Starting on RF

[xylestesins]

I'm thinking of starting on RF and i've seen quite a few help-topics in here.
I'm still not totally clear on the advantages of an RF, but can i get some advice?
Originally a 35mm SLR user.

So far i've heard that RFs are more compact, take better limited-light photos, and are generally more interesting to use.
Camera size/weight not a problem for me because i only carry totes/duffels for bags.
All these are plus points for me. I'll be doing more artistic photography (so i can bring them home and attempt to paint them) of things and people, and less of landscape.
Night photography would be a fave.
I'm a student who travels to nice spots overseas during the hols and feels it's a waste to not get good pictures while doing so. Street arty photos are somewhat something i want to do as well, and cover lifestyles/people overseas.

My budget goes for around $550 or anything lower.
So assuming the budget includes a lens and body, what should i get?

I'm looking at Zorkis and Bessa L.
The Bessa could be somewhat out in this price range though unless i up my budget (i don't mind if there's a strong difference between these two cameras, but cause i'm just starting i don't want to splurge a stack.)
Zorki 4 seems to be recommended.

I probably want to work with M39/M42 lens too. Compatibility with leica or not doesn't matter because i don't think i'll ever spend that much. :sweat:
Cheap classics with good characteristics, namely the CZ's and russian lenses.
I heard Jupiters and the CZ's are good. Are they good to pair with Zorki's too?

Mainly needing some help on good camera+lens combos within this budget range.
I can't figure out as well if more expensive body+cheaper lens is better or a more expensive lens+cheaper body. Not that my budget is even considered "expensive".


I'll probably be getting a skin mod on any camera that i get (i just DIY-ed cream leather onto my SLR last night), cause it adds a personal feel to an otherwise second hand camera.
Looking at snakeskin/croc leather.
If any skilled craftsman good enough to do a lambskin Bottega Veneta style of leather weave on my camera, i'd go nuts over it.
(Skin modding not inclusive of the $550 budget )

Anybody with the in-knowledge to educate me a little? :dunno:
For users of these cameras (better if used both types), please share experiences!

 

[free2move]

Hi xylestesins.

For a start you can look at these websites with some budget RFs in there

Photoethnography

Cameraquest

If you're looking at a budget of $550 for a RF with interchangeable lens (you're looking at the M mount right?), then you could try the 2nd hand market, though its going to be quite hard.

I would suggest you try a fixed lens RF first, cus they are cheap and its a good way to get yourself introduced to the world of RF. Im currently using one of those now, the Yashica Electro 35 GSN.

 

[Rangefinder_fan]

If you're set on either of those cameras, I'd say get the Bessa L. It'll be newer, has metering and you'll pretty much know that it'll work. I've a Bessa L plus about 6 or 7 different russian cameras, but the Bessa (teamed with a voigtlander 28mm f 3.5) is the only one that comes out with me most often. Getting a reliable Zorki is going to be a hit or miss affair, and if you do get one that needs work, you'll find it a little tough to find someone willing to fix it, plus, it may not make a lot of sense to get it fixed either.
Also, seeing as how both are LTM, you can still use russian glass on the Bessa; you just need to get a viewfinder for the different focal lengths.
The russian cameras are interesting, but if you are working on a limited budget (and who isnt), then your first priority should be to get a body that ticks most of the checkboxes right away, without having to worry too much about aging shutter ribbons snapping or adjusting shutter speeds before cocking etc.

If you can work within the constrains of a fixed lens, the Rollei 35, either S or SE versions, would fit within your budget. Little gem that works without a battery, and with a bloody great lens. Plus, it really is small enough to bring along everywhere.

Happy shopping

rf

 

[alternatve]

I have worked well with a Fed 3 and Zorki 4k before. Both have a full range of speeds and a wind lever. As for a lens, a Industar-61 50/2.8 or a Jupiter 50/2 would work fine, with a preference to the latter. Do take note that they require a higher level of care then a japanese or german make rangefinder and they do not come with a lightmeter so do remember your sunny 16 rule!

Do feel free to PM me about any russian rangefinder model you fancy and I can give you a description and my opinion about it.

Samuel