Rearranging RF Priorities

[GeneW]

I'm in a transitional state with RF's. This past year the balance in my camera usage has shifted markedly from RF to SLR. Consequently I intend to trim down my RF line considerably ending up with a single higher-end shooter.

In the past few days I've sold a Leica collapsible Summicron 50/2, Bessa R, and CV 35/2.5 Color Skopar Classic. My replacement camera is en route: a Bessa R3A and as soon as I get a little more cash together I'll be getting a CV 40/1.4 SC Nokton to go with it.

Soon to be on the selling block are my Leica M2, Contax IIa with Sonnar 50/2, some additional CV LTM lenses (35/1.7 and 90/3.5), and my FSU rangefinders and lenses: Fed-2, Kiev 4a, J8, Helios 103, J12, etc. The only fixed lens RF I'm keeping is my Olympus XA which I find really handy as a carry-everywhere cam, but even that's not assured. I tend to use digital P&S cams most of the time for that role.

I'm slightly beefing up my 6x6 collection. In addition to my Hassy, Rollei, and Minolta Autocord, I have in the mail a YashicaMat 124G. I intend to use them each then trim them down to my faves.

One other camera I should mention that I'll be selling is my silver-body Bessaflex (I sold the black-body one a few months ago). I'm getting out of M42 entirely and concentrating solely on my Nikon SLR and DSLR gear.

If you have an interest in any of these items, PM me and we can discuss price.

Gene

[doubs43]

Gene, Gene, Gene....... you are causing me considerable GAS pain with a couple of the items you're offering and it couldn't have come at a worse time of year. After four family birthdays, Christmas, various professional dues and taxes about the only thing I can afford is a visit to the Salvation Army's soup kitchen!

You are offering some seriously nice cameras and I hope they all go to people who will take care of them as well as they deserve.

Now I'm going to go wipe away the tears........

Walker

[GeneW]

Walker, it's been a hectic two days. I sold my Bessa R + CV35/2.5 locally. This morning another local buyer picked up my CV 90/3.5 and also my Contax IIa with Sonnar 50/2. An old RFF colleague just purchased my M2. I had one nibble on the CV35/1.7 but it hasn't sold yet. It's a very fine lens.

As mentioned a new Bessa R3A (grey body) is on its way to me and just now I ordered the 40/1.4 Classic Nokton SC to go with it. I'm pretty excited about this little kit.

I'm considering just keeping my FSU stuff. I enjoy its funkiness and just taking it out for a spin once in awhile. They're so unpretentious yet they're good shooters. And no worries about dropping them or anything.

It's been a swirl of selling and buying!

Gene

[doubs43]

Gene, you've done well and the pressure is off of me as the two cameras I was interested in are now gone..... the M2 & the Contax II.

The Bessa R3A and Nocton lens sounds like a wonderful combination. Please post a picture of them when you can.

Walker

[Michael Fraley]

Gene,

It's a rollercoaster ride, reading this thread. I too wanted the M2 and Contax IIa, have been looking at both of these online for a long time. But they are gone! Just as well. I just bought a camera from Jurgen Kreckel -- a Hapo 6x6 folder.

Good luck selling the remainder. Whatever cameras you use, I'm sure you'll do well.

[GeneW]

Walker, when I get the R3A and 40/1.4 I'll certainly post some pics.

Michael, it felt like a rollercoaster ride. I'm not very sentimental about cameras and while I really like some, I have no remorse about trading them for something else when the time comes.

The Leica. Always wanted to have one to enjoy the 'Leica experience'. Got the M2 and really enjoyed using it. Leicas are truly special. But ... I learned some things about myself: I don't like bottom loading, I prefer an inboard meter, and I prefer cameras, in general, with less weight. Hence the Bessas are my kind of cam. Nowhere near the build quality of a Leica but modern and they feel 'just right' in my hand.

The Contax was a beauty, and it too had a beautiful feel of precision and heft. But the Contax mount didn't highly appeal to me and it required external VF's for anything other than 50mm.

Be sure to post a pic of the Hapo 6x6 folder. I've never seen one of those!

Gene