Which lens for Bessa R?

[marayneshimself]

I just purchased a Bessa R and am having a difficult time determining which LTM lens to buy.

I'd like something 35mm to start, but can I get anything in good condition (and that takes good quality pics, of course) for under $500, or will I have to pay more?

Short of Russian lenses, there don't appear to be many economical LTM lenses for sale anywhere other than eBay (which I'm wary of if I'm spending a lot of money). I'd buy a Russian 50mm, too, but I'd really like something 35mm to begin with. I'd also like to start shooting as soon as possible and would rather not wait the insanely long time a lens will take to ship from Russia.

Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[ruby.monkey]

A screw-mount Voigtlander 35mm Color-Skopar would be an excellent choice; and the Head Bartender still has some in stock, comfortably within your budget.

 

[haempe]

Voigtländer Color-Skopar 35/2,5
or (if you can find one)
Voigtländer Ultron 35/1,7

 

[Araakii]

I got a Summitar 50 f2 and a new Rollei 40mm Sonnar f2.8. Looking to get a Jupiter 3.

 

[Red Robin]

Which lens?

Which lens?

Mostly a Jupiter-3 is on my Bessa R. I do use a Canon 35 2.8 with good results. Mostly my Canon lenses came w/cameras but it is easy to obtain quite a collection of fine soviet lenses under the $500. mark . Go with dealers with an outstanding reputation and use the excellent classifieds
found here. Check with Brian S. as he sometimes knows where good deals are to be found, read up on the different lenses, look at the posted pictures on this forum and judge for yourself , then happy shooting .

 

[umcelinho]

i highly recommend the canon 50/1.8 chrome version (around $175) and the canon 35/2 (around $450), two fantastic lenses.

 

[Gereonb]

Canon 50mm/F1.8 Chrome is a good option that i also use on my own Black Bessa R.

 

[carpark]

The first lens I got for my Bessa-R was the Voigtländer Color-Skopar 35/2,5. I would recommend that.
It handles nicely and looks good. Still one of my go to lenses when on the run

 

[Sonnar2]

The Skopar 35/2.5 is quite sharp and contrasty.
Canon LTM 35/2 too, but not so strong with backlite.
If you need a faster lens I recommend the Canon LTM 50/1.4.

 

[Roger Hicks]

Both the Color-Skopar and the Ultron are brilliant. Let your wallet, and your need for speed, be your guide. I'd far rather have either than a 50-year-old lens of (by now) uncertain provenance.

Cheers,

R.

 

[rbiemer]

All good suggestions so far.
I will add that the "Russian" 35mm lens--the Jupiter-12--is problematic on the Bessa R. Mostly they will not fit, the large rear element will hit some of the internal baffles on the R and the meter is not in a good spot to be very useful with that lens.
For 35mm, I have and use the Color-Skopar. Fast enough, for me, at f2.5 and absolutley compatible.
Rob