Have never used an R3a but do own an M3. In your case, I would recommend another Leica "M" camera that I own, the Leica M2. You would be using the 35mm view with a 40mm lens. In my case I probably would not notice the difference. And if you decide to shoot a really great SLR, an Visoflex 2 or 3 added to your M2/M3 and you are in business. No need to change cameras. Just a thought........Regards!Hi all. I'm looking to get a rangefinder again. I used to have a Bessa R3A for a while which was a great camera. I particularly loved the viewfinder even though the 40mm framelines were basically impossible to see. For various reasons I sold it but am now looking to get back to rangefinders. I intend to use the camera for quiet situations and for when I want just something light and small. Lens-wise I intend to use either the Voigtlander 40/1.4 or a Zeiss/Leica 50. No other focal lengths.
So...I could get another R3a but where would the fun be in that!Additionally, given the prices these command noawadys I started looking at the Leica M3.
For those who have used both, beyond autoexposure what am I losing with the M3? How do the finders compare between the two, is the M3 dimmer and is the rangefinder patch easier/trickier to see? Also, given a budget of £1000 for the body, is there anything else I should be thinking of? I suppose any other Leica 0.85x body is a candidate if the price is right?
For a lot less money what about a Canon P or 7, there are still good working 7s with working meters. The 7, rather than frame line has switchable finders for 28 to 90,been so long that I've had one don't recall is if has a 135 frame or not, the patch may not be a good a Leica but very usable, much easier to load. Will take the newer Votilander screw mount lens, the 40 would need an external viewfinder.
I agree, the gripe I have is the MP is a M6ttl with a crappy rewind knob, and it's only available with. 72x finder. .
If you want something light and small for quiet occasions, I wouldn't recommend either the R3a or the M3. The R3a is a little noisy, and the M3 is not light (and could be quieter). IMO, you should be looking at the compact, fixed-lens rangefinders from the 70s.
Both will get the job done alright, though. A Bessa R3a with the new 40/1.2 or 50/1.2 Nokton would be a very nice kit, and so would a Leica M3 with a Zeiss Planar or C Sonnar. I don't envy the person who has to make that decision. Ideally, you would get to hold both cameras in your hands and see which one sparks joy (anybody watching the Marie Kondo show on Netflix?).I get a kick out of both, so that's no help.
If it were up to me, I would choose the Bessa R3a and the 50/1.2 Nokton for the AE and the extra-fast lens. I'm burnt out on scuffed and dinged up Leicas that need repair, so if I had to have one, on that budget I would go for a mint condition Leica M4-2 or M5, depending on your meter preferences. I'd pair a 50mm Planar or 50/2.5 Summarit-M with the M4-2, and a 50/1.2 Nokton with the M5. The Minolta CLE and 40/1.2 Nokton is another interesting combo, and it should still be repairable.
The manual focus dial locks, and it still moved by accident?
2. they can still be repaired very easily
By whom? Just google more...
Oh, I see. People wanted to focus manually for more than just a manual override on an as-needed basis as I think the dial was originally intended. Leaving the dial off of Auto for many shots over a longer period of time led to problems with it being moved around unintentionally.
What do you mean? Who can repair Leicas? Leica does, for starters. Plus all the independent shops that can work on mechanical cameras.
Yes, you are looking at huge bill if it will be sent to Leica. Or just at one tech in USA, who started in seventies and still willing to deal with M5.
So, if you are looking for specific to M5 repairs it is not a broad choice. For only mechanical M it is more places where they still have access to Leica parts.
Cheers, Ko.
Ah ok, I suppose the weirdo meter thing in the M5 is a bit of a specialty.
Ah ok, I suppose the weirdo meter thing in the M5 is a bit of a specialty.
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