Getting into RFs

[macandal]

Used Bessa-R or older Canon body, Culminar 50/2.8, and a 90mm Elmar? You could put that together from Igor's as I write this for US$235+120+100. Going wide instead of long with the second lens would be more expensive.

This is not so bad. I could live with that. Which model is this?

 

[Patrick Robert James]

If you want interchangeable lenses then you are looking at either of the two Leica mounts, screw mount or M bayonet. A screw mount system will be cheaper and be forward compatible with the M bayonet through adapters. The cheapest decent cameras for screw mount lenses would be the Canon RFs. If you just want to get your feet wet you could pick up a Canon 7 and a Russian 50mm (supposedly not entirely compatible) like an I-50, Jupiter 8 or I-61l/d. All are nice lenses and pretty cheap, like maybe $40. Together the camera and the lens would set you back around or a little over $200. You can move up from there perhaps to a better lens and then on to a Leica if you find that you like using RFs.

 

[macandal]

If you want interchangeable lenses then you are looking at either of the two Leica mounts, screw mount or M bayonet. A screw mount system will be cheaper and be forward compatible with the M bayonet through adapters. The cheapest decent cameras for screw mount lenses would be the Canon RFs. If you just want to get your feet wet you could pick up a Canon 7 and a Russian 50mm (supposedly not entirely compatible) like an I-50, Jupiter 8 or I-61l/d. All are nice lenses and pretty cheap, like maybe $40. Together the camera and the lens would set you back around or a little over $200. You can move up from there perhaps to a better lens and then on to a Leica if you find that you like using RFs.

So, I take it that of the two mounts, screw mount or M, the screw mount is best because it would work with both mounts, whereas the M only works with the M, is that right?

Also, not all the Canons are capable of changing lenses. The QL17 I mentioned earlier didn't have that capability. Now, you suggest the 7. Is that a solid camera? I mean, not just something to "get my feet wet" but something, in the event that I really like RFs, that I would want to keep?

Thanks, Patrick.

 

[Stephanie Brim]

Screwmount can be used on an M mount with an adapter, but not the other way around.

 

[Patrick Robert James]

The Canon 7 is one of the best RFs ever made in my opinion. The only downside to it is the screw mount so modern M mount lenses can't be used. Voigtlander made a bunch of different screw mount lenses though and many are really good so you could go that route if you liked the camera body and wanted modern lenses. Voigtlander lenses are also cheaper than Zeiss or Leica lenses as well. There are a smattering of different modern lenses that are really good that were made in LTM. For example, Konica made a 50mm f/2.4 that is reputed to be one of the sharpest lenses ever. They also made a 35mm f/2.

Here is a page about the Canon 7 to give you an idea.

http://www.cameraquest.com/canon7sz.htm

 

[ntenny]

(Bessa-R kit+Culminar+Elmar)

This is not so bad. I could live with that. Which model is this?

It's a Leica screwmount kit The body is the Voigtlaender Bessa-R, a modern camera with decent metering through the lens and an electronic shutter. It's not built like a tank, but mine has been fine through reasonably heavy service including a lot of international travel.

I've never used either of the lenses I mentioned---they're just the ones that came up cheapest when I looked around. I think both are Tessar types. There are a LOT of screwmount lenses; see http://www.cameraquest.com/ltmlens.htm for brief descriptions of many of them.

As noted, you can't use M-mount lenses on a screwmount body, but M lenses tend to be expensive anyway.

-NT

 

[ic-racer]

Most soviet & fixed lens RF camera's are worn out & not worth the price of a CLA. .

I'd disagree on the Soviet cameras. They are so difficult for the layperson to operate, its hard to imagine one getting worn out. For example I got a Zorki 4 and a Zenit in a box of stuff. Looks like neither was never used or only used a few times before being stashed away in a closet or drawer.

 

[Peltigera]

I'd disagree on the Soviet cameras. They are so difficult for the layperson to operate, its hard to imagine one getting worn out. For example I got a Zorki 4 and a Zenit in a box of stuff. Looks like neither was never used or only used a few times before being stashed away in a closet or drawer.

I have a Zenit E (my first serious camera) and it is extremely easy to use. I used to have a Fed 5 and the only not easy thing about that was the position of the shutter release - someone with smaller hands would have been ok.

 

[keyofnight]

I'd disagree on the Soviet cameras. They are so difficult for the layperson to operate, its hard to imagine one getting worn out. For example I got a Zorki 4 and a Zenit in a box of stuff. Looks like neither was never used or only used a few times before being stashed away in a closet or drawer.

How are these hard to operate? I've never owned one, but I'd love to know before mine gets here. (;