Anyone using Bessa R2C?

[Maiku]

Hi,

Anyone using the Bessa R2C? I am interested in getting it, but would like a bit of a review from an owner.

I have the Head Bartender`s review, but I really would some comments from members using the camera.

Thanks.

Maiku

 

[wlewisiii]

I used one for about 6 months on an extended loan. It's a nice camera overall. The build quality is good - not in the same league as a Contax to be sure, but it's not going to fall apart either. I used it as my daily carry camera with a 50/2 collapsible Sonnar & a 50/2.8 collapsible Tessar. I prefered the Tessar usually but that was more my taste in glass than anything else. I used, at different times, a Jupiter 12, a Jupiter 3, Jupiter 9 & Jupiter 11 with it as well. All fit fine and functioned correctly. The J3, Fuji 1600 & an internal meter is a killer combination for available darkness.

I carried it with me anytime I left the house and didn't exactly pamper it even though it was a loaner but it held up to the use without problem. The owner took it on an international trip when he got it back and I didn't hear of any problems from that.

The meter was a real strength for me. I found it gave me results that I could reproduce easily and I didn't have trouble with it.

All in all, it's a modern body with several real nice features. It's not as "nice" in many ways as a Zeiss body but if you have the glass it can be a very good investment.

I was looking for one when my IIIf fell into my lap & I sold my Contax/Kiev gear to finance it instead.

Hope this helps,

William

 

[Platinum RF]

shutter loud like SLR, short RF base have trouble to get sharp image whenuse 85mmf2 wide open at 1M,OK build quality otherwise decent RF

 

[Tom A]

It is the same camera as the R2S with the corrected focus for the Zeiss lenses. I had one for several years and used it with my Zeiss Biogon and Sonnar's (f50 f1.5 and the 85f2). My early pre war Biogon 35f2.8 was tricky to mount on it, but the postwar Opton worked fine. Never had problem with focus with the 85 - but then I did focus it carefully - not "high speed" shooting. If you have large investment in Zeiss glass - I would get one.

 

[gdmcclintock]

I really like my Bessa R2C. I use it with a 1930s Sonnar 5cm/f2 lens, as well as a CV 21mm and a Jupiter 85mm.

 

[Maiku]

Hi,

Thank you for responses. I am not highly invested in Contax lens, but they do appeal to me because the prices for Contax lenses are lower than Leica M-mount or Screw Mount lens in Japan. I am interested in trying some very classical glass with a metering system. The RC2 is in my price range and so are Contax and Kiev lenses.

I have held the Bessa R2A and thought what a great camera. If the R2C is the then I am sold. Now, I just have to find one!

Maiku

 

[gdmcclintock]

I bought mine at Photo Village (photovillage.com) in New York. They may still have some in stock. You can also check cameraquest.com.

 

[jonmanjiro]

Last time I checked, Fujiya Camera in Nakano, Tokyo still had some new stock.

http://www.fujiya-camera.co.jp/

 

[sebastel]

still using it, and i like it!

only 3 little "bugs" for me
1. the shutter is a bit loud, but still not as loud as a nikon FM2 (just to give a comparison)
2. the LED for the light meter are visible from the front through the light window.
3. with the 21 mm, i have my fingers on the picture on the lower right corner too often. that's my own fault, not the camera's.

the R2C is more based on the R2, than on the R2A/M. the differences are minor, though (meter LEDs, rewind lever).

my 85mm CZJ sonnar is not correctly adjusted, so i cannot comment on focus precision. the 85mm lives a happy life on my E-P1 in the meantime :-D

 

[JeffL]

I have one and like it. No problems really - just a slight misalignment of the RF patch. No big deal and doesn't slow me down. I do not baby mine at all. The paint has worn through in a few places. I use mine with a Jena Sonnar T 50mm f2, a Skopar 21mm and a Jupiter 85. No issues with focussing. I like having the meter in the camera, I really only use print film with this camera and find the meter to work well. I bought mine from Camera Quest/Stephen Gandy.