Price Check

[superultramega]

I wandered into a shop today and there was a Bessa R2A (blk) with a 50/2 Collapsible Heliar (blk). The total price is $850. I believe they are both new. I would really only like to buy the set-up and run a few rolls through it and get my money back. I've believe I've seen used R2A, on this website, go for $400-$450 but I don't know the used price of the Heliar.

One strange thing was some of the black paint on the baseplate was worn on the corners and it looked like there was plastic underneath. I thought the R2A was a completely metal body, no?

Please provide input if you can.

Thanks

 

[Leigh Youdale]

Said to be a magnesium alloy casting under the paint, which probably doesn't look (or weigh) like steel.
The Heliar lens runs at about $800 new, the R2A at around $700. So the combined price you saw is probably in the zone for a very good condition second hand kit. Maybe 50% of new. Or $750-800 if you bargain a bit.

Why would you want to buy a setup like that to only "run a few rolls through and then get your money back?" What's the point of doing that?

 

[superultramega]

Leigh,

I have a R and some lenses that I like but it would be fun to play with an auto rangefinder and not lose any money in the process.

The corners with the wear have a milky plastic look. The wear is located at the contact points and is very minimal. I don't think VC lens decrease in value by half judging by the classified ads.

 

[Leigh Youdale]

Leigh,

I have a R and some lenses that I like but it would be fun to play with an auto rangefinder and not lose any money in the process.

The corners with the wear have a milky plastic look. The wear is located at the contact points and is very minimal. I don't think VC lens decrease in value by half judging by the classified ads.

Hmmmm. Then I'd ask Stephen about that. Maybe could be touched up with black paint. My 50% figure was just ballpark for most things second hand. You're probably right about the lenses, especially the Heliar which is fairly well regarded. I'd get one myself except I've got the 2/28, the 1.4/35 the 2.5/50 and the 2.5/75 already.