Bessa R3 viewfinder vs Leica M6

[bessasebastian]

From your experience, is the Leica M6 viewfinder brighter or bigger than the current Bessa R3 models? Any advantages in focusing between the cameras?

Thanks in advance

 

[AlexanderR]

I had an M6TTL (.72) and currently own an MP (.85) and a Bessa R3A. I prefer the Leica viewfinder on the M6 and MP to the one on the R3A. The Leica finders are sharper and offer more contrast in the rangefinder patch to me. I hunt for focus more on the R3A even though it's viewfinder magnification is greater than that of either Leica.

The R3A is a nice camera and I'm not getting rid of it, but it is not a Leica.

 

[bessasebastian]

Thanks

"sharper" and "more contrast" are two points. I wonder though what else "but it is not a Leica" says about the finders?

 

[principe azul]

I wonder though what else "but it is not a Leica" says about the finders?

Leaves you with change for lenses? :angel:


I've been impressed enough with the Bessa finders. They're certainly brighter than my M4, and while the Bessa rangefinder patch isn't as contrasty as the M4, I've found them more than enough to go on.

Another thing to consider is frameline accuracy. The view through the finder didn't change between the M4 and the M6 (0.72 version), but with the M6 (and earlier, M4-P?, M4-2?), Leica decided to reduce the coverage of the 35mm frame so it could cram in a 28mm frame. True, they don't appear at the same time, but you can use the preview lever to flick between them, and a more accurate 35mm frame would show up the 28mm to be a little undersized.

The Hexar RF and the Bessa R4 are two cameras I've measured against the M4, which I know to be about as accurate as rangefinder framelines can be. Both were as near as dammit to the M4. I spent more time checking the RF framelines than the R4, but I got the impression I could trust them. The finder brightness of the Bessas also puts the RF to shame.

Can't speak for the R3, sorry, which has a very different finder. But it's an issue to be aware of. Obviously, thousands of M6 shooters, including Magnum photographers, haven't let it worry them. Best advice is to find something you're comfortable with.

 

[Bertram2]

From your experience, is the Leica M6 viewfinder brighter or bigger than the current Bessa R3 models? Any advantages in focusing between the cameras?

Thanks in advance

The M6 Finder has a flare /whiteout problem of the rf patch sometimes. Obviously annoying enuff to let some M6 owners modify it to the MP standard , or to buy some shade-like accesssory parts for the lightning window.
I have used a R and R2 side by side with an M6 once, quite a time ago tho, I cannot remember a significant difference and which one would have been brighter.

bertram

 

[bessasebastian]

Thanks for the replies

 

[x-ray]

Don't have the R3 but just picked up a mint R2 and also have a ZI and 6 M bodies. Three are MP's amd one M6, M3 and M2. The ZI is without question the best of all the VF/RF's in brightness, accuracy and contrast as well as speed of focusing. The M's are all good but the R2 is excellent too. I find it more than bright enough and plenty of contrast in the RF patch. Overall I would rate it close to the leicas but possibly slightly under. The length of RF base comes into play with the Bessa. I shoot the 35 1.2 and leica 75 1.4 wide open and don't trust the Bessa at close distances. It might be OK but not worth the risk. With the M's and particularly the ZI I feel comfortable wide open with these lenses. From the stand point of ease of use any are plenty good.

I really do like the Bessa and find it a very comfrtable, light weight camera with a fine RF/VF and excellent meter. If the Bessa won't do it for you then the leica or ZI won't either.