Voigtlander R3A and R2A: reasonable price?

[thegman]

A Bessa R3A is $719 new from CameraQuest, $475, if it was *perfect* I think is a decent price, but nothing special, you can likely do better than that.

I would not factor in a CLA unless there is actually something wrong, others feel differently.

If you're after a modern meter, then Bessa is about as good value as it gets if you ask me.

 

[Pioneer]

I too shoot with the 50/1.1 and I find the increased rangefinder base of the Zeiss Ikon to be invaluable. I could be wrong but I think that your Bessa R3A has a much more useable rangefinder magnification for your 1.1 lens than the R4A will. If it were me I may consider buying a nice external viewfinder for my other lenses rather than pay for an entirely new camera.

However, the Bessa rangefinders are excellent cameras and it is always nice to have choices. I rarely carry two cameras with me. A big reason I value the smaller rangefinders is there is not much to carry. But a second body is quite useful for some people, only you can tell if it is something you will be happy with.

As for price, I could not advise you since I am not at all familiar with your market and your prices where you live.

I hitchhike this topic because I have an opportunity for a good condition R4A for 500 € shipping included (in Europe, which makes a big difference compared to US stores or used R4As in the US, as I live in Europe myself and would have to pay customs). The best price for a brand new one here is 850 €.

I don't firmly need a R4A. Currently I have a R3A with 50 F/1.1, 35 F/1.4, 21 F/4 and 15 F/4.5. Surely the 50 F/1.1 is the main reason I have chosed the R3A, and it was my first lens (albeit it was not long till I started purchasing the other lenses). Now I'm kind of addicted to the 1:1 VF and could not replace the R3A I think. But admittedly, its framelines do not match at all my lens set. The R4A would far better match my lenses, and it would be nice for using the 21 and/or 35 alongside the 50 and/or 15 mounted on the R3A. Two bodies would also be perfect for walking around with two different film types at the same time.

As I don't firmly need it, but can see the benefits of purchasing it, the question is: is it a real bargain I should definitely leap on? I admit I'm a bit worried about the bulkiness of the complete RF set too. Carrying one body with two VFs and four lenses, or two bodies with one VF and four lenses (but two ready to use at the same time)? Difficult choices...

 

[RallyFan]

Thanks for all the comments. After visiting a few local shops (both of which have a great selection of film cameras), I made a huge 360 and bought a Leica IIIf. I know it goes against my 'modern meter' request, but the IIIf was so wonderful in hand, like nothing I've tried before. Sounds a little goofy, but I felt connected and just had to have it. It was CLA'd by Leica about 7 years ago, including new shutters. The same store had a M3 which was very well used, but it just didn't give me the same feeling.

As far as metering goes, I find I need it less than anticipated. The few rolls I shot, I brought my digital to get a baseline meter read, then adjusted to what I felt was right after that and had, for the most part, great success.

That being said, I'm still going to search for a Bessa in the near future. I feel the Leica will stay married to the 50mm Elmar as they are a great combo, but I'd still like something with a bigger finder for 35mm, and I know in the future I'll probably want a faster M lens (Leica or CV) or two. But for now, the IIIf turned out to be exactly what I was looking for.

 

[Vincent.G]

Congrats! Shooting with meter-less cameras is a liberating experience!
Post pics!