I exchanged my Leica M4-2 for a Bessa R2A, am I crazy?

[Bosk]

Well actually the deal was a little more complicated than that. 🙄


I returned my M4-2 to Camera Exchange today because it was making funny noises and I was generally unhappy with it. The camera wasn't in the great cosmetic shape when I bought a week ago it and was the cheapest M4-2 they had at the time.

They were nice enough to take it back, and in exchange I received: A used, mint R2A, a used 35/2.5 Color-Skopar with a genuine Leica UV filter, and an AU$300 credit.

The funny thing is that the R2A feels much, much better in my hands than the M4-2 did. Yes, the Leica has that 'built to withstand WWIII' feel but it's a much heavier and more unwieldy camera I found. Shutter noise on the Bessa is louder but in every other way I prefer it to the Leica. Smaller, more discreet (with the 35/2.5 it looks like a cheapy P&S to most people) and the Aperture priority mode is a godsend to a rangefinder newbie like myself.
Time will tell if I miss the increased focusing accuracy of the Leica which is my only real concern.


Anyway, that's my story. Leica one day and Voightlander the next! 😱

 

[Sparrow]

You’re not crazy, I’d say that was a rational, and correct choice

 

[Ronald M]

Besa and Leica are not built to the same standards. But if you compare it to a 20 year old Leica that probably needs service, you may think it better. You may also like the auto exposure if that is on the Besa.

 

[Marc-A.]

No offense at all, my friend, but if the question is "Am I crazy", I can't answer anything but "yes, you are". Even with bad looking, the M4-2 is not a common RF. The only acceptable reason to make the exchange would be: the M4-2 doesn't work; the RF patch is too faint; you realize you don't have enough money eventually; I already have a M4 ...
Sorry to tell you that, but you shouldn't have asked 😉
Best wishes with your R2A, a great camera even so :angel:
Marc

 

[Andrew Sowerby]

I don't think that you're going to see any focusing acuracy issues with a 35/2.5 lens.

Glad to hear that you're enjoying your new camera. The hype around Leica can lead to stange conclusions such as: a meterless, mechanical camera is right for everyone's style of shooting.

Marc: Why should someone buy a camera to use based on rarity/collectability ? Or are you saying that he could have sold the M4-2 to a third party for more money?

 

[ClaremontPhoto]

R2A is a great camera.

 

[leif e]

Don´t worry! You´ll love your R2a - as I love mine. But my M4-2 is even dearer to me ... 🙂
lef e

 

[Marc-A.]

Marc: Why should someone buy a camera to use based on rarity/collectability ? Or are you saying that he could have sold the M4-2 to a third party for more money?

Hi Andrew,
You've got a point. But let me clarify my reply. I'm not a collector so I don't care about rarity/collectability. I just think (but I should say IMVPersonalHO) the M4-2 is an incredible tool. I just see the photographical/technical aspect: I tried a Bessa R2A and I wanted one, mainly because it has a meter and I could not afford a brand new Leica M. I'm very happy I bought an M2 instead of it. Why? The meter is not a problem since I use a hand lightmeter with my FSU RF, so it wasn't a decisive argument. I didn't see either the fact the Bessa was new as an argument: my M2 is in beautiful condition, and if it wasn't I could change the leatherette or even keep it in its bad condition.
The most important for me is:
1. the base lengh of the rangefinder: 69,25 mm for the M against an effective Base Length of 25.16 - see Cameraquest ! That's a huge difference, isn't it? The bas lengh of the R2A is even shorter than the antique Leica III.
2. the reliability: even after 70 years (like my Leica III), Leica cameras are spot on, if we don't throw them from the tenth floor.
3. the quietness: no comment.
The rest is a matter of feeling. Anyway, don't take it bad or as a personal attack if I prefer Leica over Voigtlander. It's only my opinion and my reply to Bosk's question 🙂
Best,
Marc

 

[Fred]

If the M4-2 had problems that could have cost you a lot more money, moving to the exellent Bessa is a shrewd move. IF you do not intend to use long fast lenses (90mm F2.0) wide open close up, stop down to f4 or abouts though and you should have no problems. Thr R2a is a fine machine.

You could still be crazy though, just in a different way 🙂

 

[Benjamin Marks]

Bosk: It's just got to work for you. The glass makes the picture; the camera is just a dark box. I am sure that my Leicas will outlast me, if cared for. Some of them have already outlasted their original owners. Go forth and make amazing photos! Ben

 

[triplefinger]

don't worry, you'll again have a M body. I had an r3a, great camera, a bit loud. I now shoot 99% of the time with a ZI and have an M2 for backup.

I don't think you're crazy, bessas are good cameras, the RF is likely brighter than the M4-2, you have a meter, you have AE, you have the nice little place where your thumb rests( I wish the ZI did), you have civilized film loading and a regular rewind crank.

all i can suggest is get the best glass you can. and that the ZM 25/2.8 can sit right on your bessa and you can use the entire RF window to frame and shoot the sharpest pictures on the block.

Mike

 

[photogdave]

You exchanged an old camera body for a near-new one with a lens and $300 credit?! Good on ya! Now you're well set up to go do some shooting. I say it was a good move. There will be more time for Leicas later!

 

[Fritz K.]

Hi,

just think this way :

YOU have to pay for and use this camera. If you don´t feel alright with it, take the one you like better.

I was tempted by GAS and bought a R3A from a member of the board. But í am not 100% comfortable with the large hard-to-see framelines. So i´ll sell it to another board member -hopefully- when we meet in two weeks time.
I will stick to my trusty R2.

take care, Fritz

 

[Marc-A.]

You exchanged an old camera body for a near-new one with a lens and $300 credit?! Good on ya! Now you're well set up to go do some shooting. I say it was a good move.

If I understood correctly Bosk didn't simply exchange a used body against a mint body: he paid for the used M4-2 (how much? I guess around 900$), didn't find it fitting him, and exchanged it against a used R3A+lens+300$. His question is: was it a good idea?
To each his opinion. I gave mine.

There will be more time for Leicas later!

This supports my opinion ...
Now, Bosk, if you're happier with the R2A than with the M4-2, you did the right choice (from this standpoint, the answer is obvious)... but I wouldn't do that; my opinion is of no importance, but since you asked for opinions ... :angel:
Best
Marc

 

[Gabriel M.A.]

I don't know if "you're crazy", but the R2a doesn't look like a bad camera. I think what really matters here is that you're happy and comfortable with your gear.

Your choice of camera is a very personal one. I strongly believe that a brand does not make a photographer. The photographer has got to feel comfortable with his/her tool of choice. A pinhole camera vs. a Nikon D70 comparison is pointless if your vision and skill is better suited to only one of them.

Be happy you're happy! Others complain about a certain camera over and over and over and can't (or won't) move on. You certainly have.

 

[Xmas]

Bosk

Apart from the postal costs I'd a bettered any shop deal on that, sorry.

But I part exchanged an early black Nikon F without being aware.

Noel