New Here!

[jon west]

Hello everyone!
i've been lurking around here for a while, learning from all your posts. been shooting photos for ever, lately with a canon canonette (which i love). i took the plunge and bought a bessa r with the 2.5 35mm, it came yesterday, shot 2 rolls, love it!!!!!!!

but, i have a couple questions....
1. i CANT STAND the way it is ballanced, it drives me crazy, when i wear it over my neck / shoulder, it always ends up with the lens practically pointing at the sky. i ran to the camera store and bought and modified an old leica half case, now it hangs fine. but i'd rather not use a case, i like the way the camera feels in my hands without it. any solutions??? i was already tempted to ripp off the neck strap eyelets and try to reattach them where they should be!

2. with the cv f2.5 35mm lens i got, the rangefinder doesnt focus down all the way?? is this normal? the rangefinder works fine down to like 0.8 meters , but then it doesnt do anything for the rest of the range down to its clossest focusing? i know its only like a foot, but i was just wondering if this was normal?

i dont mean to sound negative about these minor imperfections, overall i love it, im just trying to get to know it.

thanks for your time! i'll post some pics when they come in.

 

[QuillianSW]

Sir, can't answer your questions as I am about "3 weeks behind you," having developed an interest and finally ordering a Bessa R3A myself yesterday. However, I do understand from reading the following - (a) The side grip helps balance the Bessa more favorable for wearing around one's neck - you might consider one of those, reports are it helps. (b) I didn't realize the camera would be capable of close focusing substantially (if at all) below .8 meters; remember it has to optically triangulate, and at some point the two 'eyes' can't get crosseyed anymore - even with a pancake lens. Now, hopefully, someone who knows will post a response. Cheers, S/

 

[jon west]

thanks for the reply!
i should have checked the recent posts, because there is a 2 page thread about the strap lugs....

i'll probably give the side grip a shot.

 

[Skinny McGee]

Maybe a wrist strap

 

[rover]

Well, you have found the close focus limit of the Bessa. Unfortunately we can't change that. I will also recommend the side grip for the R. It is a really nice inexpensive feature which I preferred.