robert blu
quiet photographer
Congrats! Bessas are great, sometimes I still use my R !
robert
robert
fad gadget
Established
That is indeed a Mr. Zhou case.
Enjoy the camera Kostya! Better you putting to use, than sitting in my closet as a spare.
cheers/k.
Enjoy the camera Kostya! Better you putting to use, than sitting in my closet as a spare.
cheers/k.
Ko.Fe.
Lenses 35/21 Gears 46/20
Thank you, Sir!
capitalK
Warrior Poet :P
Nice! I used a Bessa (R2A) for quite a while and it was a very capable body. Hope you enjoy it for years to come.
traveler_101
American abroad
I just found this thread. Congratulations on your Bessa! So it is a brand new camera or virtually new? in any case I can see why you would want a new camera after repeated problems with the light leak on your M4. Good decision - don't throw in good money after bad. I was going to suggest a Bessa R (which I own and have no trouble with at all - knock on wood - but then remembered that you need M mount compatibility).
What I didn't quite get - why if you are a 35mm shooter did you have a M3? Also did you sell the M4? That would seem to be the first priority to get the bad taste of multiple fixes out of your mouth. Of course I would hate to be the guy who ends up with that camera.
What I didn't quite get - why if you are a 35mm shooter did you have a M3? Also did you sell the M4? That would seem to be the first priority to get the bad taste of multiple fixes out of your mouth. Of course I would hate to be the guy who ends up with that camera.
ptpdprinter
Veteran
Have you confirmed that the problem is with the M4 and not with the reloadable cassettes? I thought you said the problem doesn't occur with your retail color film.
traveler_101
American abroad
Ha!
M’s can be like high maintenance girlfriends!
Jokes aside..
Better to keep and repair than sell and buy another that will need a repair.
Maintanence is repairs that must be continually done.
Whether it 100 or 1000 rolls bewteen repairs... It is what it is with mechanical things.
"Can be" high maintenance - yes. I guess that you can spot the high maintenance type female and then it's your choice whether to get into those outlays - or not.
Trouble is that it seems like with these old cameras you don't know what the hell you're getting into. I don't agree with the practice of dumping money into a mechanism that has had repeated problems. Someone on this forum once said - the trick is to get a camera that works and then hang on to it.
ptpdprinter
Veteran
Buying a used camera is no different than buying a used car. Some things require routine maintenance. You pay to have it performed so you don't have bigger problems down the road. Other things break or wear out, and you pay to have them repaired. At some point you decide you would rather get another car than continue making repairs on the one you have. Such is life.
Pioneer
Veteran
Hey! That looks great!
I'm sure you will enjoy that new (to you) rangefinder.
I'm sure you will enjoy that new (to you) rangefinder.
Ko.Fe.
Lenses 35/21 Gears 46/20
Thank you all, again!
It is not only new, never used camera, but also generous RFF member (fad gadget) let it go for its original price which is lower comparing to what is available locally for exactly same, new camera and he gave me extra accessories for free! I'm shocked every time I think about it!
M3... I have seen it first then ex-Midland technician and Leica repair person, seller was still with us and have it for sale. I looked at it back then, M3... OK and walked out. Later on I walked in and learned about his sudden departure. It happened too soon, too fast. So, I feel obliged to buy it and support his son who is in charge of the Leica sales now. But yes, I'm not so 50 in my fitites and Bodo was selling Leica cameras and lenses, not collecting them. And M3 went to new owner who likes 50mm lenses. For same price I purchased it and free accessories...
Plus, I have M4-2 (not M4) which he inspected first then I have it cheap and as blind purchase from Japan auction and then he fixed it for very low price, after I broke it first time. I'm not selling it, because I have working R2M now. I had intention to sell it with full disclosure, cheap, but I have some hope it is reloadable cassettes, or bulk loader, not the camera.
With working camera (R2M) it is no rush anymore, no pressure to figure it out and if needed start to save money to fix it.
M4-2 is with fresh lubrication, some parts in film advance mechanism were changed, it is very smooth in action, RF/VF were cleaned and here is one more thing. Shutter speed dial. I think, main advantage of M against R is how easy to fiddle it. My M4-2 has smooth shutter speed dial from day one I have it. It is better comparing to M4-P which I had for some time as well and even better than M3 has.
It is not only new, never used camera, but also generous RFF member (fad gadget) let it go for its original price which is lower comparing to what is available locally for exactly same, new camera and he gave me extra accessories for free! I'm shocked every time I think about it!
M3... I have seen it first then ex-Midland technician and Leica repair person, seller was still with us and have it for sale. I looked at it back then, M3... OK and walked out. Later on I walked in and learned about his sudden departure. It happened too soon, too fast. So, I feel obliged to buy it and support his son who is in charge of the Leica sales now. But yes, I'm not so 50 in my fitites and Bodo was selling Leica cameras and lenses, not collecting them. And M3 went to new owner who likes 50mm lenses. For same price I purchased it and free accessories...
Plus, I have M4-2 (not M4) which he inspected first then I have it cheap and as blind purchase from Japan auction and then he fixed it for very low price, after I broke it first time. I'm not selling it, because I have working R2M now. I had intention to sell it with full disclosure, cheap, but I have some hope it is reloadable cassettes, or bulk loader, not the camera.
With working camera (R2M) it is no rush anymore, no pressure to figure it out and if needed start to save money to fix it.
M4-2 is with fresh lubrication, some parts in film advance mechanism were changed, it is very smooth in action, RF/VF were cleaned and here is one more thing. Shutter speed dial. I think, main advantage of M against R is how easy to fiddle it. My M4-2 has smooth shutter speed dial from day one I have it. It is better comparing to M4-P which I had for some time as well and even better than M3 has.
traveler_101
American abroad
Yes, that's a great deal on the 2RM! Hope you like it. You do seem pretty attached to the M4-2. I have to say that I cringed to read how much work you had done on the camera. Still it should be fairly straightforward to conduct some tests and find out the source of the light leak. Perhaps you will be lucky and your bulk loaded cartridges will turn out to be the culprit.
I must admit I take your story as a cautionary tale, both about buying a Leica M and taking up bulk loading.
I must admit I take your story as a cautionary tale, both about buying a Leica M and taking up bulk loading.
Ko.Fe.
Lenses 35/21 Gears 46/20
Well, here are three links for threads with photos taken mostly or just by this M4-2:
https://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=162094
https://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=158157
https://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=152495
To me it was worth it even if I spend money for repairs and even I'll have to sell for less or spend more on repairs. And while those light leaks are frustrating, I can't say what they ruined my pictures.
traveler_101
American abroad
I'm sorry I don't see the light leak - or anything consistent in the photos that points to a light leak. I saw something that look like streaks across the frame about 1/3 of the way from the top on a couple of the photos. But I am not sure.
In any case some nice shots there. Interesting to learn that you are a Russian, have become Canadian and you bought the M4-2 partly for patriotic reasons.
In any case some nice shots there. Interesting to learn that you are a Russian, have become Canadian and you bought the M4-2 partly for patriotic reasons.
rfaspen
[insert pithy phrase here]
I'm confused. You still have the M4-2? I sure hope so!!! The Bessa wasn't made in Canada you know!
My M3 was a basket case when I received it. Very bad shape, and I fixed it from a very bad state. It still has a few glitches in use. No light leaks though, but there are more light baffles in that thing than I thought. I absolutely love using the M3, just like my M2, because its just "enjoyable". Even when it misbehaves! This is the Leica mystique people talk about. I just love using my M cameras (film or digital) because I achieve "flow" when using them. I also have a Bessa, and it has sat in the drawer for over a year now. (yes, sad). I think of selling it, but its an R with LTM mount and you just can't buy an LTM camera with a built in meter anywhere today.
Anyway, I suspect you will not be happy without an M in your vicinity. Keep them both if you can. Let them "rest" if you must.
I'm enjoying my M camera even now making a few images of friends and family, with a glass of genuine Bulgarian Rakia straight from Varna on the Black Sea coast. Perfect!
My M3 was a basket case when I received it. Very bad shape, and I fixed it from a very bad state. It still has a few glitches in use. No light leaks though, but there are more light baffles in that thing than I thought. I absolutely love using the M3, just like my M2, because its just "enjoyable". Even when it misbehaves! This is the Leica mystique people talk about. I just love using my M cameras (film or digital) because I achieve "flow" when using them. I also have a Bessa, and it has sat in the drawer for over a year now. (yes, sad). I think of selling it, but its an R with LTM mount and you just can't buy an LTM camera with a built in meter anywhere today.
Anyway, I suspect you will not be happy without an M in your vicinity. Keep them both if you can. Let them "rest" if you must.
I'm enjoying my M camera even now making a few images of friends and family, with a glass of genuine Bulgarian Rakia straight from Varna on the Black Sea coast. Perfect!
Ko.Fe.
Lenses 35/21 Gears 46/20
Classic image, Jeff! And living style! Everything on it resonates with me.
Here is how my M4-2 light leak always looks like:
Every time I get it, it is always like this. But I can't see it on single use cassettes with color film. I did it twice and under same light schema after service. Sun is bright and above the lens. Nothing so far.
Now I have M4-2 loaded with BW reusable cassette (testing 28 1.9 ASPH on film). I have twenty of those cassettes. I'm going to mark them as checked. And I need at least two full rounds. No test rolls, just taking pictures as usual. So, M4-2 is staying with me for a while. And R2M will take care of color films. For color pictures I'm taking my time and I like to measure light more correctly. I have twenty rolls of C-41 and seven or so of slide (36 framers and those lasts for weeks in my cameras).
Here is how my M4-2 light leak always looks like:
Every time I get it, it is always like this. But I can't see it on single use cassettes with color film. I did it twice and under same light schema after service. Sun is bright and above the lens. Nothing so far.
Now I have M4-2 loaded with BW reusable cassette (testing 28 1.9 ASPH on film). I have twenty of those cassettes. I'm going to mark them as checked. And I need at least two full rounds. No test rolls, just taking pictures as usual. So, M4-2 is staying with me for a while
. And R2M will take care of color films. For color pictures I'm taking my time and I like to measure light more correctly. I have twenty rolls of C-41 and seven or so of slide (36 framers and those lasts for weeks in my cameras).
Pioneer
Veteran
I love Leicas but to me they are a lot like Thoroughbred horses. Expensive as hell to buy and maintain but when they run...oh lordy can they be wonderfully beautiful things.
But they can also be finicky and once in awhile you just have to put one down. Breaks you heart but that's how it works.
But they can also be finicky and once in awhile you just have to put one down. Breaks you heart but that's how it works.
Ko.Fe.
Lenses 35/21 Gears 46/20
Well, I'm just hesitant to let M4-2 go without checking if it is not re-loadable cassettes.
So, first one was checked over weekend and it looks OK.
I also have my first test roll with R2M completed.
It seems to be confused sometimes. It wants to overexpose around two or more stops.
Like for this picture I have to take it twice, to get it right:
I used two different lenses and R2M was not getting it right three times in three different places. But it wasn't in stuck with it, I just have to let it "think about it". I remember R was doing strange things with TTL metering as well.
Film is slightly under fixed, this is why scans are looking like this. Or maybe because I used last remaining hc-110 in the bottle.
But most of the time R2M did it right. I like what it was accurate with bright sun and snow.
And it was doing it right in the dusk.
And to make it more fun my trusty TwinMatter purchased new five years ago was acting up. But re-seating battery seems to fix it.
So, first one was checked over weekend and it looks OK.
I also have my first test roll with R2M completed.
It seems to be confused sometimes. It wants to overexpose around two or more stops.
Like for this picture I have to take it twice, to get it right:
I used two different lenses and R2M was not getting it right three times in three different places. But it wasn't in stuck with it, I just have to let it "think about it". I remember R was doing strange things with TTL metering as well.
Film is slightly under fixed, this is why scans are looking like this. Or maybe because I used last remaining hc-110 in the bottle.
But most of the time R2M did it right. I like what it was accurate with bright sun and snow.
And it was doing it right in the dusk.
And to make it more fun my trusty TwinMatter purchased new five years ago was acting up. But re-seating battery seems to fix it.
f16sunshine
Moderator
Not surprising that this frame confused the meter. You have a 50/50 3+ zone split going on there!
fad gadget
Established
Yes, that's a difficult one for any meter. I find with my R2M that you need to do some metering calculations in difficult lighting, prior to pressing the shutter button.
Very good in the snow, I'm jealous as we've hardly had any!
cheers/ken.
Very good in the snow, I'm jealous as we've hardly had any!
cheers/ken.
BLKRCAT
75% Film
kofe my M5 does this leak from time to time.
You can see it here
I've taken it to Gerry asking about the leak and he told me that theres nothing really he can do. But the leak is coming from the light baffles in the shutter. Light is leaking in through the lens.
I noticed that I get the leak only when Im out walking a lot between shots. I frequently shoot wide open or as wide as I can but being that Im shooting a lot of 400 these days I'm stopping down. But having the camera pointing towards the sun with lots of light coming in or sitting the camera down at a coffee shop pointed at a light source is how the leak happens.
I still walk with my camera normally but avoid pointing at light sources for extended periods if I don't need to. Just something to keep mind of.
Also my M2 did this to some extent when I had it also. It only leaked on the second curtain not the first so I just never walked around with the camera cocked. if you walk around with the camera cocked then you should try not and seeing if that solves your issue.
You can see it here
I've taken it to Gerry asking about the leak and he told me that theres nothing really he can do. But the leak is coming from the light baffles in the shutter. Light is leaking in through the lens.
I noticed that I get the leak only when Im out walking a lot between shots. I frequently shoot wide open or as wide as I can but being that Im shooting a lot of 400 these days I'm stopping down. But having the camera pointing towards the sun with lots of light coming in or sitting the camera down at a coffee shop pointed at a light source is how the leak happens.
I still walk with my camera normally but avoid pointing at light sources for extended periods if I don't need to. Just something to keep mind of.
Also my M2 did this to some extent when I had it also. It only leaked on the second curtain not the first so I just never walked around with the camera cocked. if you walk around with the camera cocked then you should try not and seeing if that solves your issue.