Good price for Bessa R?

[Rikaro]

I'm pretty new to the rangefinder stuff.
some people suggested me to go to cameraquest. Is there any other places you guys recommand? Because i don't really mind if it's new or used. I'm planning to get one with a lense also (i don't really mind the quality right now... but at lease something decent) Also, how are the holding prices for these toys? How much loss do you think if i keep one for 2-5 years?

 

[ClaremontPhoto]

If you are in the USA (or close to the USA) then Camaraquest is the place to go to. They used to be the importers and they know their stuff. A quick scope around their website will show you that they are serious about Voigtlander.
In Europe Robert White is the best place to go. It's mailorder only, but a very informative site and very helpful staff. Delivery is generally next day within Europe. Watch out for the prices, they are all tax free, so in europe you need to add 17.5% tax.
The Bessa R is a good camera and a good start in RF, although it is no longer in production. They sometimes appear as 'new old stock' on eBay or some online camera stores, but rarely as used since people who have one do not want to sell.
There are plenty of good lenses out there new and used, and some old rubbish tatty ones too that somebody has 'tried to clean'. Whether you buy new or used go to a shop you trust.
And when you get it use your camera.

 

[Kyle]

Another good place for Voigtlander gear is Photo Village. They are wonderful people to deal with. But then again, so is Stephen (from CameraQuest). I might be a bit more inclined to buy from PV because they are out of state and I can save a few bucks in taxes. Buy from either with confidence. Both places have the same prices for Voigtlander gear, and I don't think you're going to find the stuff listed any lower. A new Bessa R can be had for $200 if you buy it in conjunction with a Voigtlander 35/2.5 lens, as both CQ and PV have a combo deal for $399 for that set.

As far as loss, its hard to say. Its not a Leica, so don't expect it to hold value through the years. If you take care of it and don't beat it up, it might not devalue too much. Don't think of cameras as investments, though. If you buy a Bessa R for $250 new and keep it for 5 years, thats $50 a year for a quality tool that will serve you well (if you use it).

 

[nwcanonman]

Rikaro, you can also find good deals here in the RFF classifieds. I bought my R and it's 35mm CV lens from RFF members. Good prices and honest grades of equipment to me.
The R is a great little RF that will give you many years of fantastic pics.

 

[ChrisPlatt]

Also, how are the holding prices for these toys?
How much loss do you think if i keep one for 2-5 years?

Most modern photo gear will not hold its value over that time.
Unless you buy Leica and baby it, expect to get soaked if you sell...

"Excelsior, you fathead!"
-Chris-

 

[dostacos]

I'm pretty new to the rangefinder stuff.
some people suggested me to go to cameraquest. Is there any other places you guys recommand? Because i don't really mind if it's new or used. I'm planning to get one with a lense also (i don't really mind the quality right now... but at lease something decent) Also, how are the holding prices for these toys? How much loss do you think if i keep one for 2-5 years?

I am a believer in Stephen at cameraquest, but if you look to the left you find the sponsors of this site

there are also Bessa Rs here for sale from time to time [that means before you are ready to buy and just AFTER you buy but never WHEN you are ready 😀 ]

Evilbay savings tend to be lost when you send it in to have it cleaned or adjusted [at least mine needed repairs] I did get an interesting lens with it [Nikkor 85/2 that ALSO needed some work] but I would have been better off doing the cameraquest deal, well unless I put that NIKKOR on evilbay and manage to get the current going rate for it 😱

Cameraquest is running a special for a BESSA R and a 35/2.5 that is IMHO a great pair at a great price $399 or the non coupled 25/4 for $449

I think Photovillage has the same deal. I live in California so the down side is paying tax, the up side is packages arrive in 2 days generally

 

[JimG]

Rikaro, Here or cameraquest. I see Bessa R's sell used on eBay for what Stephen sells them new. Stephen's also an honest person to deal with. I got mine here and very happy with it. Good Luck.

 

[Rikaro]

thanks guys. I appreciate your help

What do you guys mean by "non coupled"?

 

[Kyle]

thanks guys. I appreciate your help

What do you guys mean by "non coupled"?

Three of the CV lenses are "non-coupled" meaning they are scale focus only. When you focus the lens, you do not see the effect in the viewfinder (thats the easiest way I can think to explain it). These are the 12/5.6, 15/4.5, and the 25/4. I have the 15 and 25 and both are very easy to use. The depth of field is so great that you will have no trouble getting in-focus pictures. These lenses are a good match for the Bessa-L which has no viewfinder of its own, (you use the external finders provided with the lens). I usually load up with film, use Sunny 16 for exposure, set focus to a little before infinity, and walk around and shoot. Its a nice change from set exposure, lift camera to eye, compose, focus, shoot.

 

[Rikaro]

o crap.. i just realised.. these are not like SLRs

so there is still DoF preview on the "non-coupled" lens am i correct?

 

[ClaremontPhoto]

There is no depth of field preview on any lens on any rangefinder camera. It's an SLR thing.