Worth doing on a Bessa II?

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ghostcount

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Hi,

New to 120 format and RF Forum.

So I recently acquired a Bessa II with a color-skopar on it, the body is in good condition. I also took a chance on another Bessa II with a color-heliar on it, the body is well worn but functional; both have working Synchro-Compur. I have every intention on using both, but I was wondering if an increase in value would benefit the Heliar when mounted on a better conditioned body? If so, can anyone recommend someone who can do this properly?

TIA

~ Ghost
 
I suspect that the cost of swapping lenses between the two bodies, including adjusting infinity focus and the rangefinder, wouldn't be worth it. You got 'em, keep 'em! Unless you're planning on making 16x20 or larger prints I doubt that you'll see much difference between the four element Skopar and the five element Heliar. It certainly won't show up with 8x10 prints. You can always load them with different kinds or speeds of film, or just keep one as a spare in case a shutter starts to act up or a bellows develops a light leak, both possibilities considering the age of the cameras.
 
My take....

My take....

I tend to keep the crappy camera's because I like to sell stuff that is nice. Therefore, if I put the Heliar on the nice camera (and spend a couple of hundred dollars to have it adjusted correctly) then I'd sell it.

Then I'd have the crappy camera with the lesser lens for my own.

Why would I do that. Then I wouldn't have a good reason to keep the crappy camera with the good lens, so I'd sell it as well.

Then....... no Bessa II.

And, as has been mentioned, it's not just as simple as pulling the lens/shutters off the two camera's and swapping them.

No, I'd leave them alone. And the fact that I am chronically lazy has nothing to do with it.
 
ghostcount said:
Hi,

New to 120 format and RF Forum.

So I recently acquired a Bessa II with a color-skopar on it, the body is in good condition. I also took a chance on another Bessa II with a color-heliar on it, the body is well worn but functional; both have working Synchro-Compur. I have every intention on using both, but I was wondering if an increase in value would benefit the Heliar when mounted on a better conditioned body? If so, can anyone recommend someone who can do this properly?

TIA

~ Ghost
Click to expand...

do you mean monitory vaule? if so, then if you intend on keeping and using both it is of little consequence (isnt it? or am i missing something?) and only gives you coffee table bragging converstaion about how expensive the camera is-that novely will quickly wear off and soon become boring to anyone listening. the real enjoyment is in using it and discussing (if people care to hear) it attributes, history, function and results (show pictures).

fwiw the lens and shutter will swap easy enough but as mentioned the rangefinders will need to be adjusted/checked, usually the skopar is about a 1mm closer to the film plane. you would also consider checking the shutter speeds; even though they may sound ok one may well be running slower than the other (bit hard to test without equipment though!).

at any rate i would agree with all so far, that its best just to use them how they are,,if the time comes that you decide you only want to keep one then you have the decision and choice whether you would like to have either the heliar or sckopar fitted to a body, that you dont mind if it gets a scratch or scuff mark when you put it down or whether you like to use a nice shiny body. there are people in both camps-each to their own. but be aware that if you change lens/shutter then it will cost you money for adjustment or time to learn how to do it (risky first time camera repair! but it can be done)

wouldn't it be ironic if they both happened to need a cla and rangefinder adjustment now,,in which case you may as well make a choice for lens/body combinations now 🙄
 
Thanks for everyone's reply. It's definitely not for bragging rights, ANY camera in working order that survive this long is already astonishing. Part of the reason for the swap is I will most likely use the Heliar lens more often than the Skopar and would be afraid on using it on a platform that could possibly fall apart; part is value of course (albeit small) and lastly from the standpoint of restoration for the better lens and body (body part donation).

Regardless, I am most certainly fortunate to have these cameras and would honor them both by using them as long as I can with great care. I shape surfboards and I consider it fine art - but when I make one for anybody, my criteria is the surfboard does hang on a wall for display (except if the wall is moving).

Thanks again - it's good to have options.


Best,
Ghost
 
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