CL/CLE vs Bessa R2A...

[sanmich]

Hi

When I do serious and intensive shooting, my M6 and M2 are great. I concentrate on photography and all the metering issue is ...non-issue.
But for the casual shooting I tried all kinds of cameras and really feel that a modern AE camera is more appropriate.

I once had a CLE....great design but I couldn't leave with the non mettered manual mode and without a 50mm frame. I swapped to the CL but some quirks really don't do it for me (no 35 frame, no AE, too long, non ratcheted wind stoke, film loading etc...) and now I'm thinking of swapping to the R2A as a day to day, all around camera and a backup camera.

Your opinions Gentlemen...

Thanks

Michael

 

[ferider]

If you like 35/50, the R2A might be better for you. One of its best
features in my opinion is the exposure lock button.

If you prefer 28/40, the CLE might be better. Really nice 28mm
framelines.

You might consider the Hexar RF, too. Not much more expensive than
a CLE.

Roland.

 

[back alley]

i can understand wanting a 'knock around' camera, one to throw in a bag and not have to worry about it.
but i might use the m2 for that purpose as it's made for the 35mm lens and i like that for a carry everyday lens.
i have a recently purchased cle that needs some work that might become the body in my knock around kit.

joe

 

[ferider]

I would agree with Joe. A good user M2 is not much more expensive than
a good user R2a. M2 is much more robust, and RF alignment is easier
to fix, DIY, also on the road.

Best,

Roland.

 

[sanmich]

Thanks for your answers!

First I'm a bit surprised by the price range.
isn't a good user M2 in the 600$ 's and a second hand bessa should be what, in the 350~400$

Add to this the possible need for a CLA compared to a virtually new R2A....
That brings the M2 closer to the Ikon range of prices.

Also, I really feel I would love AE for more on-the-way shooting.
Don't get me wrong, of all my cameras, if I should keep one it would be the M2. But for the knock around, quick "enter the photographic mode" while you're doing something completely different, I feel, at least on the paper, that the R2A is the answer.

Thanks again

Michael

 

[sanmich]

Also, does someone has any bad experience about the bessa RF alignment?

Roland,

On the M2 the DYI adjust is under the front plate screw, right?

 

[ferider]

Hi Michael,

in the last few weeks I have seen several really good user M2s go
for less than US 500. For US 80, Youxin does a really perfect CLA job.
So I think if you are patient, you can get away with < US 550, CLA and
all.

The R2A is in the US 400 range. And they beat up real quick. I had an
R3A for a while - not a bad camera but not very robust. I had alignment
issues, the shutter lock up once, etc. But I take my cameras in planes,
etc.

The CLE is not very robust either (compared to the M2). Top and bottom
cover are mostly plastic, covered with some metal foil.

On the M2 the DYI adjust is under the front plate screw, right?

For vertical. For horizontal, you adjust the RF roller. All you need to take
with when you travel is two screw drivers.

Best,

Roland.

 

[ferider]

One more note: if you use mostly LTM lenses, consider a Canon P as well,
a really robust camera going for around US 200-250, currently.
1:1 finder, too. Will remind you of your M2 except it's screw mount.

Roland.

 

[sanmich]

Roland, are you talking about ebay?

Does the ZI have better reputation concerning built and robustness?

 

[ferider]

Roland, are you talking about ebay?

Yes.

Does the ZI have better reputation concerning built and robustness?

Somebody else should answer this .... I've never touched one.

Best,

Roland.

 

[Little Prince]

Don't have any experience with the other cameras you're talking about, but I do have a CLE and really like it.

Agreed that the manual mode is not convenient without metering, but if you want it as a carry along anyway camera, you can do quite well with AE. Even otherwise, you can read AE and then switch to metered and dial in your adjustment. Of course that's not very quick and not in the best spirit of the RF but it is manageable. Plus, I really like 40mm and have found it to be ideal for me as a normal. Not to mention that it is the most petite of the lot, which is what drew me to it in the first place.

It's one of a kind, keep it 🙂. Sadly the time may be approaching when I have to let go of mine. Already feeling remorseful.

 

[back alley]

the old leica m cameras are like a 1950 chevy, most good mechanics can work on them so they are still popular now. the old m's are heavy as they were made with heavier metals.
the zi is like a new chev, filled with electronics and made from lighter materials.
most folks around here think that older is better.
i think that older is different, good but different. i have no problem with the newer lighter materials, like plastic and light alloys. they can be stronger than steel.
the zi has a great built in meter and an easy ae lock button. it is smooth and has a swing back that many find easier to load, myself included in that batch.
the zi is much newer than an m2 or 3 and therefore has little history to prove it's longevity.
it's a matter of faith brother!! 😉

for me, the biggest difference is the shooting experience. do you want the older feel, the heavier camera, the hand held metering etc?
or do you prefer the feel of a light and fast moving camera with built in meter and one handed film loading?

one is not better (depending on your level of personal security) but they are different.

joe