Help Needed First Post.. Bessa Ready~

[Visuals]

Hi guys,

I've shoot digital for a few years and I was introduced into photogray via the digital medium. I feel now that it's time to visit its roots... Flim....😉

So I love my uncle's Nikon FM2 for a number of reasons. One being that it doesn't need a battery to operate, but I really want to own one of these Voigtlander.

My questions are

1) Do you think in your opinion a Bessa R is better than a Nikon FM2
2) Which one of the Bessa models offer operation without the "need" for a battery.
I haven't done much research but from what I read so far I believe the R3A
nees a battery.



Any advice will help guys
Thanks in advance
Visuals~

 

[mfunnell]

The R2|3|4A models need a battery to fire the shutter. The equivalent "M" models have a mechanical shutter and only need a battery for the meter. The "A" models have aperture-priority + manual modes, while the "M" models have metered-manual mode only. I'm pretty sure the straight Bessa R is mechanical/metered-manual as well.

Better than a Nikon FM2? Well, they're rangefinders, not SLRs - and look where you're asking 😀

...Mike

 

[BrianPhotog]

1) The L, T, R, R2, R2M, R3M, and R4M can all be shot without a battery. The battery is needed only to operate the meter in these.

2) I can't comment as to the FM2, but I have a FM3a, an R2, and an R2a. They are all reliable in practical day-2-day usage (being thrown into a "normal" bag and 1-5 rolls/week of film being put through them). Based on feel, I would trust my FM3a to far outlast my Bessas...but I do use the Bessas quite a bit more. I just like the way they shoot.

 

[fishtek]

The Bessa line is certainly easier to haul around than any SLR. They also force you to approach photography a bit differently, at least for me. It's neat to be shooting basically the way Mr. Barnack intended...

Oh, yeah...The "R" that I own, as all the "M"-designated units will function fine without the battery. The battery is only to power the exposure meter.

Regards!
Don

 

[Visuals]

Thanks guys...........That's the start I needed....I'll be sure to let you know how the purchase turns out..

Visuals~