R2A/R3A's and battery usage

[sienarot]

For those who use the R*A's, I'm just curious how the battery is connected to the shutter mechanism? Like if I were to do, say, an hour long exposure (ie: star trails, long exposure night photography) using the shutter lock or shutter cable, are the batteries running while the shutter's open?

 

[Bryce]

A good question. I want to know too.
I know that the Bessa L ends up running its meter anytime the shutter button is more than half pressed, including long exposures with a cable release.
It is a feature, you know. Makes the camera easier to find in the dark.

 

[TimBonzi]

Yes, the batteries are discharging during the long exposure. You might want to look for a manual RF. Using the bulb setting, you won't have to worry about if the normal shutter speeds are accurate.