Good Rangefinder For Starting

andy_leitch · 01-23-2007

So I've been following the discussions at RFF for a few months now on and off and have decided that I'd like to get into the world of rangefinder photography.

The cameras that I've used regularly are a Pentax ME Super with a 50mm f/1.4 and a Canon 350D with the 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 (knowing of the 1.6 FOC crop). I like the speed granted with the 50mm f/1.4 but when I was in Paris over the summer I noticed that, although the lens was fantastic for taking quick portraits of my fiancée over the table at lunch it wasn't really wide enough for most of the shots I was taking.

I'm a student and don't have a huge amount of money to spend and after some research I've almost come to my decision. I was thinking about getting the Voigtlander Bessa-R3A and a Voigtlander 40mm f/1.4 Nokton. I've looked at cameraquest.com and at many photographs taken with the R3A/40mm Nokton on flickr.com and I'm more than impressed with what I've seen. I feel that the 40mm f/1.4 Nokton is a good compromise between 50mm and 35mm.

One more thing I would like to know. I see that the 40mm f/1.4 Nokton is available in both single-coated and multi-coated. Single-coated it seems gives lower contrast which is more suited to black and white photographs and I assume this means that the multi-coated lens gives higher contrast. I will mostly be using the camera for black and white photographs as a matter of preference but I don't want to shoot myself in the foot by purchasing the single-coated lens if it will adversely affect the quality of my colour photographs. The colour photographs I take will most likley be taken with slide film and only when I see vibrant colours (really only when I'm on holiday in Spain or California)

I apologise for the long post taking up your time but I would greatly appreciate any comments or additions to what I have listed here.

rolleistef · 01-23-2007

You can do all the job by yourself and buy a Barnack leica, then fit the Nokton on it since (I may be wrong) it is screw-mount as well. Otherwise, if you need something wide, wait for the R4A or R4M to be released, it offers framlines for 21, 28, 35 and 50mm.
But what's cool with a Rf is that you don't need a super-fast lens (1.0, 1.4, 1.5...) as you can shoot with slow speeds without much trouble, 1/15th usually. Then you can look for a Summicron which is a great lens anyway. Have you watched at the new ZI lenses?
Or buy a cheap russian camera that will offer some nice vintage-looking pictures. Have fun!

markinlondon · 01-23-2007

For UK R3A plus 40 Nokton (new) prices you could get an M2 and an old 50 Summicron. Just a thought.

Keith · 01-23-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by markinlondon

For UK R3A plus 40 Nokton (new) prices you could get an M2 and an old 50 Summicron. Just a thought.

I agree with Mark about the camera and would suggest the 40mm Summicron or Rokkor from the CL. About $250.00 and more than a match for the Nokton. Actually if you dont intend using the longer lenses a good CL would be ok too!

Michael I. · 01-23-2007

a cheaper choice would be a yashica lynx 14e.

pesphoto · 01-23-2007

If just starting out you can't go wrong with the Lynx 14e or 5000e if you are on a budget.

KoNickon · 01-23-2007

Andy, if you have the money for the R3A and the 40 Nokton, get them; you can't go wrong. Don't concern yourself with the single coated version of the lens, since it's more expensive and even if it does provide slightly "better" black & white pictures (I don't think I've ever seen a direct comparison), the better performance for slides with the multicoated version makes it the more versatile choice, I think.

Now, a 40/2 Summicron or Rokkor is a worthy alternative, and probably cheaper than the Nokton. But here's another alternative -- a Canonet GIII QL17. Very inexpensive, a fine lens -- 40/1.7 -- and pretty darn well made. Takes the 625 mercury battery, but there are several workarounds I expect you're aware of.

dazedgonebye · 01-23-2007

Since I just got my R3A, I'm obliged to say that it's a great idea.
I did not opt for the 40mm Nokton, but considered it. It has a very good reputation on this forum, do a search.

One actual suggestion is to buy something you are sure is working well. That sounds simple...but in the effort to get in cheaply, you can easily end up with a camera you are unsure of. Since rangefinders are new to you, you'll be better off with confidence in your gear and knowing that the mistakes are your own and not some questionable aspect of your camera's performance.

Ash · 01-23-2007

Bessa Bessa Bessa!

If you want some excitement, and a gamble, then a FSU like the Kiev, Zorki, Fed. If you want a modern camera with a guarantee go for the Bessa

Kim Coxon · 01-23-2007

If you are on a tight budget, keep an eye on Ffordes. They have good kit at sensible prices. There are some good deals out of the US but be wary of the VAT on import which is not only on the goods but the postage as well and then there is normally a handling charge on top of that.

Kim

Spyderman · 01-23-2007

You can't go wrong with Bessa R3 and the Nokton.

But before you buy, make sure 40 is wide enough for you. You wrote that 50 was too narrow. But the difference between 50 and 40 is small... Maybe R2 and 35 ?

Maybe you could find out with your EOS. Set the zoom at 25, secure it at that focal length with a tape and walk with this combo. After using it for a while, you'll know if 40 is wide enough...

From my experience I know that 35 and 40 can be important difference - especially when you can't back off anymore, and you still can't get that building to fit in the framelines ...

dee · 01-23-2007

i would second the caution on 45mm / 35mm lenses - i have used the 45 as a standard lense prior to becoming Leic-addicted , with a 35 F1.8 additionally - there is quite a difference .
Me ? A Leica IIIc anytime, but these are really old technology - don't let anyone tell you otherwise !

peter_n · 01-23-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by rolleistef

You can do all the job by yourself and buy a Barnack leica, then fit the Nokton on it since (I may be wrong) it is screw-mount as well.

AFAIK the Nokton is an M-bayonet lens so if Andy buys that lens he will need an M body (of some type) to go with it.

andy_leitch · 01-24-2007

I like the idea of buying my first rangefinder kit new. I think i'm going to go for the R3A/R2A but now i'm not sure about getting the 35/40/50. I'll have to do some more research to see which focal length i prefer.