How reliable is your R2a or R3a?

[Ken F.]

Hi Don,

From what I hear, it looks to be an April 2007 release.

Cheers,
kf

 

[x-ray]

Thanks. Slow aren't they.

 

[Bromo33333]

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.

I don't think you can go wrong any way, they are all different money - and you get what you pay for.

Voigtlander $500-600 new
ZI $1200-1500 new
Leica M7 $3500 new, $2000-2500 used

I suppose it is the budget you want to spend for the body - I personally split the difference and got the ZI. Electronically controlled shutters won't last as long as the mechanical variety, but they are awfully convenient.

 

[ClaremontPhoto]

The trigger winder covers the whole base and adds maybe 1cm or so to the height of the camera. It's got two strap lugs so you can hang the camera vertically on the strap.

The side grip does not cover the whole base and has one strap lug.

I have the trigger winder fitted all the time.

Make sure that the trigger winder is screwed on tight and retighten regularly. Some people have reported overlapping frames which I think has to do with slippage between the trigger winder and the body. Also some ppeople have reported jammed shutters which I think is to do with trying to go too fast with the trigger/shutter sequence. I have never (in one year) had any problems.

 

[wlewisiii]

...even with my birth control goggles on.

Snort. Just a _wee_ bit OT, but are you a vet? We used to call the mil spec spectacles 😉 either that or Buddy Holly's ... 😀

William

 

[gareth]

The side grip does not cover the whole base and has one strap lug.

Cheers Jon. Do you know if it covers most of the base? Would it offer protection to the base? I don't really fancy the trigger winder.

If often feel the camera base is vunerable on many cameras, and is one of the reasons I often use grips on my SLR's.

It's just the kind of stuff I'm often doing, I'm not careless but nor am I going to miss the shots just because there's a bit of rougth and tumble.

 

[ClaremontPhoto]

From photographs I've seen of the side grip it looks to cover just over half the base. A little bit further than the tripod screw.

See it at http://www.cameraquest.com/voigtacc.htm

[Edit: wrong URL posted previously. Sorry]

 

[gareth]

Ah ha, I see it now. Shame it doesn't cover the whole base, but it seems to cover most of it. Will get one once I've seen how I get on with this camera. Need to shoot some more film first.

Thanks again Jon.

 

[biomed]

I have used my R3A for over a year and a half, shot at least 50 rolls of film (roughly 1800 exposures) and haven't had a bit of trouble with it. I carry it with me almost every day to work in my book bag. It is a great camera for the money. I am a shoot with both eyes open person and really enjoy the 1:1 VF. I use the 35/2.5 most of the time and usually use the 40 frame as a reference. If framing is more critical (critical framing is a relative term with RFs), I pop on an external finder. I really like this camera and do not regret buying it. As someone said earlier (Didier?), it will take a while to come up with a good idea of long term reliability. This is not a Leica, so I don't expect it to match the "legendary" reliability. But, I don't expect to be around as long as some cameras have either. BTW, i just sent Stephen a deposit for an R4. Whatever you get -- have fun with it, and have a Happy Birthday!

Mike