second body: T or R2A or ???

[noimmunity]

i'm interested in finding a second body to use in situations when i don't want to expose my zei$$ ikon--probably at nighttime events. the two lenses i'd probably use in this situation would be the CV 35/1.2 and the Nikkor 85/2.

what would be the best least expensive option for a second body that could focus those lenses?

right now it seems like either the r2a or the bessa t would be good options to consider. i lean towards finding a used r2a rather than the T, because the T would require additional expense for aux VF (although I'm considering whether that would be necessary, especially if i just want to photo people).

or, would my rf investment be better off left at home on those occasions and switch to my contax aria with 50/1.4 (and 135/2.8) instead ?

 

[ferider]

You will hear differently, but, IMO, forget any of the R bodies for the
85/2. The only Bessa that can focus that lens is the T. The Nokton
is less of an issue.

You can get a good user M2 or M3 for not much more than an R2*, BTW.
Look for an M2, I recommend.

Roland.

 

[BillBingham2]

As usual, Roland is right, forget the R2 for the 85/2, the T is the way to go. Yes, the expense will be an Aux finder, but there are options.

The RASAL is a great sports finder (no optics, just metal frames and pep hole) that will cover the range well. It works great at night as it does not flare on bright lights. Leica had another ROSOL, but I do not remember if it covers the range (35 to 85) you need. ROSOLs are less expensive, but don't go as long (135 or 105). Nikon made one, but it goes for around $600 USD when ever they come up. Canon made one but I did not see one when I was looking.

Nikon, Tewe (sp?) and others have made some good zoom finders which cover the range. You can find a Leica RASAL ever so often for under $50 USD on EvilBay. There is a great Kodak finder for 35 and 80 but it will not fit the T without an double shoe adapter to make it higher (I have one and tried). At night, you will find the RASAL works better.

Also, with the speed of your 35, I'm not convinced a R2 will focus it well up close wide open.

You can also go with dedicated brightline finders. The Metal CV 35 IMHO lives up to it's reputation as being the best ever made. You can find a Leica 90 bright line which you will find works well with the 85. Bullet finder, well are sub optimal in the day and worse at night.

Hope this helps.

B2 (;->

 

[pvdhaar]

i lean towards finding a used r2a rather than the T, because the T would require additional expense for aux VF (although I'm considering whether that would be necessary, especially if i just want to photo people).

I'd hesitate using the T without a finder, unless your shooting style is 'from the hip' with a wide lens. Apparently, as you're concerned with accurate focus, that's not what you intend to do. The rangefinder on the T shows a view that corresponds more or less to a 300mm lens, and maybe 150mm if you really move your eye around to try find the edges.. You'd be unable to frame anywhere decent with it for a 85, let alone a 35.

The most economical solution for an external viewfinder would indeed be a zoom finder, some of wich even come with a parallax compensation dial. It should be possible to find one in the $50 range. Be aware though, that they tend to be quite large and lumpy..

 

[jsuominen]

I have a Bessa T and Leica M2 (+ Bessa R2S for S-mount). Bessa T is good, but external viewfinders make it a bit complicated and more expensive to use. I have bought CV 50mm and 28/35 external finders and 25mm finder came with the lens. Next on my shopping list is a CV 40mm finder. I'm using Bessa T with my 25, 28, 35, 40 and 50mm lenses.

 

[clintock]

I use the leitz Imarect finder on my T, it frames from 35 to 135, by closing in on the image with black masks. It's great at 35 and 50 though ok at 85 as well.
If you buy one, it will have to be taken apart fully and cleaned, but that's not too difficult.

 

[noimmunity]

T it is

T it is

Looks like the choice is clear: a Bessa T.
Thanks to Roland, Bill, Peter, Jari and clintock for the thoughtful responses.
Bill's advice about VFs is especially helpful.
The size factor of the VF isn't such a big concern given that the lenses (35/1.2 and 85/2) I expect to use most with that set up are pretty "large and lumpy" themselves! I already have a 21/28 and a 25 finder so that would cover wides. Not sure about the others. The best way to buy would be to have a look through the various different VFs and compare, but here in Taiwan that's not going to be an option. The only thing that is available are separate new CV finders. Stephen G's descriptions are helpful as far as they go, but still no replacement for actually being able to see through the darn thing. Guess there will be no small irony in having to buy a used multifinder VF blind! Tho of course the safest bet there would be the RASAL and ROSOL (but these tend to be a little more expensive it seems).