Which Bessa is for you?

[tedwhite]

My first modern RF was a Bessa R also, and with the 35/2.5 Color Skopar the duo made a very useful combination. Later I obtained a 50/1.8 Canon Serenar and it, too, worked fine. The meter on the Bessa R is virtually infallible and the viewfinder was as bright as my M6. The build quality of course did not compare with that of the M6, but it was way easier to use and if someone stole the kit I wasn't out a wad.

 

[dct]

Funny thing. I was looking for a Bessa-T but got a wide lens with a Bessa-L attached in a bargain.
But I still voted Bessa-T, because this is the only modern 35mm film RF Bessa I'm looking for, because of the big RF magnification for longer or very fast lenses. My "standard" 35mm film RF is a Hexar RF.
I really hope to get a Bessa-T during this year.

 

[andephotographic]

L for me. Saw one going pretty cheap and fancied it. Picked up an R-D1s this week too so if I really like it then I might trade the Bessa L for an R something. Which Bessa would be closest to the R-D1?

 

[froyd]

L for me. Saw one going pretty cheap and fancied it. Picked up an R-D1s this week too so if I really like it then I might trade the Bessa L for an R something. Which Bessa would be closest to the R-D1?

Mechanically an R. In terms of viewfinder magnification and auto exposure, an R3a

 

[miatab]

The one I had an opportunity to buy when I first heard of them- the R2. Works perfectly with my Canon and Leica lenses. It should outlast me. But my X-100 is getting incredible attention.

 

[Jeremy Johns]

I've recently bought and am really enjoying the R2. It's a solid performer so far.

 

[Lauffray]

I used to own the R3M Jahre 250, but if I had known before I would have probably bought the R4A, because of wide angle and the auto exposure feature. I loved that camera

 

[isoterica]

Cannot answer , miss the Bessa III aka fuji 667 choice.

Agreeing I would like the Bessa III Folder.. sexyy mf goodness.

 

[Doug]

The R4A is my favorite, as it's most suitable for the lenses I use the most. Seems to me the R3A would make a good companion for longer lenses...

 

[Soeren]

My vote goes to the R2M
It has framelines for the 35mm that I would like to have with it.
The Nikon eyecup magnifier should fit the finder if fast long glas should be needed and I probably wont go to the extremes anyway

 

[shashinka-ichiban]

Classic black Bessa R and just for fun a Jupiter-8

 

[kossi008]

I've followed my vote with a purchase: My R4A is on its way to me...

 

[Benjamin Marks]

I really like the T's. Basic, basic, basic. A shutter, an RF and a trigger winder. That's it. Focuses my Noctilux wide open reliably. 'Nuff said.

 

[jarski]

R3M feels like perfect match with 40 Nokton SC.

 

[Jan Rorive]

Used my R several years and changed then to Canon 10d. By incident I found my R again, loaded it with BW film and shoot on a businesstrip to Vienna. After development and scanning I found out that film is different, I think so special that I am now shooting simultaniously. It is weird that the price of analog cameras is increasing and more an more shops offerring film and darkroom stuff.

Regards

Jan

 

[crispy12]

I'm loving my R2. Can't believe the difference in price between an R2 and R2M new. The finish is also much much nicer on the R2! Hate the matte black and button rewind.

 

[Chrisrw]

I love my R2. I bought it here back in January with a MC CV 40/1.4. Had trouble with the ergonomics of the focusing ring/knob, but absolutely loved the feel of the camera. Decided that is was an impulse buy and put both up for sale. Had a taker for just the lens and after spending time with him waxing Bessa's (he had the R3A) during the sell, I realized that I loved the R2 body and decided to keep it. I didn't want to spend another $450-500 right away for another Nokton so I got a Jupiter 8 with adapter from Fedka. Haven't developed any film yet, but I love how the lens feels. I find it easier to focus without a knob on it and love the camera even more. I see no reason to move up to a Leica now. I can save all that $ for film instead.

 

[PointOmega]

Good stuff. I have an R3A, and consider it one of the most underrated camera bodies of all time. A wonderful machine, you don't need anything more.

 

[Hamel]

I love my R3A and usually burn between 5-10 rolls through it a week on average. However the 1:1 finder isn't as useful as I thought it would be and having the batteries die once or twice without backups is extremely frustrating. However I'm not sure I would be as happy if it weren't for aperture priority. Just wish when the batteries died you could still shoot at 1/60 or 1/125 mechanically.

That being said I've been contemplating trying to find someone who wants to trade for an R2a or r4a. I think the wider frame lines and viewfinder magnification would suit my eye and shooting style better. If anyone is interested shoot me a PM.

Also torn on selling it to buy another Mamiya 6 body since my first one broke. However the Bessa is just so damn easy to carry EVERYWHERE and try more shots since 35mm is basically free compared to MF.

 

[jayavant]

I have a Bessa L. Lovely little thing but not robust at all. I treat it with some care these days. It's been repaired twice - most recently a whole new shutter. Typically it has a Snapshot Skopar 25/4 on it but occasionally a Heliar 15/4.5 as in this photo -


Cosina-Voigtländer Bessa-L by The Central Scrutiniser, on Flickr


But the one I want is the Bessa III. It's not on the poll so I voted for L.