I just received my Bessa R2 & lenses. I'm impressed with the quality of construction & appearance of the camera. I'd forgotten how small RF lenses can be. If you are considering one, go ahead. I don't think it will dissappoint you.
The Nocton/1.5 looks great, but for general photography the Color Skpar 50/2.5 looks also good. Just remember that you can use any Leica-M mount with this cameras (eBay maybe a good source) even some russian lenses.
That is true. For my first foray into Leicadom, I am going to go with a Voigtlander lens simply because it is a more known quanity than a used screwmount or M mount lens. And for the price the Nocton looks really nice. BUT.... Should I eschew say the 35s? They have some nice, very small ones out there, and this is a "street camera". I just sually don't shoot with a 35mm. But perhaps I should change that.
It's hard to say, it depends a lot on your personal taste. Is it possible for you to get a Nocton/50 and used/russian 35mm (aka cheapo) so you can try and see whether you like the 35mm prespective or not. It's a different worls Then buy a Voigtlander/Leica/Zeiss
Lenses I got & why: I decided on the 35/2.5 Color Skopar Classic (not the pancake) and the 75 2.5 Color Heliar. As the heart of my lens collection I wanted a 2-lens package for light travel. The 35 was an obvious choice for me: I prefer it for the gentle perspective it offers. Others might prefer the 25 or 28mm, but those are a little too strongly wide angle for me--at least for a single wide angle. The mild tele/portrait lens decision was based on the 75 being a bit more compact than the 90. Ulitmately I may add a couple more lenses, but I've never owned lots of different focal lengths for any of my cameras, so working with just 1 or 2 lengths is intuitive for me. I'm really looking forward to using this camera. It's been 35+ years since I regularly used a 35 rangefinder. The small size, quiet operation, and ease of use of the Bessa feels a little liberating--I hope to regain some of the spontenaity I had when I first started photography. While I love view cameras for the detail they can capture, and the controls they offer, the 35 RF offers the ability to just take a picture before you have a chance to think about it. Charlie
Well I weint with the 50mm Nocton. Mostly because I am used to it. I'll later do the cheap Russian 35mm and see how it goes. I will probably end up with a 35/50/90 setup.
Well, I got the camera today and am VERY impressed. First of all, this is my first real rangefinder, and I really like the bright viewfinder. Very nice in low light. The R2 fits nicely into my hands. Very nice design there. It just feels good. The mechanics are all smooth and well designed. It is really a nice camera. I love mechanical bodies, so this one is right up my alley. The Nocton is a nice lens. I haven't seen any results from it, but it feels very nice. Good size, and the aperture ring turns very nicely not too clicky, but you don't run over them either. The half stops are really nice to have on a manual 35mm. Nice touch. I'm gonna take it through the paces tomorrow and see what I get.
Pictures will be coming soon. I have to scan stuff in yet. The bad nesw is that the Nocton lens had something snap off in it, and it jams now. But it is on it's way to B&H for replacement.
I've used the 35/2.5 Color Skopar "classic" on Leica M cameras and found it to performs really well. I ultimately got a used 35mm Summicron but the Voigtlander 35mm is comparable in performance. Another outstanding lens and, IMHO, the greatest bargain of all the Voigtlanders is the 21/4 Color Skopar. It's tiny in size and big on results. If you ever need a very wide lens, look at this one. I've talked myself out of buying the R2 several times. I have too many cameras and not enough time to use them. I've been very impressed with everything Voigtlander has introduced. I'm sure you will be satisfied as soon as you get the lens problem worked out.
When the Olive R2 first came out, and Tom A. showing me his, I did almost buy one. Now a few years later with 2 Bessa R3A's, I'm still kicking myself. But wait---there's the R2M/R3M now...less the the timer. (I prefer having a timer---they're handy!)
I've got the olive R2 and I love it, it's the camera I always reach for first. The little 35mm Color Skopar Classic is superb and they make a great pair. My next purchase will be the 75mm. All the VL lenses seem great value for money, the only lens which people seem to have mixed feelings over is the 50mm f/2.5. Mike
