Considering an RF, need help on Bessa

[Dale D]

Hi, I don't own an RF, but am considering acquiring one. There's a Bessa R2 in the used case at the local shop, it's in great condition, and I was impressed with the viewfinder (even though I wear glasses). It has a 35mm 2.5 color skopar attached (not the classic, I guess that means it's the pancake version?).

My question is: is there any difference optically between the 35mm pancake and the classic version of the lens? Any differences such as contrast, sharpness, etc?

I found controls on the lens a bit small and awkward for my hands, but that might be just a matter of getting used to it (I've been using Nikon SLR's). I'm asking about the lens to help decide if I should by the body and lens, or just buy the body and seek out the other version of the lens. Asking prices are $350 for the body and $230 for the lens. Do these seem like fair market prices? Any help would be appreciated!

Dale

 

[BillBingham2]

Dale,

I have to get things set to go to my sons football game in a few minutes. Take a look at www.cameraquest.com. It is a great source for info on Bessas. I will give you my two cents a bit later when I have a second, I'm sure lots of other folks here will too.

Welcome, to a wonderful path in photography, Rangefinders and a great forum.

B2 (;->

 

[AusDLK]

Get a Zeiss Ikon.

Higher build quality. Terrific RF.

 

[FrankS]

Hi Dale,
I jsut bought a Bessa R2 here at RFF for a bit less than the price you saw at the camera store. It's not way out of line but you could save yourself $50 or so on the body. The price on the lens sounds about right. $25 less would be better. Try making a lower offer. $500 is a nice round number. It is a great camera and lens.

 

[Fred]

The R2 is a cracking camera, mechanical and M mount as well. If the price is right, I'd give it some serious. thought. You could do a lot worse.

 

[clintock]

You can attach some value to the fact that it's from a camera store, so if it explodes in three days, you have a person to come hassle.
Also you can verify that the RF is in proper alignment, instead of having to deal with it after you buy it from some far off place, and fight with the decision to fix yourself or ship back..
The 35/2.5 you are looking at is the same glass-wise as the classic one they still make, only in a better housing. Since the pancake 1 was screw mount, you also have the cost of the LtoM adaptor in the mix to consider.

 

[dostacos]

I just bought a Bessa R2 $300 no lens, It is my #1 camera now.

the bayonet mount is worth the money.

as for the lens size, when switching from SLRs to rangefinders, most of the lenses are small, it takes the low light lenses or the 75/90 to get near the size and bulk of SLR lenses. I agree if you can talk 'em down to $500 for both that would be great,


if it has a focus lever and the lens has an adapter for the M mount it is the classic, if not, it is one of the pancakes

as I understand it, the first pancake was the classic glass in M mount smaller package and the pancake II is a new design and has a bayonet mounted lens shade black only

regardless it will be much less expenive than a zeiss. the Bessa R2 at $580 will leave you with $720 for more lenses tham the cost of the zeiss body alone [0r $2050 for the camera with a 35 mm lens , admittedly a faster 35, still for $350 body and the 35/1.2 would still be less than the zeiss body alone

 

[Dale D]

Thanks for the replies... I'm still chewing on this. I confirmed that the lens is the PII version. I'm still not sure if an RF would be for me or not, but I'm starting to think I won't know till I own and use one. With that kind of uncertainty, anything which carries a cost like the Zeiss Ikon is out of the question.

Dale

 

[Ash]

If you can afford it, buy it. Rangefinders are great fun cameras to use 🙂

 

[clintock]

Rangefinder cameras are nearly free to own in the long run, because unless you drop one into a pond or manage to have it stolen, they always sell for nearly as much (sometimes more) than you paid for them, especially used gear.

 

[BillBingham2]

Dale,

The R2 is a fine camera. I have a T (the same era as the R2) and love it. You may find you love the R2 and stay with it for life. You might move to other options, but clintock is right, you get most of what you pay for it back when (or if) you sell them.

There is a difference in the build of recent CV lenses and what I might call 1st generation lenses. The first generation are not bad, quite the opposite, they are very good lenses for the money. I have several (15/4.5, 25/4, 35/1.7) an like each for what it brings. However, the new lenses are much closer to Leica in quality and smoothness. I have the 40/1.4 and have to say it is much closer to my 35/2 'cron that I ever expected.

The 25/4 is my carry everywhere lens (it sits on a Bessa L) and my 15/4.5 is my wide for my 15/40/105 M6 kit, so I do not shy away from using old lenses. The quality of CV lenses for the money is wonderful. All are sharp, some are very sharp and a few are world class. Everyone I have is very resistant to flare (I even got a second 25/4 in Nikon S mount for my S2 and love it).

The shop thing vs not from a post here or on the bay is a hard question. Put at least two rolls of film through it and get it processed. Check out every speed. Check to make sure the range finder is adjusted currectly. Make sure they (the shop) will stand behind it for a period of time.

While I do think there is some value to going with a M mount camera, perhaps a R with a 35 from Stephen (www.cameraquest.com) might be a better place to start. If you are not switching lenses there is nothing wrong with screw mounts (also called LTM for Leica Twist Mount). Getting new from Stephen is a wonderful thing, he stands behind everything very well. To some people, the R feels more plastic (it is compared to the R2), it does not take a winder (something I love) and is a screw mount body vs a M mount.

Poke around Cameraquest and see what you think. I have a R for my son and am very happy with my decision. I started with a T because I have Leica M mount cameras and lenses and I wanted the option of using those lenses on my Bessa. I did not go R2 because I use slightly different focal length lenses than most and the R2 did not fit where I wanted to go.

Hope this helps. Keep asking questions, lots of folks around here are very willing to share.

B2 (;->