Bessa R2

The Voigtlander lenses are great. What focal length do you want? If you can't afford them either, I would suggest getting a cheap russian 50mm lens like a Jupiter 8 or an Industar 61 to hold you over. I have the Voigtlander 21/4 and I think it's spectacular.
 
I'd be inclined to go for a 35, only because thats the one I shoot with most on my RFs. I use the CV 35 1.7 most on my Bessa R, with a CV 75 2.5 from time to time. I used to use a 50 quite often but used to find it too narrow angle for general use. If I want to carry two lenses the 35 75 combo works for me, one lens maybe the 35 over a 50. I can always crop the frame from a 35 to that of a 50 but not the other way round.
 
Get a 35 of some sort. I don't think the cheap Russian 35mm Jupiter-12 will work on Bessas, so Voigtlander is probably your best bet. I'd go with the 35/1.4 if you don't mind a little bit of barrel distortion. For someting tiny and cheaper, the 35/2.5 is very well-regarded.
 
Jupiter lenses?

Jupiter lenses?

Thanks everyone. I too think that 35 is the best focal length, it seems to be just right for almost everything I take photos of, and when it isn't, a 75 or 90 would probably do. And since the CV 35/1.4 is just inside budget I'm probably going to go for that. I'll get a 75 or a 90 when I've saved up again..

Are the Jupiter lenses optically ok and will they hurt my camera? They seem too cheap for quality, so I thought I should ask.
 
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Build quality is a bit cheap but optically they are (or can be) fairly good, some specimens better than others. Do a search on the image gallery on here to see results these lenses are capable of.
 
I've checked a few other sites, and it seems the good ones are really good, and the bad ones are really terrible. I might get a Jupiter 8 or an I-61.

I've heard that some of them protrude too deep into the camera body and might break the shutter?
 
The 35mm/f2.5 can be found for a very reasonable price I would recommend it. Also an option are the Canon screwmount lenses. The 50mm 1.8 Serenar is a great lens.
The J 9's performance on a Bessa is so so: If you want to have the eyes sharp then focus at the tip of the nose. Also some J9's have not been assembled properly so byuing them online is a bit of a lottery.
One M39 to M-adapter is enough for the beginning. I use the R2 and it#s nice to use
 
Voigtlander sells 35 mm lens and if you purchase LTM lenses, Camera Quest, sells the adapters to fit on the lens. I have a Canon 35f2.8 and it's crystal clear.
Joe
 
I would recommend getting a reliable, good lens like the Voigtländer 35mm choices. You will have tons of fun with it without having to worry about build quality, focus calibration and all that.

In addition to that you can always shell out the 20 bucks or so that a J-8 will cost and with some luck get an excellent lens. Just don't make it your only choice.

Regards,
Philipp
 
Out of the various Voigtländer 35mm lenses I actually prefer the 35/2.5 C-type; small, fast enough for most jobs without having too much added bulk, which is what CRF photography is about. Later on, if there is a need, get the 50/2.5; same size and they share filters too.
 
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