Bessa L lens ?

[horns]

I have two questions about my Bessa L:
At the moment I have a Canon 28mm FD lens mounted on the Bessa. I was thinking about a zoomlens instead of two other lenses. Is this a good or a bad idea ?
Where exactly comes the light for the exposuresystem into the camera so I can see if the lens blocks the entrance.

 

[Harryo1962]

The light comes thu the lens for metering.
The camera is best used with a very wide lens and external finder. I'm not sure how well a zoom would work.
With mine, and a 21mm lens, I don't even need to hold it up to my face. Make a quick peek to compose, then just wait for the shot. It's a great setup.

 

[Addy101]

It will meter from the shuttercurtains, like any other Bessa: Cameraquest on the Bessa R metering. No need to worry 'bout the metering.

It is up to you, but how would you frame the picture with a zoom?

 

[horns]

You are right about the metering if a 24 mm lens is used. The question about using a zoom lens was just to find out if someone had any experience with it. With the Russian universal viewfinder, and a zoomlens that has exactly the same mm points on it, I thought it should work.
As being a newbie with RFC I better ask.

 

[bobkonos]

15mm f4.5 Heliar.

 

[traveler_101]

I have two questions about my Bessa L:
At the moment I have a Canon 28mm FD lens mounted on the Bessa. I was thinking about a zoomlens instead of two other lenses. Is this a good or a bad idea ?
Where exactly comes the light for the exposuresystem into the camera so I can see if the lens blocks the entrance.

1. All rangefinder cameras use single focal length prime lenses, zooms are impossible.

2. As you get to know the Bessa L, you will find it has no viewfinder so you must attach an auxiliary finder for each lens. In addition that model has no rangefinder so you must focus using the lens scale. This is only feasible with wide angle lenses.

3. The Canon 28mm is probably wide enough, but isn't the best lens for the camera.

4. The lens the Bessa L was designed for is the 25mm f/4 "Snapshot Skopar" which comes with its own auxiliary finder. That is one of Voigtlander's best lenses, it is also designed for scale focus and it is very reasonably priced. It has a focusing tap with click stops at 1, 1.5 and 3 meters (3, 5, and 10 ft.). This makes quick focusing without a rangefinder possible. With this lens you simply don't need the rangefinder, which makes it the best lens for your Bessa L.

5. With the 25/4 on your Bessa L, the light meter will work perfectly.

6. The lens is no longer in production but can be found used. Make sure it comes with the 25mm auxiliary finder.

7. Don't confuse the lens. There is also a newer Voigtlander 25mm for M mount; you want the LSM mount "Snapshot Skopar". Here is a thread you might find useful: http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=92349