R3A - needs a heavy lens ?

[Matus]

Hi,

after using a 'new to me' Bessa R3A I can only admit, that while it is a very ice camera, I am not too charmed by the position of the strap lugs. With a Jupiter 3 (50/1.5) mounted the camera "looks-up" when hanging around the neck - catching the first rain drop and feeling somewhat uncomfortable on my belly (I till miss yet the shock absorbing layers 😛).

I guess this problem could be solved using longer and/or heavier lenses - but that is not exactly the reason why you buy a rangefinder (though the 30/1.2 is tempting).

So - how do you solve this problem? I have checked out (on internet only) the leather cases probably do not help, the additional side grip could - does it? If yes - does this accessory feels sturdy in hand?

 

[Rogrund]

I had the same problem with my Bessa R. A side grip it's not the ultimate solution, but it helps.

 

[sojournerphoto]

My R4m with side grip and 25 Biogon hangs perfectly, so a side grip is probably quite a good answer. It also makes the camera feel a bit chunkier if you've got big hands.

Mike

 

[Paul_C]

I have checked out (on internet only) the leather cases probably do not help, the additional side grip could - does it? If yes - does this accessory feels sturdy in hand?

Yes and yes.

Still not perfect, but it helps enough to make it worthwhile.

 

[wayneb]

This is the only major design flaw with this camera, which means it's a good camera!

I haven't tried this on the R3a, but my Contax G lost one of the lugs and I attached a bottom mount lug (for a handgrip that I didn't use enough) and it is a bit like the Leica M5.

 

[pggunn]

The trigger winder for rapid manual film advance

http://cameraquest.com/voigtwinder.htm

has an additional lug that allows the camera to hang vertically like aCLE. It is a bit expensive though. You might look for a good deal on a used one, or better yet, if you don't want a winder, try Wayne's suggestion.

 

[biomed]

The strap lug location is inherited from the Bessa's Cosina SLR ancestors. The Bessa, starting with the L, is essentially a SLR body with the mirror housing and penta prism removed. The strap lug location did not change.

 

[Murray Kelly]

A Serenar 50/1.8 in brass makes it sit flat in the half case but anything lighter makes it turn up its toes.
Murray

 

[Juan Valdenebro]

Matus and others,

It is not a problem, or a design flaw. It is done on purpose, and it is in fact a very good idea,

The reason is, when most other cameras are put on a flat surface like a table, resting on its base plate with a small lens (the usual case in rangefinders), when we pick the camera up using the strap, the camera usually flips down, and the lens hits the table every time. The same when we put the camera on the table: the lens is normally the first part to hit the table. This constant lens bumping is of course -through time- a big reason for problems with lens and/or camera alignment, and general fit and mechanical precision.

Very clever design from Cosina Voigtlander.


Cheers,

Juan