First Rolls: Voigtlander Bessa R3a w/40mm f1.4 Nokton Classic

Rush2112

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Feb 18, 2011
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29
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Southern Cal
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35mm
Just got back 3 rolls of film today, impressed with the Bessa's ability to properly meter. This day was my first serious day out with the Bessa. I hand held these shots at 1/4 of a second with 400 speed Fuji Superia film. The Bessa's shutter is nearly vibration free and the body shape affords a very secure grip when shooting helping to minimize any blur.

Overall a very impressive film camera and the metering inspires confidence!

I wanted a grittier film to evoke the mood of the Harbor life and spirit, and the colors from Superia ring of a slightly classic tone.

Cheers,

Carl

Newport Harbor, Dawn- Bessa R3a w/Voigtlander 40mm f/1.4 Nokton Classic Lens



Newport Harbor Boat Service, Dawn- Bessa R3a w/Voigtlander 40mm f/1.4 Nokton Classic Lens

 

zsas

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May 12, 2011
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Chicago, IL
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35mm RF
Amazing you were able to hand hold those!

Great colors and mood!

Thanks form the share and congrats on having such a great rig.
 

Lee L

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Nov 17, 2004
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I have relatively large hands, and find that the Bessa trigger winder on my R3A provides even more hand holding stability, especially with the Grip A, which doesn't interfere with the trigger winder throw. Unfortunately, both the Grip A and trigger winder are now discontinued, but still in stock at some dealers.

I've had a similar results with good sharpness at 1/4 second exposures. I could count threads in my son's T-shirt with the 21mm f:4 handheld at 1/4 second, and they showed no blurring.

Lee
 
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Rush2112

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Joined
Feb 18, 2011
Messages
29
Location
Southern Cal
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35mm
Hi Lee


Good to see I'm not the only one noticing the true and steady nature of the Bessa, pretty amazing things these rangefinders are. I think the square body is really helpful, especially when I lock my hands around it and tuck my elbows in to make an image.

My only wish is that the Bessa R3a gave up the 90mm setting for a 35mm wide setting on the viewfinder, but I'm dealing with it ok. I have a 28mm external finder I put in the hot shoe for the wider lens.

C
 
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Rush2112

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Joined
Feb 18, 2011
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29
Location
Southern Cal
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35mm
Jeff Kubach said:
Darn good pictures, if you want garin you could try 3200 Kodak or Ilfordl.

Jeff
Click to expand...

Hi Jeff, I have that film too. I didn't want too much grain because I still wanted some fine detail in there and the colors to be "California" style as well. I'd love to go back there again and do some daytime street shooting with some of that 3200 Kodak though . Especially now that I have some confidence renewing in my film shooting abilities.

Carl
 

threemilesfinal

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Apr 15, 2011
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Happy Valley
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Medium Format
those are some fine shots! especially 1/4s handheld!

really liking the colours and the grain in them as well.
 

Andysnap

Member
Joined
Jan 24, 2011
Messages
1
Format
35mm RF
Hi Carl,

Excellent work there, lovely colours and tones. I too have the R3A and Nokton 40mm f1.4 and it is a really lovely combination. Just waiting for 3 rolls of Kodak Ektar to come back, I find the colours are really vibrant.

Cheers

Andy
 

ColdEye

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Jun 14, 2011
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San Diego, C
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I envy you for having the ability to shoot hand held at such slow speeds. ) amazing pictures.
 

Mustafa Umut Sarac

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Oct 29, 2006
Messages
4,829
Location
İstanbul
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35mm
Very educated look , I liked it too much. Superia is a very interesting film and I will buy it in Istanbul. Daylight Sky Blue is matchless. Film looks like 15 years ago Konica. But Konica was faraway grainier.
Wonderful place and you can shot hundreds of pictures. Contrast is very high.
 
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