Advise needed

[offspring]

Hi

I am planning to get a RF for B+W. I have shortlisted the following:
1) Bessa R2
2) Bessa R
3) Xpan

I intend to get 2nd hand. I loved the Xpan but the costs and choice of the lens is a killer. Xpan only has 3 lenses and the price of the 30mm is almost equivalent of my current digital setup.

Leica is a for the same reason - $$$

Is there any difference between the R and R2 besides the M mount? Build is secondary.

I intend to get at max 2-3 lenses - wide (choice between the 12,15, 21 or 35), normal (there are two many 50 to choose from including the ultra bright Nokton f1.2) and maybe a potrait (clueless here).

I have also heard rave reviews on the Hexar - but I am totally

any help is appreciated.

[XXX Boy]

Originally Posted by offspring Hi I am planning to get a RF for B+W. I have shortlisted the following: 1) Bessa R2 2) Bessa R 3) Xpan I intend to get 2nd hand. I loved the Xpan but the costs and choice of the lens is a killer. Xpan only has 3 lenses and the price of the 30mm is almost equivalent of my current digital setup. Leica is a for the same reason - $$$ Is there any difference between the R and R2 besides the M mount? Build is secondary. I intend to get at max 2-3 lenses - wide (choice between the 12,15, 21 or 35), normal (there are two many 50 to choose from including the ultra bright Nokton f1.2) and maybe a potrait (clueless here). I have also heard rave reviews on the Hexar - but I am totally any help is appreciated.

If you wanted to use M-mount lens, then I would suggest you to get the R2 (you can use screw-mount lenses on R2 with an adaptor too!) If you are using only screw-mount lenses, it is alright to get a R (coz Bessa R is a screw-mount camera and there is no adaptor to accept M-mount lenses).

But if you are shooting low-light photography most of the time, I would not recommend you the X-pan as the system don't have any fast lenses.

Maybe, you would also like to consider some 2nd hand leica cameras like M4-2 or the M4-P, the price is somewhere around $1000 - $2000 depending on condition.

Hope it helps!

[NikLeica]

The Bessa range represents the best value for money rangefinder system
you can find in the market now.....For the same price you would pay for the
Xpan + 45 mm standard lens, you can probably get your Bessa R/R2 + 21mm and 50mm + 15mm (Maybe just stretching it a little)....on brand new pricing...
Used ones are definitely cheaper of coz....

The Xpan is a wonderful camera to own if you like its automatic features, something the Bessa cannot offer.....The Xpan is also better built of coz and comes with the option of panoramic picture taking......This offers a whole new perspective on shooting. However, with the availability of photostitch software these days, this option becomes a highly discounted factor in the purchase.

System expandibility is of course important and the Bessa series allows you to use lenses from the Konica, Leica and Voigtlander range....you practically can get access to alot of good lenses.....

For the Xpan, you have correctly mentioned that the 30mm lens is the widest
they have and also at a high f/stop. This is also the most expensive lens
on their range of 3....

Like all CS mantra, BUY all! But if cash is really going to be used carefully,
I would suggest you decide by using the following questions:
1) What am I using this camera for?
2) Do I need a system of lenses to support my photography?
3) Can this system be used across various brands of rangefinders?
4) What is the cost of the system that I would like to acquire?
5) What would make me happy or take better pictures?

The last question may be a trick question....depending on whether you are
just looking to buy something for the sake of buying or really looking to get something to help you with your hobby!

For me, I have rangefinders from Bessa L, Leica M6 and Mamiya 7 II to suit
my needs for different occasions....aside from SLR and DSLR......

Have fun and enjoy! That is my mantra!

[ed9119]

let me know if ur keen, I've a M6 TTL 0.72 with 28 and 90 in great condition....a STEAL at $3500

[offspring]

thanks nikleica for the info.

ed9119: thanks for the offer but no budget for your M6 unless you wanna trade some of my nikon glasses.

[y0gi0h]

"I am planning to get a RF for B+W....
......Build is secondary."

You simply cannot beat this one in terms of value for $$

Leica r US*R)

But seriously, I really don't think a new Bessa R would produce better result than this thingy

[offspring]

Originally Posted by y0gi0h "I am planning to get a RF for B+W.... ......Build is secondary." You simply cannot beat this one in terms of value for $$ Leica r US*R) But seriously, I really don't think a new Bessa R would produce better result than this thingy

No doubt. But I have heard the QC on FEDs are . Some guys even joked that you gotta buy several and pick the best - since they are quite affordable.

[y0gi0h]

Originally Posted by offspring No doubt. But I have heard the QC on FEDs are . Some guys even joked that you gotta buy several and pick the best - since they are quite affordable.

I guess it's all about luck. A friend of mine paid Malaysia (sorry, don't their currency name) $50 for a Leica copy with a 50f2 lens (which is a sonnar copy) and produced really wonderful pix (OK, at least as good as a S$1200 Leica Elmar 50/2.8). When I saw the the print I was just speechless. Unbelievable, but true

Anyway at such low price, even the odd is 1 out of 3, I reckon it's still worth it. (BTW, the build/feel of the Bessa is not much better than a FED or Zorki, YMMV)