From R3A to R3M

[kshapero]

I have an R3A (it is for sale) and an R3M. I wear glasses and use the 40mm lens. It is not a problem. The framelines are not that important as I treat them as "guides" anyway. So far the R3M works flawlessly. can't compare to leica because I have never had one. But compared to decades of Nikon's and little 35mm cameras, I feel like I can go anywhere with the R3M. The shutter is a B+. the ergonimics are an A-, almost perfect for average size hands (oh, it is wrapped in a Luigi half case). I aslo have a 75 mm lens but I always go back to the 40mm. The all manual controls, unlike the R3A force me to think about where I want to be with my subject. takes longer, obviously to decide which f/stop-shutter speed is the right combo, but, hey, I need to slow down life anyway. better results.
Buy an R3M, getting the 1:1 MAGNIFICATION is really nice. You really can keep both eyes open. Subjects have a tendency not to pose. They are more natural. Again better shots.
have a great day!!! being a rangfinder person!:angel:

 

[RyanG]

I appreciate the review.

I've been researching rangefinders lately, and while occasionally seduced by, say, the Konica Hexar, or older cameras like the Canon P and various Leicas (that are borderline in my budget range), I keep coming back to the Bessa R2M/R3M. They seem to have a nice metering system, good design, affordable for new bodies yet good quality.

Thanks for addressing the 1:1 with eyeglasses situation. I've been leaning toward the R2M because of that. But now I'm not so sure. A 1:1 would be great to have, plus I can always wear contacts. But I still might go for the R2M, because of the 35 framelines (I'll look deeper into which lenses I imagine I'll invest in in the future).

Also, glad to hear that it feels like you can bring it around anywhere. It's important for it to feel like a solid device. I'm heading to san francisco this weekend, and will go go to a camera store to get a feel for them.



One question (for anyone), and please excuse me if this is dumb (especially considering that I stated I've been researching rangefinders lately): I can obviously see the difference between the R2 and the R2A/R3A -- AE, slightly quieter shutter, bulkier rewind, etc. -- but I'm still unsure of the significant differences between the R2 and the R2M/R3M. So what are they? Do they mostly have to do with construction (quieter shutter, etc.), or are there some changes in the meter readings and stuff?

 

[kshapero]

I appreciate the review.

One question (for anyone), and please excuse me if this is dumb (especially considering that I stated I've been researching rangefinders lately): I can obviously see the difference between the R2 and the R2A/R3A -- AE, slightly quieter shutter, bulkier rewind, etc. -- but I'm still unsure of the significant differences between the R2 and the R2M/R3M. So what are they? Do they mostly have to do with construction (quieter shutter, etc.), or are there some changes in the meter readings and stuff?

better construction, better shutter, pretty to look at. Better viewfinder. R3M is really a more solid body. But get something and start shooting.

 

[RyanG]

Great to know. Thanks.

I'll get my hands on a few this weekend. Then I'll make my decision. I want to order from cameraquest. But I might be going to nyc a few days after he's supposed to get back from photokina etc. I'll *need* to have a rangefinder for that trip. We'll see what his shipping schedule is like.

 

[fraley]

I'm heading to san francisco this weekend, and will go go to a camera store to get a feel for them.

RyanG, I'd be interested to know of a camera store in the Bay Area that sells Bessa's. Please PM me if you find some 😉 I'd like to handle an R3M in person and also see the new 50/2.0 lens. I'm just not aware of any store that carries them -- are you thinking used?

thanks,
Michael

 

[RyanG]

RyanG, I'd be interested to know of a camera store in the Bay Area that sells Bessa's. Please PM me if you find some 😉 I'd like to handle an R3M in person and also see the new 50/2.0 lens. I'm just not aware of any store that carries them -- are you thinking used?

thanks,
Michael

I'm going to check out Adolph Gasser. I really don't know what they'll have. I doubt any new Bessas (which is what I'm going for). But they might have some used ones, some R2's, and probably some cameras with 1:1 viewfinders. I just want to handle a few cameras, to supplement all the 2-D research I've been doing online.

I'll report on what they have.

 

[FilteredLight]

R3m?

R3m?

I've been researching rangefinders lately, and while occasionally seduced by, say, the Konica Hexar, or older cameras like the Canon P and various Leicas (that are borderline in my budget range), I keep coming back to the Bessa R2M/R3M.

​

I love my Canon P! It has reduced my Leica lust to near zero. You may find the lack of built-in metering a deal killer, but for me it is no problem at all: I use a VC II. The P is built like a tank (reminds me of the heft and solidity of my Nikon F2ASes of yore), and its ergonomics are perfect for me. I'm very pleased with the Canon P and CV 50/1.5 combo--can you tell?

--Alan

 

[bmicklea]

better construction, better shutter, pretty to look at. Better viewfinder. R3M is really a more solid body. But get something and start shooting.

Really - have you handled both extensively? I've owned an R2a for over a year now and really love it - I've only played with the R2 on a couple of occaisions, but I didn't notice much difference. I could be wrong, but I've been thinking about getting a 2nd, all mechanical, body and am leaning toward either an older Leica or an olive R2. Hadn't even considered the R2M because it really didn't look substantially different than the R2.

As for the solidness of the camera I've used mine in rain, snow and thick crowds so it's gotten its fair share of mild abuse and never complained. If it weren't for the loud-ish shutter and short baselength finder it'd be perfect...

 

[RyanG]

I love my Canon P! It has reduced my Leica lust to near zero. You may find the lack of built-in metering a deal killer, but for me it is no problem at all: I use a VC II. The P is built like a tank (reminds me of the heft and solidity of my Nikon F2ASes of yore), and its ergonomics are perfect for me. I'm very pleased with the Canon P and CV 50/1.5 combo--can you tell?

--Alan

I hear ya. Hopefully I'll be able to get my hands on a Canon P this weekend (to get a feel for them, etc.). They look nice and solid, and I think with a VC II I'd be good to go. Right now I meter with an analog handheld incident meter, so a VC II is super high-tech. One of my issues with the Canon P is the 1/1000 max speed. I've been on a 3200 iso film kick lately, and I think I could take advantage of it best with a quicker exposure time. But that's just a little detail -- nothing that would totally prevent me from getting one.

 

[kshapero]

Really - have you handled both extensively? I've owned an R2a for over a year now and really love it - I've only played with the R2 on a couple of occaisions, but I didn't notice much difference. I could be wrong, but I've been thinking about getting a 2nd, all mechanical, body and am leaning toward either an older Leica or an olive R2. Hadn't even considered the R2M because it really didn't look substantially different than the R2.

As for the solidness of the camera I've used mine in rain, snow and thick crowds so it's gotten its fair share of mild abuse and never complained. If it weren't for the loud-ish shutter and short baselength finder it'd be perfect...

I have owned both R3A and R3M. You can't go wrong either way. Personal choice, I sold the R3A. I like being forced to go all manual.😉