Bessa R questions

C

csisfun

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Jan 10, 2007
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Hello.

I recently acquired a Bessa R and I really love it a lot. I want to bring it around everywhere I go, but I have hit a few problems.

First of all, I am aware that there are collapsible lenses, but not all of them work on the Bessa R. I have heard that the Leica Summar 50mm f/2 will fit on this camera, and collapse. Would you recommend me to buy that lens? I don't really want to spend a lot of money, so I usually use Russian lenses, but the Industar-22 does not fit.

I also want to buy a small camera pouch that I can put in my bag, for protection of the camera. However, I have not been able to find a pouch that fits the camera with lens mounted, Does anyone have any idea which bag from the Lowepro/Tamrac line fits this combination well?
 
If you want a small package, a collapsible lens is great but, as you note, they can't collapse fully into the R. IIRC none can. If however you want a great performer you could go for a Jupiter-8 or any other 50mm lens.

I never kept my R in a bag. I always kept it in the body shell of the ever-ready case. That provided plenty of protection, and added grip to the body as well. My R has been afrozen in the winters of Mongolia, has been scourged in the dusty summers of Southern India and drowned in the rainy springs and autumns of Holland. I just carry every camera in a messenger bag or such, covered in the body shell of the ever-ready case, though I don't even have that for my R-D1.
 
A Gravis "Side-Arm" satchel in OD green or solid black is smaller than most messenger bags. Add some Domke dividers and you'll still have room to spare.
 
I use the Temba Traval Lite, it can hold I R with a 50 or less with finder if needed, mounted, Plus another lens (like a 75 or 90) and 4 rolls in the edge pockets. $29.00 a slightly larger version is 35.00. But when if I have one lens with me, I leave the Temba in my Truck.

It is a compact case with soulder strap. It makes a nice case for 1 body with 2 lens traval bag.

AMPGUY (here at RFF) has a J8 for sale I think for $69.00. Used it on a R-D1, M4 with great results. He says it been adj to focus properly. If it worked on a R-D1, then it should work on any Bessa. The R-D1 body is modified Bessa R2.
 
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CASE LOGIC makes a small video camera case that's perfect for a camera with a 35/50 mounted, plus room in the main compartment for 2 other lenses (I keep a small drawstring bag with a lens inside, the other lens outside. End pockets hold hoods, etc., and a flattish compartment in the back holds a mesh thingy with a zip. Lots of room for film in the front flap-covered pocket, too. $20.00 at Best Buy...

Regards!
Don
 
I've got a Lowepro accessory pouch (Z30?) that takes my M2 with a collapsed 50 or a 35f2 with its hood off. This would take a Bessa R and 35 Skopar quite easily. It cost me £6 in a sale.
 
I use the aforementioned CaseLogic bag. It holds my 35P, 75, R with a Nokton 50 attached, and a small flash. I've heard good things about the Crumpler line as well.

As far as a low profile rig goes, I like the 35P and the R. It's nearly as small as a point and shoot and just as quick. I can fit it into the inside pocket of my windbreaker when backpacking.

Jonathan

Jonathan
 
csisfun said:
First of all, I am aware that there are collapsible lenses, but not all of them work on the Bessa R. I have heard that the Leica Summar 50mm f/2 will fit on this camera, and collapse.
Click to expand...

Any collapsoble lens for M-mount or LTM with adaptor will work just fine on a Bessa R. However, some won't collapse without damaging internal parts of the camera. If you find a lens that you love, you can still use it; you just can't collapse it.
 
januaryman said:
Wait a minute - I have a Bessa R and it has the thread mount, not the M mount.
Click to expand...

Yup. Has been like that from the very first moment CV gave birth to the R. :)
 
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