Give me strong reasons for Bessa T

[Dingo]

Hello,

My Bessa T has been lying in my camera cabinet for more than 2 years and it was only used once, because I hardly found an appropriate lens for it. If I use 15 or 21 (or even 28), an L has done a fine job since focusing is not an issue with these lenses. For lenses from 35 to 90, and R ( or R2X, R3X..) would be very OK since it has parallex correction ( very important for 75 and 90 ). So I was wondering if I should keep it anymore (other than for collection only ).

What do you think ?

 

[Pablito]

I use it (if rarely) for the 21. Focusing does matter esp if you are shooting wide open or a stop down.

 

[SteveM(PA)]

Going finderless for M-mount chest/hip street shots, is there really anything more discreet?

 

[dostacos]

Hello,

My Bessa T has been lying in my camera cabinet for more than 2 years and it was only used once, because I hardly found an appropriate lens for it. If I use 15 or 21 (or even 28), an L has done a fine job since focusing is not an issue with these lenses. For lenses from 35 to 90, and R ( or R2X, R3X..) would be very OK since it has parallex correction ( very important for 75 and 90 ). So I was wondering if I should keep it anymore (other than for collection only ).

What do you think ?

ah what's wrong with "other than for collection only"😱

I plan on taking some extra days around Memorial weekend to play with my T and 4, I will get back to you on this....

Still, I have no problem with keeping it JUST BECAUSE. I am afraid I don't follow the norm here, I might TRADE some stuff but I have not sold equipment, I need to get a case to show this stuff off😉

 

[Dingo]

Dan,

I totally accept collecting cameras, and I have over 30 cameras and dozens of lenses in my collection. The question here is, I really want some experiences of finding a good lens-camera comb for the T to show its value , or it has been knocked out by other Bessas such as the latest R4A and R4M.

 

[pvdhaar]

Think long, fast and wide open; I don't thing the Bessa-T has been knocked out by the R4a/R4m, it's been knocked out by the R3a/R3m what with their 1:1 finders.

The 1.5x RF magnification and subsequent long effective rf base length meant that it was the only non-Leica camera that could accurately focus a 50mm noctilux or 75mm summilux.

Nowadays, my Bessa-T shines as a conversation starter..

 

[Dingo]

Peter,

Think long, fast and wide open; I don't thing the Bessa-T has been knocked out by the R4a/R4m, it's been knocked out by the R3a/R3m what with their 1:1 finders.

The 1.5x RF magnification and subsequent long effective rf base length meant that it was the only non-Leica camera that could accurately focus a 50mm noctilux or 75mm summilux.

Nowadays, my Bessa-T shines as a conversation starter..

Very true, Bessa T is always an eye-catching star ! And so you agree that it has been KO by 3A and 3M ?

And do you mean it only serves its best with fast lenses (especially 50 - 90) ? But what about parallex problem ? And how many of you own the external viewfinders for these lenses ? I have none of these, may be this is why I hardly find a chance to use it.

 

[pvdhaar]

Peter,

Very true, Bessa T is always an eye-catching star ! And so you agree that it has been KO by 3A and 3M ?

And do you mean it only serves its best with fast lenses (especially 50 - 90) ? But what about parallex problem ? And how many of you own the external viewfinders for these lenses ? I have none of these, may be this is why I hardly find a chance to use it.

That its forte lies in focussing fast long lenses doesn't detract from
its ability to focus shorter/slower lenses as well. Apart from an uncoupled 25/4, I use the T with a 50/2. The 1.5x RF magnification means that I can focus this 50/2 with ease and comfort, even after slaving away for a day behind a computer screen.

As far as parallax is concerned, I have a 35-135 zoom finder at hand that has a distance dial that makes it tilt forward to compensate. I hardly ever use it though, as the parallax marks in my 50mm 1:1 finder give ample indication of field of view close by anyhow.

To make a long story short; wait till your eyes are over 40 years old and then see what a 1.5x RF does for you..

 

[Dingo]

To make a long story short; wait till your eyes are over 40 years old and then see what a 1.5x RF does for you..

That is 3 months' time to me.

Anyway, thank you for your experiences and I will try to give some chances to the T.

 

[payasam]

I have 17 years over you, Dingo, and I understand what Peter means about old eyes. Focussing ease and accuracy can be unspeakably important.

For one who has other cameras, the T might be superfluous; but if the T is an only camera, in operation it would be no different from a screw Leica (barring the IIIg) with an accessory finder or finders. My IIIc is used with a VIOOH and 35, 50 and 85 lenses. I imagine a Bessa T would be slightly smaller, and of course it has a meter.

 

[Nokton48]

My Bessa-T has the Canon 50mm F1.2 mounted onto it , and the CV 50 Viewfinder, and Trigger Winder. This is a great combination for quick-shooting with high-speed film in "available darkness" 🙂

-Dan, I also have the 50mm Vented Hood, UV and Red filters, and a Leicagoodies "Steer" on the F1.2 .

 

[laptoprob]

What else will focus my 200mm Komura? Examples coming shortly hopefully, fave to fill a film first.

 

[captainslack]

Bessa L.

There are no good reasons to keep the T unless you LIKE split finders.

M-Mount Was specifically what he was point out. Bessa L is screwmount

 

[raid]

I use the Bessa T in most of my tests of lenses. The 1.5X finder along with the accurate meter and the low cost of this camera make it for me the best lens testing camera. I don'thave to worry about damaging or scratching aminty M6 when I test 30 lenses one after another. The camera is very light, making it perfect for a travel back-up camera to the M6. I sold my T just to quickly buy a replacement T since I missed it so much. It has a long rangefinder base.

Keep it. Use it.


Raid

 

[drewbarb]

Reasons for the T? Affordable M lens mount body; long RF base; good meter. If you don't want yours, I'll take it.

 

[Photog9001]

long rf base?
isn't it just high magnification..

anyway, ligth yes, accurate and easy to focus, i never did like the meter though. as a wide angle camera (28mm and down), it would be my bessa of choice. miss mine... but i miss the 50/3,5 it had more. much more

 

[drewbarb]

I just went and looked it up; I wasn't sure, but I thought I remembered the T has a longer base length than the M2/4/6. In fact, it's a higher EFFECTIVE base length (according to Stephen's Cameraquest site). This not just a question of high viewfinder magnification; the physical base length factors into it, too. The T does have a different rangefinder configuration than the R models, and the physical base length looks longer; anyone care to point to more information on this matter?

 

[lawrence]

Personally I prefer the T to the other Bessas -- I had a R2A and sold it. Apart from wonderful character, as has been pointed out, it has an excellent rangefinder and a very discreet meter. It's wondeful to be able to meter without putting the camera to your eye and it's much quicker and easier to load in poor light than any bottom feeder. There is a parallax problem but you can get used to compensating for this. Viva the T!

 

[raid]

Drew: This is what I was referring to and not really a RF base as I said since the T has no real rangefinder.

Raid

 

[Photog9001]

"since the T has no real rangefinder."

ehh, that's the only thing it's got. viewfinder otoh, needs to come on top of it...