Well, I finally did it...

[DougK]

After MONTHS of sitting on the fence and much anguish over my photographic goals, recounted in another thread, I finally realized a few critical truths about myself:

• I really like film.
• I really like manual cameras.
• I don't care about shooting the pistils and stamens of a flower or bugs at ten times life size anymore (cat photos are still OK though).
• I don't want to shoot life through a telephoto lens... I want to get in there and see it and record it.
• I prefer quiet, compact gear over lugging large camera outfits around.
• I want access to great lenses, not merely good ones.
• I have a need to make bulleted lists... frequently.

I finally decided to go for it. I just ordered the black Bessa-R kit with the 35 f/2.5 Color Skopar lens from B&H (just barely making their holiday ordering deadline for shipping).

In just a few days, I will be a Bessa owner (in time for my vacation, no less). I will own a "real" rangefinder at last. I have blown my camera fund to smithereens for the rest of the year.

I'm really excited.

 

[f/stopblues]

Congrats Doug! I'm very very close to throwing my arms up and calling Mr.Gandy for the R2a and a Nokton 50/1.5.. a used on is just not gonna happen (til right after I buy new anyway). He dropped the price a bit too, down to $535 for the body.

I'm also coming to the realization that you can't shoot any photos from our perch on the fence. I just want to get out shooting!

...or should I wait and get a Summicron? <sigh>

Chris

 

[tedwhite]

Don't bother. The c/v lenses are superb and cheaper. I've got a dearly loved Pentax Spotmatic system (four bodies, eight lenses, all M42 screwmount Super Takumars) and the image quality from my cv/25/4 and c/v35/2.5 is better, and that's saying something.

I am currently lusting for the c/v28/1.8 or the Nokton 50mm, either of which will provide better low light use. However, neither of these are cheap. I had an M3 with a 50mm Summicron and considered it the best lens I'd ever had. But I suspect the Nokton would give it a run for its money (and the money difference is considerable).

Bessa bodies are the R and L, both of which seem to work flawlessly.

Ted

 

[Doug]

DougK, you clearly have done some soul-searching... and found something! This will have far-reaching benefits, I expect, in providing more "focus" in your photography! Thought you were thinking more in terms of concentrating on MF? Have fun and of course report back with some pics! 😀

 

[DougK]

Oh, absolutely I will. Hopefully, I'll find some good photos as well 🙂

 

[rover]

• I really like film.
• I really like manual cameras.
• I don't care about shooting the pistils and stamens of a flower or bugs at ten times life size anymore (cat photos are still OK though).
• I don't want to shoot life through a telephoto lens... I want to get in there and see it and record it.
• I prefer quiet, compact gear over lugging large camera outfits around.
• I want access to great lenses, not merely good ones.
• I have a need to make bulleted lists... frequently.

Good choice Doug.

Now, how did you come up with the exact list of things that I often think of too?

 

[Solinar]

The best way to say is, "Welcome to the family".

The Bessa R / Color Skopar 35 kit really is a great upgrade from my usual compact fixed-lens RF. I have the 75mm Heliar to go with as well. Frankly, I'm surprised that this kit is still available new, as both are out of production.

 

[Flyfisher Tom]

Congrats Doug.

That 35 color skopar is a very sweet lens, amazingly compact. You did the right thing 🙂

 

[DougK]

Thanks all, I'm really excited to start shooting.

 

[Seele]

The Bessa R / Color Skopar 35 kit really is a great upgrade from my usual compact fixed-lens RF. I have the 75mm Heliar to go with as well. Frankly, I'm surprised that this kit is still available new, as both are out of production.

Solinar,

It is also available in Australia as new stock, I have no idea why the R was such a slow seller, in relation to units produced.

 

[DougK]

IT'S HERE IT'S HERE IT'S HERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I only had a few minutes to play with it this morning before I had to come to work, but I'm fairly blown away by the build quality... it's way more solid feeling than any of the compact rangefinders I own and just a joy to handle. I don't know why, but from the photos I kept expecting it to be bigger for some reason. I can't wait to get out there and take some photos with it.

 

[f/stopblues]

That's great it came on a Friday! What better way to kick off the weekend than with a new camera and lens. I was inspired by your post and ordered an RF and lens from Mr. Gandy, but it came to my house yesterday and then back to the post office since nobody was there to sign 🙁 I'm super excited to get out there this weekend though! Make sure you post some photos from it!

 

[Huck Finn]

Enjoy it, Doug! 🙂

Huck

 

[DougK]

I have a wedding to attend this weekend, so I've got the perfect excuse to play with my new toy 🙂

 

[ZeissFan]

The Bessar + 35mm Color-Skopar is a great combination. It's the one I bought in 2001, and I still like the feel of it. After now using many (and I mean that) cameras, I'd like it if the focusing ring was just a tad lighter. Otherwise, great viewfinder, great lens and very accruate metering system.

Enjoy!

My own Bessa R page