P3D Re: Which RBT

["Dr. George A. Themelis" <DrT-3d@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Not too long ago (8/29 to be exact) I posted a diatribe on this subject.
As far as I know, RBT makes 5 different cameras.  These carry strange
model IDs and it is easy to get confused:

RBT Model  Type         Cameras Joined   Lens Mount
---------  -----------  --------------   ------------
  X2V2     SLR-elect    Ricoh XR-X3000   Pentax K
  X3       SLR-elect    Ricoh XR-X3PF    Pentax K
  X4       SLR-manual   Cosina CS1       Pentax K
  109      SLR-elect    Yashica 109      Contax
  S1       Rangefinder  Konica Hexar     N/A

Here is how to decide which RBT to get:

- if you want an SLR version then the S1 is out
- if you prefer the SLR version with the more common Pentax mount
  then the 109 is out
- if you prefer an electric shutter with all the automations, then
  the X4 is out
- the only question then is X3 or X2V2 and these two cameras are not
  very different

Please refer to the original post as to what the decisions of
rangefinder vs. SLR, Contax vs. Pentax and electric vs. manual
might mean in practical terms.

Also, make sure you check: 1) price, 2) availability and 3) collect
comments from people who use these cameras regarding ease of use and
reliability.  Ideally, you will get good relative comparisons from 
people who have owned and used more than one (I know there are
a few around :-))  At the end, it might depend on your budget,
experience, shooting style, etc., which model is better for you.

George Themelis