bessa r3a black/grey finish durability

[nanthor]

I'm familiar with the Epson R-D1 and it's no secret the black finish is not too durable. Now I'm thinking of trading my M6 for an R3a since I'm starting to shoot in AE mode with the M6, and it doesn't have an AE mode. (this is from habit with the R-D1) Is the black finish of the R3a more durable than the R-D1 finish? Is the grey better or worse than the black finish? I'm very careful with my cameras and would like the look to be retained as long as possible. Thanks, Bob.

 

[kshapero]

I have owned both (but not the gray) and the finish looks the same to me. It is the R3M that has IMHO, the upgraded finish.

 

[cjm]

I've had a grey R2a and a black R3a (though not at the same time) and the finishes looked very similar if not the same.

 

[ClaremontPhoto]

I'm starting to shoot in AE mode with the M6, and it doesn't have an AE mode.

This sounds like a problem.

 

[nanthor]

"I'm starting to shoot in AE mode with the M6, and it doesn't have an AE mode."

Yes, it wastes film and it makes me feel old. I don't want the expense of an M7 and I like the 100% viewfinder so the r3a sounds about right.

I appreciate the response so far but haven't yet heard too much about the durability. Would those of you with these cameras say that the durability of the gray is equal to the black? I think gray would be me choice if I knew it was at least as durable as the black. Thanks, Bob.

 

[ferider]

I've had a grey R3a for about a year, also on longer hiking trips, etc, and the finish held up very well. Cann't compare to the black one though.

Out of memory though, the grey one is the older model and there might be some mechanical differences in rewind mechanism, shutter/meter, etc., when compared to the new black model, no ?

Roland.

 

[nanthor]

"Out of memory though, the grey one is the older model"

I didn't know that, does anyone here know if there's any difference in the models, save for the color?

Thanks, Bob.

 

[kshapero]

No difference at all. I have taken an R3A mountain climbing. Hit rocks more times than I can count. Never a mechanical problem. A few smudges on the finish. If you define durability by its ability to take a licking and keep on ticking then the R3A of any color is a tank.

 

[nanthor]

Thanks kshapiro. I see that your current body is the Zeiss Ikon. I am thinking of moving from the M6 to a camera with aperture AE. Since you have had an R3A and also the Zeiss, what are your thoughts/comparisons of the two? I know I would have to use a separate viewfinder for anything wider than 35mm (actually 40mm) but other than the viewfinder mag. what are the benefits of going with the more expensive Zeiss? Bob.

 

[kshapero]

Advantages of ZI:
1. VF, vf,vf,vf. Can't emphasize this enough.
2 Smoother operation.
3. Better looking IMHO.

But R3A is a real nice unit from 40mm to 90mm.

 

[daveywaugh]

The newer matt black model R3A has an updated rewind crank over the original black and gray. Not a biggie IMO, but definitely an improvement. Smoother. Not sure about the shutter, but my original black R3A had to be sent back with problems and my replacement matt model has performed flawlessly since so who knows...