Which Bessa is for you?

Which Bessa is for you?

  • L

    Votes: 43 4.2%

  • T

    Votes: 59 5.8%

  • R

    Votes: 142 14.0%

  • R2

    Votes: 73 7.2%

  • R2M (Jahre 250)

    Votes: 16 1.6%

  • R2M

    Votes: 53 5.2%

  • R2A

    Votes: 112 11.0%

  • R3M (Jahre 250)

    Votes: 40 3.9%

  • R3M

    Votes: 91 8.9%

  • R3A

    Votes: 157 15.4%

  • R4M

    Votes: 118 11.6%

  • R4A

    Votes: 113 11.1%
  • Total voters
    1,017
I agree with Roger,
R2 olive green
Got it secondhand from ffordes photographic after reading Roger and Frances "RANGEFINDER" book.
 
R3a is the one...

R3a is the one...

I like the R3a

The AE feature, and the 1:1 finder. Best 50mm shooter out there.

The more you use it, the more you like it.
 
R2A - I can't get along with an RF with a .9 MF distance I've found that I need a .7 and the AE would come in handy.
 
I have voted for T. Why? The large diopter corrected rangefinder with its long base is just great and allows for very accurate focussing, even in low light situations. With practice, focussing and framing with an external viewfinder can be done very swiftly, at least en par with a Bessa R.

Parallax corrected framelines are a point for the R, but in low light, focussing can be a bit tricky and slower than with the T. At least for me. To be honest, I like and use both, but I voted for T, because I think it is a bit underestimated. The overall built quality also feels slightly better than the R and it potentially allows me to use M lenses. I have not tried any other models.
 
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I have R2A and R4A and I used to own an R3M.

I love them all since 35/2.5C is my favourite follow by 21/4 that's why

I vote for R2A !!!!!
 
On this occasion, when Leica has just introduced another camera that costs a gazillion dollars, it is especially appropriate that we honor and celebrate the Bessas!
 
the R4s do something that no other camera I know of does: combine an M mount with a 21mm frameline. That said, right now I am using a MF rangefinder much more than 35mm. And it is much, much quieter than any other camera I have ever heard. Leaf shutters are truly quiet.

Now, using both the Leica and CV, I can say that the volume is not that big a deal in any case. You still have to wind the film any way you slice it.
 
Hopefully Tom or some gurus here can help me with this: is it advisable to pair a R4M with 35mm f/1.2? I love to shoot wide angles and the nokton is my favourite. Not sure whether the short EBL will make focusing a hit or miss affair with the nokton. Or should I get the R2M instead?
 
Keith said:
I had an R3A and currently have an R4A but as much as I like the cameras they are lacking something for me ... not quite sure what it is though because they are truly great value!
Click to expand...

Probably because they're not Leica's. I've played with a few, and just thought that they felt awful.

I'm sure that they're great though, especially for the money.

I do however always feel that the dudes with a Bessa and Leica or ZM lenses have got their priorities straight though, as opposed to the dudes with a brand new MP and a Jupiter 8.

I would still take the MP and Jupiter 8 over any Bessa however.
 
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Because my 1st interchangeable lens RF was a Fed3 i ended up witha good set of LTM lenses, so the Bessa R for me, with my Color-Skopar 35mm f2.5, and Jupiter 8 50mm in my jacket
 
Ha! i'm a bit surprised to see that i'm with the majority.
I like the 1:1 vf mag, makes loinger lenses easier to compose with a decent frame size.
For wides i'd use the external finder anyway focusing is not so crucial.
And i like the aperture priority option.
 
R2m

R2m

I have a R2M and I like it. I used to shoot with aperture priority mode before I have my R2M, but I am getting familirar with pure manual mode. Mostly I use f=35mm lens, it is good enough for me.

One thing is that R2M doens't have a shutter release lock, so sometimes
I shoot when I put it in my bag. :bang:
 
Just picked up the R3A and I can only compare it with my M6 in terms of functionality.

On technology, the R3A wins hands down as it does with its 1:1 viewfinder.
In terms of shutter release, I'll have to go with the slightly quieter M6 which to my non-scientific tests, appears to have less vibration when the shutter is actuated.

I'm looking forward to snapping some pictures this weekend...

Rob
 
My Bessa R is black. I got a side grip for it. I wish there was an M mount R too at a similar cost.
 
Bessa L paired with the Skopar 25.

For me its about letting go and using a camera for what it was meant to do. To that end, it has never disappointed. I've taken it absolutely everywhere, the top of fourteener's, barren deserts, remote ocean coastlines, and even the odd trip to the backyard. I use it more than any other camera I own.
 
Bessa R2A for 35mm Summicron ASPH. R3A for 50mm Summilux or 50mm Summicron (or the occasional 90mm). R4A for 21mm Elmarit; - sometimes with a Leica viewfinder on top when a more accurate perspective is required in the viewfinder.
 
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