alexschmoll

Actually the Hexar AF (black) tops out at 1/250 max shutter speed. I carry a couple of ND filtres with it if I have fast film loaded.

A.

It seems to me that when you're talking about compacts, there are some really great ones, but they all compromise somewhere on features to meet the size requirement. Your list of "wants" is going to shorten the list of choices for you. For example a number of really good compacts don't give you full metered manual (ie you must meter in auto, switch to manual and adjust either shutter or aperture). If the camera has an exposure lock, this is less of an issue then it sounds, because you can use auto exposure very effectively by locking the exposure on darker or lighter areas of the scene as required. If you loosen up on one or two items in your wish list, and can live with a compromise or learn a workaround, you'll have a good range of excellent shooters to choose from. My vote is for the Konica Hexar AF. It's precise, has an outstanding lens, and is virtually silent. Cameraquest.com (commercial site, no connection with me) has a collection of good articles on compacts that list features on a number of compacts and would allow you to do some comparions.

Have fun!

Alex

Hi Drew: The summar can produce some very interesting effects. I like the texture and range of tones in the snow on the bricks in your "snow" shot.

A.

Try a "Zing Multi Camera" case. It's a soft neoprene slip-on style case. It will fit pretty

much any rangefinder. Not overly elegant, but handy, especially if you like to carry a

camera in a backpack or breifcase where it will be jostled with other items. They're about

15.00 on fleabay.

A.

Hi Diana: I've not handled the GA , but shoot with both the R3A and R2A, and Hexar Rfs. I

use these with a variety of Leica, Voigtlander and Konica lenses. The Bessa bodies are well

built, straightforward and handle nicely. They allow you to use Leica M mount lenses as

well as Leica screw mount lenses via a screw-mount to M mount adapter. This gives you

access to a huge number of lenses to work with -- Canon, Nikon, Zeiss as well as

numerous Russian lenses as well as the legendary Leica glass. This is a pretty strong

adavantage. If you want modern convenience, I personally would pass on the M3 unless

you can deal with a separate (and therefore uncoupled) meter. The bottom loading

"feature" of these bodies is also a tad slower than on later Leicas. They are however

beautifully built jewels with amazing finders.

One thing you might consider if you do go the Bessa route, is which body to get. The R3A

and R2A are identical except for their viewfinders. The R3A has a one-to-one finder and

has framelines for 90, 75, 50 and 40 mm lenses. The R2A is (I believe close to .85) wider

in field of view and has framelines for a 35mm rather than a 40mm. If you like to work

with a 35 the R2A is probably the choice. Also If you wear glasses the 40mm framelines

on the R3A can be a pain as they are difficult to see. The R3A frameline set is however

outstanding for 50 and longer focal lengths.

cameraquest.com (a commercial site) has extensive info on the Bessas as well as some

pretty frank discussion on a variety of rangefinders.

Good luck -- and have fun!

Alex

HI Vlad. The Bessa R is a leica screw mount camera. The R2A R3A etc are M mount

cameras. If you're looking for cheap and cheerful, get the original R. You will have access

to experiementing with most of the new Voigtlander lenses (very good, some excellent), all

of the leica thread mount nikkors, canons, and russion lenses, plus of course all the older

leica lenses. If you upgrade to a current leica M mount camera, these lenses can still be

used by simply adding an adapter. Try the R. It's inexpensive, small and light. With a 35

mm 2.5 Voighlander classic lens, the package is small enough for a jacket pocket and lot's

of fun. It is a bit quirky, but overall a great little reliable package. Do check out

cameraquest.com - huge resource of information. Have fun!

Hi Nanadacumar:

It's definately the black one that you want. I had two of these -- one in Leica mount and

one in Contax mount. The Contax mount version was quite good. The Leica version not so

much, so you're righ: it is a gamble. Try to find a sellar that will let you return it if it's not

right. You'll definately enjoy working with the lens. It's nice and compact and handy on

the Kiev. Be extra careful when mounting and dismounting the lens. The rear element is

huge and protrudes quite deeply into the camera body, and is therefore easy to scratch.

Have fun!

Alex

Hi: I have have had good success with both Kindermann and Commercial Camera.

Commercial Camera will also handle other (non-Leica) classics.

Alex

I concur about the Canonet. The Canonet GIII QL17 rangefinder lens is fast (1.7) sharp and

has a great reputation. The camera can be had quite inexpensively so it's no big gamble. It

fits nicely in a jacket pocket or brief case and looks cool and retro. It also has a pretty

decent viewfinder/rangefinder. The meter "eye" is directly above the lens so if you use

filtres, it will automatically compensate. Downsides - shutter priority auto (I prefer

aperture priority) and a manual mode but with no direct metering system in manual. Worth

checking out for what it will set you back. Cheers! Alex