Does Bessa R2 make sense?

J

jlindstrom

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Ok, a little provocative topic but figured I'd start with a bang 🙂

I've been lately wondering about film quite a lot. Under major "GAS attack" I was drooling over expensive Leicas as I also shoot the M9. But after taking my time, I've started thinking about Bessa as good alternative. I've previously had R3A for a brief while and liked it, but it was my stepping stone towards digital RF..

Anyway, I was looking for a Bessa R3A/M, but got offered a Bessa R2 instead and for quite cheap as well.. 250€ and I could buy it face-to-face.

So the guestion is, does it make sense or should I keep looking for a newer one? I know there's a good 2nd hand R2A available for 499€ also, so that's also one option..

But speak to me, Bessa experts 🙂

--Juha
 
I got into RF with a R2A, specifically because they were so inexpensive. I say get the used one for the 250, and if it looks good, grab it. Take it to get a CLA, and you will still come in under what you would pay for a new one.
 
woodphoto said:
I got into RF with a R2A, specifically because they were so inexpensive. I say get the used one for the 250, and if it looks good, grab it. Take it to get a CLA, and you will still come in under what you would pay for a new one.
Click to expand...

Yes, I would but this 250€ one is the preceeding model R2 and not R2A or R2M which are still for sale new.

--Juha
 
I bought an R2 second hand via eBay. Works a charm. Looked new when I got it, and it still does. It's the green one. It seems a similar Leica (i.e. with light meter) will be decades older and much more expensive.
 
I recently picked up a r2 off eBay, very impressed and truly loving using it. I find the aesthetics to be much more pleasing than some of the newer models (mainly due to film rewind which is a beautiful piece of design) got mine for around 220 sterling with a ever ready case included (try pick one up if it's your style as it really works for me) little back heavy which causes it to sit odd while wearing a strap but this could be easily fixed with a heavier lens.

For that price I'd definitely bag another one.

Hope this was of help.
 
Mine has always been a bit temperamental about frame spacing but otherwise perfect.
And it is the nicest camera around (the green one). However, you should take into account that its minimum focusing distance is longer than the later models
 
Yeah, I thought about it long and hard. In the end I decided to skip it. I was originally thinking about the R3A/M and I think I'll stick to that plan. I'll keep waiting for that right deal to arise 🙂

After all, the price difference 2nd hand isn't that big and if the original "dream" in reachable, why settle for less?

thanks to all who contributed.

-- Juha
 
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