Bessa R do I or Dont I

al1966

al1966

Feed Your Head
Local time
12:12 AM
Joined
Apr 22, 2005
Messages
717
Location
UK
View My Gallery
Right I have 2 wksand one day to decide (next payday) so Do I get a nice new Bessa R body ? I have a trio of fsu 50mm lenses and enjoy the fsu cameras on the occasions that I use them but do feel a more slick body would be a lot more enjoyable and I know I can get one at a very good price. I did fancy the R2 more but for a while that will probably be quite out of reach as I have to get other bits and pieces for my intending return to education(BA in Photography). Right I have a multitude 0f 35mm cameras so in a lot of ways I dont need any more but I like to try new ones, The Zorkis feel very clumoy to use and though I like the lenses I feel the cameras to be clumpy and flaky also too heavy for a "compact" sort of cam. They dont feel as well made as any of my other cams I have an old Cosina CSM and that is a very nice cam to use (also the first slr I had). I love Rangefinders the first 35mm I had was an old fixed lens one and I always wanted a reasonable quality interchangeable lens system, ok I realy always wanted a Leica but there is a fat chance of that for a fair while. So I cant decide as it will be to a certain extent a luxuary purchase but one Ive always wanted. So what are the good and bad points of this cam

Cheers Alex
 
Hi, Alex!

As far as I'm concerned, the Bessa R is a great machine. Not only is it really simple, but it's got a good center-bottom weighted meter, feels comfortable in the hands (I keep the bottom half of the case attached), and does a nice job. The price is great, too!

There are some FSU lenses that are a bit of a gamble, but overall, lenses are highly available, with lots of variations, at every price range.

Regards!
Don
 
The R is a great way to go. Very easy to learn with a good meter as others have pointed out. The viewfinder is very nice too, especially if you're used to the dimmer ones on some older models. Well worth the money to pick one up if you're inclined. Good luck!
 
You will not find a better bargin in RF photography. A parallax corrected finder that is bright and clean. User selectable frame lines, a built in meter that works well. I have one for my son to learn photography with.

The LTM mount (Leica Twist/screw Mount) opens up a wide range of lenses that can grow with you into an M system if you want to some day. I can not think of a better camera to have as you get back into photography without spending an arm and two legs.

They are more plastic than the newer models of the Bessa line (e.g. R3M), but do not hold that against them. I have an L that has a lot of miles on it and is still clicking away. The L and the R share lots of parts in common, but the L has external indicators for it's light meter and the R has a wonderful view/rangefinder combination with the indicators in side.

I would say buy new if you can.

B2 (;->
 
The worst I can say about the R is that it feels a little "plasticy", but I love mine. If you're used to FSU rangefinders, the viewfinder on the R will blow your mind. The R is compact, reliable, very good meter and viewfinder. It feels very right in your hands -- maybe not Leica right, but not bad at all. I've used mine with a wide variety of FSU and Voigtlander glass, and have always been happy. Some people say that the rangefinder length is too short for longer lenses, but I've been able to get good results from my 85mm Jupiter9 and 135mm Jupiter11.
 
If you shoot longer stuff outside and a reasonable distance away, you can get fine stuff. If you are shooting wide open and close up, it's not going to work as well. I belive that is why you do not see any longer fast lenses in the CV RF lineup. I can not use an Rx because I like to shoot wide open close up from time to time. I used a Bessa T for years and loved it, now bringing out the Leicas and getting them back into shape.

B2 (;->
 
I second all of the above. It has all the bells and whistles you'll ever need for r/f photography.
 
I'm with everyone above. The FSU glass can be wonderful on an R as well - I have a Jupiter 8 & will be getting an I-61L/D as well.

Good luck & good light.

William
 
I purchased a Bessa R & Jupiter 8 lens a few weeks ago and I absolutly love it. I've never used a rangefinder befor this but I'm getting the hang of it. It is a camera that encourages thoughtfulness in photography because it is just you, the subject and the camera and no bells & whistles in between. Go for it.
 
I'm very interested too in bessa R, expecially for the price and because it has screw mount, very useful for my russian lens.

How much is a used R in A conditions? I will probably buy it on e-bay, so it's important to have an idea for the price

Potomo
 
I got a great deal on mine. A body that looks brand new, a Jupiter 8 lens that is quite fine, a brand new body case, a free roll of Tri X 400, the instruction book and the hand grip & battery, plus all the boxes for $275.00 plus $20.00 Shipping. A great deal if I don't say so myself.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

das
Ode to the Voigtlander Bessa R4 Series
Replies
17
Views
1K
Coldkennels
Coldkennels
P
Voigtlander bessa r2m mechanical question
Replies
2
Views
702
CameraQuest
CameraQuest
E
FED 2 shutter mod (no more hard slit)
Replies
2
Views
534
e_asphyx
E
The lives of others
Metered or unmetered?
2
Replies
30
Views
1K
Pioneer
Pioneer
A
Bessa RF 6x9 beam splitter replacement
Replies
7
Views
320
WoodallP
WoodallP
Back
Top Bottom