basic questions on CV R2 and R3 cameras

[mich8261]

I dropped in to a local shop that carries the Bessas. I am seriously thinking of getting a R3A or R2A and I wanted to see how the viewfinder magnification would feel in real life. They only had a R3M and an old R2 on hand. My first comment is that I was surprised that I actually preferred the .7x. With both eyes open I found it easier for my brain to recognize the "camera" image (right eye). The other thing I noticed is that the patch in the R3M was difficult to see and no well defined. In contrast, the patch in the R2 was very bright, but seemed to be misaligned (couldn't superimpose a light bulb at 10' to 12'). So my questions are:

• is the patch really that different between the R3M and the R2 or is there something wrong with this camera?
• I have read that CV's often have alignment problems. Anecdotal or real?
• Since I haven't been able to see a R2A, can someone tell me there opinion of the viewfinder patch

Thanks,

 

[BillBingham2]

To question 2, it was year, several years ago, nothing to note of recent.

No first hand info on 1 or 3.

B2

 

[clintock]

I've got the R and R3a..
The rangefinder patch on both types can tend to disappear, but you soon learn to do what it takes to keep it from disappearing. The spot in the viewfinder eyepiece where one's pupil must be to see the RF patch moves as the focus goes from infinity to close, which is annoying, but in a few days I got trained to that too.
The rf patch can also white out when aiming the camera towards bright light, but I think some later leica models have a similar problem.
All rangefinder cameras are succeptible to the alignment going out, I blame thermal expansion and contraction during shipping. There are adjustment screws under the hot shoe. The camera store should be able to align that. Once adjusted, mine have stayed lined up.
I too found the R3 viewfinder sort of un-camera like at first, with the 100% view, but got used to it quick, and now it's great- especially with the 50 and 75 lenses.
I like to keep a 35 on the r.

 

[Terao]

I've got the R and R3a..
The rangefinder patch on both types can tend to disappear, but you soon learn to do what it takes to keep it from disappearing. The spot in the viewfinder eyepiece where one's pupil must be to see the RF patch moves as the focus goes from infinity to close, which is annoying, but in a few days I got trained to that too.

Ah, that's what it is then. Thought I was going mad when I suddenly couldn't see the patch with my Jupiter 9 on the R-D1 when I was making big focus moves. First long lens I've used, at least that explains it. How do you go about training yourself to not lose it?

 

[bmicklea]

• Since I haven't been able to see a R2A, can someone tell me there opinion of the viewfinder patch

I've always been very happy with the focusing on my Bessa in both high and low light. The viewfinder and patch are both very clear.

If I were you I'd make my choice of R2(a) or R3m based primarily on what focal lengths I was going to use: 50 and wider is better suited to the R2; 50 and longer is better suited to the R3. However, Voigtlander has will shortly be releasing an R4a/R4m with a viewfinder that shows 21, 25, 28, 35 & 50mm framelines so if you're thinking of moving to a two body setup then an R3 and R4 would be the ideal combination. In a single body world, however, I'd maintain that the R2 series is the most versatile.