Bessa R2A or R3A (again)

[mrdoser]

First post in this great resource!

From what I understand the R2A is more designed for wide angle use than the R3A. However, if i plan on going wide-only (i.e. < 35mm) is this still true, since I would use a VF anyway. What would be the disadvantage of using the R3A with wide (<35) lenses?

more specifically, I am trying to decide between:
R2A + 35/1.7 Ultron + 21/4 Color Skopar
R3A + 40/1.4 Nokton (SC) + 21/4 Color Skopar

What would be the sensible choice?

Also, are there any dutch members that have any experience with customs when ordering form overseas (Cameraquest)?

Cheers,

 

[rover]

It will all come down to opinion abut the lens quality.

I personally like the 35 Ultron a lot. I think it is an excellent match for the Bessas, so I would go with the R2a and Ultron. Others surely will like the faster Nokton and 1:1 finder on the R3a.

How often do you expect to go longer than 35 or 40mm?

 

[aizan]

<35mm, there are no disadvantages with the r3a. the r2a is mainly for using 35mm lenses. both of those kits will work perfectly.

 

[Fred]

I have to agree with Rover, the Ultron is not only a sharp lens but is very well made as well. I tried an R3A with the 40 1.4 against a R2 (not the "R2a") with the ultron, the ultron package felt better to me. The Ultron is a larger beast though but does not intrude into the 35mm frame lines on an M leica. You'll need the M adapter with the Ultron but you get the hood for free.

 

[mrdoser]

Thanks for the replies.
I don't expect to go any longer than 35 or 40mm (never say never).
But I just wondered, since the 1:1 finder is not used below 40mm, if there is another difference (for example baseline-length) that is important in this choice.

 

[Huck Finn]

Many factors to consider, 'doser:

1. You will use the camera's viewfinder on wider lenses like the 21/4 for focusing, unless you scale focus, which can be easily done - & the auxiliary finder for composing. It's unlikely that the higher magnification will ever make any difference in focusing the 21/4, given the great depth of field of such a lens. However, if you ever decide to use . . . say, a 28/2 & to shoot close up, your depth of field at f/2 will be about 3 inches. Not awful, but the higher magnification would be useful. On the 21/4, in contrast, even wide open & close up the depth of field is about 10 inches.

2. Do you shoot close up? The minimum focus distance for the 35 Ultron is 0.9 meters (about 3 feet). The minimum focus distance for the 40 Nokton is 0.7 m (about 27 inches). For some people, this makes a difference.

3. Is it important to you to be able to see outside the frame lines when you're composing? It's unlikely that you'll be able to di this with the 40 mm frame lines of the R3A.

4. To some people, size matters. The 40 Nokton is very, very compact for its focal length & maximum aperture (29.7 mm). The 35 Ultron is more than 50% longer (47.7 mm). You choose.

Huck

 

[aizan]

3. Is it important to you to be able to see outside the frame lines when you're composing? It's unlikely that you'll be able to di this with the 40 mm frame lines of the R3A.

even with both eyes open?

 

[rover]

aizan, you have to have your face right against the camera to see the entire 40mm framelines in the R3a. I thought the 1:1 finder was great, but could not see the entire 40mm lines with my glasses. Without glasses they will be there.

With both eyes open? Hmm, I did that too, takes some getting used to. Again though, if you eye isn't close to the viewfinder you will not see the framelines.

 

[thpook]

First post in this great resource!

From what I understand the R2A is more designed for wide angle use than the R3A. However, if i plan on going wide-only (i.e. < 35mm) is this still true, since I would use a VF anyway. What would be the disadvantage of using the R3A with wide (<35) lenses?

more specifically, I am trying to decide between:
R2A + 35/1.7 Ultron + 21/4 Color Skopar
R3A + 40/1.4 Nokton (SC) + 21/4 Color Skopar

What would be the sensible choice?

Also, are there any dutch members that have any experience with customs when ordering form overseas (Cameraquest)?

Cheers,

Not Dutch, but I live in Denmark. I had absolutely no problems ordering from Cameraquest. My 35 f/2.5 PII took around 3 weeks to arrive.

 

[Bertram2]

more specifically, I am trying to decide between:
R2A + 35/1.7 Ultron + 21/4 Color Skopar
R3A + 40/1.4 Nokton (SC) + 21/4 Color Skopar

What would be the sensible choice?

ACheers,

If you plan the upper end of your complete set to be at 35/40 then take a 40mm. If
you think about longer lenses too ( 50 or 75) than take a 35mm better.

The complete set must have reasonable steps from lens to lens and then shift it down to wide or up to long as you think it fits best for your style.
Regards,
Bertram

 

[aizan]

i'm half-japanese, and my eyes aren't set deep, or nose wide, or glasses thick, etc, so i can see the 40mm as well as the 35mm framelines on an m2 (which are wider than the m6). about 80%, i guess. it depends on your face, as well as your glasses, so it's worth a try.

 

[mrdoser]

I take it, what it comes down to - for me - is when I would use a 28mm lens on the:
- R2A the outside of the vf approximates to a ~28mm lens
- R3A the higher magnification might be usefull for close up shooting (because of small dof)

Oh and of course lens quality (35mm lenses vs 40mm Nokton) and compactness of these lenses. Still not quite sure on what to get, but thank you all for your thoughts. I guess I have to do some more reading on my lens choices. Too bad I have no dealer nearby which carries these, so I have to rely on the few reviews and comments I can find.
Again, thank you all!