Returning to the Bessa R

The Bessa R is one of those rare objects that is just about perfect ... kind of like a Fender Precision Bass. The R fills its niche magnificently. Sure, it could be more heavily built, more Leica-like, but then it would not be a $200 camera ... which is a big part of its charm. Mine's been to Hawaii, Mexico, Prague, and all over the Southeastern US. I've taken great pictures with it while drunk in a juke joint. It's been with me through two hurricanes and one tornado. I don't foresee needing any other camera.
 
I bought two new Rs from Stephen; I got the first one several years back, liked it and then foolishly thought I wanted something else/"better" so I sold it and used the cash to buy...can't remember. Used an FSU for a while (which I still have and use) decided that the R was really what I wanted, tried to buy another used one here but that deal didn't quite work out. So I bought another new one from Stephen shortly before he sold out of them. That one isn't going anywhere. Have since got an R2A and an L. The L is working well for me, the R2A works well but isn't such a good fit for me. I still pick up the R most often.
I'm going to have to decide if the R2A stays or goes...
As has been said above, the R is, for me at least, a definite "sweet spot" of RF cameras; there honestly is not any M-mount lenses I seriously lust after so I don't need more than a good LTM camera, the meter is as good as or better than the hand held meters I own(or am likely to own), and with one exception--the J-12--I can use all the lenses I like and want. And the VF suits me and my eyesight very well.
"Perfect"? No. "Perfectly suitable"? For me, yes.
Rob
 
The Bessa series are very nice cameras and deliver a lot of value for the money.

The quality of construction and choice of materials seem to have improved with each camera.

The only problem with buying into the myth of a camera brand is that you begin to think that it will dramatically improve your photos. As well, you tend to worry about the camera so much that it takes away from your photography.

Better to get a less expensive camera or one that has signs of use (not abuse).

The key to a camera is knowing exactly how it functions so that you're not constantly looking at the controls, searching for the shutter release, aperture ring, shutter speed dial, etc.
 
Mike, you are so right. Because I spent 25 years with Asahi Pentax Spotmatics, I rarely need to even look at one when I'm using it. The second most intuitive (for me) is the Bessa R.

Then there's my Rolliflex. Hmmm...
 
I am still waiting for a nice screw mount 35/2.5 to show up in the classifieds, but until then I am enjoying my Bessa R with J-8. A lovely, inexpensive package. :)
 
My "Bessa R" is the Canon P. I always return to it. It is reliable and it functions like a good camera should function. It feels like a Leica, but it is easier to load.
 
Just about any RF body will work... With a 28mm, you've got plenty of DOF to work with. Pre-focus to about 11 feet at f8, get a CV 28mm Brightline finder, and you've got a nice point and shoot camera. My own "P&S" is a ZM 25/2.8 on a Bessa T with a CV brightline finder.
 
I´m having this same dilema...

Next week I should receive a Leica M6 and a Summicron DR, nice stuff for sure, but I also have some older M bodies I paid a lot less for and a R3A in mint condition. I´m pretty sure I´ll play for some time with the newcomers and will sell them soon. I like cameras you can carry all around and not worrying too much about where you put it, how you carry it, who might see it and so on. Cheap is definately another user factor for me.
 
a leica is expensive because it is said to be very solid . So why worrying about using it ? Taking to much care ofit makes it a quite expensive paperweight.
 
I have a Bessa R2C and until a few months ago, it was the only camera I carried on trips abroad and for daily shooting. Just sling it over my shoulder and away I go. Compact, solid, and reliable.

But after getting my Leica M2, I have had zero desire to use the Bessa (I do have a roll in it and force myself to use it from time to time) but I just can't imagine going anywhere without the Leica. Hard as I try to leave the house with the Bessa or Kiev, it's always the Leica.

I lost confidence in the Bessa after the shutter gave me away and I was accosted for taking a picture of some people at a public event. This was in a street with a fair amount of ambient noise. I had the 35mm lens so I had to get closer. When I shot, every head in that group of people turned to look at me. I then realized I needed to either go back to the Kiev and its hassles, or buy a Leica. I did the latter and I am so happy for it.
 
Actually my Bessa R has turned into my "specialist" camera when I wantr a lightweigt camera to carry around with me the R + 35 skopar is it or it's great as a 2nd body with rhe 21CV. Perhaps in earlier times it would have been made after the R2 as a lightweight additional body.
Yes I also had my R playing tricks on me not transporting a film after 17 exposures, the rewind button not popping back after coccking the shutter......So yes nice it is but I would rate it 85 out of a 100
 
Sorry to hear about the bad day, pesphoto. May tomorrow be a good day.

Re: Bessa R. Mine has only one problem. The rewind is a bit stiff, but it always works. Currenty is mated to the 28/1.9. Oddly, I don't find this kit heavy, though some have complained about the lens being heavy. On the other hand, I'm frequently schlepping large DSLR's or a Rolleiflex, so in comparison the kit seems light.
 
Saving a Leica M6...for what? Another life? We do we what we need to do, but every time I advance film with one of my Leicas I am very glad I brought it along. I have a Bessa R (and T and L) and they are nice cameras. But they are not Leica M cameras.
 
Thanks guys, I just need thicker skin I think......but then again, Im glad I dont. If that makes sense.

I do enjoy my Bessa R quite a bit. It has all I need really, great viewfinder, all manual, easy to load. I was even able to fix the out of alignment issue when I dropped it a little while back. It's sort of the Spotmatic of rangefinders......
 
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Ted, my first Leica was a pristine M6 which, like you, I sold promptly because it was too nice a camera to lug around. I too prefer the well-worn to the well-shorn.
 
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