rangefinders

[dvpixl]

so anyone know a great deal about them? anyone use it?

anyone use leica mp cameras?

what about the hasselblad xpan?


thanks for any introductory info.

[Petrus]

Voigtlander Bessa. Great, cheap lenses, 15mm is SUPER! The bodies are OK, and cheap compared to Leica (same lens mounts).

There are several models, I have (used) L and R.

See http://personal.eunet.fi/pp/nanda/kuvia/testi.htm where most pictures were taken with Bessa L and 15mm lens.

[Barra]

so anyone know a great deal about them? anyone use it?

anyone use leica mp cameras?
.

Hi I use the Leica rangefinder M6 a lot and love it for many applications.
The lens qualities are excellent when you get the hang of them and the focus right but that can be a problem.
Plus I have my doubts about one lens I bought new, that is very tricky to focus, may send it in for a focusing check.
So, yes the system is great for alot of my work, it's so simple, reliable (unless you drive over it twice - which I have done in past), it feels great, it is silent, very unobtrusive and so on. Built to be used in extremes of temperature, you wont go to use it someday and find the circuit board has died.
One mega problem for other situations is the paralax error, which doesn't just relate to framing your subject, as the rangefinder compensates for that, it's tricky to explain until you see it, but here's an example:
Photo of boat captain at helm in front of window, I took photo as another boat in the distance passed through the window frame, result was the boat in distance was not captured in window frame because of paralax error!
So distant subjects in relation to close subjects are all out of sync through rangefinders - that does suck at those times but I still like it lots for other work where a chunky slr sucks.
Another thing to bear in mind with Leica M is that if you ever need it serviced or repaired you will pay through the nose - they have monopoly on that. If you can afford it without worries, it's definitely worth getting but check the limitations re paralax re composition and how that suits your work if you plan it as a main camera. There's a leica users forum with loads of info.
(my photo website: www.hawkeyegallery.com)

[Barra]

Voigtlander Bessa. Great, cheap lenses, 15mm is SUPER! The bodies are OK, and cheap compared to Leica (same lens mounts).

There are several models, I have (used) L and R.

See http://personal.eunet.fi/pp/nanda/kuvia/testi.htm where most pictures were taken with Bessa L and 15mm lens.
Hey Petrus,
Those photos are great. The trip looked fun! I nearly bought an old truck like that six months ago, 7.5 ton 4x4 1970's, still looking at it for maybe spring time. Your photos are both encouraging and discouraging....:grin:

[dvpixl]

thanks Barra, Petrus for the intro info. i'm looking into it still. expensive indeed...

[Petrus]

Check http://www.cameraquest.com/

You can get a new rangefinder with sharp lenses for under $400.

That Bessa L and 15mm supersharp, flarefree lens for $414 (ok, it has no rangefinder, but who needs one with a 15mm?)

[dvpixl]

nice find. thanks. so uh, what film do i use? how do i develop it?

[dvpixl]

Petrus are you recommending the Bessa L above all the other Bessas? is this place legit? how do I order? there's no order form...

[Petrus]

Bessa L body does not have a viewfinder of any kind, thus it really is not a rangefinder camera body. It is used only with the super wideangles and a separate framing viewfinder that comes with the lens.

Bessa R is the basic rangefinder model using Leica screwmount lenses. There area also models with AE and using newer Leica M-mount.

Also a large selection of high quality but cheap lenses in screw and M mounts.

I guess the cameraquest is the official importer in US. I need really not know more, as I reside in FInland.

[dvpixl]

I see. sounds like a difficult camera to use. .. thanks.

[Barra]

Hi Dvpixl,
There's an Epson rangefinder digital camera that you can use Leica lenses with. It sounds pretty sweet but I can't remember the name exactly - sure you will find it easy enough with a search engine... I don't think Epson themselves can advertise that the Leica and other high quality lenses are useable with their camera but they are! May be worth looking into if you like digital stills with high quality lenses in a rangefinder format camera.
Would be interested in what you find out if you do look into it so let me know
Barra

[Petrus]

Bessa L is really easy, with 12 or 15mm just point and shoot, can not miss...