Suggestions for First Rangefinder

lilmsmaggie · Sep 29, 2010

It has the 50 f2 Heliar but I plan on getting the 40 f1.4 Nokton

guitstik · Sep 29, 2010

Good lens, but I definitely would go for the 40/1,4.

photoncatcher · Sep 29, 2010

How about the Oly 35rc? Nice, and small, great lens. I love mine. Or, the Oly 35 sp. Has a nice fast 1.7 lens, and spot metering capabilities.

Bateleur · Sep 30, 2010

lilmsmaggie said:
Well, I think I got lucky. Stumbled upon a used Bessa R3M 250th Anniversary edition with 50mm Heliar on KEH.com.

The price was right. Should be here in a couple of days. I spoke to my camera repair tech. just in case to see if he could do adjustments. Luckily, he's performed adjustments on Leica's and a few other rangefinders. Normally, he doesn't work on film cameras that much anymore but he said to bring it by and he'll take a look at it.

The camera was listed as being in Excellent condition but I really won't know until I get it in my hot little hands.

Well done, and welcome to the world of RF. Would be interested in your experiences.

lilmsmaggie · Sep 30, 2010

The R3M arrived today. Contrary to information I've read about these cameras being "plasticy," this camera feels solid. Judging by the exterior/interior condition, the original owner must not have used this camera much. It is exceptionally clean. Ditto for the lens. The only problem that I've found so far is that the lens hood is slightly pushed in on one side. Hopefully, it isn't an indication that the lens taking a hard bang. I'll need to get batteries for it and there's no instruction manual.

Next Stop: A trip to my camera technician to check out whether it needs an adjustment. I'm optimistic that it will check out.

bblhed · Sep 30, 2010

Zeiss Ikon Contessa, any model. They may be point and shoot looking, but they can be had cheep, have good glass, and will teach you everything you need to know so you can buy a "nicer" rangefinder but I have a feeling that you might not want to part with that first 50mm Zeiss, I'm not into rangefinders, but I love my Contessa.

elekm · Sep 30, 2010

Agreed. The Zeiss Ikon Contessas were nice cameras. The folding cameras are excellent, but I've also become a fan of the successor models, as well as the final S 312 (mine needs work).

I've shot a lot of photos with the zone-focus S 310 model. I like this camera a lot. Here's one with the S 310, shot on Kodak's C-41 B/W film.

Dead Link Removed

guitstik · Oct 1, 2010

Now you need to post in "recent RF purchase" thread.

tomasis · Oct 5, 2010

it may sound strange, but I'd suggest Leica M3, M4 or M4P, M6 (depending on preferences) as first RF camera. You will not regret It saves time and money

2F/2F · Oct 5, 2010

keithwms said:
I will admit having impure thoughts about an m7 and then a (new) zeiss ikon.

I have wanted to try the Zeiss since it came out. I wonder what it is like...

keithwms · Oct 5, 2010

2F/2F said:
I have wanted to try the Zeiss since it came out. I wonder what it is like...

It feels wonderful- very well built. A friend of mine wishes to sell his. I just can't justify it at this point.

Suggestions for First Rangefinder

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