R2A vs R3A Help? Which to buy?

anaanda

anaanda

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For all users who have these cameras please let me know your thoughts. I can't decide which to buy. Also can anybody give me an analysis of the 50 2.5 vs. the 50 1.5. Is the 2.5 sufficient for most indoor stuff like weddings with some natural light? Cam anyone tell why they like the 40 1.4 sc vs the 50 1.5?
 
Anaanda, as you dig around RFF's previous threads you'll come across this issue several times, with opinions mixed with valuable experiences. Basically, from my viewpoint, the R2a is the more versatile model, with the R3a more desirable for 50mm and longer (since the 40mm frames are hard to see). Other than the viewfinder magnification and frames, they're the same fine camera.

I have the 2.5/50 and the 1.4/40 but not the 1.5/50 so cannot make any comparisons. Have not yet finished a roll with the 40 SC yet, so no feedback at all, but I like the 50 Skopar a lot... it has a very nice smooth look to it, not harsh. As to depth of field, consider that the 1.5/50 has very little of that wide open and as you get closer, and this may actually limit the usefulness of that speed. Just my opinion! Good luck shopping. 🙂
 
Unless your customers like to chew on grain, or don't mind having everything in the same colours as what the bride and groom are wearing, or your churches are lit by stadium sized floodlights, you will probably need as large an aperture as you can get, or you will have to use an external flash when you are shooting at weddings.

Having said that, Churches by and large don't have much natural light. Stained glass windows keep most of the light out. If the bride and groom want a particular sort of ambience that involves turning off the powerful lights and using candles, this will prove even more challenging for you. Also, consider that they might not allow any flash photography during the ceremony.

A quandary? Certainly. The solution is to bring a bit of both. Fast lens and a powerful flash unit to cover the distance between you and the couple.


Clarence
 
I can vouch that the 40mm frames are hard to see, but apart from that, the R3A with the 40mm 1.4 is a good setup - I always use available light when working indoors so a fast lens is a must for me.
 
I may be the odd one out here, but I wear eyeglasses and actually prefer the R3A with a 28mm or 35mm lens. I tried an R2A and couldn't see the 35mm framelines; on the R3A (which doesn't have 35mm framelines) I couldn't see the 40mm framelines, but as I don't use a 40mm lens that doesn't matter. My solution is to use the VC 28/35 mini viewfinder on the R3A and that way everything is covered from 28-90mm, with the bonus of life-size viewing for 50mm and above.
 
Either the R2A or R3A / R2M or R3M, but with a 50mm lens because these frame lines are easier to see. Nevertheless, the 40mm/f1.4's supposed to be real sweet. Just ask the nice people here. 🙂
 
Hello! I am looking at Bessa cameras, like hungry man at food, but I don't know when will be that nice day to have one... For a year , I am tryin' to see whats new in Voigtlander world( I have PC only 6 months) and I will be very thankfull to you, Bessa people, to show me some of your photos taken with OUTSTANDING 40mm-f:1.4 S.Coated lenses! Just to see why Cosina people said that with single coated lenses you can see details in shadows on photo... My main interst in photography is shooting at night, a la H.C.Bresson - no flash , no tripod, only street, people and vision of photographer- I am waiting!
Best regards from Bor, Serbia!
 
PetarDima said:
Hello! I am looking at Bessa cameras, like hungry man at food, but I don't know when will be that nice day to have one... For a year , I am tryin' to see whats new in Voigtlander world( I have PC only 6 months) and I will be very thankfull to you, Bessa people, to show me some of your photos taken with OUTSTANDING 40mm-f:1.4 S.Coated lenses! Just to see why Cosina people said that with single coated lenses you can see details in shadows on photo... My main interst in photography is shooting at night, a la H.C.Bresson - no flash , no tripod, only street, people and vision of photographer- I am waiting!
Best regards from Bor, Serbia!
Click to expand...

I'm still waiting, please, show some low light photos with single coated C.V. 40mm, f:1.4 ...
 
the gallery is down, so they cannot refer you to their pictures and since the request is in the middle of a thread it may not be seen by all.

I do not have the 40, I am shooting with Bessa Rs and the 40 is not a screw mount. I do have the 50 however and I do like it.
 

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Dostacos, the bird is fantastic !
Sorry, I am still waiting for... low light S.C. lenses photos,something like this(Mamiya Sekor SLR camera, 28mm lenses, f:2.8 - not so fast lenses, I just wait to see what f:1.4 ! can do!
 

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R3a

R3a

Had it for a week. Taken 6 rolls with Nokoton 40mmf1.4. Very sharp. I wear glasses and probably the R2A is better for glass wearers, but really it is not a problem. When I need I can see the whole frame.
 
camelotnj said:
Peter... the April 2006 issue of SHUTTERBUG magazine has a test of the R3A with some comparisons to the R2A which you will find helpful in your decision...
Click to expand...

Thank you! I was on Shutterbug's site 2 minutes ago, but the last article about rangefinders is from march 2006( about Zeiss Ikon).I live in Sebia and it will cost a lot to order Shutterbug's April issue... I hope that next month that article will be on Shutterbug's web page... I can't wait for that!Regards!
 
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