Bessa R2A or R2M or Leica M3?

Bessa R2A or R2M or Leica M3?

  • Leica M3 w/ Summicron 50mm Collapsible

    Votes: 124 53.2%

  • New Bessa R2M with 50

    Votes: 31 13.3%

  • New or used Bessa R2A or R3Awith 40 or 50

    Votes: 78 33.5%
  • Total voters
    233
The M3 is great and if you love the viewfinder, but want the built in meter it's the R3A or R3M for you.
The M3 is My favorite, but I have a R3M as well. Can't go wrong with either.
 
Thread necromancy, plus flogging a dead horse - everything has been said already, just not yet by everyone.
 
I voted R2A, purely for the AE. Personally, I would not worry about 1/2000th of a second, you can always stop down, get an ND filter, or just over expose by one stop.

If you're shooting negative film, you can likely do without a meter, but slide film you likely cannot.

The M3 is obviously a legend, and a very pretty camera, but for actually taking photos, unless that Leica build means everything to you, then the Bessa is likely better for everyday use.

I'd second the opinion to use the M3 for a bit, see how you go, and if you find a meterless camera a pain (I know I would for an every day camera), get the R2A and use your Summicron on it.

If you love the M3, you can get a tiny Voigtlander meter to put in the hotshoe, which will make things easier I imagine.
 
I voted for M3 because I like to use it more than my bessa (especially M3 VF is hard to resist). I don't like bessa "smack" shutter sound :)) but it's not a bad camera, and yes the built in meter making me shoot alot faster than my M3 (why in a hurry?). :):)

Rgrds,

Beta
 
The Bessa loading is much quicker. The newer M cameras such as m4 and up also have easier loading mechanics.

Would you ever consider buying a 35mm lens? Only the Bessa 2m supports that. I had a basic Bessa r2 and it was more functional than my current m6 due to better viewfinder and 1/2000. But didn't feel as good of course. The Leica cloth shutter is very quiet at high speeds > 1/125.
 
If you've got the M3 & 50 - you can do a helluva lot with that alone, not to mention that other M mount lenses are available.

The M leicas are not slow, once you know what you are doing - you'll get it by lunchtime! I have used an M2 for over 32 years, I love it. It is fast, accurate, discreet. Get a hand held meter and once you're used to judging the light, you won't even need that all the time - you'll be ready.

Being un prepared will make one miss shots, definitely not the camera. Think of all the guys who shot quickly with the Leica - Capa, HCB, Eugene Smith, Frank, David Seymour, Erwitt.... I could go on for a long time.

That's a great camera and lens combo.

Thanks
Sam
 
an m3 was my first serious camera. i fondly remember it. i run an r2m now. i like the loading on the r2m much more than the leica m method. viewfinders are similar in use, but with the r2m, you can easily swap in inexpensive diopters as your eyes age/change. that said, ride that m3 until you're automatic. then try out an r2m with it's superb meter. this issue will sort itself out according to your experience, not anyone else's ...
 
I think it has been asked 3 times already...but WHY DOES EVERYONE KEEP POSTING ADVICE ON A THREAD STARTED IN 2006?
 
ghost said:
as they say, cars don't need auto ignition, but it sure makes things smoother.
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Not a valid comparison. You will be a better photographer if you learn to intuit the exposure settings, no doubt. But it is not for everyone.
 
crispy12 said:
The Bessa loading is much quicker. The newer M cameras such as m4 and up also have easier loading mechanics.

Would you ever consider buying a 35mm lens? Only the Bessa 2m supports that. I had a basic Bessa r2 and it was more functional than my current m6 due to better viewfinder and 1/2000. But didn't feel as good of course. The Leica cloth shutter is very quiet at high speeds > 1/125.
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I must be really a Neanderthal, because I like loading the M3 better than all of the newer types.:)
 
Thee is a special feeling when pushing down the shutter release on an M3. While a modern camera may be more practical to use, I am not a professional, and I try to enjoy taking photos. Uung the M3 gives me lots of enjoyment. I have a Bessa R nd not R2, but if the cameras are somewhat similar, then a Bessa is not an Zm3.
 
The M3 is beautiful, give it a good chance before selling. If you really want something more modern, and it's understandable, consider a Zeiss Ikon. They are also beautiful, in a different way.
 
To yon self appointed forum policemen, it behooves ye killjoys that bleat much to remember that empty vessels make the most noise. Either put up or shut up. Please keep the photo.net mentality unique to photo.net.

It doesn't matter if the OP has long left the room, other people may benefit from the discussion.

And if members want to keep contributing to the thread it just shows that it is an interesting and fun topic to talk about.
 
I'd keep the M3 because the Leicas are fully system cameras in ways that the Bessas are not. (For example, the DR Summicron "eyes" match the finders on the Leicas, so if you want to use one in its close-focusing range, only a Leica body will work.) Though if it were me, it would be an M2 because of the simpler, uncluttered finder.
 
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