A much overposted thread

[sf]

This is something that must be posted at least once a week, but I gotta ask :

What is the best film RF that I can find for under, say, $400. I need to send my RF645 off, but refuse to be cameraless, and need something to fill the void while it is gone.

I really like the Contax T3, but I have never actually seen it in person, tried it, etc. HAve only read about it.

I want a non-zoom camera with a decently fast lens. No slower than F3.5. Really want something pocketable. That might be actually necessary.

[Bryan Lee]

THIS ONE ,,, It may be the best one they ever made!

[rover]

Bessa R of course, how about the kit with the 35/2.5?

Bryan, the Bessa T for $185 USD is better than my M7-like Bessa R3A? Why didn't you mention this before?

[rover]

Good morning Frank.

Mornin' Rover.

I knew this one guy who had this early Cosina Bessa and it kind of fell apart. I mean it was working, though had to get repaired a couple of times, but the finishing stuff seemed to rub off and some non-metal stuff fell off. I can't recall which model it was. Later he bought himself an R2---that one he really liked and bragged about it like it was just like a Leica. Okay, he was around 21 and worked in a neighborhood coffee shop. He did take nice pictures with both those Bessas. Hmmm, I wonder if he's a member here?

[rover]

I had an R, 2 R2s and an R3a. The one I miss the most is the R. The other cameras were very good too, but the R just was a good fit for me. I think it was because it was so light.

[Bryan Lee]

Originally Posted by Frank Granovski

Bryan, the Bessa T for $185 USD is better than my M7-like Bessa R3A? Why didn't you mention this before?

I would have to go back and count but I guess Ive chatted it up around 10 times. I could kick myself in the backside for not getting a green one when I could. I just wonder how many are left? I better stop talking about them till I get a couple extra for my cashe. There are only a few of the R2s models left to but they are 750 bucks or so.

The VSL is not a rangefinder but worth mentioning for super cheep shooter, Im trying to get some for a couple students now, I see the R with a 35/2.5 is 399 dollars and the L is 69 w/lense purchase. Damm I just sold myself another camera! VSL-R-T-L List

[Fred]

I'd second the R, small and light and very good, like all Bessas though it's not as good for focussing faster longer lenses than Leica and does not have the build but is far better value.

There are only a few of the R2s models left to but they are 750 bucks or so.

I should have gone for that one because it comes with the sharpest 50mm lens on the planet known to mankind along with a few Leica-pomps .

[Biggles]

What about a Yashica GSN? That's probably what I'd scoop up as an inexpensive (relative to Leica, anyway) travel camera, or if I needed something in a hurry while my principal rig was in the shop. 45mm f1.7 lens.

The one I saw last week looked almost pocketable. Maybe not in a café racer pocket, but it would have disappeared into my hiking jacket with ease.

[bobofish]

My man, why not just get yourself a Canonet or GSN like Biggles said?

There's nothing wrong with your RF 645 that a little extra film can't fix...save your cash for that, rather than buying into a whole other system. A little guy like the Canonet or the GSN could be your "who cares" camera; if you're ever in a position that someone wants your camera, you're only out a few bills, therefore you can carry your camere with you everywhere without a second thought.

But those Voigt reccomendations weren't too shabby, as far as all that goes...

[Bryan Lee]

Originally Posted by Biggles

What about a Yashica GSN? That's probably what I'd scoop up as an inexpensive (relative to Leica, anyway) travel camera, or if I needed something in a hurry while my principal rig was in the shop. 45mm f1.7 lens.

The one I saw last week looked almost pocketable. Maybe not in a café racer pocket, but it would have disappeared into my hiking jacket with ease.

Ive seen some good pictures taken with GSNs but I sold 5 of them over the last year because the old rangefinders were foggy and you cant control the shutter speed or change the lense. Having a choice I would not want to depend on one. The Bessa T with a couple funky 50 dollar russian lenses would be the begining of a system and not the end of the line with dead electronics. There are loads of pawn shops and camera shops around Puget Sound to find a cheep and workable lense. I find the search for gear is a good adventure too. Im currently looking for 50 standard 4x5 film backs in a package deal.

[Trius]

Well, if you need interchangeable lenses, one of the Bessas would seem logical. If a fixed lens RF is sufficient, then it HAS to be the Olympus 35 SP. Wonderful, sharp lens that is slightly wider than a 50 but not in 35mm range, great colour and contrast and a spot meter to boot. Solid in the hand, not too heavy and not too light.

There ... that's my monthly obligatory pimping of the 35SP!