Greatest CV camera?

Greatest CV camera?

  • Bessa L

    Votes: 13 4.3%

  • Bessa R

    Votes: 58 19.0%

  • Bessa R2

    Votes: 23 7.5%

  • Bessa T

    Votes: 25 8.2%

  • Bessa R2M/A

    Votes: 25 8.2%

  • Bessa R3M/A

    Votes: 44 14.4%

  • Bessa R4M/A

    Votes: 83 27.2%

  • None.

    Votes: 34 11.1%
  • Total voters
    305
The R4 has opened a better than 2:1 lead over the R. I knew that there would be a lot of votes for the R4 because it is a unique camera, but I must say i am little surprised at the way the numbers look at this point.

And where are all the doubters? The guys who don't like Cosina . . . Nice and polite this forum.
 
I voted for the R, the one I have and which brought me back fro SRL to RF photography.
I still use with satisfaction beside my M7 !
robert

PS: Bessas are beautiful, here!
 
How many Bessas?

How many Bessas?

In order to contrast enthusiast (this poll) vs consumer (actual buyer) preference
it would be very interesting to see production and/or sales figures by CV model.

Care to enlighten us, Mr. Gandy?

Chris
 
As a "classic," I voted for the Bessa R, even though I no longer own one. I think it played a major role in reviving interest in rangefinder cameras and was the first modern rangefinder for LTM lenses.

I can also make the case for the Bessa T (which I still have), the perfect and unique Barnack with Mod Cons.

Personally, I think the Bessa R2A (or *M) is an incredible value for the money.
 
I have the Bessa R, and the GFIIIW.
Really excellent viewfinders, and nice meter readout.
The metering is accurate too.

The 55mm lens on the GFIIIW is outstanding.
 
I have the Bessa R, but I really haven't taken more than a couple of rolls with it .. so for me ... the Epson Rd-1 :)
 
I didn't vote because the only one I know first hand is the R. I don't see too many of them being around and working in 30 years. I liked mine, very light and compact but like others, I don't see the build quality there to make it a "classic".
 
My R2C is still ticking fine. Doesn't get the heavy use that my ZI or MA get but it should last for awhile.

I think that anyone is expecting Nikon F or Leica M3 toughness from these cameras but under "normal" use (3 to 6 rolls per month) they should last for awhile.

I actually think that long term repair is a serious question but, unless there is a fault in a part, or it is abused, it should hang in there quite well. Believe me, I have some really questionable sheet metal stamped cameras from the 50s that I wouldn't have bet on back then either, but they continue to work.
 
I owe a lot to Mr K. and his wonderful team.

The L started me on this mad but happy path. The R3a's got me hooked on 40s. The T is a joy because it is different. And my R4a's have that extraordinary finder. My Bessa III and ZI are a step above.

Overall, I voted R4 because in 30 years I think the unique finder will stand the test of time as a desirable "classic", but I feel the R really got the renaissance rolling.

Thank you to Mr K, Jorge, Stephen, Tom A and all the many others who have championed RFs and Cosina Voigtlander in particular.
 
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