R2s + 50/3.5 - usable street shooter?

[dmchadderton]

Hi all,

I'm looking to replace a stolen complete Leica set up with a Voigtlander rig.

My options revolve around the CV lenses and it's a toss between the R3A/R2A and the NHS R2S. Since looking at the R2/3, I've become increasingly tempted by the RHS R2C with 50/3.5 Rigid Heliar. I'm sure I can get over the lack of speed with the lens, and I'd like to add some other cv/Nikon lenses later - I have no need to stick to a particular mount now.

That's the background, here's the questions;

1. What's the R2S like for street shooting, focussing with the wheel as opposed to the lens barrel?
2. How does the lack of aperture click stops on the rigid heliar 50/3.5 affect normal operations?

I know this camera is not a Leica M, but I would prefer a modicum of shooting speed when I'm out and about.

 

[VinceC]

I haven't used the Bessa, but it's important to know that the design of the S/C rangefinder mount rules out focusing any closer than .9 meters/3 feet. That's about six inches further out than Leica M, and it is a limitation.

 

[furcafe]

True, but not that big of a limitation for street shooting, IMHO.

I haven't used the Bessa, but it's important to know that the design of the S/C rangefinder mount rules out focusing any closer than .9 meters/3 feet. That's about six inches further out than Leica M, and it is a limitation.

 

[RayPA]

Personally, I think f3.5 is a little too slow. I'd like at least another stop, but that's just my personal preference.