Who has bought a new Bessa recently?

[jsrockit]

-- just look at how fast used R2/R3/R4 cameras sell in the used market at 75% of distributor prices.

75% of new is normal for most products...

 

[Guaranteed]

Picked up an R3A(first RF) last summer and have had a blast with it. I just wish I had more time to use any of my cameras.

The 1:1 VF is awesome, I love shooting with both eyes open and I find myself more than not shooting right eyed.

Of course a digital R3A would be the dogs danglies, so long as all they changed with it was to add a sensor. Ok maybe a display like the R-D1 that can be turned around to check the histo but that's it.

 

[KenR]

I purchased a R2A this past summer to backup my R4A from a couple of years ago. No regrets.

 

[calebk]

Is there something you guys actually prefer in a Bessa vs Leica M? A used M6 and a new Bessa should be roughly the same price, right?

Yeah, the price tag. Haha.

But seriously, if money wasn't an issue, I'd definitely be on a Leica M.

 

[cattlebaron]

I used to have a R3a and sold to buy a Zeiss Ikon. It's made in the same plant
as C/V. Sold the ZI and going back to the R3a. The entire shutter mechanism
is identical in both models.

 

[ZeissFan]

I believe the Zeiss Ikon's shutter is modified. Began as the same shutter but was modified to make it less noisy.

The Bessa is a smaller, lighter-weight, less-expensive alternative to the Leica M.

Build quality is good, and as the series progressed, there was more metal and less plastic. Overall, a good camera with an excellent viewfinder.

I wasn't a fan of the thumb hump on the rear, however, some people seem to like it.

 

[david.elliott]

I had a bessa R that I lost. Man I miss that camera it was had great bang for the buck.

I'm saving up for an R3A.

I will never sell my bessa r!

Still trying to sell my R3M though haha.

 

[Krosya]

The point of Bessa is AE Mode and build-in meter.
If you don't even need a meter, go for a M2/M4.

Dont forget that Bessas are easier to load film into compared to most Leicas

 

[dow]

I recently bought an R3A with a 1.1 Nokton and I love the set. The 1:1 viewfinder really compensates for the viewfinder obstruction caused by the large lens - it is super-bright as well. I love it. I just bought a used 15mm Chrome as well - as a recent architecture grad the lens is super-useful. I bought new because the purchase was funded by insurance replacement money and it seemed easier to justify - I usually buy everything used, but there is a certain joy knowing all the use is your own. Your milage may vary.

 

[k-vang]

I have no money for M owner. So I tried with R2M + CV 35 1.4 SC, I'm very satisfied with this combo. Love it !

 

[Voe]

For me there is one big drawback in all Leica film rangefinders, and it's the maximum shutter speed of 1/1000 sec.
On a sunny day it could be very limiting especially of one likes to shoot wide open. And the new Leica lenses are great even wide open, it's a pity to not be able to use it in a bright day light.

Here Voigtlander Bessa Rxx does better with shutter speed 1/2000.

As for me I put my lovely Bessa R2A on eBay and got myself a Konica Hexar RF and what a camera it is, I just love it:
max shutter speed: 1/4000 sec
titanium body
titanium shutter
much more silent than Bessa
38 exposure out of a 36 exposures film.
auto rewind
great design and pleasure to touch, hold and look.