P
Peter
Guest
I am wondering what is the life-span of the modified Copal shutter of the Bessa R2? Any of our more mechanical savvy members have an idea? 😀
Life-Span of Bessa R2 Shutter
- Thread starter Peter
- Start date
- Latest activity Latest activity:
- Replies 9
- Views 2K
K
Kris
Guest
I read somewhere pretty long ago someone wore out the Bessa shutter with 600 (approximately) rolls of film. That's less than 22,000 cycles which sounds too low to me because low-mid range Canon SLR has shutter life expectancy around 30,000 cycle and Bessa shutter looks more robust.
I've run around 100 rolls through this R2 and the previous owner probably ran less than 20 rolls (it was in mint condition when I bought it) so I still have around 350 rolls. Maybe in 3-4 years I've got a good reason to get an R3 😀
I've run around 100 rolls through this R2 and the previous owner probably ran less than 20 rolls (it was in mint condition when I bought it) so I still have around 350 rolls. Maybe in 3-4 years I've got a good reason to get an R3 😀
Last edited by a moderator:
P
Peter
Guest
Maybe you could replace a new shutter instead? 🙂
K
Kris
Guest
Ummm I need as many reasons as possible to convice those who doubt that I really need an upgrade.
Aperture priority is one very good reason (Australian distributor of Voigtländer mentions on their website that the replacement of R2 definitely has AE mode). My Bessa R2 shutter goes kaputt is another. Hopefully RF baselength is longer which makes a VERY good third reason.
And no, I'm not addicted to buying/collecting camera gear! 😀
Aperture priority is one very good reason (Australian distributor of Voigtländer mentions on their website that the replacement of R2 definitely has AE mode). My Bessa R2 shutter goes kaputt is another. Hopefully RF baselength is longer which makes a VERY good third reason.
And no, I'm not addicted to buying/collecting camera gear! 😀
Pherdinand
the snow must go on
Re shutter kaputt reason: Kris, did you test already, which is the fastest shutter speed where you still can get your finger between the shutter curtains? 😀
Pherdinand said:
You should follow this statement by saying
"I am a trained professional. Ordinary civilians should not try this at home without supervision."
P
Peter
Guest
By the way, any forumers know whether the R2 shutter could be replaced if it breaks down? 🙁
T
Todd.Hanz
Guest
I am sure it could be replaced but for how much? You may want to consider upgrading to the R3 if that happens 🙂.
Todd
Todd
GeneW
Veteran
One of the problems I have with my older cameras is that they never break 😉
If they did, I probably wouldn't hold on to them for so long and get something new instead.
... come to think of it, I did anyway ... I guess that's what collecting's all about ... 😀
Gene
If they did, I probably wouldn't hold on to them for so long and get something new instead.
... come to think of it, I did anyway ... I guess that's what collecting's all about ... 😀
Gene
Sonnar Brian
Established
The Nikon Professional cameras were made to go 150,000 cycles before requiring service. The Copal Square cameras were made to withstand 50,000. So killing a shutter after only 600 rolls of film seems low. It is possible to damage a copal square shutter by winding too quickly when used on slow speeds.
I would think it more likely that the camera needs a general CLA rather than the shutter replaced. I have had jammed Nikon F's and F2's that come back working fine after a CLA but with the same shutter. I have had shutter brakes replaced, and other parts that need lube jobs. I even got my Pawn-Shop rescue Nikon Ftn ($60) "beater" working again after a good cleaning with Ronsonol. It was so sad: I finished a roll on Christmas with a new/mint Vivitar series I 135mm F2.3 lens and the camera jammed on the very last picture of the roll. It gave its last to get me to the end of the roll. But now its BACK!
I would think it more likely that the camera needs a general CLA rather than the shutter replaced. I have had jammed Nikon F's and F2's that come back working fine after a CLA but with the same shutter. I have had shutter brakes replaced, and other parts that need lube jobs. I even got my Pawn-Shop rescue Nikon Ftn ($60) "beater" working again after a good cleaning with Ronsonol. It was so sad: I finished a roll on Christmas with a new/mint Vivitar series I 135mm F2.3 lens and the camera jammed on the very last picture of the roll. It gave its last to get me to the end of the roll. But now its BACK!
