Bessa L questions

[Way]

To all the L users out there!
I'm thinking of picking up a Bessa L (it's so cheap!) and a wide lens. Mr. Gandy's site states that the meter's LEDs are activated when the shutter button is pressed halfway down. My question is does the meter stay on a few seconds after taking your finger off the shutter, or does it immediately turn off? Also, would this camera work well (scale focusing) with a 35mm lens? Seems that most people use it with 28 or wider.

Thanks!
Way

 

[digitalox]

It turns off immediately. Don't know about the 35, I have only the 25mm for it. Grab it its a great camera.

 

[Jon Perry]

The meter turns off as you release the button.

I use my Bessa L with a 15mm lens (I got the camera for the lens, in fact). I think using it with a 35mm lens could prove challenging. Not impossible, just challenging. After all, pre-focused snap photography was the method of choice with action photographers in the past.

Jon.

 

[sockeyed]

I have a Bessa L that I use with a CV 25/4, and I love it. I don't think that you would have a problem with a 35mm lens, particularly if you use faster film and avoid really low light or very close subjects. I used a Rollei 35, which is a scale-focus camera with a 40mm lens (I think). It was no problem to focus.

You could pick up a russian 35mm finder for around $30 if you needed one. They're quite good.

 

[Way]

Thanks for the replies! Does it feel cumbersome to hold down the shutter halfway and fiddle with the shutter dial or aperture ring at the same time?

Way

 

[Jon Perry]

It's not really an issue with this camera. If you want microsecond by microsecond analysis of the exposure your probably looking at the wrong camera.

It's a more leisurely pursuit of the correct exposure with this camera.

Jon.

 

[RML]

Just get the camera, Way! 🙂 For 469 you can't go wrong. And while you're at it you might want to pick up the CV 25/4, which makes a perfect addition to the L. I know because I own this set and it has been a great little package.

 

[taffer]

"For 469 you can't go wrong"

😱 Instant inflation ! 😉

Way, a 35mm lens is pretty easy to use by scale focus once you get some practice. At f/8 with ISO 400 film and the focus point around 1.5 to 3 m. you'll have a fantastic inexpensive fast action camera. That said, a 25 or 21 may be even better suited for this camera.

The FSU 35 finder is quite good, it has no brightlines but the view is bright and clear.

 

[RML]

Hmm, seems the shift button didn't work with me. 😛
Of course I meant $69. 🙂

 

[taffer]

"Hmm, seems the shift button didn't work with me.
Of course I meant $69. "

Or maybe you were thinking about non-US prices 😉

Modelo PVP PVP (iva inc.)

VOIGTLÄNDER BESSA-L NEGRA (CUERPO) 232,76 € 270,00 €

 

[rich815]

I have one (actually a Cosina 107-SW...same thing) with the 15VC. I really like the feel of the L, something about it's weight, handling, the lever throw, etc., that just feels right to me.

I'd consider the 25/4 if I were you. It's so sharp that you could easily crop down to 35mm range when needed but probably have an easier time with zone focusing. If you are that critical that my idea will not work you might want something that allows you to mount and focus a 35mm lens.

Also consider posting a WTB here and at photo.net. That's what I did and I got about 3-4 replies from $40-60 for EX+ to MINT cameras. Sure, it's not much to save but any pennies saved to go towards the (better?) lens is good.

 

[Rodinal Addict]

I Love my L, I have it with a 25/4 lens. It's become my primary carry around camera. It's feather light, the lever throw is short and fast, you can meter a scene without your eye up to the finder. This is nice when you want to be discreet, just hold the camera casually against your belly, glancing down to look at the arrows to check and adjust exposure. Lift and shoot.

Get a self case for it, you'll leave the top cover in the car, the bottom cover half makes a nice grip improvement.

Indoors, or low light, you really need to THINK about zone focusing. It improves your distance estimating skills, and builds character (ha!). Bracket and brace all shots religiously.
Outdoors, it turns into a "point and shoot", "set it and forget it" wonder. At f16, you have good sharpness from less than 2.5 feet to INFINITY.

With the high mounted viewfinder, you can view and follow your subject easily with both eyes open, (try it a while, you'll be amazed!).

The only whiner I have is that the meter is only on when the advance lever is out. I've adapted a "thumb under the lever " grip. I'm told you can disassemble the advance lever and reverse a washer or two to disable this feature, but how do you turn the meter off?

A 35mm lens would work nearly the same on this body, but I might feel the need to actually focus this lens at closer distances. This is why I'm kinda looking at a T, with its' rangefinder, as my next camera.

 

[Rodinal Addict]

Bessa L, 25/4, Ilford XP2 plus, F22, 1/250, ISO 320

Bessa L, 25/4, Ilford XP2 plus, F22, 1/250, ISO 320

Lets see if this works. Heres a shot I took at a Nascar race in Vegas recently with my L. Don't know why I like this shot so much, but when i took the picture, I really just knelt and shot, catching the drama. With this camera and lens setup, it's just hard to miss. Robin

 

[RML]

"Hmm, seems the shift button didn't work with me.
Of course I meant $69. "

Or maybe you were thinking about non-US prices 😉

Modelo PVP PVP (iva inc.)

VOIGTLÄNDER BESSA-L NEGRA (CUERPO) 232,76 € 270,00 €

Voigtlaender.de is also a good source of Bessa cameras, at least if you you have unlimited funds:

http://www.voigtlaender.de/cms/cms_voigtlaender.nsf/id/6772FA65B7DCC3F7C1256CC40045363C

I'll keep buying my cameras from CameraQuest or some other place with reasonable prices. 🙂

 

[Jon Perry]

Lets see if this works. Heres a shot I took at a Nascar race in Vegas recently with my L.

Robin

Nice pic. Very strong image.

Jon.

 

[Trius]

Lets see if this works. Heres a shot I took at a Nascar race in Vegas recently with my L. Don't know why I like this shot so much, but when i took the picture, I really just knelt and shot, catching the drama. With this camera and lens setup, it's just hard to miss. Robin

Robin: Although I hate NASCAR (an environmental nightmare on so many levels! 😱 ) that is a great shot. And you are a Rodinal guy, so you are forgiven.... this time.

Trius

 

[Tin]

With some practice, you shouldn't have any problem zone-focusing. I almost always zone-focus with the Olympus XA or when using a 35 mm lens on a SLR. Granted, I rarely shoot at subjects closer than 5 ft. and wide-open. Only then I would not rely on zone-focusing.

 

[Theo-Prof]

"The only whiner I have is that the meter is only on when the advance lever is out. I've adapted a "thumb under the lever " grip. I'm told you can disassemble the advance lever and reverse a washer or two to disable this feature, but how do you turn the meter off."

_____________________________

If I remember the Bessa-L correctly it has the same advance lever as the Cosina made Nikon FM 10 and clones. There is a small tab at the pivot point of the advance lever that actually slips into a groove in the shutter button. I have often thought that one could disable the shutter lock by simply grinding down this tab. Has anyone ever tried this?

Kevin