How reliable is your R2a or R3a?

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I've been thinking of getting either a ZI or R2a strictly for the auto function. The ZI is appealing but I want to consider the R2a also. The R2a seems like a great little camera but I know very little about it in real world terms.

How is RF alignment? I've read a few problems here but would like to know how many problems and what.

Any problems that seem to crop up regularly?

I have Leica M's but want one auto body.

Thanks!


http://www.rangefinderforum.com/photopost/showgallery.php?cat=5045
 
I guess my choice if I was in your position would depend upon the lenses that you want to use and the budget.

Fow wider lenses or slightly slower longer ones I'd take a look at the Bessa, the shorter RF base length works fine with the 90 f3.5 even at close quarters. If you want to shoot close long and wide open the ZI or M7 would fit the bill.

As far as reliability is concerned, there has been very little discussed recently that I recall for R2a failures, there has been some more discussion on the ZI but this is a more premium camera on an RF forum where you'd expect to hear about such problems. My advice would be consider a used M7, your already used to the loading and the handling. You should be able to get a used one for close to that of a new ZI if you shop around.

Good luck with your eventual purchase.
 
I’ve only experience of the r2a, as a back up, two years, 50-60 rolls, doped it twice, one set of batteries no issues so far. Finders not bad mostly the brightness makes up for base-length, mainly flare free.
 
So far, my r3a has been fine, The 40 frameline is a little tough to see, if you look for it, but if I just shoot without thinking about it, it's fine.
My alignment was out of kilter when I got it, (second hand from a guy in singapore), but it's not hard at all to align. People whine about 'lining up their bessas, you'd think nobody ever heard of a screwdriver.
I guess in this age of paying for coffee already made up in a cup with the sugar stirred in by someone else, it's no suprise.
My T was out of whack too, only my R was in perfect alignment when I got it, from a camera shop in Switzerland. So far, nothing has drifted since I adjusted.

The auto function is wonderful, I've been using OM2 since they were new, so it's just about like that. If you use a 35mm lens often, the R3a probably isn't the one to get, but if using a 50 often, it's really nice.
 
That is a question that can only be answered after 10 or 20 years. Or 70 years in the case of the leica IIIa I recently sold.
 
I used an R3A steadily for a year (I recently traded it for an R3M - I like manual metering). I probably shot several thousand frames on it, and it went with me to Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand. I never had a problem with it - the RF was always in alignment (although I never dropped the camera), the metering was always spot on, frame spacing was good, etc.

The point about the 40mm framelines is important - the R3A is not a good camera for someone with glasses unless you are sticking to 50mm or longer lenses.
 
I was thinking of the R2a since I don't have a 40mm but do have 35mm. I primarily would shoot with wides like the 25, 35 and some with a 50 and 90. I might be a better candidate for the R4x but I want this to shoot from the hip more than anything but will also use the RF / VF.

I don't wear glasses so it probably isn't an issue for the framelines. I use 2 MP's with .85x and have no problem with the 35 frameline.

Unfortunately there's no dealer in my area for either the ZI or R2a and I'm not planning a trip to any location where I might find one in the near future.

Thanks for your help!
 
sockeyed said:
I used an R3A steadily for a year (I recently traded it for an R3M - I like manual metering). I probably shot several thousand frames on it, and it went with me to Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand. I never had a problem with it - the RF was always in alignment (although I never dropped the camera), the metering was always spot on, frame spacing was good, etc.

The point about the 40mm framelines is important - the R3A is not a good camera for someone with glasses unless you are sticking to 50mm or longer lenses.
Click to expand...
I agree on all points. I am also a former owner of an R3A, moved to the R3M for the same reason, but... I wear glasses and use a 40 mm lens. No problems. Its all an estimate anyway. Be surprised!
 
My R3a is sweet. I've baged it around a few times and it's still working hard. Even took it with me on a cross country biking trip this summer and it did great. Though I did scratch my 40 1.4 MC 🙁
 
I was considering an R3A for the convenience, but I went back to my traditional roots and am buying soon an M6.


Raid
 
I've got to use the R3A(mine) and a Zeiss Ikon.

What I like about the ZI is that I can see the 28mm framelines even with my birth control goggles on. The shutter smack on them is both pretty similar. The ZI is slightly less noisy. My R3A takes sharp photos at f1.4 down to 1/4th second, with me holding it, which is saying a LOT!

Honestly it still feels foreign to me, whereas my Nikon N80 and Yashica Electro 35s are like an extension of my arm. However, I like it, and am still trying to catch my stride.

I can't really see the 40mm framelines all at once, but I know where they are, so I use my imagination.

If it was me, I'd save my money. HOWEVER, the ZI was designed by Porsche and it shows. The R3A looks like a mutation of a generic Cosina SLR to me. I like compare cameras to cars because it's easy for me to relate.

The R3A is like my Volvo 960. Boxy, built solid, a smooth runner. Works for me.

The ZI is like an Audi A6. Smoother, more sex appeal. Probably just as unreliable/reliable as the R3A.

The M7 is like a BMW 5 series. Sexy, reliable, the watermark that the Audi and Volvo try to hit.
 
Last edited:
Then what would be a M6 like? Maybe a Mercedes Benz SL450?


"The M7 is like a BMW 5 series. Sexy, reliable, the watermark that the Audi and Volvo try to hit."
 
Unless you never drop anything, never bump something when you don´t really want to, and/or just like to look at it, expect eventually that the camera will develop rangefinder alignment problems.
 
Don,

I have a mint R2a I may be willing to part with, if you are interested you can send me a pm. It still has the second roll of film in it! I have too many camera's, and not enought time...
I have been shooting mainly MF lately, I need a wider lens for my 500c, I'm sure you know how it is...

Cheers,
kf
 
Jon,

I never found that to be a problem, mind you, mine has never left the house...
You might want to put a drop of clear nail polish on the threads, it works great and is easily removed. Those small parts can be expensive to replace!

Cheers,
kf
 
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