Got myself an R2

[Peter_Jones]

I posted a thread recently when I was trying to convince myself to buy a Bessa - well, I got one 😀 an R2 in practically "as new" condition.

Bought it from the Real Camera Shop in Manchester - fantastic place if you're in the area, well worth a visit. Many wonderful things in there to cause GAS, many many temptations !

Bought it with a Jupiter 9 which should be a useful lens, and the R2 looks great with the black J-8 🙂

Okay, so first impressions - I love the way it feels, the rubber really grips ! , also the speckle paint looks both good and hard-wearing (time will tell on that one). I have found myself a bit mesmerised by the metering, concentrating on that rather than focussing, but after using Barnacks and derivatives the viewfinder is amazing ! Some fixed-lens RF's have very good viewfinders, but they're fixed lens. The overall build quality reminds me of an EOS 30 (35mm) I used to use - I can see this camera being used more than my Olympus OMs 😎 and as a confirmed Zuikoholic that's saying something!

In short - you could say I'm pleased with my purchase 😀 , now I need to hunt down a cheap wide to fit, maybe a grip, and case....

 

[chrishayton]

nice buy and great shop, I bought a Leica m4-p from them on saturday. How much did you pay if you dont mind me asking?

 

[Peter_Jones]

Hi Chris, £225 in great condition, boxed, even the strap hadn't been used, as a private sale from Bill who works there. There was a lot (and I mean a lot) of nice gear there, but I'd decided on a R2 (or R) beforehand as it will get used much more than anything else I could have bought within my budget.

How's this for service - Bill phoned me today (I mentioned where I work in conversation) to let me know they had a grip in ! Shame the wife's got my bank card 😱 it's her turn to spend now. 🙄

 

[BillBingham2]

Peter,

Congrats!

The Bessa view finders are some of the best. I was shocked coming from a couple of Ms when I bought the one I owned. I'd recommend that you look to CV lenses to cover the wide space and us the OM for telephotos and close-ups. Carrying two systems of this size is not a horrible thing. Three CV wides and a body are so small and light and Zuiko teles are the smallest ever.

Welcome to the darkside!

B2 (;->

 

[fidget]

congratulations, I'm sure you will get on with it fine.

Dave..

 

[ray*j*gun]

I have an R2s which I originally bought as a back up for my Nikon S3......well I fell in love with the Bessa and now the Nikon seldom gets used. I have had none of the little issues that I have heard about regarding Bessas and I love that is all mechanical and yet has a very good meter. Good luck with the R.

Ray

 

[marcwilson]

Hey Chris,

Bet you're glad you've still got that jupiter to pop on the M4 now!
I picked up a nice R3M today to go with those lenses I mentioned to you.
I must say after years of using medium and large format film, or digital 35mm cameras, it's a real pleasure to pick up a camera that is small, light and discreet.

Have fun with the Leica.

Marc

 

[Spider67]

Congrats! I like my Bessa but sometimes I wished it were made of metal.....Well the R2 was the answer! I like its design better than that of the following models that remind me of - well made but still - Zorki 4's.

 

[nobbylon]

R2 is a great camera, I bought my original one back after i'd sold it to get into an M6ttl. All the M's I subsequently bought got sold. Have ended up with an M4 and this R2 as my rangefinder kit.

 

[chrishayton]

lol indeed. only problem is my 50-75 m mount adapter brings up the 35mm frames as its useless. I have ordered another now. Been using it anyway and its such a great experience using something that is perfectly made and so simple.


Might have to visit real camera again in a week or two to pick up a 35mm if there's something that grabs me in there.

Hey Chris,

Bet you're glad you've still got that jupiter to pop on the M4 now!
I picked up a nice R3M today to go with those lenses I mentioned to you.
I must say after years of using medium and large format film, or digital 35mm cameras, it's a real pleasure to pick up a camera that is small, light and discreet.

Have fun with the Leica.

Marc