Voigtlander R3A and R2A: reasonable price?

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RallyFan

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Hello all,

I'm new to RFF. I've been a Nikon SLR shooter for a long time, then switched to Nikon dSLR's, and most recently I've been using a Sony NEX to which I've adapted a handful of LTM lenses (CV 35/2.5, Leica 50/3.5 Elmar, and Leica 90/4 Elmar). Using these little manual focus gems has really brought back the itch to use film again and I've been searching for a good RF in the $500 price range. I've tried a few Canon's (a 7 and a P), both were nice (except the 7 had a wonky shutter), but I was really looking for something with a modern, usable meter.

I've recently stumbled across a R3A for sale locally which is spotless. Doesn't look like it's been used at all. Also found a R2A on eBay which looks great, but not quite as new as the R3A. I like the idea of the 1:1 viewfinder, but I also like the idea of 35mm frame lines. I guess I'll have to make up my own mind there, but my main question is price. They are both $475 (US). Does this seem reasonable for a used Bessa? Anything else I should consider in this price range? And should I factor in a CLA in my budget?

Thanks! I look forward to sharing with the community.
 
i think for $500 you can find a M3/M2 and occasionally M4. The bessa would be newer and has a light meter. I have seen bessas go around $300-$400 so you can do better 🙂 M2/M4 with the CV 35 would be a great combo!
 
I wouldn't touch a used Bessa at those prices. And I most certainly wouldn't buy one at all if it needed a CLA. Actually, I've never heard of anyone sending a Bessa for a CLA.

Also, keep in mind that any Voigtländer warranty is non-transferable (according to CameraQuest).
 
475$ seems to be a bit on the high side IMO.
I sold my R3A last year for a bit over 300 Euros with only very minor signs of use (sold via LUF classifieds).
I didn't test the market though, I just asked for the price that I had paid two or three years earlier. The R2A (early model with pretty finish, btw) I got last year as replacement for the R3A via LUF classifieds was also just a bit over 300 Euros and in similar condition. Of course shop prices will be higher.
You could do a research for completed auctions on Ebay, that gives you an idea of the current street price.
 
Thanks for the input. It's not too common to find a large sampling of R2A/R3A's for sale, so I have nothing but the 'new' prices to compare. I'll research completed auctions a bit as that was good advice.
 
If you find one cheaper, then you win! They come up sporadically, but the R3A and R4A seem to be harder to find. I paid more than that for a newer R4A, but I am impatient. 🙂
 
It depends where you live. In Brazil, 475 (us) is a great price. If you import a new one here, it would cost about US$ 1300,00. Some time it's all we get.
 
I find the R2 (not R2A or R2M) the best bang for the buck. Essentially the same as the later models but lots cheaper.
 
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 said:
Hello all,

I'm new to RFF. I've been a Nikon SLR shooter for a long time, then switched to Nikon dSLR's, and most recently I've been using a Sony NEX to which I've adapted a handful of LTM lenses (CV 35/2.5, Leica 50/3.5 Elmar, and Leica 90/4 Elmar). Using these little manual focus gems has really brought back the itch to use film again and I've been searching for a good RF in the $500 price range. I've tried a few Canon's (a 7 and a P), both were nice (except the 7 had a wonky shutter), but I was really looking for something with a modern, usable meter.

I've recently stumbled across a R3A for sale locally which is spotless. Doesn't look like it's been used at all. Also found a R2A on eBay which looks great, but not quite as new as the R3A. I like the idea of the 1:1 viewfinder, but I also like the idea of 35mm frame lines. I guess I'll have to make up my own mind there, but my main question is price. They are both $475 (US). Does this seem reasonable for a used Bessa? Anything else I should consider in this price range? And should I factor in a CLA in my budget?

Thanks! I look forward to sharing with the community.
Click to expand...

Please seriously consider a Leica M2. 🙂
 
I just sold an R3A in the classifieds here for $325 within the past few weeks.

Although this was lower than most prices for this camera and you may not easily find one for the same price, I think you could do better than pay $475.

Hope that helps.

Ellen
 
gliderbee said:
I don't understand this comment: the R4A cannot be compared with a Leica M2 (I have both and then some...). I like the M2, but considering the question of the OP, the M2 is not the right answer for him.

Stefan
Click to expand...

Based on the lenses the OP has, M2 is a better body to shoot with than the R4A.

A nice M2 can be bought at close to the prices the new/used bessas are going for nowadays if he/she shops carefully. So in the long run, it does not make sense to me to buy a used Bessa at those prices. It is a personal choice and there is no right or wrong answer. Although the M2 gives no 1:1 size VF, the OP stated he/she likes 35mm framelines and the M2 gives very nice and clean 35mm framelines.
 
Yes, but he/she also stated he/she is looking for something with a modern, useable meter, which eliminates the M2 despite its quality.
 
Oh yes, the meter. I forgot to mention that a cheap handheld meter (sekonic L-208) / iphone lightmeter app (free) will do a good job. That's a non-critical compromise IMHO unless OP wants AE function.

YVMV.
 
If the 21mm framelines is important you, then the R4A/M has it.
No other camera bodies has a VF like it.
But any other M bodies with an external finder can do the job equally well as shown by many 21mm users in RFF.
 
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