Bessa R with 75mmf2.5

[sheewai]

Hi im new to this forum - im also a newbie to rangefinder n im thinking of getting one.

I've come across a used Bessa R, cheap n im thinking of getting the lens 75mmf2.5 - i like street shooting n outdoor/indoor portraits. Can the lens fit R or should i get the latest ones?

Pls advised

thanks

🙂

 

[arky]

It will fit. Bessa R has a M39 thread so all the M39 lenses, like 75/2.5 heliar will fit. The new M-mount lenses will not fit to Bessa R camera. The 75 heliar is a good lens.

 

[payasam]

Sheewai, the 75 will be excellent for portraits. However, most people seem to prefer wider lenses for street work.

 

[sheewai]

It will fit. Bessa R has a M39 thread so all the M39 lenses, like 75/2.5 heliar will fit. The new M-mount lenses will not fit to Bessa R camera. The 75 heliar is a good lens.

Thanks arky - what do u think about the R model or should i save up n get the R4a?

🙂

 

[sheewai]

Sheewai, the 75 will be excellent for portraits. However, most people seem to prefer wider lenses for street work.

Thanks payasam - what wider lenses would you reckon?

🙂

 

[gb hill]

Get the 35/2.5 color skopar. Camera Quest sells the camera & lens as a kit. If you do buy a used Bessa R make sure you check it out real good. But you being new to RF's go first to camera quest website and learn some info about them and then decide on which you want. The bessa R is imo a good choice if you don't wan't to spend alot of money.

 

[mike goldberg]

Hi there... here's my 2-cents worth:
The Bessa R is a great camera, one of the most popular of the CV products in RFF. It's "six of one and half a dozen of the other."

FOR:
It opens the vast world of M39 screwmount lenses. Introduced in 1999, it was the first Leica type camera with an onboard meter. BTW: The finder is bright and R/F focusing is easy.

AGAINST
The direction that Cosina is in now is M-mount. Consider having a 2nd CV M-mount camera body or even a Leica M2 or M3 [pricey].

For economy, the Bessa R is a great choice. Check the CQ site. It seems Stephen has a deal with the 35/2.5 color skopar, a great lens plus a case for $1- extra.

If you go to the B@y, it's caveat emptor.
Good luck! Mike
PS: Want more info? PM me.

 

[Spyderman]

BEssa R is a good camera to enter the world of rangefinders. Its finder is as bright as that of a Leica, and that's the important thing.

On Bessa R you'll be able to use M39 = LTM lenses, not M bayonet mount lenses. Changing lenses is really sloooow.

Later Bessas are better made, with more metal and less plastic.

If you do get the kit with the 75/2.5, be sure to later add a Skopar 35/2.5 - it's a great lens for the money.

 

[sheewai]

I've should notice there's a sticky on Bessa R' LOL thats what u get for being a newbie...need a wider eye!

super info frm u ppl thanks a million looks like im gonna b a 'rangefinder'CV.

Headsup mike goldberg! ur right - i did a calculation n CQ is, like u said, is giving a kit len 35/2.5 plus $1 fr the bag wooohoo! If i were to get the used R n buying the lens separately its gonna cost more..:bang:

That means with the saving i can save up for the 75/2.5 heliar😱 yippy!! i luv this www 😀

Now to learn how to use RV photography, with help frm u guys.

🙂

 

[oscroft]

Hi sheewai,

Interesting question, and I have a few thoughts.

Firstly, the 75 works very nicely with the Bessa-R (and an R with 75/2.5 and 35/2.5 makes a great general-purpose kit) - I used my 75 Heliar on my Bessa-R before I sold it to help pay for an R4A. But I don't think the 75 Heliar is a good street-shooting lens - I much prefer a shorter lens for that (I use my CV 28/3.5 a lot for that, but also sometimes my CV 35/2.5 or 50/2.5 - I'm not really one for fast lenses with no DOF).

You mention getting an R4A, and I think it is a superb camera, but it is no use at all with the 75 Heliar - it really is a wide-only camera. 50mm is its longest viewfinder frame, but I think even that is pushing it - I don't like using it with anything longer than a 35 myself. If I was looking for just one rangefinder body that I could use a 75 lens on (and also perhaps a 35 or 50), I think I'd go for an R2A or R2M (though given that I already have several RF bodies, I quite fancy an R3A for use with 50 and 75 lenses).

 

[sheewai]

Hi sheewai,

Interesting question, and I have a few thoughts.

Firstly, the 75 works very nicely with the Bessa-R (and an R with 75/2.5 and 35/2.5 makes a great general-purpose kit) - I used my 75 Heliar on my Bessa-R before I sold it to help pay for an R4A. But I don't think the 75 Heliar is a good street-shooting lens - I much prefer a shorter lens for that (I use my CV 28/3.5 a lot for that, but also sometimes my CV 35/2.5 or 50/2.5 - I'm not really one for fast lenses with no DOF).

You mention getting an R4A, and I think it is a superb camera, but it is no use at all with the 75 Heliar - it really is a wide-only camera. 50mm is its longest viewfinder frame, but I think even that is pushing it - I don't like using it with anything longer than a 35 myself. If I was looking for just one rangefinder body that I could use a 75 lens on (and also perhaps a 35 or 50), I think I'd go for an R2A or R2M (though given that I already have several RF bodies, I quite fancy an R3A for use with 50 and 75 lenses).

Firstly oscroft im a newbie n i've not use any of those lens mention but reading up on these lens ve me talking - i like street shooting & portraits out/indoor - what is ur choice lens for street shooting (35/2.5 general purpose kit)?

Getting the R4a plus lenses will cost me a bomb - interesting that u find the 75 heliar dont much the R4a (experience anyone) thanks oscroft lets ve some pictures on ur R4a!

🙂

 

[payasam]

From what people have said, Sheewai, your answer is clear. The R with the 35/2.5 will make a fine (and inexpensive) starter kit, which you can round off later with the 75 mm.

 

[sheewai]

oscroft you got wonderful travels - like the way u choose ur subject (hope thats the right word to use, newbie yeah)

🙂