Which one is yours? R? It worn out to white plastic and rubber torned on it after daily use. In not on me it was in the camera bag.
I have r2m and L for now, both were purchased nib. I'm just afraid to use them without half case now, but half case adds bulk.
Any Leica is 1000 times more durable, comparing to any Bessa, IMO.
I agree 100% with your comments regarding long term durability when comparing Leica against the Bessa R. I have read about some of the problems you had with yours while you owned it.
I seriously doubt that mine will last as long as any of my Barnacks have. I have only owned it since 2014 and have put about 20 rolls a year through it, so it has a very long ways to go to catch up with my little Leica III. I have no idea how many rolls of film have been through that little Leica but from the worn condition of the body it has to have been a lot.
When the Bessa finally does wear out I doubt I'll go looking for another. However, since I do own it, I intend to take advantage of its benefits while it continues to work. I really like the meter and the viewfinder a lot, and the price was certainly right. It cost less than the Leica III did to start with and I have spent no money on the Bessa R since I bought it. I can't say that about the Leica III. So far the body covering on mine is holding up pretty well. The shutter and film transport seems relatively well built as well and it doesn't seem as if it is in any danger of falling apart real soon.
As I already said, the Barnacks are wonderful cameras and I love mine. But they can be costly little fellas to own and maintain.
My advice. If you really want a screwmount Leica that will last a long time, buy a new Leica M-A and install the Leica M to LTM adapter. It will cost a lot more to start with but it will pay that back by not needing a lot of expensive service for a long time. Unfortunately most people don't want to do that and are willing to take their chances with used Leicas.