Use Nikkor AI lens on Bessa L ?

[Lol999]

Hi, been lurking and asking questions when I saw a thread on mounting a Nikon F mount lens to a Bessa R2a (Leica M). I've got a yen for a Bessa L and would like to save some cash by fitting my Nikkor 28mm lens on it. Can this be done, and are there any compromises in terms of effect on focal length etc?

Thanks, Lol

 

[Anupam]

It could be done with an adapter, but I would expect no focusing ability. Not worth it, IMO. Get a good FSU lens for now, I'd say.

EDIT: I just realized you are talking about the L. No focus to begin with. Stopping down and zone focusing will work of course - but I don't know if it'll be much fun to handle the setup - not to mention whether such an adapter is available readily or cheaply. I still say a good FSU body and lens. with cash to spare for film.

 

[Lol999]

Well I had a Kiev 4a years ago before I got into "street" shooting and it never did much for me. Ilike the idea of the L with it's top mounted exposure indicators, although ultimately I'm after a QUIET shutter. I don't know how an L would compare to a FSU, plus an FSU would mean carrying an exposure meter with me all the time. Don't mention the "sunny f16" rule, I'm hopeless!

Thanks, Lol

 

[Anupam]

All the Bessas have loud shutters. I use the T, and like the external meter - but pretty much ignore it most of the time.

 

[Lol999]

When you say loud shutter, is that relative to other rf's or in general terms? I'm looking for something quieter than my Nikon F3 with the associated mirror slap. Is an Rf with a cloth/rubber shutter going to be quieter than a Bessa, andif so can you reccommend one (no Leicas, I'm skint).

Thanks, Lol

 

[VinceC]

Kiev has a very quiet shutter. If you need a meter, you might considered one of the weird sellenium-metered Kievs and a 35/2.8.

 

[Lol999]

Hi Vince, I've got a nice Lunasix 3 meter so that's covered, can I get a 28mm to fit the Kiev or has it got to be a 35mm? I can stretch to the bessa L and skopar 25mm but Anupam's comment about the L and T having loud shutters has concerned me. So where I'm coming from is the child in me would like the Bessa, but the photographer needs the quietest, now is that the bessa or the kiev?

Cheers, Lol

 

[JohnR]

Subjectively, the Bessa L is between an F3 and a D40 in loudness (to my ears, anyway). With mirror lockup, the F3 is still louder than the Bessa.

 

[Lol999]

Thanks John, that puts it into perspective for me and allows me to make a subjective choice.

Cheers, Lol