First Rangefinder Purchase?

[Big Hairy Bee]

I posted a similar thread in the Leica M forum when I was only considering a Leica. Given the opinions there I thought it would be wise to broaden my choices.

First some background on me:

I have been out of the film loop since the early 90's when I worked PJ for Gannett news. I got married, had kids and sold my professional gear to buy a house. I currently run a Canon DSLR system as a hobby.

I have been a math and scince middle school teacher for the last 12 years and to exercise the other side of my brain I am taking a History of Photography class at a local college. The class has awakened my desire to shoot film again. We are currently teaching digital in my class, next year I would like to have a darkroom on site.

I don't want to shoot a film SLR. I want something more compact that the FM2 I used to lug back in the day so I thought why not a rangefinder. Web searches for info brought me here. Very nice site.

My first thought was to invest in a used Leica and shoot exclusively with a 35mm or 50mm exclusively. I was then enlightened with other choices, mainly the Bessa series or a Zeiss Ikon.

How is the build of a Bessa? I realize glass is the key part of the system but I would need something I can count on if I invest $800-$1500. Remember I am a teacher and that is a sizable investment.

How does the Bessa compare to the Ikon? I read here they are made in the same factory. Does the Zeiss name command the extra dollars?

I still like the Leica, mainly for the historical value. Any M series would suit me, the M6 having a meter is a plus.

I want something I can count on using for the next 10-20 years. Thanks in advance for all opinions.

Harry

[mtbbrian]

As much as we'd all like to own a Leica, I think the Bessa's are great cameras.
I bought an R2A last December and love it.
I came from a film SLR background and wanted a change, so that's why I changed cameras.

While I have handled a few different Leicas, I have never owned one so I can't compare them that well, but I feel the Bessa is well built and solid.
I went with the Bessa, becasue I liked the features and the price.
I once read somewhere, that someone called the Bessa's a "poorman's Leica".
As far as lenes goes, consider that a lot of Leica shooters use Voightlander lenes.
So for what it's worth, I highly recommend Bessa RF's.
Good Luck!
Brian

[wgerrard]

I'm a relatively new Bessa R4M user, so I can't testify to its long-term qualities. No one, yet, can tell you if one will last 10 or 20 years. Build quality seems fine, but it is obviously built to meet a price point, while (we assume) Leicas are built to meet a quality point. CV lenses seem to have a good reputation. I own 3 and I'm happy with them.

You will be able to pick up a new Bessa and a couple of new lens within that $1500 limit.