R3a? Build? Japan?

[punkromance]

Okay.
I'm in the market for a rangefinder.
I'm looking at the R3a with the Nokton 40/1.4sc.
Buuut I want to know a few things before I spend such obscene amounts of money on a camera.

1. What's the build quality like? How study/weatherproof is it.
I currently have a Nikon D80, FE2 and a Canon AE-1. I always have at least two of them wherever I go, just loose in my rucksack and consequently they all take a fair beating, but are fine with it.
If I subject the R3a to this will it damage much or is it as tanklike as my lovely slrs?

2. How quiet is it? One of the reasons I'm getting a rangefinder is because I love street photography, but more than enough time's I've found myself in a near silent situation where I might as well have just shot some for the noise my camera's make. Like if I'm sitting behind someone on a bus or on the train they can hear me take the photo. Would it be the same with the Bessa?

3. I'm off to America in a week or two, and then Japan for a month or so after that. If I do decide to get it I will definitely buy it in America rather than the UK. But would it be worth waiting that tiny bit longer and getting it in Japan? Would it be cheaper, hell would I even be able to find it anywhere

I think that's pretty much it. Sorry if I've posted this in the wrong place.

 

[David William White]

Coming from an FE myself, I was immediately taken by the solid feel of my R3A. Get your hands on one to try and I think you will agree.

The shutter, however, may not be what you expect. It's a metal Copal shutter just like your Nikon, and sounds about the same.

 

[Charly]

You need to be a bit careful with RF alignment with ALL RFs. I've no experience with Bessas - I opted for a second hand Leica (cost similar) as I'm not bothered about a meter and needed a guaranteed resale value of roughly what I paid. My Canonet is now playing second fiddle but I've knocked the alignment about carrying it in a similar manner. My M4-P lives in a Lowe holster of some sort that used to belong to the canonet. I would suggest you get something similar absolutely regardless of which RF you opt for. I will be getting another for the Canonet shortly...

 

[kshapero]

I have owned the rig you are looking at. It takes plenty of abuse but I was always pretty careful. the shutter is definitely quieter than Nikon, I ought to know I have owned about ten of them at times. You will be very happy with this setup. BTW all things being relative this bessa rig is on the lower end for price but worth it. Also they are in my experience very easy to sell for a good price.

 

[Paul700]

Can compare R3a with D80, have both. R3 quieter, but not huge amount.
Nice sturdy feel to it, but as an earlier poster stated, you may want to watch the alignment if your into camera abuse/indifference. Size comparison pic on my blog http://goose-67.blogspot.com/.

 

[Sam N]

It'll be quieter than pretty much any SLR because there's no mirror slap. It's not the quietest rangefinder, but from a few feet away it's very quiet.

The build is pretty nice, but I wouldn't throw it in a loose bag where it can bounce around. Too much of an impact could misalign the RF. The build of the 40/1.4 is great.

You're probably better off buying it in the US. That way you can also start using it in the US.

 

[punkromance]

Okay.
I'm buying the R3a, 40/1.4 sc today.
Is it worth me getting a lens hood?
If so is there much difference between the LH-5 and the LH-6?

 

[David William White]

That's great! You'll love the 1:1 viewfinder.

Hoods are recommended for wider lenses. Really helps for keeping your fingers off the glass, too.