EBL & Focus Issues on R3m Rangefinder?

[Ricochetrider]

Hello,
I'm looking to get a 50mm lens for my R3m rangefinder and was told by someone that focusing with the Voigtlander 50mm f1.4 Aspherical lens may be a problem due to the effective base length (EBL) of the R3m's 1:1 viewfinder.

Can anyone speak to this and clarify if this is a real issue or some deeply nuanced, semi-imaginary problem?

If it's really something to consider or some sort of game changer, can you then recommend a 50mm for my R3m?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Chriscrawfordphoto]

The EBL of the R3 cameras is longer (better for focusing fast lenses) than on the Bessa R2 and R4 cameras. It should be ok

 

[wpb]

Base length is calculated by multiplying the distance between the center of rangefinder window and the center of the viewfinder window and multiplying by the viewfinder magnification on a combined range/viewfinder such as the R3 or Leica M series. The rangefinder base length of the R3m’s 1:1 finder is 75% that of a Leica ‘s (most common) .72 finder, so while the Voightlander is less precise it shouldn’t be an issue with a 50f1.4. If you were to mount a super fast 50(say a f1.2 to .95) focusing would be more challenging.

 

[ruby.monkey]

I used to mount a Canon 50mm f/1.2 when I had an R3A, and had no problems with focussing accurately.

 

[Huss]

The most important thing is to make sure the RF is correctly aligned in that camera. Bessas are kinda notorious for getting knocked outta whack.
I had an R3A..
If it is aligned you'll have no issues.

 

[kshapero]

I have the R3M with the 50mm f1.5. no issues to speak of.

 

[Ricochetrider]

Thanks, everyone! How would I check the rangefinder to see if its aligned properly? The camera is basically brand new, or sure looks it. Hopefully it's OK, but if there's a way to check, I'd do so.

 

[Ricochetrider]

Hey everyone- to add another question: Voigtlander has (it seems) several fast(er) 50mm lenses in their arsenal of current and past lenses. One of which is their 50mm f1.5 Aspherical lens, based on a 1950s lens model. The silver version is chrome over brass, so its construction is excellent, and it seems to have gotten solid reviews- and isn't so big as to block the viewfinder.

Anyone have any experience with, or know anything about this lens?

 

[nukecoke]

Thanks, everyone! How would I check the rangefinder to see if its aligned properly? The camera is basically brand new, or sure looks it. Hopefully it's OK, but if there's a way to check, I'd do so.

To check rangefinder alignment, you need to have a lens which is focusing properly in the first place. Then follow:
https://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3779

 

[Huss]

Thanks, everyone! How would I check the rangefinder to see if its aligned properly? The camera is basically brand new, or sure looks it. Hopefully it's OK, but if there's a way to check, I'd do so.

Most basic way is to put a lens on it, and focus on something at infinity. The rf patch should overlap perfectly in the horizontal and vertical planes.

NOTE!!! Do not do this test with 7Artisans lenses! I love them, they give me excellent results but every single one that I own focus past infinity. Really interesting that none of the paid bloggers who test and/or sell them mention that.
(They still focus accurately, you just have to use the rf patch to focus on infinity, you can't just go to the hard stop like other lenses).