Bessa R3M - Best Case?

Bessa R3M - Best Case?

  • Half-case

    Votes: 36 41.9%
  • Full case

    Votes: 7 8.1%
  • No case

    Votes: 38 44.2%
  • Other (ziplock bag, glovebox, etc.)

    Votes: 5 5.8%

  • Total voters
    86
Let it get scratched.
It's a current-production camera, not an irreplaceable antique.
Why are you worried about scratching it?

Didn't every now-collectable, very expensive camera start it's life as a "current-production" camera ?

I use a half-case most of the time, for protection, but not always; as my mood is that day :)

Stefan.
 
I like the standard Bessa case in black. Very pretty and inexpensive. I just use the bottom half of it. Not fond of the three chrome snap lugs on the back, and will never use the camera w/ the top of the case on it, so I drilled out the chrome lugs and popped them off, filled it in w/ acrylic, and painted it black. It looks good enough for me, and no one ever sees the back of it anyway. I just wanted to have a decent half case at a good price (free, since I already had the case), and since a Luigi case would cost as much as my Bessa R, this is the best way to go for me.
 
I have a Luigi case on mine - works well - makes it comfy to hold:
R4mH15mm.jpg
 
The Bessa is one of the few cameras I own that I really like using without a case ... mainly since I got a genuine accessory grip!

It is such a nice camera in the hands this way. :)
 
I never use cases on camera bodies. I find that they usually just get in my way. A long time ago I think it was Nikon had what they called a Ever Ready case and it pretty much proved to me that it was a Never Ready case. I like to feel the camera.
 
Hi, I'm brand new to the forum. It's very nice to meet all of you! Please call me Matt.

I usually use a wrist strap, but if I need to use a shoulder strap I find that the bottom half of a Zorki 4K never-ready works perfectly. The tripod bush aligns like it was made for it, and the self timer cut out is a good gripping point. It also cures the lens dive-bomb caused by the forward strap lugs if you are using a small lens. Everybody have a fun day shooting!!!

IMG_0014.jpg
 
I discovered some time ago that the best camera for me is one that works perfectly but looks awful. I can sling it over my shoulder on a strap and go on w/ the business of shooting photos. I think it's improved my photography, and is much more fun to shoot.

So if I were in your shoes and didn't want to sell the pretty one and look for a beater, I would just slip it into the bottom half of a black Bessa case and go on w/ it. Or put a side grip on it so the thing doesn't do the Bessa Stab in your back and let the marks be a sign of your use of the camera.
 
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Another vote for the winder. It provides a nice grip and some protection. It also has an additional strap lug so you can hang the camera vertically ala the original M5. It works for me, but I never use a camera case. Stick it in a bag, pull it out to use it, and go from there. BTW, scratches and other marks simply indicate a loved and used camera, not a shelf queen. Again, just my thoughts.
 
I use the Zhou half case to protect my R3A, cuz quite frankly this thing (while wonderful to use) does not feel like it could take much abuse.
The Zhou case adds a nice grip bump to the front of the camera, so I find it improves the handling.
 
am i right in thinking that the leica m6 cases can be used on a r3m?

Assuming the M6 case has a screw on the bottom, it won't fit. The tripod socket of the Ms is at the end, but the Bessa's socket is close to the center.

Cheers,
Dez
 
Another vote for the grip and a UV filter. I've taken the cases off my Leicas too. Too bulky and get in the way. I like the feel of a caseless camera. And I've had the Luigi and Zhou's too.
 
Another thread from the dead.

I know I have half cases for a lot of my cameras. My wife keeps picking them up when she is cleaning and asking what I want to do with them. :D

In theory I think they are a great idea. But...I can never translate theory into practice on a day-to-day basis. I don't think my cameras mind running around naked.

Actually, the case I have is the original Voigtlander case that comes with it for a little extra. It is actually a very nice case.

Now if I could just find it!!! Oh dear???
 
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