R2 or R3?

[conradyiu]

I use 35mm and 50mm LTM lens often, will you recommend R2 or R3?
Moreover, an adapter really makes no difference in using a LTM lens in a M mount Bessa ?

 

[AzzA]

I'm faced with the same decision as you at the moment. I've pretty much decided on the R2 as it has the 35mm framelines (the R3 doesnt). I really like the 35mm focal length.

 

[conradyiu]

35mm focal length is pretty good but 1.0 real life viewfinder is also attractive for R3

 

[AzzA]

I know... Its not easy.. It's taken me a while to decide to get the R2A, dont change my mind now! 😀

 

[oscroft]

I use 35mm and 50mm LTM lens often, will you recommend R2 or R3?

R2. R3 doesn't have a 35mm frame.

Moreover, an adapter really makes no difference in using a LTM lens in a M mount Bessa ?

None at all. (On a body that has auto frameline selection you need to make sure you use the correct adapter, but on a Bessa it makes no difference)

 

[stesm]

With R3A, I use the entire viewfinder. It is very close to framelines for 35 in my Canon P which also is 1:1. If you need precise framing with either, an accessory finder would be useful. With R2A, I use the entire viewfinder to approximate framing for 28mm. Another solution is to get both which, of course, also requires getting a 40...

 

[payasam]

If you use 35 mm, the R2 pretty much chooses itself. Just make sure you get adapters (or one adapter) of good quality.

 

[conradyiu]

Could I get more or less after develop my negative when I use the full viewfinder of R3A as 35mm frameline?

 

[conradyiu]

In my case, use 35mm/50mm often, if I choose R3A and use the full viewfinder as approx 35mm frameline and get 1:1 real life viewfinder for easy focusing - is it a bit strange?

 

[daveywaugh]

In my case, use 35mm/50mm often, if I choose R3A and use the full viewfinder as approx 35mm frameline and get 1:1 real life viewfinder for easy focusing - is it a bit strange?

I think that sounds like a good plan. Personally I prefer the R3A with it's 50mm framelines and as long as 35mm framing isn't too critical, I think you'd be very happy. I'm going through the same dilemma at the moment and think the R3A is the way to go.

 

[biomed]

With R3A, I use the entire viewfinder. It is very close to framelines for 35 in my Canon P which also is 1:1. If you need precise framing with either, an accessory finder would be useful. With R2A, I use the entire viewfinder to approximate framing for 28mm. Another solution is to get both which, of course, also requires getting a 40...

That's exactly what I did - R3A, 35/2.5 and 50/1.5.

 

[AzzA]

Well after decidng to buy the R2, i ended up getting an R3 for a nice price. I'll be using it with a 35mm lens. I dont wear glasses so hopefully the full viewfinder view is close enough to 35mm (havent tested it yet).
What did you end up getting conradyiu?

 

[Sam N]

In my case, use 35mm/50mm often, if I choose R3A and use the full viewfinder as approx 35mm frameline and get 1:1 real life viewfinder for easy focusing - is it a bit strange?

One of the main advantages of RFs over SLRs is that you don't have to use the whole finder. This can aid in composition. The R2A seems like the obvious choice.

The reasons to get the R3A are for working with both eyes open (only if you're right-eyed) and for using a 40mm lens. I don't think the magnification difference is enough to make a real difference in focusing.

 

[sockeyed]

Having used the R3A and R3M extensively, I wouldn't recommend it for 35mm shooting. I don't wear glasses and I still found it challenging seeing the 40mm framelines. They are very close to the edge of the frame, so you're going to be missing some of the action framing a 35mm in that viewfinder, and part of the beauty of using a rangefinder, in my opinion, is seeing what lies outside of your framelines.

Where the R3's excel, in my mind is with a 50mm or 75mm lens. A great combination for me is a 50mm and a 28mm using an accessory viewfinder. Great kit.

 

[PCB_RF]

If you don't wear glasses, the R3 should work fine for 35 and 50. If you do wear glasses, the R2 is probably the better choice.

As much as I love the view through a 1:1 finder, I wear eyeglasses, and found the R3 40mm framelines difficult to view at a single glance. It was very frustrating trying to use the area outside the 40mm framelines to frame a 35mm lens. The R2 35mm framelines are just at the edge of single-glance visibility for me, so it's the highest-mag finder I can comfortably use for 35mm.

 

[conradyiu]

As a result, I need to try both before actually buy one.
Thanks for yours sharing.

 

[Argenticien]

As a result, I need to try both before actually buy one.
Thanks for yours sharing.

And this kind of raises the question: Where can one physically hold/try these cameras before buying, barring a secondhand one chancing to be on offer nearby? (Sorry, no offense meant to the bartender's online store!) I'm aware of B&H in NYC having them, and RayKo in San Francisco. Anywhere else that anyone knows of? (In the southeastern US would be a lot to expect, I suppose.)
--Dave

 

[ruby.monkey]

They're inexpensive. Buy both. 😉

(Then all you have to worry about is, A or M?)

 

[odium]

well if someone's got a r2 to sell for a decent price, I'm open too, in the next 15 days but I lost the last two I had my eyes on

 

[jerkmam]

RA orR

RA orR

i have a leica m4, looking to by a camera to use with a 50mm1.4 35mm1.4 need 1.1 vf.,all so what lenes is good at 11,8,56,4,28 at 14 i use the canon.