Anyone tempted by Bessa R2S?

I just got the 50mm f3.5 Heliar S lens on its own not long ago from Stephen before the price of the kits was reduced. I would have gotten the camera body has well at the price been as low as it is now. Great value.
 
I have the NHS set and it is for sure a good camera but to be honest I have not used it that much. The TTL measurement is of course a great plus vs the Nikon S-cameras but it simply isn´t the same feeling. If I want a more modern camera than my Nikon rangefinder but still film then I tend to use my Nikon FM2´s instead. I am sure this is more of an "emotional" thing than based on hard facts but that´s the way it has worked out for me....

But if you want a TTL camera for the S-mount lenses then it is for sure a good camera from a functional point of view.

Jon
 
I bought a R2S body a couple of months ago. My S needed repair and I didn't want to spend the money because it isn't really a very good user. I looked for an S2 for about a year but couldn't find one at a decent price. I found a new RS2 in Tokyo for about 47000 yen and have been using that. Viewfinder is nice, the camera is well made and it is a solid dependable user. I just can't figure out why it doesn't inspire love the way my Contaxes do.
 
Logically speaking, the Bessa R2S does the job just fine. Even has TTL metering, and a nice clear focus patch to boot.

Emotionally speaking, for me the Bessa R2S just didn't have it. I'd rather shoot with a decent user Nikon S2, SP, S3, or S4 over an R2S anyday.

I bought, then promptly returned my first R2S because the shutter jammed the first time I tried to load film. After thinking I didn't give my first R2S a decent chance to prove its worth, I picked up another one (yet another one of those 47,800 yen jobs), put a few rolls through it, then sold it. I decided I prefer the Nikon 1:1 viewfinder and 60mm baselength over the Bessa's 0.70 viewfinder and 37mm baselength. I never felt comfortable focusing anything 50mm or longer on the R2S. Plus the Nikon's feel MUCH nicer to use. So I learnt my lesson and I'll stick to my Nikon bodies from now on. YMMV :)
 
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I have not gone that way because it will not deal with a 105/2.5 at all. Never went with it's sisters either because they do not work with a 85/2. I did well by a Bessa T for several years, and I have an R (for my son) but it suffers from the same short EBL RF.

I'm getting better without a built in meter again. The R2S does take a winder, something very handy at times.

On the other hand, it is a fine backup camera or second camera if you can not afford the alternatives. I think it would work fine the any of the 35s or winder and even the 50/1.4 Mil lens.

B2 (;->
 
I just purchased a second user S3 for $595.00 US (I don't yet have it in hand but my friend in the States had it checked out and everything seems to be as it is supposed to be) so now I'll have two rangefinder shooters. And while I usually schlepp three SLR's for street shooting (with 18~28, 35~105 and 80~200), unless a CV body literally falls out of the sky for nickels and dimes, I'll likely continue to use my motorized metrerless F with a 180 2.8 as my long lens and use the S3's with 21 and 35 CV's when I'm going rangefinder on the street.
 
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I think at the current low peice, the R2S is a bargain. The lens alone is worth it! Even though I already have one, I have been thinking about getting a second body! Dont ask why, but in my minf it makes sense. Maybe I can rationalize that this way I can have 100/400 asa film in them, or keep a spare 50f3.5 while using the 35/2,5 or 1.8 on one of them. This nothing but GAS attack anyway - all I have to do now is rationalize it!
 
Tom A said:
I think at the current low peice, the R2S is a bargain. The lens alone is worth it! Even though I already have one, I have been thinking about getting a second body! Dont ask why, but in my minf it makes sense. Maybe I can rationalize that this way I can have 100/400 asa film in them, or keep a spare 50f3.5 while using the 35/2,5 or 1.8 on one of them. This nothing but GAS attack anyway - all I have to do now is rationalize it!
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Again, I always enjoy to read Tom's comments :) , but from my point of view,
I'll would like one robust body( Leica, one day perhaps ) and two lenses combo
beside me: 21mm + (35mm or 40mm) or (28mm or 25mm) + 50mm
 
Tom, please do not add to my GAS for this rig! It would work like this ... "But honey, Tom A has two... I think my only having one is quite understandable."

Yeah, that will work.

BTW, one thing that would keep me from this camera is fewer choices for wide angle lenses, plus the auxiliary finder issue. Anyone care to make up a quick list of s-mount wides w/ average prices?

Earl
 
I need an R2C. I've got a gaggle of Contax and Kiev lenses, but struggle with a pair of ancient and problematic Contax II, and IIa bodies.
 
I have the R2S NHS kit. It is a well made camera with a great meter, but it is nothing like an original Nikon rangefinder. If it is a bargin, then buy it as a back up to an original Nikon and better yet, use the R2S lens on your Nikon RF.
 
I got my R2S with 21-25-85 lenses and the trigger winder in 2003 and have enjoyed this system a lot. I came at it originally with the idea of using the C/V lenses on my Nikon rangefinders, but like the R2S body so much (and still keep the Nikon rangefinders on a bit of a pedestal) that I simply keep that system, together with a Nikon RF 50mm f1.4 lens, together in a bag. For me, it is a wonderful system, but the body did fail me at the end of a trip to Japan in 2004, (1/2 way through the transportation museum that is no longer there), so that bummed me out. Stephen Gandy took care of the repair once I returned from that trip and no problems since (same malady as Jon Manjiro experienced, a jammed shutter). But I would not let that deter you from getting an R2S. By the way, the 85f3.5 Apo-lanthar lens is incredibly sharp.
 
David Murphy said:
I need an R2C. I've got a gaggle of Contax and Kiev lenses, but struggle with a pair of ancient and problematic Contax II, and IIa bodies.
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David, Henry can fix those Contaxes for you. He did miracles with my IIa. Mine left the factory in 1953 with a bad rangefinder and an incorrectly assembled shutter. It is now better than new and it only took 52 years to get it working like it should. An Air Force officer bought it 1958 or so, tried to use it and got frustrated with it. He put it in a drawer and it stayed there until he died a few years ago. I bought it and spent too much money on it but I just love it! My kids will have to figure out what to do with it.


I'd like an R2C but with the R2S AND a lens for the same price as the R2C has caused me to hold off. I hope the price drops on the R2C.

What I really want (and have since 1978) is a black Nikon SP. Maybe when I get back from Iraq I will get one, the 2005 model with the 35mm lens.
 
David Murphy said:
I need an R2C. I've got a gaggle of Contax and Kiev lenses, but struggle with a pair of ancient and problematic Contax II, and IIa bodies.
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The Bessa R2C shows up on eBay occasionally. I bought mine about 2 years ago for $400. It does not get much use now that I have a number of Contax bodies back from service with Henry S., but I will probably hang on to it anyway. Nice to use on very bright sunny days due to the 1/2000 shutter speed. I have never liked using ND filters, and the faster speed is a bonus in this situation.

I wonder why Cosina has never cut the price on the R2C like it did on the R2S?
 
aoresteen said:
What I really want (and have since 1978) is a black Nikon SP. Maybe when I get back from Iraq I will get one, the 2005 model with the 35mm lens.
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I lust after that combo, too.

Stay safe, and thanks for your service.
 
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