Need some advise re: rangefinders

[peadarceiteach]

These questions are probably asked all the time, so kindly indulge me. I've been looking for a long time - studying information on the internet, etc., trying to make a decision regarding:
which 35mm rangefinder do I purchase. I am a digital shooter of late, though have past experience with 35 and med format b+w processing and printing.
I want to shoot some b+w FILM!!
What are your recommendations regarding;
I'd like to use a Leica SMount, but wonder about the size of the viewfinder, and other inherent problems in and older body. Should I go with a used M? And if so, which one?
Should I consider an old Canon like the 7? How about all the Russion bodies and lenses I see? What is the quality of the Russion makes?
I know the whole issue of lenses is for another post, but I am looking for, in general, a camera to keep in the car - one handy at all times - fairly compact, etc. BUT of excellent quality in build and so on.
Where should I look for the cameras you may recommend? Who should I see about an overhaul if necessary?
So many questions - apologies - I will appreciate any and all assistance.
Regards - Peadar Ceiteach

[Crasis]

Not to rain on the parade, but keeping a rangefinder in your car will very quickly lead to rangefinder alignment issues, unless you drive on non-existant very smooth roads. No matter how good the build quality, the alignment can be thrown off by an unlucky bump.

[Wayne R. Scott]

1. If money is a concern I would try Russian roulette with a Zorki 4 or 4K. They take the Leica thread mount lens. Just be prepared to accept possible problems unless it has been recently cla'd. I have the Zorki 4

2. For more money I would vote for a Canon P and then have it cla'd at Essex ($118 shipping included for the cla). This is the route I have taken.

3. If money is not an object I would get a Leica M4, or M2 or M3 in that order. I have the M2. Nice camera...... yadda, yadda, yadda I am sure you have heard the hype or soon will about Leica M's. (Unfortunately most of what they say is true).

I have had good luck buying from members here in the classifieds at RFF.

Get ready for a bunch of different answers.


Wayne

[Warren T.]

Hello Peadar,

Welcome to RFF.

What is your budget?

If you just want to give RF's a try, you can try a fixed lens RF like a Canonet QL17 GIII (arguably the pinnacle of fixed lens rf development) for less than $100.

If you want to try an interchangeable lens RF in LTM, you should try a CLA'd FSU camera such as a Fed 2D, or a Zorki 4. I said "CLA'd" because if you just buy one of these at auction, unless you're lucky, you'll more than likely become frustrated by little problems that may crop up on a 40+ year old RF camera that looks beautiful and feels elegant, but cannot reliably take pictures. CLA'd FSU cameras are still very reasonably priced, probably $100 or so.

The next step up in both cost and reliability are the Bessa series of RF cameras that come in both LTM and M mounts.

If you have time to wait for it, you can find a great deal here in our RFF classified section, but good deals are snapped up very quickly here, so you have to check back often.

That's all that I have time to write about now. Hope this helps a little .

--Warren

[aad]

I use a Leica IIIf with an external finder (the built in one is a bit small) and carry it in my pocket, or on the seat of my car. I has, I think, 60,000 miles on the seat of my sports car in the last year, focus is fine even at f 1.5, so if you find one in your budget, they sure are fun.

[payasam]

Barring the (expensive) IIIg, all screw Leicas and their FSU imitations have small and dark viewfinders without parallax correction. An external finder is advisable. All take several lenses. Your question is difficult to answer because you say nothing about the kind of work you propose to do (which would determine the possible use of more than one lens) or about the sort of money you are prepared to spend. Some rangefinder cameras need a greater investment of time than others.

[Flyfisher Tom]

Originally Posted by ferider

Welcome, Peadar.

If your budget is OK with it, decide which lenses you want to use, and if you need a lightmeter, and then go either with
M2, M3, M4P or M6. If this will cost too much, get a Bessa R + 35/2.5 combo.

Best,

Roland.

I agree with Roland. If you have the funds now, any of the M bodies are great cameras to use.

Welcome

[Ash]

If you can't afford a real Leica, then definitely consider the Zorki 4/4k. They're very easy cameras to use. I spent a week or so researching before I bought one as my first RF.

[peadarceiteach]

After posting such a generic question without pertinent specificity, still I was met with friendly and helpful suggestions. Thank you. It all only serves to confirm my initial impressions of RFF: a place where I want to stay.
I'm gaining an inclination toward the M2 or M3. However, the idea of a classic III series with an external viewfinder appeals to the "retro" in me. Lens-wise I need something in the standard 50 range, with lowlight ability a priority.
Should I go to other forums in RFF to discuss lenses? Oh, and to clarify, I'm looking to spend up to $1500 for a lens/camera combo.
Is is allowed on RFF to recommend "tried and true" retailers and private sellers?
Would a repair-person/business have quality items for sale?
Cosmetics are pretty important to me, but of course much more importantly is as close to new working condition as possible.
So, please offer additional thoughts regarding the M2 and 3 and the III series (especially which model of III), such as pro's and con's.
Finally, would you offer your thoughts regarding the build quaility of the current Voigtlanders? I've read some things suggesting that there a less than "quality" feel about them. But, not having actually held one I'm at a loss.
Truly great to be here.
Regards to all!
Peadar

[markinlondon]

Peadar,
a trawl through the feedback thread under General Discussion will find you some retailer and private seller info. Repair people do sell kit, try www.sherrykrauter.com for instance. Mechanics are far more important than cosmetics when it comes to Leica. M2's and M3's are much easier in use than ltm Leicas like the iii and in "user" condition not much more expensive. I would really suggest you check through the archives as there is a wealth of info in there on the merits of various bodies and lenses often with pictorial examples in the case of lenses. Also, try to visit a used dealer and get to fondle the stuff, you really won't know until you do.

Regards,