Krosya
Konicaze
Clever design - if only they made a camera with a good/longer EBL in the Bessa line, as Ikon ZM is not for me.
As far as which one for me - well, I'm still yet to try R4A/M, but R3 series are very nice and I still really like the "old" design R and R2 better. Really awsome cameras.Even with all the shortcommings of a loud shutter and short EBL.
Juan Valdenebro
Truth is beauty
Hi Krosya,
About Bessas requiring -as a line- longer EBL and less noisy shutter noise, I disagree after using four of them...
My Bessas T have longer EBL than 99% M Leicas in the world. All M Leicas except .85 ones are infierior in EBL.
And about shutter noise, the difference is more about tone than about loudness... I can shoot in front of people and they don't hear my camera shooting. And I mean in silent places... Take a look at this (already posted) shot:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/40894234@N07/4528669840/
I was inside a dark church, and the girl didn't hear my shutter noise... Except for a preacher speaking very low, the church was in total silence.
And about EBL, for that shot I used the shortest EBL model, the R4M, and focused my 40 1.4 wide open with it, and it's tack sharp: look at her shoes (where I focused)... Being wide open at 1.4 and as close to her as I was, Bessas, even the ones with the shortest EBL are truly wonderful gear... I guess it depends a lot on the photographer too... Of course this is not against you in any way: this is just in favor of the truth, because showing great results is better than just words (I'm talking about my posting).
Cheers,
Juan
About Bessas requiring -as a line- longer EBL and less noisy shutter noise, I disagree after using four of them...
My Bessas T have longer EBL than 99% M Leicas in the world. All M Leicas except .85 ones are infierior in EBL.
And about shutter noise, the difference is more about tone than about loudness... I can shoot in front of people and they don't hear my camera shooting. And I mean in silent places... Take a look at this (already posted) shot:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/40894234@N07/4528669840/
I was inside a dark church, and the girl didn't hear my shutter noise... Except for a preacher speaking very low, the church was in total silence.
And about EBL, for that shot I used the shortest EBL model, the R4M, and focused my 40 1.4 wide open with it, and it's tack sharp: look at her shoes (where I focused)... Being wide open at 1.4 and as close to her as I was, Bessas, even the ones with the shortest EBL are truly wonderful gear... I guess it depends a lot on the photographer too... Of course this is not against you in any way: this is just in favor of the truth, because showing great results is better than just words (I'm talking about my posting).
Cheers,
Juan
Kolame
Established
What I think, is quite interesting is the fact, that many more people use the R3a compared to the R3m, that’s the same for the R2a and R2m. But it’s not for the R4, seems like half of the wide-angle-fans don’t trust in aperture priortity. 
DNG
Film Friendly
If I could afford a second body:
R4a
as a second body, to house my 28mm, while the M5 houses the 50mm
R4a
as a second body, to house my 28mm, while the M5 houses the 50mm
Juan Valdenebro
Truth is beauty
What I think, is quite interesting is the fact, that many more people use the R3a compared to the R3m, that’s the same for the R2a and R2m. But it’s not for the R4, seems like half of the wide-angle-fans don’t trust in aperture priortity.
True. As Tom A. once pointed, with wide lenses AE can give a lot more trouble because more sky comes into the frame many times, fooling the metering... And the R4M is a masterpiece...
Cheers,
Juan
Kolame
Established
Know that.
Just saw it and thought, that I could mention it.
Is there a difference between the R4m and R4a in build? I thought it was just the Aperture Priority...?
Juan Valdenebro
Truth is beauty
Having less electronics to fail one day makes it stronger.
Not depending on batteries to shoot makes it stronger.
All M Bessas I own (T, R4M, R3A) are tough and very well built.
Cheers,
Juan
Not depending on batteries to shoot makes it stronger.
All M Bessas I own (T, R4M, R3A) are tough and very well built.
Cheers,
Juan
Kolame
Established
Sorry, yes, forgot the battery-independence. Always forget that one, as it doesn’t matter to me, but I know, there are photographers that must have it.
My Bessa R is also well built. Love it
My Bessa R is also well built. Love it
rizraz
Established
Still waiting for the arrival of my R4A...... as I love the 21mm frameline
CanDocGuy
Mark
R3M! For that beautiful viewfinder, and the simplicity of a manual camera. I love it!
kshapero
South Florida Man
Vincent.G
Well-known
kshapero, that is a great rig!
dmc
Bessa Driver
Either R4 for the wide angle screen lines. I prefer the R4M, but both are great cameras.
jan normandale
Film is the other way
R4a because I wanted a camera with a viewfinder for my wides and a light meter.
The argument about no batteries is resolved by my M4-P
The argument about no batteries is resolved by my M4-P
rbsinto
Well-known
I bought an R2S for its strong rangefinder patch and light meter, two features missing from my S3s and SP.
alfredian
Well-known
R4m = nice, wide-veiw VF and all-manual operation. Supposedly quieter than the A-versions as well. Wide view lets me compose better or anticpate action/movement. Hand-meter or Sunny-16 and I can even take the battery out! My R2 olive & R3m's are nice, but the one "keeper" is the R4M.
segedi
RFicianado
I would have voted for the III if it were on the list. I'd really like to have this beautiful folder!
Have an R4A in the classifieds. Bought it instead of an external finder for a 21mm - which suits the focal length perfectly. 35mm also works like a charm. But 35 is as wide as I found I liked. So sold the 21mm lens and have the R4A in the classifieds. <sales-pitch>No bargain, but cheaper than new and with a grip. </sales-pitch>
Have an R4A in the classifieds. Bought it instead of an external finder for a 21mm - which suits the focal length perfectly. 35mm also works like a charm. But 35 is as wide as I found I liked. So sold the 21mm lens and have the R4A in the classifieds. <sales-pitch>No bargain, but cheaper than new and with a grip. </sales-pitch>
whitecat
Lone Range(find)er
I'll vote for the III which I used today with some Velvia.
loquax ludens
Well-known
Ooops. I clicked R2 when I meant R.
I chose the Bessa R because it was an inexpensive manual camera with a meter. Though inexpensive, it is well made and has an excellent viewfinder.
I chose the Bessa R because it was an inexpensive manual camera with a meter. Though inexpensive, it is well made and has an excellent viewfinder.
johnwood
Member
My Bessa RF has no batteries But...my R3A is taken out of the cabinet far more often. Lovely little camera for the price.
But...my R3A is taken out of the cabinet far more often. Lovely little camera for the price.