sf
Veteran
I recently received an R3A from a major online dealer. I removed it from its box, attached the lens, and looked through the rangefinder. . . .it was shifted vertically. This has happened to many. Note to new owners - return it immediately if this happens to you and you still have warranty. I tried to adjust it, because I needed the camera immediately. Well, the adjustment did not work as it should have, and instead totally ruined the viewfinder. So, owners of R3As, the online description of the screws under the hotshoe are not related to the R3A, they are R2 (I think), and the directions will guide you astray. I did not find any instructions for R3As.
The dealer I bought the camera from has truly amazing customer service, and accepted it back for an exchange. I should be getting the new one in the next two weeks or so. SO yeah, the following will explain why I sold my D70, and my Pentax 645NII to begin building a 35mm rangefinder system.
The camera felt awesome in the hands, the viewfinder was truly gorgeous, and the shutter was relatively quiet. I did play with an old M3 though, and that was . . . .silent by comparison. The R3A has a nice sturdy build, very well laid out. A decent heavines that some relate to quality. I simply like the weight because I like to feel the camera in my hands. All the controls feel tight and solid. The back closes without the click that some like to feel for assurance of a seal, but it IS a solid close. The whole camera feels like it will last a while. The little strap rings attached to the outside of the camera take away some of its stealth, but oh well. The shutter, though not silent, is NEARLY without vibration though the M3 was truly without any vibration. I can fit this camera, with the Nokton 40, in my coat pocket. This is the perfect street photography camera. Easily. And if it gets stolen or thrown down the stairs, I am not out 5 grand.
I got the Nokton 40 with it, and of course did not take any pics with it, but I have to say that I do not like the focusing ring on that lens. It has that little fingering thing that requires you hold the camera in a way that allows you to reach it to focus. See pictures of it on Cameraquest. Very annoying not to be able to focus from anywhere on the ring. I suppose one could focus without using it, but it's not easy. I like the traditional focusing ring. The Aperture ring was loose too.
Before buying this camera, I spent a great deal of time fondling the Leicas and Hexars, and I even considered the new Zeiss Ikon. The Leica is nice because it will live longer than its owner and for fondling enjoyment but I think I would probably fall asleep with it one night, and get skin or hair or both in the works. The Hexar did not feel as solid as the R3A, and the Ikon is too young (it is truly a first generation regardless of its previous incarnations). I might put one on lay-away at my local store, Glazers Camera. But I will be buying some Leica glass first. Or maybe one of those new Zeiss lenses. To me, it makes more sense to buy the R3A and a Summilux or a Biogon and some other goodies than the m7 and no lens. The glass makes the pictures anyway, not the body. And I could buy several R3A bodies for the price of the M7.
If I had endless money, I would, of course, buy the Leica. But I don't.
The dealer I bought the camera from has truly amazing customer service, and accepted it back for an exchange. I should be getting the new one in the next two weeks or so. SO yeah, the following will explain why I sold my D70, and my Pentax 645NII to begin building a 35mm rangefinder system.
The camera felt awesome in the hands, the viewfinder was truly gorgeous, and the shutter was relatively quiet. I did play with an old M3 though, and that was . . . .silent by comparison. The R3A has a nice sturdy build, very well laid out. A decent heavines that some relate to quality. I simply like the weight because I like to feel the camera in my hands. All the controls feel tight and solid. The back closes without the click that some like to feel for assurance of a seal, but it IS a solid close. The whole camera feels like it will last a while. The little strap rings attached to the outside of the camera take away some of its stealth, but oh well. The shutter, though not silent, is NEARLY without vibration though the M3 was truly without any vibration. I can fit this camera, with the Nokton 40, in my coat pocket. This is the perfect street photography camera. Easily. And if it gets stolen or thrown down the stairs, I am not out 5 grand.
I got the Nokton 40 with it, and of course did not take any pics with it, but I have to say that I do not like the focusing ring on that lens. It has that little fingering thing that requires you hold the camera in a way that allows you to reach it to focus. See pictures of it on Cameraquest. Very annoying not to be able to focus from anywhere on the ring. I suppose one could focus without using it, but it's not easy. I like the traditional focusing ring. The Aperture ring was loose too.
Before buying this camera, I spent a great deal of time fondling the Leicas and Hexars, and I even considered the new Zeiss Ikon. The Leica is nice because it will live longer than its owner and for fondling enjoyment but I think I would probably fall asleep with it one night, and get skin or hair or both in the works. The Hexar did not feel as solid as the R3A, and the Ikon is too young (it is truly a first generation regardless of its previous incarnations). I might put one on lay-away at my local store, Glazers Camera. But I will be buying some Leica glass first. Or maybe one of those new Zeiss lenses. To me, it makes more sense to buy the R3A and a Summilux or a Biogon and some other goodies than the m7 and no lens. The glass makes the pictures anyway, not the body. And I could buy several R3A bodies for the price of the M7.
If I had endless money, I would, of course, buy the Leica. But I don't.
