Any Love for the Voightlander Bessa?

Carljoel · Jul 29, 2015

I have a R4M which is essentially the same as other RXM. People often say that the lower magnification of R4M makes it not ideal to focus manually with 35mm and any longer focal length. I, however, find it to be perfectly usable in 50mm. But I am still young and I have never tried M3 or R3Ms' viewfinder. So I can be a bit misleading.
The only thing to critize of the RXM is that the shutter sound is a bit annoying. Not that it is loud but it is a bit too "pop out". You may check some Youtube videos for shutter sound comparison of it with the M before purchase it.
All in all, I am a very happy R4M shooter.

Terry Christian · Jul 29, 2015

Yes, as Carjoel said, the Bessas aren't nearly as quiet as the Leica "snickt." They're more comparable to SLRs. They're not loud -- they're just not quiet like other rangefinders. Unless you're shooting street, though, I don't think it would be an issue.

film_man · Jul 29, 2015

Had an R3A I just sold. I only sold it because I want a R2A.

The R3A is great, the build is good, it is a solid camera and works just fine. The finder is fantastic for 50mm. The shutter sound is a bit clunky, actually more like a slap but still much quieter than any modern electronic SLR. The operation is just fine and it works just fine with any M lens you can throw at it (I had a 50/2 Zeiss).

I've only fondled a Leica and yes it did feel nicer but in the end I got my R3A for £250 which is nothing compared to Leica prices plus you can change film without dismantling the camera. The meter worked just fine too. Overall a great little camera and the only reason I sold my R3A is because I want a 35mm lens and the R3A goes only to 40mm (which is actually a bit of a stretch to see). If I was shooting primarly a 50mm shooter I can't think of anything better than the R3A based purely on the viewfinder (maybe the M3 is better but I wouldn't know, never had one).

ColColt · Jul 29, 2015

I don't know-it's good to have choices. The R3M reminds me of the Leica M3, no 35 in the viewfinder. I still miss the M2 I let slip away and may just search for another one. I like having the 35-50-90 frame lines in the viewfinder as those are the primary lens I would use.

Ko.Fe. · Jul 29, 2015

This M2 does becomes you!

You could get fully working M2 at $600 mark in USA. Local classifieds, RFF ones and Tamarkin in Chicago have them at this price range once in a while.

I liked R to be honest. Light and advanced. Cheap as well. After year of daily use and some long distance travel it was trashed just by sitting at my chest or in the bag. I have glued-in film plate after I dropped the camera on the carpet in the dark while trying to get out from it jammed film. Film plate is originally sitting at two very slim plastic pins. The shutter lamels started to looks worned at the edges as well. But I liked the R.
The only reason why I really sold it and never get more robust and newer R was... I was tired to answer "No" every time for same question over and over from different people. The question was "Is it a Leica?"

ColColt · Jul 29, 2015

People automatically see a rangefinder and assume it's a Leica as it's synonymous with rangefinders.I think I mentioned it earlier but, you can find good bodies be it M2-M5. It the lens that will knock your socks off in price. Some of them cost as much or more than most of the cars I've had.

Ko.Fe. · Jul 29, 2015

Yes, I already answered to Leica lens price concern of yours page or two before. Just to repeat, those expensive ones are for digital cameras or collectible items.
My local Leica ex-Midland technician has prototype lens with fancy s/n at his store not so long time ago. This one was sold for crazy price.
But regular Leica film era Crons, some modern Elmars and Summarits or fresh Cosina made (Zeiss, Voigtlander) ones are in the same price as many other good quality lenses.

I don't understand one thing. If you'll get the Bessa the choice and price of the lenses is going to be exactly the same. You don't have to match body and lens manufacturer names to get the picture. But if you feel this way it doesn't makes sense to put $$$$ lens on M2. Collapsible Cron is perfect match for it.

ColColt · Jul 29, 2015

The expensive lens I would be interested in I spoke about are the 35 f2 and 50 f2 Summicron lens. Even used they're not what I'd call cheap. Used you're looking at in excess of $1200 for a 50 f2 Summicron.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/801246057-USE/leica_normal_50mm_f_2_summicron.html

The Elmars and Summarits are of course a bit cheaper as they always have been in comparison.Take a look at a new 50 f2 Summicron...

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/860529-REG/Leica_11141_APO_Summicron_M_50mm_f_2_0_ASPH.html

RobC · Jul 29, 2015

ColColt said:
The expensive lens I would be interested in I spoke about are the 35 f2 and 50 f2 Summicron lens. Even used they're not what I'd call cheap. Used you're looking at in excess of $1200 for a 50 f2 Summicron.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/801246057-USE/leica_normal_50mm_f_2_summicron.html

The Elmars and Summarits are of course a bit cheaper as they always have been in comparison.Take a look at a new 50 f2 Summicron...

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/860529-REG/Leica_11141_APO_Summicron_M_50mm_f_2_0_ASPH.html

I think you'll find the zeiss lenses much cheaper than the leitz and every bit as good if not better by most accounts.

ColColt · Jul 29, 2015

You're right and this "normal" Zeiss lens got high accolades from about everyone.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/361551-REG/Zeiss_1365_661_50mm_f_2_ZM_Lens.html

Ko.Fe. · Jul 29, 2015

Eventually I'm going to match my canadian M4-2 with Crons (Made in Canada) as well. Just have enough less expensive lenses I was interested in to try first.
I'm watching regularly and I could get used Canadian 50 Cron under $1000 and used Canadian 35 Cron slightly above $1000.
Not from BH, but from APUG and RFF classifieds. Even KEH might have something and they are zero risk with their return rules.

RobC · Jul 29, 2015

ColColt said:
You're right and this "normal" Zeiss lens got high accolades from about everyone.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/361551-REG/Zeiss_1365_661_50mm_f_2_ZM_Lens.html

And the zeiss zm 35/1.4 M Mount is half the price of the leitz summilux 35/1.4 and rated by many as better.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1081651-REG/zeiss_2109_165_35mm_f_1_4_silver_lens.html

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt=summilux+35+1.4&N=0&InitialSearch=yes&sts=ma&Top+Nav-Search=

cuthbert · Jul 29, 2015

ColColt said:
The expensive lens I would be interested in I spoke about are the 35 f2 and 50 f2 Summicron lens. Even used they're not what I'd call cheap. Used you're looking at in excess of $1200 for a 50 f2 Summicron.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/801246057-USE/leica_normal_50mm_f_2_summicron.html

The Elmars and Summarits are of course a bit cheaper as they always have been in comparison.Take a look at a new 50 f2 Summicron...

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/860529-REG/Leica_11141_APO_Summicron_M_50mm_f_2_0_ASPH.html

Summicrons are terribly overpriced, especially the most recent ones, but I paid 400 euros on ebay for my old DR, not in mint shape but it takes nice pics.

Now I'm looking for a normal 50mm for my M4-P and I'm not even bothered to search on ebay for 'crons, I'm trying to get a nice Nokton 1.5 or a Planar or a Sonnar...or a Sonnetar.

RobC said:
And the zeiss zm 35/1.4 M Mount is half the price of the leitz summilux 35/1.4 and rated by many as better.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1081651-REG/zeiss_2109_165_35mm_f_1_4_silver_lens.html

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/searc...&N=0&InitialSearch=yes&sts=ma&Top+Nav-Search=

ALL Zeiss 35 mm (distagon and Biogon 2.0 and 2.8) gets high ratings, as well as the Nokton 1.4 and 1.2.

To be honest if you are looking for something with that focal lens you have a lot of excellent alternatives thanks to Cosina. Their SLR lenses are also very appreciated.

Ah!If they could hire me to design the next rangefinder!

ColColt · Jul 29, 2015

IIRC, back in the early 80's when I first bought the M2 I also purchased the 35 f2 Summicron and 50 f2 Summicron DR for less than $1200. I foolishly traded it later the next year for medium format camera and lens.

Pioneer · Jul 29, 2015

I own a nice Leica Summicron but I prefer my Zeiss Planar 50/2. It is an astounding lens that is easily equal to, or better than, all but the most recent Summicron ASPH, which is an outrageously expensive lens.

In fact, I really feel that the Nokton 50/1.5 is very close to the Summilux 50/1.4 so it is not really necessary to spend Leica money for top notch image quality unless you just have to have the brand printed on the lens. In that case there is no remedy.

ColColt · Jul 29, 2015

Quality is the name of the game regardless the name...IMHO. I've read much lately about the Nokton lens. I hadn't even heard of them before. I'd love to see some pics taken with that lens. Maybe a Google search would turn up something.

RobC · Jul 29, 2015

just goto flickr and do a search on the lens model

ColColt · Jul 29, 2015

Wow, what can I say? I'm totally impressed by this lens. The colors and sharpness are absolutely superb.

I can't figure why there's a $150 difference between the chrome version and the black with the chrome being the more expensive. Usually anything black commands a more premium price.

ColColt · Jul 29, 2015

In case anyone's interested, Steve Huff id an excellent write up and review of the Nokton 50 f1.5 lens.

http://www.stevehuffphoto.com/2013/06/19/the-voigtlander-50-1-5-aspherical-vm-lens-review/

echard · Jul 29, 2015

I really like my R3M and the Nokton 40mm. I have a bunch of images on my Tumblr here. http://fiftymilestillcoffee.tumblr.com

Xmas · Jul 29, 2015

My experience is different I bought a complete set of the Cosina Voightlander lenses tried them on a test chart and sold my Leica and ZM lenses.

All marketing hype. A lens testing chart is a good investment. Two of the Leica were new out of box one an asph.

There were just detectable differences but hand held street photos won't show. The 5cm summicron and ZM flared more than I liked, if you have one and use it in low sun...

So I sell one to best mate.

He complains it is way sharp why did I sell it! So I say I bought four identical (CV 35mm /2.5) to select the best but they were all the 'same' on PanF+ heavy tripod high speed flash and microscope...

I also use period Canon and Nikon LTM lenses as well as FSU LTM.

I do use M2s still they all have the quick load kits which are well slow but stop me from dropping base plates or chewing a baseplate.

Pioneer · Jul 29, 2015

Xmas said:
My experience is different I bought a complete set of the Cosina Voightlander lenses tried them on a test chart and sold my Leica and ZM lenses.

All marketing hype. A lens testing chart is a good investment. Two of the Leica were new out of box one an asph.

There were just detectable differences but hand held street photos won't show. The 5cm summicron and ZM flared more than I liked, if you have one and use it in low sun...

So I sell one to best mate.

He complains it is way sharp why did I sell it! So I say I bought four identical (CV 35mm /2.5) to select the best but they were all the 'same' on PanF+ heavy tripod high speed flash and microscope...

I also use period Canon and Nikon LTM lenses as well as FSU LTM.

I do use M2s still they all have the quick load kits which are well slow but stop me from dropping base plates or chewing a baseplate.

I'm a little slow this evening Xmas. A few Guinness Stout will do that to me occasionally.

Are you saying that the Leica and Zeiss lens reputation is primarily marketing hype or are you trying to say that the CV lenses are not as good as the market hype would have you believe?

cuthbert · Jul 30, 2015

ColColt said:
Wow, what can I say? I'm totally impressed by this lens. The colors and sharpness are absolutely superb.

I can't figure why there's a $150 difference between the chrome version and the black with the chrome being the more expensive. Usually anything black commands a more premium price.

I think the chrome is made of brass and the black one of aluminium.

Xmas · Jul 30, 2015

Pioneer said:
I'm a little slow this evening Xmas. A few Guinness Stout will do that to me occasionally.

Are you saying that the Leica and Zeiss lens reputation is primarily marketing hype or are you trying to say that the CV lenses are not as good as the market hype would have you believe?

I sold my Leica and ZM lenses kept the M bodies and CV lenses they were not going to be detectably better.

The after sales service may be better but I've not needed it for the CVs.

I did not believe a word of Stephen Gandy's, he is just a distributor.

rbultman · Jul 30, 2015

I have the R3M and really like it. The shutter release definitely makes more noise than my Minolta CLE, But not as much as my Canon FTBN. I use it mostly with the 40mm CV Nokton but also with the 90mm Minolta. Focusing is easy. My only complaint is that sometimes I have trouble seeing the meter.

Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

Any Love for the Voightlander Bessa?

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