Advice for film SLR/Rangefinder

[anon]

Hello all,

I'm currently using a FM2 with some AIS lenses. However, this is proving to be too heavy to lug around when travelling. Does anyone know of light weight and compact alternatives (SLRs included)? I'm considering switching to range finders for travelling - do you guys have models to recommend (with crisp image quality)? Would really appreciate advice on this. Thank you.

[Jazz]

Here limited budget RF

small
-Olympus 35RC and XA
-Rollei 35S
-Ricoh 500 GX

bigger
-Canonet QL17 GIII
-Konica Auto S2
-Minolta Hi-Matic 7 sII

[wee_ly]

how about one with lens inter-changeable capability? any recommendation?

[Jazz]

Originally Posted by wee_ly how about one with lens inter-changeable capability? any recommendation?

- Nikon SP .......
- Leica M3,4,5,6,7 ......
- Zeiss Contax IIA
- Canon 7sZ
- Bessa R3M
- Konica Hexar
-Zeiss Ikon ZM,..,..
etc....

With AF, Contax G2

[Edwin Francis]

For budget interchangeable-lens rangefinders -- Voigtlander Bessas (http://www.chiifcameras.com)
There's another discussion on RFs at http://www.clubsnap.com/forums/showthread.php?t=501895

But first, what kind of travelling do you do, and what kit do you bring with you. Not to be condescending, but many photographers bring what they think they MIGHT need, which often ends up being way too much Then they end up carrying everything everywhere (but not really using it all) cause they're afraid to leave it in the hotel room! I know, I was like that.

Rangefinders are not very good with teles, so that might be a consideration. If you want to stick with SLRs, how about the Olympus OM system? No longer being made, but still available used, they were famous for small, light gear used by adventurers such as Ranulph Fiennes. I just don't think they'll save you that much in size and weight over a Nikon FM2 and lenses.

BTW, I was just looking at the specs of the OM-10 and Zuiko 50/1.8, and their total weight is 600g, less than my Canon DSLR body *sigh*.

[wee_ly]

i have a question. when i google, i found this write-up on leica mp. it says the viewfinder has a magnification of 0.58x, 0.72x, and 0.85x. why is that so? you mean i can change the viewfinder or there are 3 different models of leica mp to choose from?

[LowLights]

Originally Posted by wee_ly i have a question. when i google, i found this write-up on leica mp. it says the viewfinder has a magnification of 0.58x, 0.72x, and 0.85x. why is that so? you mean i can change the viewfinder or there are 3 different models of leica mp to choose from?

3 models to choose from.. and yes you can have your model magnification change too.. but cam needs to go Germany

[Neo]

3 models to choose from... the 0.58x is good if you are using wide-angles frequently, as the lower magnification means you can see the frame lines of 28mm more clearly.

The standard is 0.72x where it's a compromise, giving you a tight view of the 28mm (squeezed to the edges if you're wearing glasses) and a reasonable magnification of the smaller 90mm frame lines.

The high magnification 0.85x is good if you're shooting 50mm and 90mm lenses, because the higher magnification lets you see the 90mm frame box better for easier focusing of the long telephoto lenses. But you will find difficulty in using the wider angle lenses.

If you're unsure, the 0.72x is a good bet. Buy a pre-owned Leica at a good price and condition. Try it and take good care of it. If rangefinder photography doesn't work out for you, you can always sell it away for the same price! The Leica MP is pricey (but delicious!) ... try the M6 for the best value for money... you get the full functionality of the MP at 60% of the price! If you need aperture priority, try the M7.

[anon]

Thanks for all your suggestions. How are the limited budget RF like in terms of image quality? Which of the leica and Bessa models would you recommend and how much would they cost? Is there something similar (functions wise) to the FM2 with a built in meter? Leica M lenses on a Bessa T (Is there an adaptor for M lenses on a Bessa R?) - would this be a lower cost option without sacrificing image quality? As for kit, 28-105mm is a good range to work with for me. On the last trip I got by with the FM2, 28mm, 50mm and a powershot G5.

[DoveVadar]

hmm.. actually a RF isnt any lighter than a nikon fm2. if you are comparing it to 1ds.. then maybe. ..

I think bessa r3a is a superb camera. r4a abit hard to focus.

[wee_ly]

Originally Posted by Neo 3 models to choose from... the 0.58x is good if you are using wide-angles frequently, as the lower magnification means you can see the frame lines of 28mm more clearly. The standard is 0.72x where it's a compromise, giving you a tight view of the 28mm (squeezed to the edges if you're wearing glasses) and a reasonable magnification of the smaller 90mm frame lines. The high magnification 0.85x is good if you're shooting 50mm and 90mm lenses, because the higher magnification lets you see the 90mm frame box better for easier focusing of the long telephoto lenses. But you will find difficulty in using the wider angle lenses. If you're unsure, the 0.72x is a good bet. Buy a pre-owned Leica at a good price and condition. Try it and take good care of it. If rangefinder photography doesn't work out for you, you can always sell it away for the same price! The Leica MP is pricey (but delicious!) ... try the M6 for the best value for money... you get the full functionality of the MP at 60% of the price! If you need aperture priority, try the M7.

thanks for the brief intro yet resourceful. which camera able to work even if the battery is flat? for example, canonet works beautifully even when the battery was not inserted and that is what i like best.

[azzurri]

Originally Posted by anon On the last trip I got by with the FM2, 28mm, 50mm and a powershot G5.

With a kit of just two lenses, I think you really got a very light set up. Not sure how much lighter you can go with an RF.

The Bessas are pretty good a deal and the Leica M6 and above will fit your requirements. Only thing is that the M6 body alone will set you back anywhere from $1500 (for a fairly used copy) to over $2000. Be prepared to spend something similar per lens.

So if you do decide to go the Leica route, you will be travelling with a lighter wallet.

[clubgrit]

That's a good one !: Travel light with Leica

Originally Posted by azzurri So if you do decide to go the Leica route, you will be travelling with a lighter wallet.

[Yoricko]

Bessa is a good budget RF, but seriously, just get a Leica.

[Rangefinder_fan]

Why?
Cameras are just light-tight boxes.

Originally Posted by Yoricko Bessa is a good budget RF, but seriously, just get a Leica.

[mamypoko]

Bessa is a very good entry level RF, and Singapore prices are very good too!

But for me as I know I will probably upgrade to a Leica in the end, so I got a M4-P as my first RF

Only thing if you are getting a older Leica, be prepared to pay for a CLA, especially for the M2, M3 models.

[chiif]

OK... Since I am trained in IT, I can help you a little with this little program code. Might have syntax error, because can't remember & decide which language to stick to...

Program only apply to interchangeable lens RF bodies. Anyone spot any Run-Time error, please correct it. This is a Open Source Wiki-RF-program, anyone can chip in....

{
Funtion Buy_RF_body_only (var budget as integer[SGD])

if budget < 100 then
return (Russian bodies eg: Zorki, Fed2, Fed3, Fed5)
else if budget < 400 then
if screw_mount = 'OK' then
return (Bessa R, Canon P, Canon 7)
else
return (bargain or condition 5 or 6 Bessa R2)
end if
else if budget < 600 then
if screw_mount = 'OK' then
return (Leica IIIf condition 6 or 7 (be prepared to spend 280 on CLA), good condition Canon 7)
else
return (condition 6 or 7 Bessa R2, R2A)
end if
else if budget < 800 then
if screw_mount = 'OK' then
return (Leica IIIf condition 8 or 9)
else
return (condition 8, 9 or 10 R2A, R2M, R3A, R3M, R4M, R4A)
end if
else if budget < 1000 then
return (NEW R2A, R2M, R3A, R3M, R4M, R4A)
else if budget < 1400 then
return (condition 6 or 7 Leica M1, M2, M3, M4, M4-P or M4-2 (be prepared to spend 280 on CLA))
else if budget < 2000 then
return (Leica M6 condition 7,8,9)
else if budget < 3000 then
return (Leica M6 mint copy, but NOT M6J)
else if budget < 3600 then
return (Leica M7)
else if budget >= 3600 then
return (Leica MP)
end if
}


Lens one is very complicated to write... maybe run into pages long...

[tan131]

HAHA!!

Thats a good one Chiif

[robertcapa]

using switch(budget) {
case: ...
}

statements would have been more elegant coding...

haha

[enivre]

Originally Posted by chiif OK... Since I am trained in IT, I can help you a little with this little program code. Might have syntax error, because can't remember & decide which language to stick to... Program only apply to interchangeable lens RF bodies. Anyone spot any Run-Time error, please correct it. This is a Open Source Wiki-RF-program, anyone can chip in.... { Funtion Buy_RF_body_only (var budget as integer[SGD]) if budget < 100 then return (Russian bodies eg: Zorki, Fed2, Fed3, Fed5) else if budget < 400 then if screw_mount = 'OK' then return (Bessa R, Canon P, Canon 7) else return (bargain or condition 5 or 6 Bessa R2) end if else if budget < 600 then if screw_mount = 'OK' then return (Leica IIIf condition 6 or 7 (be prepared to spend 280 on CLA), good condition Canon 7) else return (condition 6 or 7 Bessa R2, R2A) end if else if budget < 800 then if screw_mount = 'OK' then return (Leica IIIf condition 8 or 9) else return (condition 8, 9 or 10 R2A, R2M, R3A, R3M, R4M, R4A) end if else if budget < 1000 then return (NEW R2A, R2M, R3A, R3M, R4M, R4A) else if budget < 1400 then return (condition 6 or 7 Leica M1, M2, M3, M4, M4-P or M4-2 (be prepared to spend 280 on CLA)) else if budget < 2000 then return (Leica M6 condition 7,8,9) else if budget < 3000 then return (Leica M6 mint copy, but NOT M6J) else if budget < 3600 then return (Leica M7) else if budget >= 3600 then return (Leica MP) end if } Lens one is very complicated to write... maybe run into pages long...

OMG...