Bessa R and FSU lenses

markrich

markrich

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I am considering the purchase of a Bessa-R. I have seen them fairly cheaply around and with the old screw type mount I figure I could get some nice inexpensive FSU lenses for it.

I was wondering if anyone has any experience with this arrangement?

Also, I have handled a Bessa -R2 in a shop some time ago but not the -R. I understand the build quality isn't that good. How true is this and would it matter?
😕
 
Bessa R is amazing camera. Lightweight with beautiful bright finder. I use it with the Scopar 35/2.5 and Industar 61 L/D 55/2.8. I like the setup
 
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SirAlien said:
I was wondering if anyone has any experience with this arrangement?
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A lot of us, I'd guess. It's a great combination of a good modern body and cheap, high-quality lenses. With an Industar-61 or a Jupiter 8, the combination of Bessa-R and FSU lens, with its viewfinder and TTL metering, give some Leicas a run for their considerable money.

The Jupiter-12 35/2.8 wideangle doesn't work reliably because its rear end protrudes too far into the body - for wideangle you have to look at other lenses, such as the excellent Canon rangefinder lenses from the 50s and 60s. All other lenses work. The Industar-10/-22/-50 collapsible lenses shouldn't be collapsed all the way for the same reason, but a rubber band will work wonders to prevent them. Some Jupiter-9 85/2 telephoto lenses as well as some Jupiter-3 50/1.5 fast normal lenses have some focusing problems on many bodies, due to quality differences between lenses, tolerances and the fact that the lenses are usually aligned to the Contax standard, while the Bessa is built to the Leica standard. This can be amended by "shimming" the lens, but it's a tricky operation.

SirAlien said:
Also, I have handled a Bessa -R2 in a shop some time ago but not the -R. I understand the build quality isn't that good. How true is this and would it matter?
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The main advantage of the R2 is its M lens mount, and you have to know for yourself whether that is worth the extra $150 plus adapter costs to you. It's true that the -R has plastic in some places where the -R2 has metal. That said, the -R is quite a durable camera, even though it might look a little rough as time passes. See e.g. this ad for my Bessa R that was quite worn with use and still did the job. In this respect build quality leaves little to be desired in practice IMHO.

Philipp
 
I have a bessa R and use fsu glass on it. J-3 (50/1.5) It's a good camera. I have read where the build quality isn't up to somes standards. The top plate is plastic. but it's not a cheap plastic. I like it alot and the VF is bright. The biggest downfall in my opinion on this camera is you cannot use the j-12, 35mm russian lens on this camera or any of the other bessas. I use the 35/2.5 color skopar as my normal lens. It's far better than the j-12 I think. Many people have Bessa Rs and like them here on RFF. So if you wan't a great tag along camera the R is a good choice.
 
Last summer the Jewish center a block from my home had a street flea market one Sunday. I had planned to use my Bessa R with the 50mm Nokton to photograph it but as it was a very bright day I mounted my Industar 61 L/D instead. I took a few pictures when it suddenly clouded up. I returned home (about 250 feet away) and replaced the Industar with the Nokton. I returned and took some more pictures. True, I shot the Industar at f8 and f11 and the Nokton at f5.6 and f8, nevertheless the quality of the shots is virtually identical. I cannot distinguish them even under a magnifier. Of course if you photograph resolution charts or newspapers tacked on walls, who knows? As none of my shots was wide open or close-up Brian's disclaimer doesn't apply.
I have also used the same Industar on a Bessa L using scale focussing with no problem. Happy shooting.
Kurt M.
 
I have used a Jupiter 3, f1.5, 50mm and a Jupiter 9, f2.0 85mm on mine. No shimming. They seem to be fine wide open and at approximately 8 feet. I have not tried them closer. Dave
 
I've used the R with the Industar I-50 without colapsing it into the camera, the Jupiter 8 and Jupiter 3 along with a Cosina 28 f3.5, and I love the combo. I don't bang my cameras around so the problems others may have had do not show up on mine. I'm like an old maid with my stuff. My kids think I'm nuts, but they will have some great equipment to sell at the estate sale. They'll thank me then, but alas, it will be too late!
 
I have a doubt... mybe I'm too novice in this field... do I need an adapter to use a Jupiter 3 on a bessa R? (or is the same LTM than leica screw mount than m39?

Thanks
 
Wow...

Thank's for yours replies... that's speedy...

My I ask a couple of questions?

Where to buy?... I've thought in ebay or fedka (this one gives me more confident)

What about prices?, there is one at fedka at 109usd...

Thanks again, later I will post my personal odissey with my new bessa R...
 
Marsopa said:
Wow...

Thank's for yours replies... that's speedy...

My I ask a couple of questions?

Where to buy?... I've thought in ebay or fedka (this one gives me more confident)

What about prices?, there is one at fedka at 109usd...

Thanks again, later I will post my personal odissey with my new bessa R...
Click to expand...


I bought mine brand new for $249 US from Cameraquest.com, it is a reliable place. I actually purchase it just a week or so ago, however I may be selling it already! foolish me didn't do my thorough research as I usually do. So you may want to watch the the classified section here, I don't know what I will put it up for, but it will be under what I bought it for, just because it's not brand new anymore. 😛
 
Ooops, mybe my english it's a bit confusing. I've bought a new bessa (thanks Mr Gandy) and two lenses (35 and 75mm), It's less than five minutes that postman arrived home to deliver the second lens. Thanks
 
I have purchased FSU lenses both from eBay and from Fedka. Fedka is more expensive, quicker because he is in New York (assuming you are in the USA) and, from my experience, entirely dependable. eBay is cheaper, but you are taking a chance. My luck has been uniformly good, but that is not true for everyone. Because of the increase in international postage, the costs may be closer. In any case, if you use eBay, check out the "feedback" of he seller. I would want at least 99% and at least 250 transactions. Dave
 
Marsopa said:
Wow...

Thank's for yours replies... that's speedy...

My I ask a couple of questions?

Where to buy?... I've thought in ebay or fedka (this one gives me more confident)

What about prices?, there is one at fedka at 109usd...

Thanks again, later I will post my personal odissey with my new bessa R...
Click to expand...

Yuri at fedka is hard to beat; he really takes care of his customers. I've never thought twice about paying his prices because I know I'm getting a good piece of gear -- not always the case on ebay.
 
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