Bessa R or R2a/R3a ?

[Alain]

Hello.

I'm new to rangefinders and new to Bessa, which appears to be the best deal for those entering into the field and unable to afford a Leica/Nikon/Zeiss (thought the new Rollei RF looks rather nice too).

I'm looking at a used Bessa R largely because of the mechanical shutter, but the
R2a/R3a looks nice with the AE option and larger finder.

If I can pick up a used R for $250-300 is there really a good reason to consider looking for a used or new R2a/R3a instead? The electronic shutter of the 2a/3a
kinda scares me as I like fully manual options.

BTW, I'd be shooting with a 28mm and 35 or 40mm. I don't like really wide, nor telephoto lenses.


Thanks,
Alain in Portland, OR USA

 

[Alain]

I screwed up and mean to say "R2" instead of "R". That is, I'm comparing the R2 v. R2a/3a.

Alain

 

[rxmd]

The electronic shutter of the 2a/3a
kinda scares me as I like fully manual options.

Note that the R2 and R2a have more or less the same electronic shutter, only the R2a has the *added* autoexposure option. It's not that you are restricted to automatic exposure, you have the same manual modes on both. The R2m has a mechanical shutter, but they're new and thus more expensive.

Personally, given the choice between a used R2 and R2a I would go with the R2a as it's nice every now and then to have automatic exposure when you need it. But that's a matter of individual taste, and of cost. Note that while the R2a does cost more on the used market now, this is partially due to the younger model, many of these bodies are still in warranty (at least over here).

Philipp

 

[Jason Sprenger]

The new R2M might worth considering. If you don't cottle to the Heliar 50/2 lens, I'm expect someone here would buy it from you. It's described on the Cameraquest site. Basically, it's an RF with a manual shutter like the R2 but with a redesigned rewind crank, some changes to the meter display and new paint.

An R2a/R3a with AE can be very nice for spur of the moment snap shooting. But with AE off, the meter read out can be a little difficult to pick-up. On the Bessa R, the three LEDs are very easy pick up but no AE option. I understand the R2 has a meter display similar to the R.

 

[Max Power]

In my limited experience, a 1:1 VF is the be all and end all. It's pure magic. Ergo, my $0.02 says go for the R3A.

Kent

 

[Alain]

The R2 is my immediate choice, as AE would be nice but I want a mechanical shutter. I'd say the R3M would be the ideal choice, but I don't want to buy the set and have to resell the lens, no thanks...perhaps the R3M body only will be for sale soon?

Alain

 

[rxmd]

OK, I stand corrected 🙂

Philipp

 

[nico]

Hi,
you can even consider a Bessa R, I got one and, as a newbie on RF, I think it's a real nice entry set for this kind of camera. Surely the R2 has more solid built and M mount but you can easily find good used R for a cheaper price than a R2. I considered but didn't buy - at least - the Bessa r3a because of the electronic shutter and AE (i want to learn to make photos so I don't want something that decides for me). Anyway, good luck with your choice and welcome here.
Bye
Nico

 

[Max Power]

Hi,
you can even consider a Bessa R, I got one and, as a newbie on RF, I think it's a real nice entry set for this kind of camera. Surely the R2 has more solid built and M mount but you can easily find good used R for a cheaper price than a R2. I considered but didn't buy - at least - the Bessa r3a because of the electronic shutter and AE (i want to learn to make photos so I don't want something that decides for me). Anyway, good luck with your choice and welcome here.
Bye
Nico

I'll agree with you about the electronic shutter idea. Either you like it or you don't. Personally electronic or mechanical isn't a deal breaker with me. As for AE, though, keep in mind that you are never obliged to use it. The beauty of a good AE system, as with the R2A and R3A is that you have options. You can go fully manual if you like, nothing will stop you from doing so. FWIW, in most cases I regard what my R3A indicates as desired exposure as nothing more than a suggestion. That said, however, the AE has saved my bacon on a few shots where I had barely enough time to point in the correct direction, let alone focus and calculate exposure.

Just my $0.02

Kent