Rebuilding... Which Bessa?

[dmchadderton]

Hi all,

After a bit of misfortune, I'm looking to buy another rangefinder and had settled on either an R2A or R3A. Either would suit, and I'm leaning towards the R3A with a 40/1.4 SC to take advantage of the 1x vf. That said, my previous M7 was 0.72x and so the 0.7 of the R2A would not be a problem.

My question is not really about the cameras above, but about the R2S. I can get an R2S with the (supposedly superb) 50/3.5 Rigid Heliar for a reasonable price, and as most of the CV lenses (barring the Nokton 40/1.4) are available in S mount it would be an option. Jus how good is the 50/3.5 Heliar? Has anyone got example shots, or experience of the combo?

I know that I could get a collapsible Heliar but I can't seem to find any around (eBay etc) and have pretty much decided that the next camera body and 2-3 lenses will be all I will buy for some time.

Any thoughts?

_
Dave

 

[ClaremontPhoto]

R3A with 40mm SC is wonderful.

 

[danielnorton]

3.5 vs 1.4

3.5 vs 1.4

While I haven't used the R2S or Heliar, I do have an R3A with the 40/1.4 and just recently picked up an Industar 50 (50mm/3.5)

While I like the 50 frame lines better (I wear glasses) I have to say the extra 2 plus stops of the 40 make a huge difference in everyday use.

The 40 is very sharp, though the wide open the bokeh can be harsh.