I received the following surprising objectionfrom Stephen Gandy of Cameraquest.com
"Not OK at all Asher.
Copying my text or my photos is a violation of my copyright, which is on every page of my site, which specifically says no one may copy my text or pics.
Please remove ALL my text and photos at once." So I have, reluctantly.
I'm so sorry for offending. However, if we cannot quote reasonably, we would be supporting the decimation of free press. That would mean that stores could post anything and no one would be able to comment good or bad. We are not using the text. The sample was only two lines small. We are not competing with them and we only present Cameraquest in a good light. They are, after all a great resource. I really don't wish to upset anyone, least of all Stephen Gandy who sells great cameras. However what is is what is! So I have gone along with the request and removed Stephen's photograph of the camera. These are anyway on the B&H website. So that was not needed for my comments.
As far as I know, as editor, I can refer to text and images to editorialize and this is "fair use" under copyright law. I would love Stephen to say it's O.K. but the principal is there. I only have good will! Well, I don't know the source of the discomfort but there are other stores, equally as good, and are happy to be referenced, good thing the camera I suggest is in stock elsewhere:
1. BHPhoto Video
here
2. For comparison look at the price of used Leicas
here. The grading given by B&H and KEH are very conservative and both are trustworthy. You don't need a collectors grade Leica to be very happy. Check what's in transit as they have constant incoming stream of great inventory at KEH. The minolta version of the Leica camera were made, AFAIK, in Canada and work fine. The quietist shutters, however are found in the still older Leica's from Germany and are a good bet if you are shooting in a theater, concert or recital where the shutter sound might be important.
I have purchased from these sources, including Stephen, with no problems. eBay is another source and Adorama, and other established superstores sell cameras there too. Also one can look at Rangefinder.com where there is a constant recycling of these cameras! Those guys are likely to baby their cameras and one should purchase from people who have a lot of posts and have a reputation to maintain
The special advantage of the Bessa is economy. For someone like me who like wide angles, then these cameras have a special advantage. Cosina makes Voigtlander Bessa Versions with rangefinder window marking for the wider lenses down to 21mm which is handy for interior photography and landscape. The Bessa bodies are all essentially the same except for some differences related to the choice of a mechanical versus and electronic shutter and the screw versus the modern M mount, which allows lenses to be used with the Leica M8 too. The mechanical shutter is said to be somewhat quieter than the famed quiet mechanical shutters of the Leica film cameras. I have not yet found recordings. The obvious advantage is that it will work when the batteries fail. I like that! you just need film and exposure is fine if one follows the simple guides inside each 35mm film box.
From 1959, the founder of what would become Cosina was Mr B. Kohayashi. The company first made lenses from the glass to pressing and polishing lens. The company was built to a camera and lens producing powerhouse with lenses sold under different house brand names. The son of the founder, Mr Hirofumi Kohayashi took over as president in 1989. Cosina acquired the rights to the Voigtlander name and its development was a great triumph as it breathed new life into the declining rangefinder market. Here one could set oneself up with a well functioning small subtle non intimidating camera without paying Leica prices. Of course the camera is no Leica. Still the lenses are excellent. In fact the modern M lenses made by Cosina for their Bessa camera can be used with your Leica M8cwhen you get it!
I'll be buying some of these cameras for review and see how it is to use compared to the wonderful Leica M8.
If you are in the L.A. area we could discuss the options further! I'd advise to to invest in a subscription to Reid Reviews
here . Sean Reid knows more about rangefinder cameras than most anyone else. His reviews are so worthwhile, that I think anyone interested in purchasing would do well to read his work. He not only is a great photographer, but also is a nice chap.
Asher