Where can I touch Bessa's in the UK?

[kully]

Since getting my GTN I've been smitten by rangefinders, the varying levels of embarrasment that I get when taking the SLR out are gone.

I was saving up money to buy a DSLR, but after being completely put off with the viewfinders I think I'll stick to film + scanner for now.

I'm thinking a Bessa R2a with the 40mm 1.4 Nokton would do me nicely (although I've still got a month and a bit of saving to get there). But I don't want to spend all that money without touching and feeling one, indeed, I may find that the R3a is good for me (I wear glasses).

Anyone know anywhere near Reading, Berkshire that stocks Voigtlander? Any comments on my selection of body/lens? Is Robert White the recommended place to get them from, or are there any other places?

PS I'm sure this choosing what to buy and from where is as much fun as having the camera itself.

 

[markinlondon]

Robert White (Poole) or The Classic Camera in London are the only people I can think of. Day trip? Why not come up on June 18th and meet the folks?

Mark

 

[Talisker]

Can't think of anywhere else in the London area. Having looked on the respective websites Robert White are marginally cheaper, unless I got the VAT calculation wrong (then again, as the distributor, they should be!). If you go to Classic Camera its always worth having a look in Aperture Photographic in Museum Street to oggle the second-hand Leicas and esoterica. They also have a cafe - coffee's good, sanwhiches are a bit average, but cheaper that standard London prices.

 

[kully]

Cheers for the replies, I didn't know about the shop in London.

I think I'll wait for the 18th June meet and then take a day off work and head into London. A day trip to Poole just doesn't appeal as much 😉

 

[markinlondon]

Sadly the 18th June is a Sunday and the Classic Camera shop is closed Sundays. I'd forgotten that.

Mark

 

[ClaremontPhoto]

Robert White is the best place but they are mail order only.

 

[markinlondon]

Robert White is the best place but they are mail order only.

I think you can visit RW by appointment but I also think they'd expect you to be spending a fair amount.

Mark

 

[kully]

Anyone bring a R{2,3}a to the June 18th meet? 🙂

 

[Buze]

Classic Camera did let me fondle a R2A with a Nokton. I picked the Nokton for my M2 eventualy. They are a tiny amount more expensive than Robert White, but you can see/touch the goods...

And Aperture are really nice people (especialy Richard); but skip the cafe. 1.50 for a tiny bottle of mineral water !

 

[ClaremontPhoto]

...but skip the cafe. 1.50 for a tiny bottle of mineral water !

Does that water have a red dot on the front, and you have to get the water out by unscewing the bottom?

The Voigtlander water is just as good, even though it was bottled in 1756, and pretends it comes from Germany.