How durable, reliable are the CV R3A/R2A?

[Deafgrip]

When I first started using my Olympus 35 RC, I could'nt believe how of fast and convenient it was to use. So now I want the real thing...

So I've had my eyes on the R3A for a while. Is there anyone out there who has used either models extensively? Either for a long period of time of through a lot of rolls. Is there any known commom problems?

Thx, from a first time forum user.

 

[Juan Valdenebro]

I started a poll here on RFF some time ago, asking forum members if they had needed to repair their AE rangefinders, being th options the Leica M7, the Zeiss Ikon and the Voigtländers: R4A/R3A/R2A.

From members' voting, the most reliable ones were the Bessas, while the ones giving more problems were the Ikons. Leicas in the middle... I guess you can find that poll.

I use four Bessas, one of them with AE (R3A) and I have never had any problem with any of them or with any of my Voigtländer lenses, after a few years of use and abuse: trips, beach, etc...

Cheers,

Juan

 

[Austerby]

My R3A jammed soon after I bought it (brand new) which was rapidly fixed (no cost) and it's been trouble-free for the past three years of reasonably regular use (50 rolls). I've had to replace the batteries once in that time. I think it's a great camera, and when I eventually get round to thinning out my collection is probably one I'd keep.

 

[lawnpotter]

I bought a used r3a from craigslist and it had faulty electronics. I live in vancouver Canada. I phoned Stephen at camera quest and I beleive he said he dosent repair them for non USA custumers. I appologize to Stephen if my memory is failing me but I think thats what he said. Anyhow make sure you can get it repaired in Canada if you get a used one. Fortuneately, my seller took it back. The camera did feel solid though.

 

[Leigh Youdale]

I had an R3A for several years and still have an R4A. I sold the R3A to get an M6 Leica, just because I'd never had a Leica and thought I should before I died. In some respects the R3A is the better camera to use although nothing quite compares to the "heft" (weight) and feel of the Leica. I think the CV cameras and lenses are exceptionally good value, reliable, the lenses are excellent and the bodies are robust enough for all normal purposes short of driving nails or beating a would-be-mugger to pulp. The exposure meters are very accurate in my experience and I change the batteries once a year on my birthday.

 

[kzphoto]

... and I change the batteries once a year on my birthday.

I get a barbershop shave, but this sounds more fun.

I owned the Bessa R2 and used it frequently for about 2 years. Great camera, no problems focusing, exposing, etc. Ended up with a steal on an M6TTL so I sold the Bessa.

 

[Deafgrip]

Thx everyone and Juan, I found your pole, interesting indeed.

Kzphoto, may I ask what's considered a steal price on an M6, in CA?

 

[manusrayus]

deafgrip, i own an r2a since 2006, no mechanical problem with the camera,(never arming too quickly when in slow times) i lost once the eypiece. Fortunatéy i was in NY and B&H had one in stock its from the Nikon FM. I never got the viewfinder accurate, i tried to fix itmyself with the help of internet.Thats really annoying.
The worst is that the rubber covering is loosing so you can take it away especially when its getting hot weather. the pankake 35mm is wabbely an the last ring inside the lens was getting loose. in general the bessa has not the built quality as a leica but for the price it costs it is ok. and to test if one likes rangefinder camaras its even great, after that you have to get an M7 (aperture priority also) to be happy for years.

 

[KenR]

Interesting about the eyepieces as I just had to buy a couple - one for my R2A and one for my R4A. Otherwise they have been trouble free. The lenses too have been a pleasure to use and without problems (have I just jinxed myself?)