R3/4 compared with ZM

[presspass]

I have a Zeiss Ikon and a Bessa R2 - the original, not the R2a. I find the Bessa harder to focus at close distances than the ZI; the photos of the R3/4 seem to show a viewfinder window similar to the ZI rather than the R2. Are the R3/4s closer to the ZI - viewfinder and rangefinder - than they are to the original R2? Sorry if this is confusing; any help appreciated.
Thanks.

 

[thegman]

Hard to say, but I've had an R4A, ZI, and currently use a R3M, the range finders feel pretty much the same to me.

 

[bonatto]

This is affected by the Rangefinder Base Lenght (longer on the ZM, shorter on the Bessas). The ZM will essentially give you more precise focus with brighter lenses. Have a look here:

https://www.cameraquest.com/leica.htm

 

[jmilkins]

I can't comment on R2 but can compare the ZI, R3a, Rollei 35 RF (and I guess a few Leica finders - M2, 4-P, 5 , 6 and the Hexar RF ). I don't wear glasses so eye relief is beyond my ken.

Overall the ZI finder is my favourite by a fair margin - such a big bright window - it really does jump out to me in comparison to the others.

The Rollei is a R2 but with 40 bright lines - it seems OK but perhaps not as good as the R3a finder which is 1:1. This allows you to focus with both eyes open, but I haven;t really go the hang of that.

The R4 is said to be harder to focus because the effective base is shorter. I also like the the .72 leica finders. Overall the Zi or R3A with a 50mm brightline are what I feel is just right for me i terms of what is in / outside the frame...


The head bartender has a great table, but it predates the ZI : https://www.cameraquest.com/leica.htm

 

[presspass]

Thanks. I had forgotten this chart existed. I'm still not clear how the newer Bessa viewfinders compare with the ZI and as I live in the sticks, I can't go somewhere and see for myself.

 

[jmilkins]

Ok -so comparing the R3A and ZI directly just now - in a room at night with lowish light (1/15th f2 400 ASA) ;

- the ZI has better eyerelief but less magnification - think of a big, bright,but wider window.

- The R3A feels a more tunnel like and squinty but because of its greater magnification is easy to focus.

The ZI feels like it snaps into focus a bit easier, but the R3A has the benefit of magnification.

My choice is the ZI, but is close - especially with a 50mm - and with the difference in price between to two you could have up $500 to spend on a lens...

 

[lawrence]

I think that these kind of comparisons are very personal. I've had three Bessas - R2m/R3a/R4a - and a ZI and they've all gone apart from the ZI. All of the Bessa finders seemed dim and squinty to me compared to the ZI but then the Leica M finders are as well.