A couple questions on the Bessa R2 build quality...

[marek_]

Hi,

I recently got myself an R2 (used but in very good condition). I like the camera - simple, light and fairly substantial in feel. But I have two queries that those who use/have used the camera can help to clear-up.

First...

The wind-on lever has quite a bit of vertical play. Is this the build quality I should expect?

Secondly...

The rangefinder patch is wonky - isn't parallel to the horizontal frame lines. The double image is fine both horizontally and vertically as are the frame lines. I took a few pictures framing the horizontal using the patch and they've came out slanted.

Have any of you experienced this before and can it be straightened? Or is this the limits of the build quality for this Bessa?

Kind regards,
Mark

 

[Griffin]

My advance lever is a little wobbly, but no more than any other camera I own.

The patch does indeed seem to ever so slightly slant down and to the right. Just by a tiny fraction. I've never framed anything using just the patch so I can't be 100% sure: If I line up a horizon with the top framelines (35 mm) and then pan down, the horizon doesn't line up with the patch. But that might be just my wonky panning.

 

[Griffin]

Oh yeah, congratulations on your purchase of your R2 unit! "You have taken your first step into a larger world" - O. Kenobi

 

[marek_]

Thanks for your input guys.

The play in the lever I can live with just as long it doesn't get any worse. But the patch can be distracting as I use it pin-point where I want to frame - I find this a useful way for framing. Any idea if the patch can be adjusted?

Other than these two things the camera is excellent to use. A good upgrade from the canon III and V I've been using.

Thanks,
Mark