New R3A owner, what lens should I look for?

[ClaremontPhoto]

There's not so much real world difference between a 75mm and a 90mm. You certainly wouldn't want both.

The 75mm lens in the Voigtlander line is faster than the 90mm, and that may make a difference depending on your photography.

 

[EzraKilogram]

I have an R3A and have had a 40/1.4 since I received it. Great combination, great photos. It is a very light and compact set, and I really enjoy shooting with both eyes open thanks to the 1:1 finder. The framelines and focusing patch seem to float out in space in front of you. It really changed the way I interact with a scene. The caveat is that I do not wear glasses; the 40mm framelines are difficult to see with them.

I've had a CV15 Heliar for the longest time as my wide. Honestly, I feel like it's a little too wide sometimes. I'm switching to the CV 21/4P and getting a Leica 90mm Tele Elmarit on the portrait end. I really like having small "go anywhere" lenses, and I feel like the 90/2.8 TE, the 40/1.4, and either the 21/4P or the 25/4P will be a great combination. I've used the Tele-Elmarit before and I can vouch for it as a compact, great performer.

 

[Gary E]

You would have great coverage if you chose the 40mm and the 75mm or 90mm. I use the 40/75 combination alot and rarely need another lens.

That being said I often carry the ZI 25mm...just in case.

Best regards,

Bob

I always wanted a camera with this frame line combo, but I've yet to get the Bessa R3a for the 75 lux. Has anyone tried this combo? I've read about the Bessa's EBL and its 1:1 VF, but will it be pushing it for the lux. The 40 cron-c is still working fine on my M, but the 40mm lines would be nice.

 

[lic4]

I think the Planar 50mm is a better choice than the Heliar unless you really like the character of the Heliar (which I find I don't). Personally, if you're getting a Skopar 35, I think a 50 would be the best match for it. I used a current Cron with the R3A and loved the way the 50 is in the viewfinder. It's just right.

 

[Tom A]

Gary E, I use my 75f2 Summicron on one of my R3's (a R3M) as it gives me free standing 75 frames. No stupid 50/75 combo as in my M's! I have used the 75f1.4 with it too and though a bit tricky at f1.4 and 1-1.5 meters, it works well (better than the M's as a matter of fact).
The 40f1.4 SC/MC is a perfect fit for the R3 series. It is a bit tighter than the 35, but not enough to create problems. It is also a very good lens, sharp, nice contrast and useful at f1.4. The choice between SC and MC is not critical. The difference, particularly in black/white is very subtle. Mainly a bit more detail in deep shadows. The SC can flare, but you really have to work at it though. I haven't shot the MC and SC side by side in the same light so I cant say if the SC flares easier than the MC. I tend to use them without really looking at which is which.
The R3's really spoils you for viewfinders though. Once you used one, the M's look a bit "dinky" by comparison. The only finder better than the R3 is the Zeiss ZM one - and you can almost buy two R3's for that money!

 

[PollitowuzHere]

Would a 28/40 combo be equally helpful? I'm currently wanting wider rather than tele for the Bessa, the 75mm could come later.