Bessa R questions

[csisfun]

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?

 

[RML]

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.

 

[csisfun]

Right. I got a Lowepro D-Res 25. It fits tightly and I feel safer.

Now time to spend on a lens...

 

[Solinar]

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.

 

[arbib]

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.

 

[fishtek]

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

 

[Calvin]

I use Billingham Delta to keep my R2 and CS Pancake II 35mm/f2.5.

 

[markinlondon]

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.

 

[Jonathan_100]

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

 

[Huck Finn]

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.

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]

Wait a minute - I have a Bessa R and it has the thread mount, not the M mount.

 

[RML]

Wait a minute - I have a Bessa R and it has the thread mount, not the M mount.

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

 

[januaryman]

Good. I thought it was me. Huck must've been thinking R3 or something....