How much should I expect to pay ?

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Peter_Jones

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How much (UK£) would I expect to pay for a used Bessa "R" or "T" ?
(Cosmetic condition not too important - body only.)

Or even a "L" as long as it comes with a wide lens/finder ;) ?

Also any problems to look out for ?
 
Looks like it's better to buy from a dealer than flea-bay then :)

Thanks for the replies, I think I feel an attack of GAS coming on :rolleyes:
 
I have just bought Bessa R with case for 700 PLN (that is ca. 155 pounds right now). But this is rather hard to find gear here in Poland.
 
I paid $200 US for my used R from keh.com 3 or 4 years ago. Not sure what they're going for now. If you get an R, I think you'll love it. It's a wonderful little camera.
 
I've been pondering whether or not to go Medium Format, but although the large negs really do appeal, it'd get used a LOT less than a half-decent RF. I've used Barnack Leicas, Feds and Zorkis, but after using a Yashica GTN, and getting a (soon to be working) Konica S2, both with excellent viewfinders, I found I wanted, no - needed a better viewfinder than the Barnacks and derivatives could offer, plus the increased usability of interchangeable lenses. I think I've settled on a Bessa "R" due to the LTM, bright VF and relatively low cost, but if an "M" mount Bessa turns up at the right time/price then that might be more expandable in the future. :)

You guys have helped me (almost) :rolleyes: make my mind up, cheers !
 
The viewfinder on the R is really nice. I don't have an M leica to compare it to, but it's almost as clear/bright as the viewfinder on my wife's X-pan2.
 
And were to find one at these prices? I also decided to get one. It was cameras that fly by me completely, but after some research and reading, I was surprised by it. And since I can not afford the great classical rangefinders cameras that someday I hope to have, this look's a fine alternative!
 
I would buy a Bessa R if I did not already have other good RF cameras that I can use. Maybe if I sold my T, then I would look for an R.
 
Hi Peter, I had an R and sold it here. It was in excellent condition and went for £125, which was about the going rate for a good one.
However, I sold it so that I could get an R2. This is more substantially built, M mount (adapters no problem) and was a joy to use. I preferred it over the R.
Of course a cheap R would be just fine, I guess.

Dave
 
I've been looking out for R2 also, from trawling around on the net they seem to fetch about 50% more than an "R". I'll have to see what turns up, plus I'll be visiting the Alladin's cave that is the Real Camera Shop in Manchester towards the end of this month to see what's in stock there (and also to ogle cameras) :)
 
Peter_Jones said:
I've been looking out for R2 also, from trawling around on the net they seem to fetch about 50% more than an "R". I'll have to see what turns up, plus I'll be visiting the Alladin's cave that is the Real Camera Shop in Manchester towards the end of this month to see what's in stock there (and also to ogle cameras) :)
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great shop! will always pop in when I go through manchester ( I live near rochdale)
they have an r2 in there at the moment, and a USER!! m6 for £399. works perfectly though and still tempted by it so might go back tomorrow
 
After all an R2 with a single adapter makes a nice LTM camera as the frames are not provided by the adpaters......just some food for thoughts. I have an R I paid 166 € on the bay (pristine condition and an R2 I bought from a member for 230 $. The R2 has a solid substantial feel, whereas, the R with a CV 35/2,5 is a bantam combo that rocks when you walk around and dont't want to feel like a sherpa.
 
brachal said:
It's been said many times before, but don't collapse these lenses into your R. They can hit the shutter and damage it!
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I use a 50 elmar on my T, and that lens is currently fixed to my R. The key is to wrap some rubberbands or hair doodles (I use the latter, appropriated from my daughter) several times around the lens barrel, to keep it from making contact w/ the shutter or other internals when collapsed. That way, you can still collapse the lens partly (mostly) into the body. Works like a charm!

BTW -- The R and T are nice camera bodies, and it sounds like prices in the UK are not out of line w/ prices in the U.S. The first time I looked through the R's vf, I was amazed. Both are nice, carry-around camera bodies. Good luck w/ your search!
 
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