New to RFF, and a question

[slm]

Hello Everyone, I'm new to RFF, and I'm so glad I stumbled on the site. Some really great content and discussions, very enjoyable read. Anyhow, I currently have a Minolta Hi-matic E, which is loads of fun to use. It's a very automated camera, you just focus and click. This is actually a lot of fun, lets you just concentrate on finding compositions and whats going on around you. It must have the best meter ever made, 'cause 9 out of 10 exposures are right on !

Well, like everyone else I guess, I'm always looking at other cameras. I remember when the Bessa R came out...wow, but it was too much money. After checking out photovillage, looks like a "kit" can be had for much less than when it was released.
So, question is, why would someone opt for R2 or R3 ? Are the only differences the lens mount ? Are you at a disadvantage with LSM (I believe the others are M mount bayonet ?)

Also, I don't see a lot of posts about the Leica CM. Is it widely used ? I like it - it's basically the same configuration as my Hi-matic E.

Cheers
Steven

 

[Richard Black]

Welcome to the forum. To answer your question I have to admit that I own an R. A major factor in buying it was that I owned several ltm lenses and would not have had to use an adapter or buy another lens mount. I am considering an R2, love the olive, but then am faced with the other mount or adapter. I am pleased with the performance of the R and the lenses I have. Now, if you are young, I am not, you might want to consider the M-mount cameras because of the great lenses available. Or not. There are a lot of ltm lenses so it is up to you and your banker. Good luck!

 

[FrankS]

Welcome, Steven.

The Bessa R kit is indeed an excellent value. (You would never need anything else, though many find it leads down a slippery RF slope!)

The only advantages offered by the R2 are the m-mount, as opposed to the screw mount, and a slightly more robust build with the use of less plastic and more metal for the body exterior. Shutter and meter are the same.

With a screw mount camera you have access to all the lenses from many different manufacturers that are and were built with a screw mount.

With an M mount cmaera body, you have access to all those same lenses (used with an adaptor) plus additional lenses built with the M mount. Hence an increase in lens choice.

ONe can easily live with this limitation until one becomes interested in M mount lenses. At this point, a second camera body with m mount can be bought and the Bessa R becomes a back-up. See what imean about the slippery slope?

Good luck, welcome, and enjoy!

 

[slm]

Thanks guys.

How about the Leica CM ? Anyone have comments or an opinion ?

 

[Jocko]

Hallo Steven, and welcome to RFF. Richard and Frank have given you excellent advice. All I would add is that the Leica CM is a high-quality autofocus compact, rather than a rangefinder. As you infer, it is is perhaps the nearest modern counterpart to the classic fixed-lens rangefinders, but a very different type of instrument to a system camera like a Bessa, which is ultimately much more flexible, accepting many different lenses and accessories.

I have no doubt that the CM is splendid, but ask yourself if you could be happy with no other option than a 40mm lens on a very expensive point-and-shoot camera. I would find it hard to justify such a purchase when - for example - Cameraquest will sell you a new Bessa R and 35mm lens for $399, with all the potential for development that goes with a camera of this sort.

But, each to his own🙂

All the best, Ian

 

[dostacos]

Welcome Steven,

as for the Bessa R, great camera especially with the 35/2.5C [new from Cameraquest and Photo Village] HOWEVER, I personally have issues with the screw mount, I am WAY to slow [ I have a problem getting them started, I think it has to do with the rangefinder coupling] I have moved to the R2 used for about $300

I only have used the Voightlander lenses, so mine all are screw mount but I really like the ability to quick change the lenses with the R2 using the adapters.

So I would suggest going with an M mount camera unless money is a real problem.

 

[clarence]

HOWEVER, I personally have issues with the screw mount, I am WAY to slow [ I have a problem getting them started, I think it has to do with the rangefinder coupling] I have moved to the R2 used for about $300

I only have used the Voightlander lenses, so mine all are screw mount but I really like the ability to quick change the lenses with the R2 using the adapters.

The opposite holds true for me. I find screw mounts easier because I don't have to align the lens to the body. I keep a 28/90 adapter on my CL and change LTM lenses by unscrewing them, rather than using the bayonet release.

I concur with FrankS on acquiring the Bessa R as a starter interchangeable lens camera. FSU LTM lenses can be procured at very little cost. Of course, FSU bodies are an even cheaper option, but they come with a whole different host of limitations.

Clarence

 

[Poptart]

Or you could buy a Yashica Electro GSN in mint condition, if you could somehow find one like that. Hint, hint.

 

[slm]

Actually, the GSN is a model I've considered before, but I think I want interchangeable lenses.

I was wondering if the magnification factor in the various bessa models needs consideration. My only experience is with the Minolta, and another rangefinder called a Samoca LE.

Is there an advantage to a specific factor ? Is the 1:1 factor of the R3 something that offers an advantage over say 0.68x or 0.7x ?