Thinking of Buying a Bessa...

[Creagerj]

I've been thinking of finally upgrading to an interchangable lense rangefinder, and the bessa r series is in my price range. I was wondering what would be the best choice though. How does the R compare to the R3a and R2a? How does the R series compare to a leica CL? How reliable are the cameras (this will be the only camera I buy for a long time, so I want it to last)? Where is a good place to buy one (I would like to find a good online dealer in the US)? What is a good and affordable 40mm or 50mm lense to buy with them? I mostly do street photography and I really enjoy takeing pics in low light settings. Any suggestions would be apprieciated.

 

[Fred]

Whoa! lots of questions. I'll try and help on a few.

The Bessas are cracking cameras. The 'R' is a Leica screw thread mount (LTM) whereas the R2 on are Leica M bayonet mount. You can add adaptors to screw lenses to fit them on M cameras but you cannot mount an M bayonets lens on a screw camera.

The build quality of the Bessas improved as time went on although the originals are still well made.

From my time here the Bessas have been very reliable, yet like any RF they need the odd adjustment of they get a big knock to the RF and spares should not be a problem.

Lenses, the FSU russian lenses are far better than there prices show, but there differences in consistency for some. The CV lenses are very good but can be more expensive than the FSU.

Decide on your lens choice before the camera. 'Most' have 35mm frames but some like the R3A and Rollie 35RF have 40.

Hope this helps.

 

[kmack]

I went with the R because I had a lot of LTM lenses already, mostly FSU. Russian LTM lenses are a great value. However, if you want to use newer, modern lenses (other than the CV's) you may want to consider the M mount R2 or R3.

That being said, I still love my R, It was inexpensive enough that I don't worry about lugging it everywhere with me. With the correct collapsable lens the Bessa is very pocketable.

 

[peterc]

How reliable are the cameras (this will be the only camera I buy for a long time, so I want it to last)?.

I've had my Bessa R for about a month and have been thrilled with it. I've used it for extended periods at -15C (windchill of -27) and had no problems. The meter is excellent.
I have a CV 35/2.5, Jupiter 8 (black), and Steinheil 85/2.8 which all work very well with the Bessa.

Peter

 

[peptonio]

How does the R compare to the R3a and R2a? How does the R series compare to a leica CL? How reliable are the cameras (this will be the only camera I buy for a long time, so I want it to last)? .

Joe,
R = M39 thread mount, R2 is M bayonet + mechanical shutter, R2a/R3a is M bayonet and AE, electronic shutter, needs batteries.
The R has a top and bottom plate made from plastic, and so is the camera door.
No reason not to buy it tho.

Some of the first batch in 2001 had RFs out of alignement, some slightly tilted framelines, easy to repair, a warranty thing.
Since those days I've never heard anyhing about a R or R2n which broke, tho some single dumb thumbs managed to get the shutter stuck by pressing the button before the film lever was wound completely.

These cameras are a reliable friend, also the T and L, two specialists without buitt in viewfinders. The R is an incredible bargain now, maybe you can get still a new one at Cameraquest. If most of your lenses are M39 or shall be M39 in future then take a R, otherwise one of the M bayonet cameras. Adapters are not cheap, and one needs one for each lens.

A 2,8/35 Skopar will blow your hair back, it has a crystal clear , 3-dimensional and razorsharp look, the 2,8/50 isn't less good. A good J8 is nice too, and if you need a stop more a 1,5/50 Nokton will make you happy for a reasonable price.

Regards,
Peppo

 

[jcline]

I picked up an R about 2 months ago and the only problem I have is that I don't touch my other cameras anymore, with the rare exception of my fuji gs645w. Lenses are pleniful, the camera is a real joy to use. The VC lenses I've got are are wonderfully sharp and contrasty, but more recently a Leica summitar I picked up for $220 at a local shop is awesome, so smooth wide open. My FSU I-50 just arived for a whooping $30 shipped. Im hopefully developing my first roll from this cheap little 50mm this evening.

I say get an R and save the extra money for lenses to play with, its a great place to start.

 

[Huck Finn]

How does the R compare to the R3a and R2a? How does the R series compare to a leica CL? How reliable are the cameras (this will be the only camera I buy for a long time, so I want it to last)? Where is a good place to buy one (I would like to find a good online dealer in the US)? What is a good and affordable 40mm or 50mm lense to buy with them?

A Bessa R is Leica thread mount (LTM), which means you are restricting yourself to screw mount lenses since M-mount lenses cannot be used on such a camera. An M-mount cameras like the R2, R2A, or R3A will take M-mount lenses & screw mount lenses with an adaptor. so, if you're going to keep it for a long time, one of the M-mount versions is the way to go.

A Leica CL has a shorter base line & so less precision & accuracy in focusing. It is more compact & is at least 30 years old at this point.

Many of our sponsors sell Bessa cameras, e.g. CameraQuest, Photo Village, Robert White. You can also buy them at NYC stores like Tamarkin, B&H or Adorama.

All the lenses are good. 😎

Huck

 

[Gerry M]

Hi Joe,
I'm very happy with the quality of my R2a/CV35-2.5c. Stephen Gandy at CameraQuest is a terrific dealer.
Good luck and Happy hunting,
Gerry

 

[ClaremontPhoto]

The Nokton 40mm f1.4 is a fantastic lens.

 

[childers-jk]

Bessa R and J-8. Very popular, and very satisfactory. I wouldn't hesitate on a Bessa.

 

[Huck Finn]

As far as new rangefinders go, Bessa's are best. Why? Because they're inexpensive yet well-made, in my opinion. They'll do anything a Leica can.

Really? 😱

 

[jcline]

R3A vs M7

R3A vs M7

Yes. 😎

What can't an R3A do that an M7 can? 😎

Besides make your wallet slimmer? 😛

 

[Fred]

"What can't an R3A do that an M7 can? "

Focus consistenly accurate close up with fast longer lenses, e.g. 90mm @F2. But generally they will both do the same in normal use. Oh and the R3A is not as heavy either, which is a nice bonus.

 

[Kim Coxon]

I must admit that I didn't find any problem using the J9 on my Bessa R. On the other hand, I haven't got enough experience yet with the M6 to make a comparison. The easiest finder I have found to use for the longer lenses is the variable mag one on the Canon VI-L but that's a bit OT.

Kim

"What can't an R3A do that an M7 can? "

Focus consistenly accurate close up with fast longer lenses, e.g. 90mm @F2. But generally they will both do the same in normal use. Oh and the R3A is not as heavy either, which is a nice bonus.

 

[Nearsighted]

One factor I considered when deciding on the R over Leica Ms is that M mount lenses seem to be more popular and more expensive. But having said that, the Bessa R was the only new LTM rangefinder available when I bought mine. If I had it to do over I might choose a new Bessa RF with AP auto and M mount. Although the M mount lenses are easier to find I don't believe they are "better" than screw mount lenses. They are much more convenient to change.