the unofficial Cosina-Voigtlander User Community

You mentioned "mechanical operation". The R3A has a battery dependant shutter, meaning dead batteries equals no function. I haven't found this to be a problem, batteries for this are cheap and everywhere. That said, this camera is a great way to start with film and rangefinders. Plus you don't have to use the AE funtion, but it's there when you want it. Your budget is ample for a body and a couple of lenses keeping in mind that can use screwmount lenses with an adapter.

steve

Thanks for the info, I know it doesn't fit the "mechanical" category completely, however compared to my Digital point and shoot, it is mechanical. Are there any lenses you recommend? I was looking at the Voigtlander wide angle and telephotos and they are quite expensive, Do you recommend any lenses that are cheaper that don't sacrifice on quality. Thanks

There are lots of vintage screwmount lenses available. I'd suggest a Canon 50/1.8 or 50/1.4. The Voigtlander 35/2.5 is very reasonably priced new and can be had used quite cheaply. I like that one alot. I don't use anything longer than a 75 on my Bessas. Brian has done a review on that.

Thanks!!! So where can I buy them used? I live in Japan right now and finding a Vintage camera store is an exercise in frustration. I looked on Ebay for the Voigtlander lenses and couldn't find a one. Is there somewhere else I should be looking. Thanks.

For Canon stuff, two ebay sellers in Japan have good reps- jiri_e and nobbysparrow . I have no firsthand knowledge of either but have read good things on the boards and their stuff seems well described and pictured. ebay is often a crapshoot, but I would definitely buy from those two.