handhold ability Bessa R4A compared to M6

[andreas]

Hello everybody,

i`m planning to purchase a second body for my m-system and it boils down to either another Leica M6 or the Bessa R4A.
One big factor for me is the ability to handle slow shutterspeeds.
So, how is the R4A in this regard compared to the M6?

Thank you very much for your thoughts and time!
andreas

 

[ruby.monkey]

Can't tell you exactly - but R3A v M3 is a wash, both with and without the various add-on grips and winders. I suspect that it would be the same in your situation.

 

[Merkin]

You are much more of a factor in handholdability than the difference between these two cameras. Go with the brand new Voigtlander over the questionably used M6 unless you are trying to do things that the CV cant do, and the M6 shouldn't.

 

[andreas]

Thank you for your thoughts!

@ruby.monkey: this is what i hoped for 🙂

@Merkin: "Go with the brand new Voigtlander over the questionably used M6 unless you are trying to do things that the CV cant do, and the M6 shouldn't."
What would that be?

again, thank you!
andreas

 

[hans voralberg]

The Bessa with the rear thumb grip is a bit more comfortable and easier.

 

[ruby.monkey]

Thank you for your thoughts!

@Merkin: "Go with the brand new Voigtlander over the questionably used M6 unless you are trying to do things that the CV cant do, and the M6 shouldn't."
What would that be?

again, thank you!
andreas

Well, the Voigtlander can't be an M6. Having a second body which works and feels exactly like your main camera can be a very good thing.

 

[notturtle]

the bigger issue is VF mag. If you need to shoot wides, particularly 21-25 then it is a no brainer. The biggest issue with handholding will be your technique and I cannot imagine there will be anything inherent int the cameras that will really make much if any difference in hand holdable speeds.

 

[sojournerphoto]

I like the side grip on the Bessa's and the Ikon - improves the set up no end for comfort and stability in my hands.

Mike

 

[lawrence]

I find the Leica better for two reasons: the shutter gives less vibration and the body is heavier. This means that you can hand hold it at lower shutter speeds than the Bessa (or at least I can).

 

[ferider]

I feel there are really two answers to the question. I've used R, R2, R3A, T and Leicas.

To hand-hold down to 1/4 or 1/8th for the typical low-light portrait, where some softness is OK, the cameras are equivalent.

To hand-hold at 1/250 and up, for landscapes, travel photos, etc, I got consistently sharper photos with the Leicas (and the same lenses). Not a big difference, but it's there.

My 2 cents,

Roland.

 

[skibeerr]

Same for me

Same for me

I feel there are really two answers to the question. I've used R, R2, R3A, T and Leicas.

To hand-hold down to 1/4 or 1/8th for the typical low-light portrait, where some softness is OK, the cameras are equivalent.

To hand-hold at 1/250 and up, for landscapes, travel photos, etc, I got consistently sharper photos with the Leicas (and the same lenses). Not a big difference, but it's there.

My 2 cents,

Roland.

I agree with the above,I use M6, M7 and R3a (nothing beats my Hexar af handheld.)

 

[Merkin]

Thank you for your thoughts!

@ruby.monkey: this is what i hoped for 🙂

@Merkin: "Go with the brand new Voigtlander over the questionably used M6 unless you are trying to do things that the CV cant do, and the M6 shouldn't."
What would that be?

again, thank you!
andreas

I was basically referring to using lenses that wouldn't be right for the Bessa's EBL or magnification.

If you have the world's most rock steady hands and you pixel peep, you MIGHT be able to see a tiny difference between the sharpness of the two cameras at very slow shutter speeds, but not enough for it to be a big deal. The shakiness of your hands is a much bigger factor than the minute differences between these two cameras. Also, I wouldn't recommend using a soft release with a Leica. If you don't press the soft release exactly straight down using the center of the button, it can damage your shutter release.

 

[Keith]

I agree with the above,I use M6, M7 and R3a (nothing beats my Hexar af handheld.)

Except maybe something with a leaf shutter! 😀

 

[ferider]

I agree with the above,I use M6, M7 and R3a (nothing beats my Hexar af handheld.)

Except maybe something with a leaf shutter! 😀

You mean, like, the Hexar AF ? 🙂 I agree with Skibeerr. 😛

 

[Keith]

You mean, like, the Hexar AF ? 🙂 I agree with Skibeerr. 😛

So the Hexar AF is a leaf shutter ???? ... DOH!

Shows how much I know about that particular camera! 😱 😛

 

[ferider]

One of the coolest 35mm cameras, ever. 🙂

 

[Keith]

One of the coolest 35mm cameras, ever. 🙂

Now I want one ... you're such a salesman! :bang:😛

 

[andreas]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Very interesting aspects you mention, Roland.
If i`m out shooting with more than one lens, a 21mm is going to be used for sure. With my M6 i have no problems shooting landscapes with 1/15 shutterspeed with this lens, so if the Bessa is capable of this too, yes, this might be a no brainer.
Great forum!
andreas