viewfinders I've looked through. The baselength isn't quite associated with the viewfinder but a longer baselength does provide for more accurate focusing. The vf of the ikon is just super clear and bright, framelines are easily visible and it's just a real joy looking thru it and composing a shot.

Hi Terence, how does it compare to Leica in brightness, framelines etc?

 

[Terence]

Hi Terence, how does it compare to Leica in brightness, framelines etc?

If I had to put it in percentage terms, I'd say it's 20% or so brighter with clearer framelines than the current M7/MP finders.

 

[Parchiao]

Sigh, six months down the road and i still haven't found what I am looking for.

 

[gommy]

........The problem with the T3 for me is that the fixed focal length is just a tad too wide for my shooting style, and it does not have a hot shoe for bounce flash. ..........

I think there is an accessory, SA-2 flash adapter, for T3 to allow TTL flash linkage. It's a hard to find accessory. Was looking for it when I had my T3. I think I saw one at Prime when they had a T3 for sale. T3 is a wonderful little camera; kinda of regret selling it

 

[ckuang]

Sigh, six months down the road and i still haven't found what I am looking for.

did you try looking at a konica hexar af? I have it and it's a really fun camera to use with an astounding 35mm f2 lens. It's so good i feel like i couldn't even bring it on a paid shoot with me and get great pics.

KUang

 

[gommy]

Yes Hexar AF is great! It has a silent mode too! I think I saw a Limited Edition one in MacShop in Funan a few weeks back. Not sure if it's for sale.

did you try looking at a konica hexar af? I have it and it's a really fun camera to use with an astounding 35mm f2 lens. It's so good i feel like i couldn't even bring it on a paid shoot with me and get great pics.

KUang