Bessa R thoughts

[gho]

Personally I think that $300 is a bit overpriced. I mean, LTM (J8), maybe Euro 30, Bessa R - used - Euro 150. I think this is a fair price. I mean I got a Nikon F100 in perfect working condition for Euro 200.

 

[Sonnar2]

prices of Bessa R are going up for a very good reason.

It's the original.

If you don't have M-lenses, you don't need another camera.

I love my R more than my R3M. Solid as a rock. Honest. Loud. My reference for light meter checking.

I used it so much that I once bought a spare just in case I have used up my original camera completely. I doubt it would ever happen. But then in 30 years I will have a true rarity: a "mint" example of a workhorse nobody else stored in a shelf, but used and used and used...

 

[iandiam]

You're right in the ballpark on price; my R was in near mint condition when I bought it at $295 with a nice, matching (black) Jupiter-8 (which I love).

As far as functionality, I love the meter set-up, it's similar to the over/under arrows of the Yashica Electro's, but has a center LED for spot-on exposure. It makes it very convenient for a hobby or non-professional shooter to manipulate exposure compensation, say, for backlit subjects and to maximize color representation in low-light settings.

Even though there are no "cheap" quality lenses for it, there are plenty that are of "cheap quality" if you get my drift. Unless you have the LTM lenses already, they'll be the most troublesome part of the deal IMO.

ALSO - easy RF infinity setting just under the accessory shoe. Sweet.

 

[gho]

As for loading, I really don't find a Bessa easier to load than an M, especially a late M or one with the rapid loading kit.

Film loading is - to me - not an issue for getting a good photograph. I mean, I can just load any camera and anyone can load any camera with some practice. Ok, there may be differences, just consider for example roll film backs for LF cameras vs. a digital camera. 😀 But really, for me it is more about the ergonomics and versatility of the camera and of course quality of the offered lens range. The rest is up to me. If the picture sucks, it is 99% me and not the camera.

 

[David Murphy]

I agree with most of the above comments. As Roger says the R is not a Leica M, but not many cameras of any kind are in that league. It's a fantastic camera for the money however. It does, iike all cameras, have small maintenance issues at times, but any camera tech can deal with these easily if they arise (the R being a very modern film camera). The vast majority of them are still working like new.

I also agree that the Canon 50/1.8 (chrome or black) and the Skopar 35/2.5 are very good lenses to use with the R to make a nice starter kit at a modest price. So far the prices of these lenses have remained at reasonable levels, but that may not last.

 

[newspaperguy]

Add my vote for the lowly R.

I bought one early on, sold it, realized the mistake, bought another, still have it.

Still love it, probably sees more use than my Canon P or my Leica CL.

 

[FalseDigital]

Pretty much shoot with my Bessa-R everyday. I highly recommend it. The viewfinder is bright and the handing is wonderful. For $300 it can't be beat IMO. Especially since LTM lenses are so cheap nowadays, you can find some quality lenses for much cheaper than their M-mount counterparts.

edit: I also bought mine with a J8 lens. I upgraded the the J3 lens but the J8 is still an amazing performer.

 

[gho]

Another thought: if you like metal and heavy machinery oil: Zorki! 😎

 

[roguewave]

Buy a M3. You will NEVER sell that camera. I still mine after 38 years. It is hands done the best rangefinder. Period. It will always work. The HUGE viewfinder makes all the difference in the world. After a short period of time you will be able to use any M coupled lens with needing to worry about frame lines. It just requires practice, which in this case is pure joy. I would suggest the 40mm Summicron or Rokkor, both of which are amazing lenses & very reasonable in price. The awesome contrast, excellent details & sharpness are hallmarks of these lenses. The lenses are very small, so the whole kit is a pleasure to take with you anywhere. Once you hold an M3 in you hands, nothing else comes close. Although I also own & use an M2, CL, M8 and serval other Leica cameras. The M8 is the summit. Good Luck.

 

[FalseDigital]

^ There's no way he'll get an M3 w/ lens for $300. Also I had the pleasure of shooting with an M3 but I prefer the Bessa-R Viewfinder to the M3. Sorry but the Bessa is much brighter.

 

[rover]

The Bessa R was my gateway to Leicas. The big bright finder, simple accurate meter, easy RF handling... It all convinced me to take the next step. My R was mated with a 35 Ultron that always seemed to be in perfect focus every time I brought it to my eye.

The R gets a big thumbs up from me.