CV Bessa R4A/M owners pipe in

R4A with ZM 28/2.8 is my standard arrangement when I want to shoot AE. They are perfect together. Tom's right about the 28mm frame, it's fantastic! Very much like shooting 35mm on the M2, except even easier to see the framelines.
 
I got an impression that R4a/R4m VF is not usable at all if mounted with ZM 21/2.8, as the lens will block the VF. I may be wrong. Can someone advise on this?
 
As many had said and my personal experience, the ZM 21/2.8 will block lower right corner about 25%. Initially I thought it was almost not usable but so far in practice I am OK with this set up and photos turned up alright. Partly because I do not quite like external finder. ZM 21/4.5 would be ideal but I guess I will stick to the f2.8.
 
fuwen said:
As many had said and my personal experience, the ZM 21/2.8 will block lower right corner about 25%. Initially I thought it was almost not usable but so far in practice I am OK with this set up and photos turned up alright. Partly because I do not quite like external finder. ZM 21/4.5 would be ideal but I guess I will stick to the f2.8.
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I have the R4A and ZM 21/2.8 setup. I have just checked and there is no way the lens is blocking 25% of the view.... more like 1/8th (half of 25%). This is without the hood (though). Just some clarification from my point of view should anyone be put-off by the thought of VF blockage by the lens.
 
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hunghang said:
I have the R4A and ZM 21/2.8 setup. I have just checked and there is no way the lens is blocking 25% of the view.... more like 1/8th (half of 25%). This is without the hood (though). Just some clarification from my point of view should anyone be put-off by the though of VF blockage by the lens.
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Well, just checked and agreed with hunghang, without hood the blockage is about half of 25%. With the 21/25 rectangular hood (which I always have it on with the lens) it is close to 25% (to be more accurate is not up to 25% but certainly more than 20%) at close range with parallex correction and slightly better at infinity.

But I would not say R4 is ideal with ZM 21/2.8. But it certainly is ideal for 28mm focal length, and I am using ZM 28/2.8 with the 25/28 round hood.
 
I had an R4 for over a year then a few months ago I sold it in a clear-out and I regret it. I mainly used a Leica 24/2.8 on the camera and found that it did block quite a bit of the lower right of the VF, but it was not a problem for me. One of the nice things about this camera in addition to everything listed above is that you don't have to worry about parallax error with close-up shots. The camera is unique and the only solution if you're a heavy user of super-wides. You need to be careful of exposure with super-wides because I think the CV meter averages so if you have an R4A and large expanses of light and dark in the frame it is best not to use Auto.
 
I am on the verge of buying either an R4M or an R4A (the old guy purist in me leans toward the M) and my questions are: I've used a Bessa R for years and 1) is the shutter release sound any quieter-less-clanky than on the R?, and 2) is the rewind smooth and effortless compared to the surprisingly stiff rewind on the R?

Oh, also: Will my c/v grip accessory fit on the R4M/A?

I've been looking at an M6 (way more money) but I don't think you can mount anything wider than a 28 without an external finder. Correct me if I'm wrong.
 
tedwhite said:
I am on the verge of buying either an R4M or an R4A (the old guy purist in me leans toward the M) and my questions are: I've used a Bessa R for years and 1) is the shutter release sound any quieter-less-clanky than on the R?, and 2) is the rewind smooth and effortless compared to the surprisingly stiff rewind on the R?

Oh, also: Will my c/v grip accessory fit on the R4M/A?

I've been looking at an M6 (way more money) but I don't think you can mount anything wider than a 28 without an external finder. Correct me if I'm wrong.
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I wanted an A but a good offer M came along so I ended up with a R4M and is very happy with it.

The shutter release is quieter than my 35RF (R2 clone). And in general the mechanicals feel smoother and better than my 35RF.
 
I just wanted to be the jerk who points out that "pipe in" is a nonsensical mixed idiom. It should be "pipe up" or "chime in".

Back the topic: can anyone post a through-the-VF view from an R4 with a 21/2.8 or 28/1.9 or 28/2 mounted?
 
Hi, Keith, Ted here.

When I look at the picture of the top plate in CameraQuest the shutter speed selection dial has a distinct setting for "A." I had no idea you had to hold anything down. Are you sure you have to do this?
 
the button on the rear of the camera is an exposure lock.
on the zi the exposure is held for 20 seconds (iirc), on the r4, it only lasts for as long as you hold the button down.

the a on the dial means you are in auto.
 
Have it only for a couple of weeks, it's pure pleasure.

Only thing I would change is plastic thread on battery compartment to a metal one. That's it.
 
Keith: I'm left-eyed also with everything in my face and my oily nose pressed against the back of the camera leaving smudge marks so I usually put some electrician's black tape on the area to keep the oil off. For some reason I have oily skin. Sole advantage: As you age you have fewer wrinkles.

Thanks for the info about being quieter and smoother and better built. Things to think about, although I'm currently looking at an M6 in the classifieds. Jeez, they're expensive!
 
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