R3A/M and 75mm Summicron

[Mark T]

Hi Folks; has anyone used an R3 (A or M) with a 75mm Summicron? I have been using the Summicron on a .72 finder for a few years now and although the experience improves with a 1.25 magnifier, the framelines are never that much fun to use. Same with the 50mm but that is for another time.

Over time I have often thought of selling the lens but the truth is that I really like the pictures I take with it and I find it a useful focal length. So I have recently been thinking of trying the lens out on a Bessa R3 (and reluctantly carrying two cameras). The framelines are reminiscent of the 90mm framelines in a Leica, which is great. However, without access to a body for trialing, I have some questions:

1. How does the lens focus at larger apertures or minimum focus distance with the smaller rangefinder base - are there any accuracy issues?
2. Does anyone know what distance the framelines are accurate for (i.e. minimum focus distance 0.5/0.7m, or 1m, 2m etc.)?
3. How do you rate the experience of using a 75mm lens on a Bessa body compared with an M body (do you prefer to use your 75mm on an M or Bessa)?

Thanks for your help!


Mark

 

[mfogiel]

I can reply in part.
R3A has a great, single 75mm frame. If you wear glasses you can't enlarge it more, without glasses you could apply the 1.33 magnifier and almost fill the VF.
I have tried it with 75/2.5 and 90/2.8 lenses and had no focusing issues IF THE RF WAS CALIBRATED - unfortunately Bessas are somewhat delicate and the RF can go off every now and then. On the flip side, you can adjust the horizontal alignment yourself pretty easily.
However, at the closest focusing distance, your DOF with the 75/2 wide open will be less than 2cm, so you need to be very careful - it is like using a 50mm 0.95 lens.
Bessas have the annoying habit of showing a backward tilt with light lenses, when hanging down from your neck on a strap. This is partly offset by a longer/ heavier lens, so the Summicron should balance well.

Final thought: the ideal body would be a 0.85x Leica with the 1.25 magnifier.

 

[Mark T]

Thanks for that mfogiel - great information. I didn't know that a magnifier was available for the Bessa, which would overcome any limitations in the rangefinder base. Although as you say, beyond a certain point the other limitations become more important, like Dof, calibration etc.
The other take away from this is that you would prefer to use a higher magnification Leica and it's not-so-good framelines compared to a Bessa and it's seemingly better frame which says a lot.

 

[Tom A]

I have and still use the R3M with my 75 Summicron, the VC 75f2.5 and the Heliar 75f1.8. I find it the best combination for the 75mm fl. The MP/M6/M4P gets confusing with the two frame lines packed in to close. The R3's have this free standing frame - uncluttered and bright.
When I still had the Summilux 75f1.4 I also preferred it on the R3M - none of the problems that the M6 exhibited (still a bit of focus shift - but that was the lens -not the camera).
As stated, you need to check the finder and preferably calibrate for the 75 - with the Summicron and the Heliar f1.8 - your depth of field is minuscule - but my current R3M is perfect and the R3A is fine. I did tweak the focus on the R3A - and so far it has stayed in place.

 

[Mark T]

Thanks Tom. I was hoping you or Roger might say something (as I know you both like the 75mm focal length). It sounds as though you have had the same frustration with the 75mm framelines on a Leica as me in the past and it's good to know that you found the R3 variants the best solution. The camera's are (relatively) inexpensive, so it could be worth trying my luck. Now all I have to do is figure out how to adjust the rangefinder properly... Hopefully that's not too complicated!
Cheers,


Mark