Stick with Bessa R2 or get a M3?

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Grubriella

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Hello everyone. This is my first post here.

I would just like to ask a few question.

I own a Bessa R2 with a Nokton 40mm f1.4 and have been playing around with it for a few months and I'm really enjoying it.

I recently went to a camera store and saw a M3 for $1300AUD. I was tempted to buy it but I resisted.

Although I really like my Bessa R2, but the sturdiness and the quiet shutter of the M3 is really tempting.

So my question is if its worth selling my Bessa and buying the M3?
I know that the M3 only has 50, 90 and 135 framelines, but will it still be useable without an external viewfinder? Will the M3 display the 50 frameline or nothing at all? I currently use the 35mm framelines on the Bessa and can make a pretty decent guess, but if the M3 doesn't show anything, it maybe a bit troublesome.

Also, I can make a rough guess of the exposure, but I still rely on the light metre, just to be sure. Are those Voightlander external metres any good?

I looked at the M6, but its twice the price and I cannot afford it.
So do you think its worth just sticking with the Bessa, or switch to Leica M3?
 
Since you are new to the Bessa why not use it some more and see if there are issues you can't deal with. What do you think the M will do to your photo making? Are you planning a trip to the outback and fear an equipment failure?
This debate will go on forever and I will admit to looking at Leicas but I can't see how they will improve my image making. When I do I'll get one!
 
I've been using a Canon AE-1 for a while and then used a Yashica GSN. Loved both those cameras, until they broke down and cost more to repair than I actually paid. So I got the Bessa R2. I know the Leica won't help me take better pictures, but
I just miss the quiet shutter of the Yashica and I've taken my Bessa everywhere since I got it. So I was just asking if its worth the move? If the M3 is THAT good to actually make a switch.
 
So I was just asking if its worth the move? If the M3 is THAT good to actually make a switch.

Only you can decide that for yourself. The opinions of others will be split: some will say yes and some will say no. Those who believe very strongly in their viewpoint may end up arguing with those who believe very strongly in their opposit viewpoint.
 
I have an M2 and a R2. I owned the M2 long before the R2. There is a difference in how they feel and sound. I purchased the R2 because I thought I'd like a built-in meter, but the fact is, I still prefer an external meter. I like the R2, it's a very good camera, I use it nearly every day lately, but I enjoy using the M2 much more. It's a personal thing, and in the end, although there are many differences, the bottom line is that they both record what the lens sees on the film. I say keep the R2 and save for the M3.
 
The M3 is a great camera. I have and use one. But its not really suited to any lens much if at all wider than 50mm unless you're happy with an external finder (which costs, for a good one), getting a "lens with eyes" or just guessing. If that suits you then an M3 is a great choice for a meterless camera. (The VC II meter is good, BTW.) An M2 or one of the M4s would be a better choice for wider lenses at prices not that different from an M3.

You should do better than AUD$1300 for an M3, too, if you're prepared to wait for the right one here in the RFF classifieds, or take a risk on the auction site. (I did.)

If I were you, I'd keep using the R2, keep researching what would work best for you, and wait for the right deal once you're sure (and perhaps the right deal will make the decision for you).

...Mike
 
Thanks everyone for your opinions.
I might stick with my Bessa for now
and hopefully I'll get a chance to play around with a M body and make my decision then.
 
Hallo,

I think Frank got it right - I'd recommend going into the shop and having a long play with it.

I started with a R2a and then got an M2. Yes, it is quiter, smoother and heavier. But I still prefer my R2a for some reason, i think it's because it was my first "real" camera, it's lighter and pretty resistant to being carried around and banged about (although it's currently getting a light-seal replaced). Plus - the VC trigger winder and built-in meter are great.

I also have the VCII meter - great.
 
While there is a difference in the feel that is very personnel, at the end of the day, you will always (for the next 25 years) be able to find a M3 and get it CLAed. Ms are wonderful cameras, but having used a Bessa (T) for the last seven years almost exclusively, it's not the camera. Great tools help, but new Bessas do the basics very well. I used external finders for everything and yes, good ones cost a lot and for some lenses (e.g. 105/2.5) can be very hard to find at a price point you are willing to spend.

Just to throw a bit of GAS into this. I think the full frame M3 might work great for a 40/1.4. That is just a guess based upon nothing but a gut feeling. Perhaps Brian or others could let me know if I need to increase the drug level again.

B2 (;->
 
WOW I have been asking that for a few months now. I have a sale pending on my R3a now. I am selling all my film stuff to make a Leica purchase. I think either an M3 or M6. I am keeping my VC 401.4 and my VC 75mm in hopes to use them both. A little nervous about buying an old camera like that…. I honestly don’t even know what I should be paying. I have seen such different prices on Ebay, here and in stores.
 
pcfranchina said:
WOW I have been asking that for a few months now. I have a sale pending on my R3a now. I am selling all my film stuff to make a Leica purchase. I think either an M3 or M6. I am keeping my VC 401.4 and my VC 75mm in hopes to use them both. A little nervous about buying an old camera like that…. I honestly don’t even know what I should be paying. I have seen such different prices on Ebay, here and in stores.
Click to expand...

In regards to buying "old" equipment there's one thing that is quite different. Your plan is buying "old" Leica equipment which I'm sure many would agree here is better than lots of "new" photo equipment out on the market now.

The last thing you need to worry about is the camera......... In my mind what you need to worry about is future attacks of GAS and hanging around here where this is encouraged 😀
 
Only you can choose. The fact that you can play with it helps.

The 40 Nokton is a great lens on the M3.

Roland.
 
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