I've given up on Voigtlander!!

[mal]

I opened up my beloved Bessa R to insert a new film and the pressure plate fell in my lap! One of the tiny plastic lugs that holds it had snapped and I've no idea how it happened. It's always carried in a Billingham bag when not in use and appeared fine when I put it away.

A similar thing happened to an almost new Bessa L I had, rendering that useless too as the cost of repair is more than the worth of the camera.

I can't afford Leica and I'm certainly not wasting any more money on CVs so digital seems to be the only option.

 

[drewbarb]

I'm sorry to hear it Mal. But, if you bought the R and the L new, you could have had a second hand Leica for the amount you've spent on CV bodies. It's no trick to get an LTM body for around 200 pounds.

 

[peterc]

Yikes! I'm glad to say I haven't had any problems like that with my Bessa R. The RF was off when I got it, but that was fixed under warranty.
Is yours out of warranty?

Peter

 

[Ororaro]

Those plates are easily taken off and on (at least on some cameras). Try to put it back... if it is what I'm thinking.

 

[Pablito]

I can't afford Leica and I'm certainly not wasting any more money on CVs so digital seems to be the only option.

Well there is.....the film SLR option!!! Try an FM. Used with a nice lens for under two hundres bucks. (he shields himself from the shower of flying daggers....)

 

[rogue_designer]

Canon 7/s

or if you don't rely on the built in meter. Canon P

(there are other options) Sorry about your bad luck wtih the CV's

 

[jan normandale]

I'd take them to your original retailer for adjustment. I think both they and CV / Bessa would want to know, and also do smething

 

[mike_j]

It's a shame to giveup on a good camera because of a small component failure.
I'm a bit of a model engineer and belong to a club with many menbers who are very skilled in this arcane craft. Could you send me the broken original (I'm in Cambridgeshire UK) and I will see if I, or any of my friends, can reproduce it in either nylon or possibly brass. It can't be that complicated. Cost won't exceed a pint of best bitter.

 

[sf]

I opened up my beloved Bessa R to insert a new film and the pressure plate fell in my lap! One of the tiny plastic lugs that holds it had snapped and I've no idea how it happened. It's always carried in a Billingham bag when not in use and appeared fine when I put it away.

A similar thing happened to an almost new Bessa L I had, rendering that useless too as the cost of repair is more than the worth of the camera.

I can't afford Leica and I'm certainly not wasting any more money on CVs so digital seems to be the only option.

used M4s tend to go in the range of new R2Ms, R3As, etc. Tell you what, though. I am seriously looking forward to the Sigma DP1, and if it is as good as it looks to be, if the sensor is as sharp as it ought to be given the SD10's sensor is great, then I might seriously consider digital. I really might.

I had an R3A that never gave me any problems (except for a faulty viewfinder that I returned the camera to replace)...

That is what you should do: leave 35mm behind and buy into medium format RFs. Buy an RF645 for $800 and you'll have a seriously good camera. Cheaper than Leica and better imaging.

 

[clintock]

Certainly a new, currently-produced line of cameras has replacement parts available from the dealer network. Simply order a new door and have the dealer put it on, or provide a photocopy of the procedure from the dealer service literature.

 

[gareth]

I got about 6 rolls of film through my R2a, then the rewind crank broke.
Waiting for warranty repair.

 

[BillBingham2]

Mal,

Drop a note to Rich at PhotoVillage (in NYC). A while back I remember he had some parts for upgrading Rs and Ls (I think these were T backs, somewhat stronger). If I remember right they are all the same size and such so an R2 back should fit an R, if I am right.

Rich would know.

B2 (;->

 

[mal]

Thank you so much for all your suggestions. I'm truly impressed and touched by the response to this. I'll go over everything again in the cool light of the weekend. Cheers all.

 

[bmicklea]

For what it's worth I've had my R2a for over a year and taken it everywhere with me - no problems yet (knock on wood). I've heard that the newer bessas are better built than the R and L.

If you don't need the meter though I'd go for a used Leica. I'm considering an M2 or M4 myself.

 

[photogdave]

R2s and R3s are much better built and members here seem to be selling used ones at good prices all the time!

 

[Ken Ford]

I have a real soft spot for Cosina-Voigtlander - a Bessa-T and Triggerwinder got me back into RF photography after a 20 year absence. However, I was a little relieved to sell the T for a M6 - I was always worried about the long-term durability of the Bessa. Leicas feel like little tanks in comparison.

 

[mal]

Pint of Best?

Pint of Best?

It's a shame to giveup on a good camera because of a small component failure.
I'm a bit of a model engineer and belong to a club with many menbers who are very skilled in this arcane craft. Could you send me the broken original (I'm in Cambridgeshire UK) and I will see if I, or any of my friends, can reproduce it in either nylon or possibly brass. It can't be that complicated. Cost won't exceed a pint of best bitter.

Thanks mike_j - I've PM'd you.

And thank you all for your suggestions.

Cheers
Mal

 

[Krosya]

exactly

exactly

I have a real soft spot for Cosina-Voigtlander - a Bessa-T and Triggerwinder got me back into RF photography after a 20 year absence. However, I was a little relieved to sell the T for a M6 - I was always worried about the long-term durability of the Bessa. Leicas feel like little tanks in comparison.

This is exactly how I feel. I like Cosina for their attitude and innovation. They make some pretty good "starter" cameras. I too, got into RF with Bessa. Bessa-R. However, while I liked it, and never had any problems with it - Bessa is gone and M3 and M6 and with me now. Mostly due to longer RF base, but I was beginning to wonder of the quality too. I want camera to last and Leica seems to be the way to go. I think this is something Leica should have done - have a less expensive line of cameras - they would sell like hot cakes.

 

[Krosya]

love this

love this

R2s and R3s are much better built and members here seem to be selling used ones at good prices all the time!

I love this statement!!!
So if newer Bessas are much better, why do they sell them here all the time? Wouldn't they want to keep them? lol
Just a thought.

 

[JonathanA]

I love this statement!!!
So if newer Bessas are much better, why do they sell them here all the time? Wouldn't they want to keep them? lol
Just a thought.

Because they have GAS and want a leica...not that there is anything wrong with that but most of the people who sell their Bessas is to put towards a purchase of a Leica. That doesn't say anything bad about bessas in general, it just means people want a shiny Leica.