[Leica] RE: Non Leica starter camera.

[jeremy.kime@bbc.co.uk]

My first reply would be that if you look hard enough you can find cheap   
Leicas, earlier this year there was a screw Leica IIIb (upon which I   
learned) with 3 lenses (35 Elmar, 50 Elmar and 90 Elmar) all for   
œ250(UKP). Or what about an R3 usually on offer from œ150(UKP) with a   
lens from around œ100(UKP) upwards.

If those prices are too steep, then look towards a Canon rangefinder, the   
closest to an M camera, it had viewfinder fields of view marked for 35,   
50, 85,100 and 135mm on the 7and 7s model (from œ125(UKP), with lenses   
from 19mm to 800mm totally compatible with Leica screw mount optics so   
you can use the better glass as soon as financially possible. The earlier   
the Canon r/f body you choose, the fewer the features but usually the   
price will decrease.

If a Canon is too expensive and you still want rangefinder (the essence   
of real Leica-ness) then look out the soviet Zorki 4K, this is very   
reasonable, around œ50(UKP) with 50/2 lens, again totally compatible with   
Leica screw lenses, all of which can be used on your M-Leica (with   
adapters) when you finally save up enough money, available from œ300   
(UKP) up.

happy hunting.

Jem

Alexander Koning wrote:
>
>Since the majority of us probably didn't start with a Leica, I wonder if
>you can help me with the choice between the different brands like
>Minolta, Canon, Nikon or Pentax. I rather buy a non-AF camera, because I
>like to spend my money rather on a good lens than on electronical
>gadgets. Ideally I prefer a lens or a serie of lenses that resembles the
>leica the most. Thank you in advance.
>
>Alexander Koning