JohnM
Well-known
I've had the new Bessa for almost two weeks and have managed to run a few rolls of film through it. My thoughts are distinctly non-technical - this is the first interchangeable lens rangefinder I've owned.
Ordinarily, I tend to accumulate equipment slowly - in this case, I had the chance to add two second hand lenses to the new CV 35/2.5 I bought with the camera. Having the three lenses has added some extra stuff to get used to, but it's a good problem to have.
The camera itself - I love it. The camera could be a smidgen larger for my tastes, but my hands are getting used to it. The viewfinder is bright compared to the compacts I've gotten used to - no comparison. Nice to have the 1/2000th top end although I haven't even come close to needing it. The film window in the rear door is handy for an absent-minded sort like myself. The rubber body cladding is tough and grippy.
Gripes - The film rewind handle is a bit strange and will scratch the body if care is not taken. I have the olive body and while I like the look of it with a silver lens, it tends to attract too much attention - I was asked at least three times if it was a military camera. Also, having had the chance to look over a black-bodied R2, I tend to think the splatter-paint would wear better than the matte olive.
The 35/2.5 - The rangefinder I was most used to was the 40mm Oly RD, so I figured the 35 would be what I would be most comfortable with. I just wasn't though; at times, it was too wide and the 50mm was more useful and at other times, it wasn't wide enough - such is life in the middle of the road, I 'spose. In its favor, it is a nice, sharp devil and it is truly compact - I need more time with it to decide whether I can find a comfort zone there or whether I should drop down to the 25/28 range.
The 35/2.5 - heard a lot of good things and a lot of bad things about this lens. Speaking as someone who likes to take pictures and hates to talk about pincushioning and the like, I really like this lens. Much more solid than the 35 and balances the camera out - the focusing tab is much kinder to clumbsy paws like mine. The 50mm focal length fit nicely with the way I tend to see things - all in all, a nifty piece of work and I recommend it.
The 90 APO-Lanthar - gripes...it's not really fast enough for indoor work unless you're loaded with light. If that's your preference, the 75/2.5 is a much better option. I would have bought the 75 if I hadn't lucked into the 90. The lens also takes on a probe-like look with the lens hood attached - it ain't discreet.
That aside, wow. Get this puppy outside and it is a gem. It is just sharp as a tack. It took a little getting used to the frame lines with the unmagnified image, but that becomes second nature quickly. Simply put - it is the sharpest lens I've ever used. It might actually make me look good one of these days.
To sum up - it is a luxury. The quicker 75 is probably more practical and it was my intention to use the 90 on vacation and then auction it off in favor of a 75 - now that I've used it, forget it. I'm keeping it and I'll worry about a 75 down the road.
Some other thoughts -
Get the Bessa case. Not the greatest piece of craftsmanship, but it does the job and the half case give the camera a little more bulk in hand.
If you're considering a new R2, it might be worth getting a move on. I was at B&H this morning and they appear to be out of stock.
Finally found a place that offers a reasonable photo CD with developing. For $10, I can now get negs and a CD - very handy. No shots with the 90 on the photo CD though - here's a shot of my daughter taken with the 50...she clearly has had enough of me and my cameras.
Ordinarily, I tend to accumulate equipment slowly - in this case, I had the chance to add two second hand lenses to the new CV 35/2.5 I bought with the camera. Having the three lenses has added some extra stuff to get used to, but it's a good problem to have.
The camera itself - I love it. The camera could be a smidgen larger for my tastes, but my hands are getting used to it. The viewfinder is bright compared to the compacts I've gotten used to - no comparison. Nice to have the 1/2000th top end although I haven't even come close to needing it. The film window in the rear door is handy for an absent-minded sort like myself. The rubber body cladding is tough and grippy.
Gripes - The film rewind handle is a bit strange and will scratch the body if care is not taken. I have the olive body and while I like the look of it with a silver lens, it tends to attract too much attention - I was asked at least three times if it was a military camera. Also, having had the chance to look over a black-bodied R2, I tend to think the splatter-paint would wear better than the matte olive.
The 35/2.5 - The rangefinder I was most used to was the 40mm Oly RD, so I figured the 35 would be what I would be most comfortable with. I just wasn't though; at times, it was too wide and the 50mm was more useful and at other times, it wasn't wide enough - such is life in the middle of the road, I 'spose. In its favor, it is a nice, sharp devil and it is truly compact - I need more time with it to decide whether I can find a comfort zone there or whether I should drop down to the 25/28 range.
The 35/2.5 - heard a lot of good things and a lot of bad things about this lens. Speaking as someone who likes to take pictures and hates to talk about pincushioning and the like, I really like this lens. Much more solid than the 35 and balances the camera out - the focusing tab is much kinder to clumbsy paws like mine. The 50mm focal length fit nicely with the way I tend to see things - all in all, a nifty piece of work and I recommend it.
The 90 APO-Lanthar - gripes...it's not really fast enough for indoor work unless you're loaded with light. If that's your preference, the 75/2.5 is a much better option. I would have bought the 75 if I hadn't lucked into the 90. The lens also takes on a probe-like look with the lens hood attached - it ain't discreet.
That aside, wow. Get this puppy outside and it is a gem. It is just sharp as a tack. It took a little getting used to the frame lines with the unmagnified image, but that becomes second nature quickly. Simply put - it is the sharpest lens I've ever used. It might actually make me look good one of these days.
To sum up - it is a luxury. The quicker 75 is probably more practical and it was my intention to use the 90 on vacation and then auction it off in favor of a 75 - now that I've used it, forget it. I'm keeping it and I'll worry about a 75 down the road.
Some other thoughts -
Get the Bessa case. Not the greatest piece of craftsmanship, but it does the job and the half case give the camera a little more bulk in hand.
If you're considering a new R2, it might be worth getting a move on. I was at B&H this morning and they appear to be out of stock.
Finally found a place that offers a reasonable photo CD with developing. For $10, I can now get negs and a CD - very handy. No shots with the 90 on the photo CD though - here's a shot of my daughter taken with the 50...she clearly has had enough of me and my cameras.
