Hi 1x-ers!

with the year 2010 around the corner and in spite of the technological advances in the field of digital photography, I thought to go analog, buying a rangefinder camera. For the advantages it brings in Street Photography in terms of discretion, viewfinder visibility and image quality (especially when printing).
Since I could not afford the noble Leica m6, I am seriously thinking of buying either a Voigtlander Bessa R2M (x0.7) or, alternatively, a Leica M4-P coupled with an external viewfinder on top of it. In both cases I would also buy a Voigtlander Color Skopar 35mm/2.5 lens. The difference in price between the two solutions would be about 200 euros. What would you choose? I would go Leica just for the more silent shutter w.r.t. the Voigtlander and the more accurate mechanics, but on the other hand, the R2M has a built-in light meter which I think simplifies things in Street, and that 200 euros could be invested in a scanner, or films, chemicals, etc...I don't know what to choose, could you give me an advice?

Thanks!
F.

PS. Any other solution is welcomed, given that I can't spend more than 800-900 euros (lens included), that the camera has to have a 35mm brightframe, a light meter and a x0.7 viewfinder or more.

Hi Fabio.

I believe the Contax G2 is a very good camera, but the auto focus may not suit for street.

The Zeiss Ikon is also supposed to be great and takes the Leica glass so you can change to a Leica body down the line should you wish.

This listing has ended, but it shows the one I mean......

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=220527676469

Regards
Bob

Hi Bob,

thanks for replying. Yes, I have considered those two cameras, the Zeiss Ikon particularly, but it's fairly expensive for my pocket now...were I to spend 900 euros for a rangefinder body I would rather buy a Leica M6... now I would like to know what you would choose between those two options:

- Bessa R2M + 35/2.5
- Leica M4-P + 35/2.5 + external light meter (for 200 euros more)

Thanks again!
F.

Hi Fabio.

Sorry to say I have no idea as I just bought my first ever rangefinder and so have no experience.

Richard Ford will likely give you his opinion, but he's currently in flight to Australia as I type.

Regards
Bob

I had the chance to play a bit with all Bessas, Zeiss Ikon, and some Leicas (at Adorama in New York) and I really liked the Bessas. My favorite Bessa would be the R3 for the 1:1 viewfinder.
However, my conclusion was to save until I can afford what I really want: an M6 (or M7) with a new Leica lens. Otherwise I would spend a lot of money and still keep dreaming about the real thing. You seem to be in a similar situation.

These guys might know a bit more about rangefinders: http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/index.php

@Bob: thank you anyway :)

@Andrei: yes, the R3M has a 1:1 viewfinder, and it sounds fantastic to me, but the brightlines start from 40mm....and it's a bit too tele for my taste, since I use a 20mm on a reflex (which corresponds to a 30mm on the 35mm format).
Yes, I am pretty much in the same situation, but I really want to change...maybe I could buy a Leica M4-P now and then sell it when I have the money for the M6....after all they are almost the same but for the light meter, which in the M4-P is absent.

Thanks for your reply and for the link, I will ask them too! :)

F.

Don't know much about the Bessa, But the Leica M4P is an excellent camera

Yes, I think that too, the only worry I have is the use of an external lightmeter. I don't know how practical it is when shooting Street..

F.

After asking a number of people by now, I finally made my mind and bought a Leica M2. Completely mechanic, no batteries, but no lightmetering too. Now I'm searching for a light meter to use until I'll guess the exposure for myself.

Thanks all again for contributing to my decision,
F.

Good luck with it Fabio. I'm sure it will help you improve your photography.....perhaps I should get one too ;^)

B

Fabio,

Look at weston master for light meters I got one to go with an old bellow camera. They dont need batteries as they work with a photo cell.

check out the following for an example on ebay.....cheap and retro cool and work well too:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Weston-Master-III-exposure-meter-and-case_W0QQitemZ140370801850QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Photography_VintagePhotography_VintagePhotoAccessories?hash=item20aec074ba

Ian

@Bob: Thanks! I hope that...I will shoot less than now for sure, but using more brain and heart I think.

@Ian: thank you for the advice, I like the fact it doesn't need batteries...but I read it doesn't work with ISO/ASA but with Weston unit...like 80 Weston corresponds to 100 ISO, is that true?

F.

Yes this is true but a simple chart can be downloaded from the internet I think 400 iso is 320 weston and 100 is 80 weston as you found out. These are the only speeds I have used. If you get one its worth checking the accuracy against a DSLR there is an adjuster on the back to calabrate. I also downloaded a manual that helped alots.

I can confirm this. The Zeiss Ikon, used with Zeiss or Leica glass, is marvellous.