steve kessel
steve kessel
I have an R3M. The shutter kept jamming so I got a CL as backup. Didn't like having to cock the shutter on that to activate the meter, so I traded it up for an M6. Lovely camera, great solid build, silky silent shutter, feels good to handle. But you know what, there are times when I prefer the Bessa, for the 1:1 viewfinder, sure, but also for reasons I can't explain, except good results and pleasure in use.
Damaso
Photojournalist
I started with a Bessa R and upgraded to two M6 TTLs last year. They are far more solid cameras and nicer to use. Can't recommend them enough...
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Andrew Sowerby
Well-known
I also went from Bessa to Leica and haven't looked back. The Bessas are nice (especially the viewfinder) but the build quality on Leicas is on a completely different level. Maybe this doesn't have a direct effect on the end result, but it makes the experience more enjoyable.
If you are not looking to use wider lenses, then why change. "If it ain't broke...."
That said I sold a bunch of my stuff a couple years ago and bought an M6. I have thought of selling it and replacing it with an R2a, but won't, it is very very nice to have.
So, my advise is squarely on the fence. If you can't control the GAS go one way like I did, if you can and your R3a is serving you well, you have a great camera.
That said I sold a bunch of my stuff a couple years ago and bought an M6. I have thought of selling it and replacing it with an R2a, but won't, it is very very nice to have.
So, my advise is squarely on the fence. If you can't control the GAS go one way like I did, if you can and your R3a is serving you well, you have a great camera.
MCTuomey
Veteran
I sold my leica bodies recently to fund a foray into large format and two expensive canon EF lenses. My priorities at the moment, no regrets. I'm keeping a few of my fav, less costly M-mount lenses though, like my canon ltm 50/1.5. Never know. If I decide to get back into 35mm film-based RFs, I might get a bessa because it's a good value. If all I shot was based in film RFs, then a leica might make more sense. Not now.
I don't really understand the leica mystique. They're just very good cameras, like a lot of other makes. Bessas and zeiss ikons are good too, judging from ownership and what others say. So buy what pleases you, use what you like. Other opinions don't matter.
I don't really understand the leica mystique. They're just very good cameras, like a lot of other makes. Bessas and zeiss ikons are good too, judging from ownership and what others say. So buy what pleases you, use what you like. Other opinions don't matter.
ClaremontPhoto
Jon Claremont
I would have thought that a move from Voigtlander to Zeiss Ikon would be a viable choice.
Silva Lining
CanoHasseLeica
The only problem you will have is stopping at the M6. I went from an R3M to an M6 and now have an M3 and IIIg too. I'd like to say I am done, but who am I trying to kid? 
besk
Well-known
In the last 10 years or so as to 35mm rangefinders, in order -
I purchased a chrome M6, sold it, a black M6, sold it,
Voigtlander L, Voigtlander R, two FSU's (shutters now dead), sold the Voigtlanders, and recently purchased a Leica IIIf (RD).
Wish I had purchased the IIIf a long, long time ago. Small, light, and quiet. The M6's were the best cameras of course but don't match what I like in a 35mm rangefinder as well.
I purchased a chrome M6, sold it, a black M6, sold it,
Voigtlander L, Voigtlander R, two FSU's (shutters now dead), sold the Voigtlanders, and recently purchased a Leica IIIf (RD).
Wish I had purchased the IIIf a long, long time ago. Small, light, and quiet. The M6's were the best cameras of course but don't match what I like in a 35mm rangefinder as well.