So let's Bessa..

[mtk]

I have a zorki 6 with several 50mm lenses. Think I need more focal length lenses to show off my talent😀

So.. I was struck witha great idea. what about getting a Bessa R, and mount FSU lenses on it.. I get 3 focal lengthes(I don't think i'll get a Jupiter 11 this time.)

But.. I have a great fantasy.. so i want to get one wider, CV lens.. So should it be 15, 21 or 25?

I think 15 will be a great fun, but 21-25 might be more useful.. with brightline finders.. Well..

could you suggest ocasions, for which i might use them, which one will be better, in your opinion..

i plan to get used, both lenses and camera.. and of course, screw mount versions..

SO, i'm waiting for you, kind rangefindershooters..

 

[sockeyed]

There is a great deal on a Bessa R in the classifieds right now.
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/photopost-classifieds/showproduct.php/product/11188/limit/recent

You might want to consider the LTM CV 25mm f/4 with the brightline finder. Amazing lens and very nicely priced. It's isn't rangefinder coupled, but with a lens as wide as a 25mm (and limited to f/4), I don't think it needs to be coupled. In my opinion, you should probably save the 21mm and wider lenses until later as most people use them less than 24-28mm lenses.

 

[mtk]

Good deal really.. thanks..

I think another lens will be very long way to go.. That's why i want to get a lens that will be fun to use, some extraordinary experience, but still the one to use frequently..

I think each one, from 15-25 is quite wider than 35, so each can give me what i want from one..

but I try to get the best one to accomodate my needs..

 

[Spider67]

The J 12 will not work on the Bessa R as the rear element can come and even touch th Bessa´s first curtain.
Using one of the CV wides with an additional Viewfinder is great fun. I am using an RF coupled 21/4. I doubt that there is much difference to a 25/4 when it come to using them with an aperture of 8. I took the 21 as i wanted to have the RF coupling and because it came for a god price with an VF

 

[pvdhaar]

Within the options 15-21-25 that you're considering, I'd say get either the 21 or the 25. A 15mm is so wild, that you'll not use it all that often. The other two are more practical, you'll get much more mileage out of them..

If you're comfortable with the somewhat longish appearance of the 50mm lenses, a 25/50 combination is very useful. It can be complemented later on with a 35 smack in the middle (25x1.4=35 and 35x1.4=50) for when you want to walk around with one-camera one-lens for a day..

A 21mm to me would seem more suited as a complement to someone who's already accustomed to the somewhat shorter 40.. Here, the smack in the middle lens would be the 28..

But whichever of the two you get, they'll both work fine..

 

[hugivza]

It really depends what you want to do with the lens. These shots were taken last week. The one of the building was taken with a 21/4 Color Skopar and the Singapore Subway shot was with the 15/4.5 Super Heliar wide open.

 

[rbiemer]

I think the Bessa R and a few FSU lenses is a very good idea; because that is what I have.😀
I miss the collapsible 50s and the J-12 but I have some FSU cameras to use those on.
And I am very happy with the CV 21. RF coupling isn't so important with that one--I think the way the 25 is set up would make better sense for the 21.
Ultimately, I will probably get a 15: very occasionally, I find the 21 feels a bit "cramped".
Rob

 

[mtk]

I'm really upset about the J12 incompability.. so the question comes now, 25 or 35? that s*cks..

 

[brachal]

My Bessa-R kit:
CV 28mm f/3.5 Skopar -- a gem. Amazingly sharp
CV 35mm f/2.5 Skopar -- another great Voigtlander. Great value for the $$
Industar 61LD 55mm f/2.8
Jupiter-8 50mm f/2
Jupiter-3 50mm f/1.5
Jupiter-9 85mm f/2
Jupiter-11 135mm f/4

I use the two Skopars and the J-8 most frequently.

 

[nzeeman]

take CV 35/2.5 - from the photos i saw on net it looks great...

 

[rxmd]

I was in exactly the same position as you are, coming from a Zorki-6 with FSU 50's and a Jupiter-12. I got a good deal here on RFF on a Bessa R with a CV 35/f2.5 and another for a CV 21/f4. The combination works out really well, and the 21 was probably the most productive lens purchase so far for me in what it has done for opening up new perspectives in my photography. I practically don't use the 35 at all anymore.

I think the whole idea that you have to have a continuous range of focal lengths is overrated. A focal length produces a perspective of its own. If you have a 50, you don't have to buy 35s and 28s before you can make a 21 work for you. 21 is a good spot, it's very wide, you get a lot on the frame, but you don't have to be too careful to avoid unnatural-looking perspectives like with a 15 or so. At the moment I'm here with a 21 and a 40 and it's exactly the huge gap between the two that makes it interesting. So I'd say go for the Bessa, use your existing 50s and get a 21 for some widening of perspectives. 😀

Philipp

 

[mtk]

Great feedback, thanks a lot.. i'm leaning towards 21/4 myself, but still considering 15-25. and maybe i'll get a 35 either, because the deals bessa+35 are really attractive sometimes..

Will listen carefully if you're willing to contribute more..