Why oh why?

[fretbuzzard]

I don't own a Bessa, but has anyone tried one of Gordy's vertical lug and tripod socket mount straps on one? I'm curious whether this might solve the "canting" problem or create a whole different set of issues due to the centrally located tripod socket.

http://www.electricedge.com/gordy_s_straps/store/neck-vert/index.htm

 

[furcafe]

I have the same problem w/the Konica Hexar RF/Contax G2 bodies, which have a similar front-oriented strap lug position. Not sure why the designers of the Hexar RF/G2 chose that position, since they weren't working off a legacy SLR body, @ least officially.

My guess is that even had they not been forced to work w/legacy bodies as a template, the designers of all these cameras were so used to designing SLRs that they didn't realize how much smaller & lighter most RF lenses are & how that affects the overall balance. From the looks of it, Cosina appears to have @ least partially learned their lesson w/the Zeiss Ikon, but I'll let an actual user/owner weigh in (no pun intended).

EDIT: Having read Tom's mention of how the swing open back door of modern cameras affects the lug placement & looking @ photos of other RFs (e.g., Canon P), I'm thinking that may be the most significant engineering reason for the forward placement. However, I'm not sure why this couldn't be addressed by simply moving the lugs higher up (but still on the sides), as on a ZI Contax or Nikon RF, though I guess that would force the relocation of the flash sync sockets on some cameras.

 

[Warren T.]

I know that you want to use the half case, but a Bessa side grip really did solve the problem on my Bessa R. I use it mostly with a 35mm Skopar, and the way it hung while slung on my shoulder used to bother me too. As a bonus, the grip also helps ergonomically too.

--W

 

[Tom A]

EDIT: Having read Tom's mention of how the swing open back door of modern cameras affects the lug placement & looking @ photos of other RFs (e.g., Canon P), I'm thinking that may be the most significant engineering reason for the forward placement. However, I'm not sure why this couldn't be addressed by simply moving the lugs higher up (but still on the sides), as on a ZI Contax or Nikon RF, though I guess that would force the relocation of the flash sync sockets on some cameras.[/QUOTE]

I think the reason for having the strap lugs in the bodycasting, rather than have them on the top-plate is because you often have to remove the top plate to access components on the "top" of the camera for service. It would also put a lot of stress on what is usually some rather thin brass or diecast material. One would have to cast support post on the inside top for that and each time you serviced the camera, the strap lugs would have to be removed and add to the time/cost for service.

 

[ywenz]

Along with a neck strap, they should supply each R2A camera with a lead weight so you can screw into the tripod socket

 

[Jason Sprenger]

I have found the strap-lug on the optional grip doesn't interfere with swinging back and the small difference in the location of the lug makes a big difference in the handling.

Presuming incorporation of the grip into the design is not an option, I'd recommend a bolt-on strap-lug in its better location, even if only on the right-hand side of the camera. Doing so would eliminate this recurring problem for people.

 

[ssmc]

Shorten the strap and (assuming you're right-handed) sling it over your left shoulder with the camera under (i.e. just in front of - or better yet slightly behind) your right arm, about the level of your 8th - 11th rib. I carry my film SLR this way (which also is unbalanced and annoying when slung around my neck) and in this configuration I find the strap is just the right length for me to raise the cam to eye level in either portrait or landscape, yet when not in use it sits very comfortably against my body and doesn't bounce around (doesn't get in the way of my right arm, either)

 

[nome_alice]

Change your style

Change your style

...the camera is horribly balanced and the camera back will NOT lay flat against my body. It totally ruins the picture taking experience!...

I tend to hold the camera up to my face when taking pictures. The experience has been great!

 

[ywenz]

I tend to hold the camera up to my face when taking pictures. The experience has been great!

Oh but see, I specialize in pictures taken from the chest. I've got a remote trigger and everything so I can take pics without touching it with my hands. You would hate this camera if you shoot how I shoot.

Alright, done with the Bessa experiment. This camera is going on sale.. anyone want to take a mint (2 rolls) R2A + CV35? I'll put it in the classified section soon.

Edit: body and lens are now in the classifieds... http://www.rangefinderforum.com/pho...wproduct.php/product/14776/cat/1/limit/recent

 

[nome_alice]

oh that's quite a specialised technique. maybe a tlr could be adapted to suit?

or maybe glue a big patch of velcro to the back of the bessa and stick it straight to your shirt?

 

[Baldadash]

I got a couple rolls of vacation pics back from lab and noticed I had the strap from the right lug in a several pics. That and the poor balance made me change the way it was set up. I removed the right strap ring from the body entirely, then put a third strap ring on the left lug with the two small circle strap rings off it. Basically so it hangs like a Leica CL. I'm only using a cv21/4 and a cv35pii so weight definitely should not be an issue.

 

[dwaoka]

I never walk with camera on my neck, unless I'm changing lenses, reloading, or need my hands free to get wallet in the shop, otherwise I keep my R4A in my hand all the time, or in the right pocket of jacket 🙂