model differences

[markrich]

All!

Sorry to sound a little Naïve about this, but the Bessa R range has a variety of different models now and I haven't found a website detailing the changes between them over time.

Can anyone just provide a quick breakdown on how the models changed?😕

Marky

 

[ClaremontPhoto]

CameraQuest (who own this forum) in USA and Robert White in Europe both detail the various models. They both have advertiser links on this site.

 

[pvdhaar]

CameraQuest (who own this forum) in USA and Robert White in Europe both detail the various models. They both have advertiser links on this site.

But.. the best thing is not to go look there.

Before you know it, you'll be drooling all over what's shown there and you'll want the whole lot.

Never say I didn't warn you!

 

[clarence]

Chronologically:

R - LTM mount
R2 - M Mount
R2A - M Mount with Aperture Priority Automatic Exposure
R3A - M Mount with Aperture Priority Automatic Exposure and 1:1 finder
R4A - M Mount with Aperture Priority Automatic Exposure and wide angle framelines up to 21mm
Where there is an M-suffix instead of A, the camera body is fully mechanical, with the exception of an electronic meter. There is of course, no aperture-priority.

Up to the R3A, the evolutionary development of the cameras is one of progress and addition. The R4A makes the sideways step into features for wide-angle shooting.

Clarence

 

[ferider]

All!

Sorry to sound a little Naïve about this, but the Bessa R range has a variety of different models now and I haven't found a website detailing the changes between them over time.

Can anyone just provide a quick breakdown on how the models changed?😕

Marky

Hi Marky,

here is a quick list, in historical order, I believe:

- Bessa R (screw mount)
- Bessa L (no viewfinder, no RF, screw mount)
- Bessa T (M mount, no viewfinder, but long EBL RF; looks and feels a bit like the Leica III)
- Bessa R2 (like R but M mount and better built).
- Bessa R2a and R3a (aperture priority, R2a viewfinder like R2, R3a has 1:1 viewfinder with 40mm framelines)
- Bessa R3m and R3m (post ZI; like R[23]a, but manual exposure; modified shutter, a bit quieter than R[23]a)

Best,

Roland.

 

[pvdhaar]

The Bessa L was the first, followed by the R. The rest of Roland's list is Ok.

Oh, and the LTM models have a self timer that's been stripped off the T and later models.

Newest models are the R4a/R4m with low view finder magnification to suit wide angle lenses..

 

[BillBingham2]

The L and the R have more plastic parts than the newer models. The L I got used years ago has a lot of miles on her and is still looking good and working great (knock on wood).

From the T on, they all take a manual winder (like a Rapid Winder) that works great and allows you to hang the camera from the right side.

B2 (;->

 

[payasam]

Roland, does the Bessa T resemble the Leica III?

 

[markrich]

Okay. Now all is clear I think 🙂

Thanks peeps! Now where did I put that wallet......?

 

[ferider]

Roland, does the Bessa T resemble the Leica III?

Sorry Mukul 😱 Just the RF ...