Any Cosina Voigtlander Bessa R thru R4M owners out there?

[lilmsmaggie]

Thinking about buying my first rangefinder. Since I've never owned one, I'm not even sure what type of shooting I want to use it for but street photography has peeked my interest.

I've also become interested in the Voigtlander Bessa R3M with 40mm 1.4 Nokton lens. I thought this might be a good starter; however, I'm not sure if I should get the single-coated version, or multicoated version of this lens.

So, bottomline, I'd like to hear any suggestions, experiences and recommendations as far as the choice of a first rangefinder and Voigtlanders in particular.

 

[scho]

Thinking about buying my first rangefinder. Since I've never owned one, I'm not even sure what type of shooting I want to use it for but street photography has peeked my interest.

I've also become interested in the Voigtlander Bessa R3M with 40mm 1.4 Nokton lens. I thought this might be a good starter; however, I'm not sure if I should get the single-coated version, or multicoated version of this lens.

So, bottomline, I'd like to hear any suggestions, experiences and recommendations as far as the choice of a first rangefinder and Voigtlanders in particular.

Hi Maggie,

I had the R3M and although the camera is basically OK the rangefinder was not that great. Short RF base length and often needed adjustment. I also owned the Zeiss Ikon which is a real gem and has what is probably the best RF and viewfinder of all (including Leica Ms). My current 35mm camera is the Contax G2 - great camera and superb lenses for relatively little money.

 

[lilmsmaggie]

the R3M and although the camera is basically OK the rangefinder was not that great. Short RF base length and often needed adjustment.

Thanks for the info -- I was afraid of that (need adjustment that is). Film camera technicians are few and far between, especially in my area.

Seemed like a least inexpensive alternative to the Leica's, or other used rangefinder cameras.