re: new Bessa R (different Q:)

[scott pruett]

re: new Bessa R (different Q🙂

hey guys, I'm another newbie to the rangefinder world. I'm well-versed in digital, have a bunch of DSLR gear w/ some really nice Canon glass...

but it's so darn cumbersome at times.

I'm looking for something small/pocketable, quiet, and fast. I'd buy a pocket digicam but they might as well be completely worthless in low light (concerts, cafes, etc).

SO, I've been sucked into looking at rangefinders. I'm not investing in a Leica, and the idea of a $200 or so Bessa R via ebay is attractive. I'd likely toss a fast 50mm on it & pass on other lenses for a bit (as I still use the DSLR a lot).

I just read about the Konica M-Hexanon 50/2 being superb... will it mount on the Bessa R? If yes, what adapter would I need? If no, would you suggest the Nokton or something else?

Thanks!
~ scott

 

[back alley]

m can't go on screw mount

screw can go on m mount with adapter

i'm not really familiar with fast glass.

joe

 

[Biber]

It would mount on an R2, or something else with an M-bayonet.

 

[scott pruett]

just what I needed to know... thanks.

 

[rover]

Welcome Scott.

No, the Hexanon M is an M mount lens and and cannot be used with the R. As stated above, it will work with the R2.

There are fast 50s which can be used with the R though. Starting with the Voigtlander 50/1.5 Nokton. There also are a number of used older LTM lenses to choose from, Canon 50/1.8, 1.4 and 1.5, Nikon 1.4 and let us not forget the Leica Summarit 50/1.5.

 

[g0tr00t]

Welcome Scott! You are in my boat I see. I have a Canon 1D and loads of glass plus a Nikon D100 as a backup(long story).

I recently purchased the Bessa R2 and have it loaded with black and white film. I have my Oly SPn with color. I am very happy with this setup. My Dslr now sits at home waiting for clients....

 

[scott pruett]

lol David... I'm glad I'm not the only one. I know the DSLR realm backwards & forward but when it comes to film (esp. rangefinders), I'm out of the loop. I haven't shot film for 3 years (& I'm only 24). Funny, I'm also thinking of leaving the DSLR for paid work while being able to "play" more with a camera that doesn't offer the curse of digital... unlimited shots. It's weird to say that going back to film (albeit only part-time) may improve my shooting style. I always thought it was the other way around... but now I'm comfortable shooting w/ manual equipment.

Rover, thanks for the suggestions... looks like it's time for me to dust off the film scanner & dig around to find out about some of this stuff.

Oh, this is amusing.

 

[peter_n]

It's also fun! Welcome to the forum Scott!! 🙂

 

[Catto]

DSLR burnout

DSLR burnout

Hi Scott, David - yeah, I'm right there with you. I'm savouring taking my time, framing slowly, remembering to focus the thing (or, sometimes, not remembering), instead of sitting on the motor drive, recomposing, and repeat until I've got something I think will work for the client's needs.

Love my Canon EOS 1DMkII, but now I have a hobby as well as a job. Isn't that why we started this whole photography lark? 'Cos it was something we enjoyed doing?

Like you, Scott - with one body, one lens (35mm f/2.5 Colour Skopar, just because it came as a kit), I'm forcing myself to find creative solutions within the confines of a limited system rather than blazing away, with the choice of four zooms covering 12-200mm, +TCs beyond that.

The process of using the camera is far more important in this case than the results - although I'm enjoying them too!
R

 

[wlewisiii]

Back oh about 15 years or so now, I promised myself that if computers ever stopped being fun I would stop working with them.

Sometimes that's what you need to do.

Oh, computers are a major bore. Silver based emulsion isn't... 😀

William

 

[Sonnar]

Go for the Bessa-R for 200USD and a VL Nokton or a late '50s or '60s Canon LTM fast standard lens. Or Nikkor LTM (not as cheap). You cant do anything wrong with it.
M bayonett is faster for changing lenses in the field and you get more modern lenses for, but at an significantly higher price.
I still have no M bayonett body, but 5 LTM bodies and a dozen lenses (Canon, Voigtlander, and some others). Can't beat the price-performance-ratio.

cheers, Frank

 

[g0tr00t]

I can honestly say that going back to film for almost a year now has VASTLY improved my DSLR shots. I also have less throw aways.

I still chimp on my film body, but I am getting better.... 🙂