Making the jump - getting an RF camera

[noodlehaus]

Hi everyone. I've only been shooting for 3+ months and have been really happy with it. Only around a month ago, I purchased a Yashica GSN and used up a roll of film with it. It all started from there. Somehow, I find shooting with film more relaxing as I don't have the ability to review my shots immediately and keep fiddling with the camera settings, as there aren't that much to set.

Now, I think I'm ready to invest in a new film camera, but I don't have much. My options are (1) to get a Leica M2 or M3 (2) get a brand new Bessa R3M/A from chiif.

I'm leaning on going for the brand new Bessa, but I'm a bit hesitant because of all the issues I read about it around the net. But I'm thinking, since it's brand new, It will have warranty. What I'm hoping for though is that I don't get a defective one and go through much hassle.

For the M2/M3 path, my issue is other than it will be an old and used camera, and still a bit more expensive, it doesn't a light meter - a feature that I'd really like to have for convenience.

Would appreciate it if you share your insights and experiences with these cameras. Thanks.

 

[Redshutter]

Hi everyone. I've only been shooting for 3+ months and have been really happy with it. Only around a month ago, I purchased a Yashica GSN and used up a roll of film with it. It all started from there. Somehow, I find shooting with film more relaxing as I don't have the ability to review my shots immediately and keep fiddling with the camera settings, as there aren't that much to set.

Now, I think I'm ready to invest in a new film camera, but I don't have much. My options are (1) to get a Leica M2 or M3 (2) get a brand new Bessa R3M/A from chiif.

I'm leaning on going for the brand new Bessa, but I'm a bit hesitant because of all the issues I read about it around the net. But I'm thinking, since it's brand new, It will have warranty. What I'm hoping for though is that I don't get a defective one and go through much hassle.

For the M2/M3 path, my issue is other than it will be an old and used camera, and still a bit more expensive, it doesn't a light meter - a feature that I'd really like to have for convenience.

Would appreciate it if you share your insights and experiences with these cameras. Thanks.

Howdy! I would suggest either getting a used Bessa from BnS forum or get a new one from Chiff.

if you know the basic of photography well enough to get a decent exposure, I'm sure a rangefinder camera is as easy to use as a SLR or DSLR. :thumbsup:

 

[Royale With Cheese]

I think a Bessa R3A would suit fine.

Do you wear specs? If you do, go for the R2A. The x1 mag on the R3A actually hinders specs users from seeing the frame line.

 

[dankwan]

come join us at RF.SG, there is more gear, more experts and more advice & opinions there than you can shake a stick at....

 

[zgim80]

might get poisoned like crazy though =p

 

[noodlehaus]

Thank you very much everyone. I just got back from picking up a 40mm f1.4 vc lens (thanks populi), so now all that's left is the body. I think I'll go with the R3A. Really excited

RF.SG, is that a separate site dedicated to singapore rangefinder users?

 

[Redshutter]

founded by our Chairman Dankwan

Details here:


http://www.clubsnap.com/forums/showthread.php?t=666822

 

[Royale With Cheese]

Thank you very much everyone. I just got back from picking up a 40mm f1.4 vc lens (thanks populi), so now all that's left is the body. I think I'll go with the R3A. Really excited

RF.SG, is that a separate site dedicated to singapore rangefinder users?

RF.SG actually is Rangefinder Singapore.

basically we are a new group made up of hardcore RF fans. We do organise monthly casual outings for starters.

We hope to promote the use of RF to the general public & let them understand why a 75year old technology is still revelant in our current DSLR dominated world.

Basically all is in the pipeline to get stuff sorted out but do join us for our RF meet ups, any member can just organise it. Do join us on these outings to actually learn more about your camera!

 

[noodlehaus]

Thanks for linking the thread, and I will join the group to learn more about the rangefinder and photography in general. Especially to make new friends

 

[eamesboy]

come join us at RF.SG, there is more gear, more experts and more advice & opinions there than you can shake a stick at....

Soon RFSG will move to Suntec with your help bro. Ha ha :bsmilie:

might get poisoned like crazy though

I totally agree with the poison.
I do not want to name out anyone. Lucky I have a strong heart.

Thank you very much everyone. I just got back from picking up a 40mm f1.4 vc lens (thanks populi), so now all that's left is the body. I think I'll go with the R3A. Really excited

RF.SG, is that a separate site dedicated to singapore rangefinder users?

RFSG welcome you ( noodlehaus). We will spread the love of RF. :heart:
And to anyone who like to know more about Rangefinder
our Top10 shooter (Royale With Cheese) will show you the light..


,,,

 

[mamypoko]

All my film cameras are meterless. Just get a cheap light meter to help you get started.

After a while, you will get used to the light in most scenes (indoor/outdoor under shade etc) and will rely on the meter less.

Nowadays I take 1 meter reading and self adjust for shade, cloud cover, only metering again if the light has changed too much.

Even for my DSLR I now tend to pre-meter and use manual mode, gets me much better results that using the on board meter.

 

[nightwolf75]

Hi everyone. I've only been shooting for 3+ months and have been really happy with it. Only around a month ago, I purchased a Yashica GSN and used up a roll of film with it. It all started from there. Somehow, I find shooting with film more relaxing as I don't have the ability to review my shots immediately and keep fiddling with the camera settings, as there aren't that much to set.

Now, I think I'm ready to invest in a new film camera, but I don't have much. My options are (1) to get a Leica M2 or M3 (2) get a brand new Bessa R3M/A from chiif.

I'm leaning on going for the brand new Bessa, but I'm a bit hesitant because of all the issues I read about it around the net. But I'm thinking, since it's brand new, It will have warranty. What I'm hoping for though is that I don't get a defective one and go through much hassle.

For the M2/M3 path, my issue is other than it will be an old and used camera, and still a bit more expensive, it doesn't a light meter - a feature that I'd really like to have for convenience.

Would appreciate it if you share your insights and experiences with these cameras. Thanks.

try getting the bessa fm buy/sell. it is cheaper than leica unless you are the "u are not a photographer until you use a leica" camp. :bsmilie:

i'm getting the hang of R2M now. quite fun actually.

 

[dankwan]

try getting the bessa fm buy/sell. it is cheaper than leica unless you are the "u are not a photographer until you use a leica" camp. :bsmilie:

i'm getting the hang of R2M now. quite fun actually.

Nightwolf 75's 1st post and winner....so.....join us...join us......<the voices in your head start chanting>......and dan whispers in background :bsmilie:

 

[dankwan]

Soon RFSG will move to Suntec with your help bro. Ha ha :bsmilie:

I totally agree with the poison.
I do not want to name out anyone. Lucky I have a strong heart.

RFSG welcome you ( noodlehaus). We will spread the love of RF. :heart:
And to anyone who like to know more about Rangefinder
our Top10 shooter (Royale With Cheese) will show you the light..


,,,

am negotiating with sheldon addleson for a RFSG share in Marina Sands now....dowan suntec now, somebody else choped already....can gamble and shoot or shoot gamblers....

So welcome aboard noodlehaus! now top 10 and i have another kaki to squat by roadside drinking beer....

 

[dankwan]

founded by our Chairman Dankwan

Details here:
http://www.clubsnap.com/forums/showthread.php?t=666822

sigh...wish that were true, I am just the groups facilitator (aka slave...) the real chairman of the board...our die die must try kow kor (hacker) :bsmilie:

 

[Royale With Cheese]

am negotiating with sheldon addleson for a RFSG share in Marina Sands now....dowan suntec now, somebody else choped already....can gamble and shoot or shoot gamblers....

hahahahahahahahaha!

So welcome aboard noodlehaus! now top 10 and i have another kaki to squat by roadside drinking beer....

Sir Dan, talk about Saigon beer the other day, I remembered a couple:
Bia Hanoi
Bia Thai Binh
Bia Hue
Bia Saigon
333

Very tasty :thumbsup:

 

[Royale With Cheese]

RFSG welcome you ( noodlehaus). We will spread the love of RF. :heart:
And to anyone who like to know more about Rangefinder
our Top10 shooter (Royale With Cheese) will show you the light..


,,,

boss, the only light I see is the light from the draft beer taps on the bar counter

 

[eamesboy]

boss, the only light I see is the light from the draft beer taps on the bar counter

:bsmilie::bsmilie::bsmilie:


,,,

 

[noodlehaus]

Haven't posted back on this thread. Thank you very much everyone for the advice and opinions The past few weeks have been very good for me, and have solidified my urge to get my first Bessa.

I currently have a MFT system with VC lenses -- 40mm f1.4, 50mm f1.1 and 28mm f2. Odd combination, cos I can't use all of them on one bessa body without getting a viewfinder for the 28mm. I'm opting for the R3M.

Just to share -- about 2 weeks ago, I went by Chiif's to pick up the 28mm f2 as my 50mm equiv for my MFT. I was telling him that I'm not quite there yet in deciding to get an RF body. I complained to him about the hassles of developing film, and the time it takes to see your images. I told him about the videos on youtube, and his article on his site on how to work on BW film. He then asked me if I had 30 mins to spare. I'm glad I said yes He demonstrated to me how to develop BW film. It was a great experience for me seeing him do this as the way he did it, I felt like even I could do it.

So yes, finally getting my Bessa this pay day!

 

[mamypoko]

Haven't posted back on this thread. Thank you very much everyone for the advice and opinions The past few weeks have been very good for me, and have solidified my urge to get my first Bessa.

I currently have a MFT system with VC lenses -- 40mm f1.4, 50mm f1.1 and 28mm f2. Odd combination, cos I can't use all of them on one bessa body without getting a viewfinder for the 28mm. I'm opting for the R3M.

Just to share -- about 2 weeks ago, I went by Chiif's to pick up the 28mm f2 as my 50mm equiv for my MFT. I was telling him that I'm not quite there yet in deciding to get an RF body. I complained to him about the hassles of developing film, and the time it takes to see your images. I told him about the videos on youtube, and his article on his site on how to work on BW film. He then asked me if I had 30 mins to spare. I'm glad I said yes He demonstrated to me how to develop BW film. It was a great experience for me seeing him do this as the way he did it, I felt like even I could do it.

So yes, finally getting my Bessa this pay day!

Congrats! Chiif is a great guy