R2a build qua;ity

[db3]

Hello to everyone. I'm new to these forums, as I have never owned a rangefinder. However, I am looking to purchase one within the year. I've been doing a lot of photography for about four years now. I started out with Nikon cameras but when I made the jump to digital a few months ago, I switched to Canon (like so many others I'm affraid). Well, I am fairly happy with digital when it comes to color but for b&w the results are highly unsatisfactory. The resolution and lack of grain is amazing so for color where I was used to shooting slide, it is great. But for black and white I simply need more dynamic range. So in short I am looking for a new film camera. I intend to sell off all the old Nikon gear, and I could just get a Canon camera that would use all my new lens. However, I was thinking it would be infinitely more enjoyable to buy a rangefinder. I've always preffered manual focusing, and I hate the whole mirror blackout thing (no matter how brief). Furthermore I love the level of sharpness I see from rangefinder lens, and I have read all about the superior attributes for shooting at night. I don't have the kind of bucks to buy a Leica, but an M mount camera would be nice. Thus I was thinking of going with the R2a (I want a 35mm frame line...so I take it the R3a is out). My question is, how is the build quality? I know it's no Leica, but is it at least all metal. I have a completely irrational hatred of plastic. I know it doesn't make sense, but if I have to hold something plastic it sort of saps some of the joy from the process. I know the R is plastic and I have read that the 2a and 3a are a step up, but I can't find wheter or not they are all metal, merely superior plastic to that used on the R, or some combination of the two. Any insight would be appreciated. Thanks is advance.

 

[aizan]

aluminum chassis and magnesium covers.

 

[db3]

aluminum chassis and magnesium covers.

thanks... but what about the components? The shutter release lock, shutter speed dial, rewind nob, etc. I can't really tell from any of the pictures I've found.

 

[Huck Finn]

It does have some plastic internal parts.

 

[Fred]

Firstly, Welcome to the RFF.

The R2a is a very fine instrument. It 's very well made and feels extremely solid. No it is not as solid or as heavy as a Leica but they are arguably over engineered anyway.

I've handled the new Voiglander 'a' series and can honestly say that they are a step up from the R2 ans a leap up from the R build. Remember though that the R is also a very good camera in its own right with the early problems corected, it just has plastic covers and an LTM mount. Don't rule it out unless you really want an 'M' mount. Also although I'm not familiar with individual FSU cameras they are also worth considering, there are many on this forum who can help.

If cash won't reach to a Leica premium maybe the Zeiss Ikon is worth a look when it arrives.

Good luck and have fun.

 

[sockeyed]

I've had an R3A for around 4 months now and find its build quality reassuringly solid. It doesn't compare to my Canon F-1 which is tank-like, but it's much more solid than most current cameras I've hefted. The shutter lock, rewind knob, wind lever are all metal, but I think that the shutter speed dial might be plastic (I can't remember). The finish is robust and I don't have a mark on it yet.

I also enjoy the Bessa R, but it is definitely a lighter build. It is very inexpensive, though, has a great viewfinder, and has produced some fine images for me.

Good luck with your shopping.

 

[DaveSee]

Hi, and welcome to the fold!

While I can appreciate your "irrational" dislike for plastic, this material is here to stay, and finds its way into every new camera, somehow(...well, maybe not the Leica MP?).

Your post was about build quality while making a decision about an RF camera, and CV cameras are designed and built very well for their purchase price. You also asked about the R2A, and that you want 35 framelines, at least... as others have said, this is a fine camera. However, if you prefer the touch of metal, you might consider a used Leica M2, M4-P or Canon for the "heft"(or what some might call the "sturm und drang" given greater weight these bodies have, compared to the alum/mag CV). But then there are the issues with age and CLA... not to mention that they may cost more than the R2A too. The R2A will likely not disappoint you.

The reason I post to this thread, to your question, is that I have not been at all disappointed with the *very* plastic look and feel of the CV Bessa-T silver. It too is a fine camera, although not what you want for the "feel/touch" experience you describe. But it has a fine build "quality," despite the plastic, and I shoot it often before grabbing my Leicas... for the external VF that removes me from the instinct to re-focus when DOF and that confusing circle are already "in harmony."

I have a Nikon FM2 and some primes(35,50,105) and it's a sweet little SLR. Between the CV R2A and older RF models I mention, you might just feel right at home with the CV R2A because of the controls, as some have commented in other threads. I suspect it will "feel" very similar, despite the odd plastic piece you touch(shutter release?).

While touch and feel of our tools is important, as a system, the CV cameras can give you a pleasurable experience(with some of their components are made of plastic) shooting some very fine glass, and the sureity that the film within is treated with the utmost repsect your images deserve!

Best of luck, and don't ignore that "touch" instinct--it is important--but plastic is not bad, just lighter weight 😉

rgds,
Dave

 

[db3]

Thanks everyone for the extremely helpful imput. This is a great forum. I think I will save for a few more months, and then get the R2a and the new zeiss 35 f2 lens. I preffer to buy new, and both seem like great values. As a matter of fact, I almost have trouble believing that one can get an M mount camera--especially one that seems as nice as the r2a--for so little money. Not that it's cheap, but compared to the prices that people have historically paid for rangefinders it seems like the steal of the century. I'll also look into the Ikon, but I sort of doubt from reading the specks that it will be twice the camera of the r2a, and it is more than twice the price. Despite my aforementioned dislike of plastic, I am usuallay more inclined to buy a cheaper body, and the best glass I can afford. Once again thank you all for being so welcoming and helpful.

 

[Imagestreet]

Robert White has started shipping the new GREY Bessa R2a cameras today (go on - put it on the Visa!). Mine will be arriving tomorrow morning!!! Like you I wanted a quality camera to go with my D100. I first had a R2 which was nice but my R3a was another step up. It was a wonderfully solid piece of equipment, felt great and was not so expensive that you would get stressed at taking it out and about (which I would with a Leica). I also have an F100, and a Bronica ETRS but they never come out of the gadget bag - such is the quality and ease of use of the R3a it is the one I practically never left the house without. My local camera shop unfortunately lost my Black R3a when I had it in for a rangefinder adjustment (my fault), but it does allow me to buy the spanking new Grey one (I'm picking the R2a because although the rest of the camera was great I never got on with the 1:1 finder). If it allows you to get the camera faster then forget the overpriced Zeiss lens - get a 35mm CV equivalent - you won't be disappointed...

 

[aizan]

they lost it, or 'lost' it? 😀