Thinking of getting a rangefinder

[asturias105]

Hi, I've been seriously thinking of acquiring a rangefinder n explore the different technical aspect of shooting with a non-slr system.

Wanted to get the epson r-d1s (to prevent the hassle from developing film/slides), but did not because of the cost and the uncertainty as to whether rangefinder is my thing or not.

So, I'm deciding to get a film rangefinder to play around first. Just wanna ask you experts for recommendations, and tips from using a rangefinder? Thanks!

 

[kiwitan]

look for joseph@yao.com he got reasonably prized rangefinders (bessa).

Hi, I've been seriously thinking of acquiring a rangefinder n explore the different technical aspect of shooting with a non-slr system.

Wanted to get the epson r-d1s (to prevent the hassle from developing film/slides), but did not because of the cost and the uncertainty as to whether rangefinder is my thing or not.

So, I'm deciding to get a film rangefinder to play around first. Just wanna ask you experts for recommendations, and tips from using a rangefinder? Thanks!

 

[asturias105]

look for joseph@yao.com he got reasonably prized rangefinders (bessa).

Thanks. this guy's not local though, am I right?

Also, I'm thinking if it's better to get contax G series or fully manual rangefinder.. any insight on this?

 

[tan131]

it depends on ur budget though.. i chose the yashica GTN cos firstly its cheap and affordable so i can spend the $ on film,wun hesitate to bring it out and wun feel so heart pain if it gets knocked abt and all.. but realli.. its to more or less see if the RF system suits me.. a plus point is the fact tat its has a fixed bright lens.. so no reasons for upgrading..unless i decide to get some exotic leather strap..haha

 

[regit]

Thanks. this guy's not local though, am I right?

Also, I'm thinking if it's better to get contax G series or fully manual rangefinder.. any insight on this?

He's in HK... I second the Bessa as a starter. Personally, I never like the Contax G due to the lag time in focusing; manual focusing works much better for me. Also, if you invest in the Bessa now, you'll be also investing in M-mount lenses. Should you ever want to buy a Leica or Zeiss (including their digital offerings), you can use those lenses ... not forgetting that the lenses can be used on the R-D1 as well

 

[igpenguin]

a cheap entry into RF would be to get the classic 70s era manual fixed lens RFs like the Yashica GSN/GTN et al, Canonet ... check out http://www.photoethnography.com/ .

 

[Onigiri]

a cheap entry into RF would be to get the classic 70s era manual fixed lens RFs like the Yashica GSN/GTN et al, Canonet ... check out http://www.photoethnography.com/ .

agreed, start with Canonet G III or Olympus RC for manual operation, if want to get PnS style then get Oly XA.
its cheaper so you wolud spend to much when you know its not your thing, you can sell it again with the same price you buy, so your only cost is the film

 

[Terence]

Look in the old threads, there must be a dozen threads asking the same question you're asking.

 

[Neo]

I think it's a mistake to get the R-D1s to try out range-finder... you'll lose so much money if you decide that rangefinder is not for you and you try to sell off the camera. A 2nd-hand Bessa or Leica is a much better choice... try out the film rangefinders and if you don't like it, sell them off and you lose a couple hundred dollars. Try that with a R-D1s and you end up with a big hole burnt in your pocket.

 

[Patryk]

Man a R-D1s, not a good idea if you haven't even used RFs before, even if you struck 4D and can buy it, go for a Leica set instead.

Use a film one and experience how HCB and other masters from past generations took their amazing photographs.

 

[Wisp]

Use a film one and experience how HCB and other masters from past generations took their amazing photographs.

Some of those masters used SLRs too. Let's just say experience another form of taking pictures.

 

[cherps]

i particularly like cameraquest.com to get your rangefinder fix. i personally am enticed by the bessas and some of the old school fixed-lens 70's rangefinders,.. but i like the focusing system of the SLR more than the rangefinder patch, so it's slrs for me now. to each his own..

good luck have fun!

 

[Terence]

Yours truly has a Bessa R2a and R3a gray to sell, brand new... if interested. Email using link below. Ta

 

[haagen_dazs]

to the thread starter, get a bessa R and skopar 35mm lens
you can learn alot form it

max2.8 was selling a starter setup.
go and get it and play around with this new style of photography.
good luck!

 

[TrailsofLife]

to the thread starter, get a bessa R and skopar 35mm lens
you can learn alot form it

max2.8 was selling a starter setup.
go and get it and play around with this new style of photography.
good luck!

Thanks Haagen_Dazs, I've closed the thread for the sale of my Bessa R, skopar and nokton. But if you are still interested, you can PM me.

 

[K3N]

can check out fotografix 6223 7217 also, he is located in chinatown, he has Voigtlander Bessa as well.

 

[kiwitan]

ya you can go there have a feel of the body and then order from joseph@yao.com cheaper.

can check out fotografix 6223 7217 also, he is located in chinatown, he has Voigtlander Bessa as well.

 

[glchua]

ya you can go there have a feel of the body and then order from joseph@yao.com cheaper.

May not be fair to Fotographix if everyone does this. Fotograhix have overheads, the product is right in front of you. Joseph Yao is a doctor, this is his sideline, and he doesn't have overheads.

 

[ricohflex]

Why does a doctor who is into it as a hobby sideline have lower costs than a shop?
Is he a medical doctor?
Well anyway, we should not prejudice for or against, a person by his profession.
Maybe because he is not renting a shop. No rentals to pay.
Maybe no sales staff to hire.
How much cheaper? $20 cheaper? $50 cheaper? $100 cheaper?
Whatever it is, well it is free enterprise. To each his own.
Some prefer to buy when they can inspect the good, touch it, and no shocking surprises when something finally arrives 2 weeks later from some place a thousand kilometers away.
If it is $50 cheaper for a $3,000 product does it make sense to risk an unseen long distance purchase?
How much to pay for delivery by air and the insurance? \
How to deal with it if you get a lemon by air?
What is the return/ refund policy?

 

[bluroom]

Yeah the Epson R-D1S is a sweet sweet camera. I was playing around with my friend, Geoff's and it has an amazing analogue interface. An all round amazing rangefinder. Pity the cost though.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bluroom/229086289/

Hi, I've been seriously thinking of acquiring a rangefinder n explore the different technical aspect of shooting with a non-slr system.

Wanted to get the epson r-d1s (to prevent the hassle from developing film/slides), but did not because of the cost and the uncertainty as to whether rangefinder is my thing or not.

So, I'm deciding to get a film rangefinder to play around first. Just wanna ask you experts for recommendations, and tips from using a rangefinder? Thanks!