I'm making the jump to Bessa

[schrackman]

To a Bessa R4A, to be precise.

I've mentioned how I've been a digital photographer for nearly four years now, and the more I use film the more I am drawn to it every day. So, it's time now for a serious RF camera for me. I'll probably start off with the 35/2.5 color skopar PII (and perhaps a 21mm color skopar later on). Of course, now that means I'll have to start saving my $$$!! That might take a little time.🙁

One question: I see that the R4A does not have 40mm framelines, and the Nokton 40/1.4 seems to be an intriguing lens. What framelines will this lens pull up on the Bessa, and just how accurate is the 40mm viewfinder accessory?

Ray

 

[mfogiel]

If you want the R4A, in my opinion you should be looking at 21-35mm lenses range - for more normal range the R2A will be better. Keep it in mind, that the shorter the rf base, the less accurate focussing of longer/very bright lenses is, and the wider the VF (R4A is a 0.52, I seem to remember) the more you will have problems with big lenses intruding in your frame. To sum up, the R4A is perfect for the compact CV lenses in the 21-35 range, great for the new 28 Elmarit ASPH and ok for the 35 Summicrons. I use it with the 25 Biogon, 28 Elmarit (old) and I even shot some frames with 50mm lenses on it, but this is a bit extreme.

 

[triplefinger]

the bessa has manual framelines. (leica's auto-set them)

I use a 40 summicron-c with the 35mm framelines on my RD1(a modified bessa) and they're very accurate.

 

[schrackman]

Yeah, I don't really need to go longer than 35mm with the Bessa. I'm mostly going to use for people and landscape shots anyway. Thanks for the info! But that new Elmarit is way out of my price range!! LOL

Ray

If you want the R4A, in my opinion you should be looking at 21-35mm lenses range - for more normal range the R2A will be better. Keep it in mind, that the shorter the rf base, the less accurate focussing of longer/very bright lenses is, and the wider the VF (R4A is a 0.52, I seem to remember) the more you will have problems with big lenses intruding in your frame. To sum up, the R4A is perfect for the compact CV lenses in the 21-35 range, great for the new 28 Elmarit ASPH and ok for the 35 Summicrons. I use it with the 25 Biogon, 28 Elmarit (old) and I even shot some frames with 50mm lenses on it, but this is a bit extreme.

 

[schrackman]

the bessa has manual framelines. (leica's auto-set them)

Thanks! Believe it or not, I did know that. Not sure which camera was going thru my mind when I wrote that.

Ray

 

[0bli0]

fwiw i happily use the 35mm framelines on the r4a with my nokton 40. they are very close, and as long as you're not trying to compose out to the actual frameline, it works very well. i tried using the 50mm lines and they are noticably smaller than the fov.

 

[oscroft]

Hi Ray,

I can thoroughly recommend the R4A & CV21 combination - I've only had my R4A a couple of months, but I've been carrying that combination around Thailand for the past month or so and I think it's wonderful. The only other lens I've used on it so far is the CV 28/3.5, but I'd agree that the camera is really best with lenses in the 21-35 range - I'd only use a 50 on it in emergencies, because the 50 frame is just too small.

 

[schrackman]

fwiw i happily use the 35mm framelines on the r4a with my nokton 40. they are very close, and as long as you're not trying to compose out to the actual frameline, it works very well. i tried using the 50mm lines and they are noticably smaller than the fov.

Interesting! I'll keep that in mind if I ever get the 40mm.

Ray

 

[schrackman]

Hi Oscroft,

I saw some of your pictures from Sri Lhanka, which really reminded me of some places on the island of Luzon, Phill. when I was there in the early and mid nineties.

I will probably get the 21mm, after of course I get the 35mm color skopar. BTW, that 15mm you're using is crazy!! Great pics.

Ray

Hi Ray,

I can thoroughly recommend the R4A & CV21 combination - I've only had my R4A a couple of months, but I've been carrying that combination around Thailand for the past month or so and I think it's wonderful. The only other lens I've used on it so far is the CV 28/3.5, but I'd agree that the camera is really best with lenses in the 21-35 range - I'd only use a 50 on it in emergencies, because the 50 frame is just too small.