Bessa is best

Frank-G · Aug 26, 2006

Considering the quality, the feel and the price.... Here's what I think.

There is almost a Bessa with every mount type with several adaptors available. Just see what Cameraquest has for you. The trying part is picking one. However, since the latest and greatest are the m-mount models, and at least 4 M-lens brands to choose from, the choice is clear. It is the R2A or the R3A, depending on which frame-lines are desired; and you can always buy both! You may believe the newest RM versions are better, and perhaps so, but what about the lack of auto exposure? Oops. Back to the R2A and R3A. There you go.

Tom Hoskinson · Aug 26, 2006

Auto exposure?? Who needs it? I sure don't.

Frank-G · Aug 27, 2006

You can always shut if off.

matt miller · Aug 27, 2006

I've been having fits over the Bessa's lately. I really want one bad, but don't know which one would be right for me. When the funds come available, I will buy one. What's the difference between the R2M & R3M and their A brethren? Is there a difference between the M & A besides auto exposure. Will the A fire without batteries?

What's your opinion on the 50/2 Heliar? How about the 40/1.4 Nokton?

Frank-G · Aug 27, 2006

I haven't read anything meaningful about 50/2 Heliar but I have read good things about the 40/1.4 Nokton---except that it's small for big hands. I have the 50mm F1.5 Nokton, but I haven't developed my films yet.

You can read all about the Bessas on http://www.cameraquest.com - you can even buy one from there.

I prefer the auto exposure because I waste less time fondling---'er, fiddling. That's why I love my R3A's.

Roger Hicks · Aug 27, 2006

The R2A/R3A are battery dependent and allow auto exposure; the R2M/R3M require the battery only for metering but have no auto exposure.

They are without doubt superb value for money. The only major objective complaints are the very short rangefinder base (all models) and hard-to-read metering in the R2A/R3A. Many have also found that the shutter release on the R2A/R3A is too sensitive and sometimes goes off while you are trying to make a meter reading. I haven't handled the R2M/R3M yet so don't know about the meter or shutter release.

The ZI offers a much better viewfinder with auto-keyed frame lines (manually selected on Bessas) and a much longer RF base. My wife Frances Schultz also finds them easier to hold still. The meter is not as good as it might be and you can't fit a trigger base as you can with Voigtlanders and Leicas. I don't like the bottom rewind but Frances finds it no problem.

And the Leica is simply smoother and nicer, as it ought to be at the price.

Without doubt, it'd diminishing returns as the price goes up, but equally, the ZI and Leica are better cameras. Whether the improvements are worth the money is something only you can decide.

Cheers,

Roger

f/stopblues · Aug 27, 2006

Roger makes a good good point about the base length. It should really only be a deterrent if you're shooting longer lenses at wider apertures though. I've had little trouble with focusing accuracy with a Nokton 50 wide open at f/1.5 and have read similar experiences. It does take extra care to focus of course.

I can't really comment on the metering, as I normally use a handheld meter. However, as mentioned above, the R2/3a require batteries for the shutter to operate. It's no big deal til the batteries die and you're out in the open plains of western Kansas, 20 miles down a dirt road photographing some really cool abandoned stone farm house, setting your 10 hour road trip back an extra hour and half JUST to take these pictures.. and your battery dies (and you didn't bring a backup). <grumble.. explatives being muttered> So just keep that in mind

Tom Hoskinson · Aug 27, 2006

Frank-G said:
You can always shut if off.

No need, I just use the manual metering in my R3M - or my Pentax Spotmeter.

bjorke · Aug 27, 2006

One thing I've noticed in random scouting on prices is that very few people who buy Bessa seem to ever, ever, sell them.

No problem finding an M4-P though

Roger Hicks · Aug 27, 2006

bjorke said:
One thing I've noticed in random scouting on prices is that very few people who buy Bessa seem to ever, ever, sell them.

No problem finding an M4-P though

Probably because they're not worth enough to warrant the effort of trying to sell them, whereas a Leica almost invariably is. I sold my Bessa-R because I wasn't using it and it wasn't M-mount.

Cheers,

R.

Frank-G · Aug 27, 2006

That's because the Bessa is best--best bang for the buck and then some. I sold my Leica CL but I shall never sell my 2 Bessas!

One thing I've noticed in random scouting on prices is that very few people who buy Bessa seem to ever, ever, sell them.

Dan Fromm · Aug 27, 2006

Would you by any chance be Frank Granovski?

rfshootist · Aug 27, 2006

Dan Fromm said:
Would you by any chance be Frank Granovski?

He is. And he still hasn't changed the issue ? Eery.

Frank-G · Aug 27, 2006

This is the Voigtlander Rangefinder forum, is it not?

copake_ham · Aug 27, 2006

Frank-G said:
This is the Voigtlander Rangefinder forum, is it not?

Yes, Frank, it is.

But we are generally a much kinder and gentler site than the one you are used to.

Also, please keep in mind that the overriding ethos of this site is the preservation and advancement of film. We respect each other's choices in film format (the LF guys are a major factor here and I've learned a lot from them) and our preferred choice of gear (so long as its film-based).

Welcome - the expanded RF section will be interesting to watch.

Frank-G · Aug 27, 2006

Thanks, Copake.

rfshootist · Aug 27, 2006

Frank-G said:
This is the Voigtlander Rangefinder forum, is it not?

Yes , Frank, the right forum but the title has a smell of provocation anyway.
Depends on who reads it, it won't be read by CV users only .
I personally can agree, for me the CV stuff IS he best RF solution too, but i would never title a thread this way .

Don't get me wrong, I do not appreciate at all the imperial attitude of JT at RFF and the partly dumb totalitarian way of moderating they practise there, and I have left this forum exactly for these reasons , but that you got fired there was a bit your fault too, and it had something to do with this sorta statements, which can be easily interpreted as a provocation.

My suggestion would be to mark it as a personal opinion at least, but best switch over to something REALLY interesting. Don't count on me when some of the bottom loaders open fire on you

Bertram

Frank-G · Aug 27, 2006

Oh, it's you---my German buddy---my 1st language since my mom is from Berlin. I did have a Holsten today---coming out of it right about now.

Bertram, I didn't know you stopped posting over there. Since this board is bassed in NZ, maybe good ol' Desmo will find it.

I may move to the dark side this evening or tomorrow, depending when the seller contacts me from Burnaby. Nope. Not digital. It will be my last SLR (for the TTL flash thingy).

I was thinking of a R3M but I'm going to wait for the auto shutter model. (Fingers crossed.)

Tom Hoskinson · Aug 27, 2006

The "M" in R3M means MANUAL.

Frank-G · Aug 27, 2006

I should have known that. Thanks. A nice camera for the purist.

Tom Hoskinson · Aug 27, 2006

Always glad to help!

Frank-G · Aug 27, 2006

I'm certain I'll learn more as I inch along.

I'm sure many still don't know that the "P" in M4-P stands for professional.

Frank-G · Aug 27, 2006

It just hit me. The "A" in R3A must stand for auto.

Bertram, Back Alley thinks you are posting on RFF under the name of fitzihardwurshd

maybe read the whole of what i said before knocking it bertram, er fitzi...joe

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?p=361248

Bessa is best

Privacy & Transparency

Privacy & Transparency