Bessa R2S

[Jan Van Laethem]

I'm considering buying a Bessa R2S to use with a Voigtlander 21mm and Nikkor 35mm. Having only a limited experience with rangefinders (currently using a Nikon S with these lenses), could anyone comment on the Bessa's build quality and handling? I could use the 35mm frame lines of the Bessa, as I need to use an external viewfinder with the Nikon S, and overall the Bessa seems a much quicker camera to use than the button operated Nikon. Apart from build quality, I'd also like to know how the shutter sound compares to the Nikon's cloth shutter.

Thanks for any comments you can give me.

Jan

 

[jonmanjiro]

Hi Jan, I've owned and sold two Bessa R2S cameras. Compared to your Nikon S, the handling of the R2S will be far far superior. With the modern swing open back, its much easier to load and remove film, plus you've got an inbuilt meter. I also found that I could fairly accurately frame a 25mm lens by using the entire viewfinder beyond the 35mm framelines, so there was no need to mount an external 25mm finder. My main beef with the R2S was the short baselength and reduced viewfinder magnification of 0.7 compared to the S2 and later Nikon RF models. I didn't feel comfortable focusing anything 50mm or longer at close distance and wide apertures. However, if you only intend to use 21mm and 35mm lenses, you can't go wrong. Regarding build quality of the R2S, its pretty good but of course not up to the standard of the Nikon RFs. The shutter is louder than a cloth shutter camera, but still not too bad.

Hope that helps,

Jon

 

[Jan Van Laethem]

Thank you, Jon. Your comments about film loading are most welcome. Although I'm getting used to it, rewinding a film, unloading and reloading the Nikon S is awkward and takes time. I also find that the 21mm Voigtlander external viewfinder gets in the way of the rewind knob, slowing me down even more. Is that an issue with the Bessa? I prefer not to have to remove the external viewfinder to rewind.

I really like the wide angles I am using, I might add a 50mm at some time, but that is about the longest I would go. So I'm ok with the Bessa's viewfinder magnification. Interesting point about the 25mm.

Regards

Jan

 

[jonmanjiro]

Good question. I have a CV 21/4, but don't remember ever using it on the R2S. I'm not 100% sure, but suspect that an attached external viewfinder will prevent easy film rewinding on the R2S. There's bound to be someone here who knows for sure though 🙂

Personally, I'm not a fan of external viewfinders, and avoid using them if possible ...

 

[dexdog]

I have an R2C (same as R2S, except for lens mount), and don't have any problem with rewinding with an external finder mounted, even with a big finder like the Contax 21 or Voigtlander 21. The rewind crank is fairly short and at a steep angle, and even with my fat fingers my hand does not hit the viewfinder.

 

[Jan Van Laethem]

Jon, I'm not a fan of external viewfinders either, but with a 21mm there isn't much choice.

Thanks Dexdog for answering my doubts about the rewind crank and external viewfinder.

What sort of prices does a second hand R2S go for?

 

[jonmanjiro]

Yep, my CV 21/4, despite being a great little lens, would probably get used more if I didn't need to use an external viewfinder with it 😱

Regarding used R2S prices, I've seen nice clean user bodies as cheap as 30,000 yen here in Japan, but they don't come up very often. Not sure about elsewhere ...

Good luck tracking one down!

 

[Tom A]

Jan, I have the R2S and a bundle of Nikon Rf's. The R2S is my "convinience" camera when I use non 400/250 asa bl/w film. As stated elsewhere, the loading is easier, the shutter slightly noiser than the Nikon RF;s. Build quality is not as good as the Nikon S (but then nothing is - it is one of the most "overbuilt" cameras ever). This said, I have had no problems with my R2S.
For a wide angle kit, the R2S would work well. The 21f4 VC SC is good and I find sliding the finder off when rewinding is not a big deal (i find myself hitting it with my knuckles when doing it with it in place). The 35 frame on the R2S is good, but as with any rangefinder, it is an estimate of field coverage, not an exact rendition of coverage.
As for pricing, at the moment I think Stephen Gandy/Cameraquest sells the kit with the 50f3.5 Heliar for $699 - and considering the quality of the Heliar 50 f3.5 - that is a very good deal. If you dont have a 50 (and a 21/35/50 kit can do most of what you want) it is one of the best lenses ever in that focal length VERY sharp and nice contrast - and small enough to slip into a pocket when not in use,
Occasionally, I have found that the 35 Nikkor is difficult to fit through the "throat" of the R2S (particularly the 35f1.8 from a SP 2005).
Tom

 

[selma-1]

Voigtlander R2S

Voigtlander R2S

Jan I don't use my Nikon Rangefinders currently. I require a 0 diopter on all my cameras and I have seen one picture of one for the Nikon Rangefinders but never one in my hand. The diopters really did not become available for Nikon until the Nikon F. The Voigtlander R2S, of which I own two, have replaced them. I did add the side grips to both as I found it more confortable and the cameras hang better. I have lenses ranging from the Voigtlander 15mm SL 4.5 to the Nikon 135mm F3.5. Focusing, handleing, exposure, and viewfinder are great. I use these cameras and don't try to force them,. If I want fast framing I have other options like my Nikon F3THP with MD4 and firing rate adapter, or it I want to see pictures immediately I have my Nikon D200. I also own Contax G system. These cameras work great with a assortment of lenses. Buy one and enjoy. Steve.

 

[Jan Van Laethem]

Thanks for the comments received so far.

Tom, this is the exact reason I'd like to buy the R2S. There is certainly a "convenience" factor involved. Being used to Nikon SLRs, having a faster wind, rewind and film loading helps in certain situations where the Nikon might slow me down more. I'm surprised at your comments about the issues you found with the 35mm fitting on the R2S. The 35mm I will be using is the f/1.8 (not the millenium one). Is there something I need to take extra care of when mounting the 35mm f/1.8 on the Bessa? I have seen the prices on Cameraquest, but I don't think they offer the R2S as a body only option. I like faster glass in my 50mms.

Steve, I also use the F3 and to a lesser degree the FM3a. The rangefinder is different in its conception and gets used for different pictures. Thanks for sharing your views.

Regards

Jan

 

[jonmanjiro]

Camera Quest doesn't have the R2S body only? Can't hurt to ask them. Or you could try Pop Flash or somewhere else ...