Yet another Bessa owner

[andersju]

I've been reading this great forum for a while but didn't become a member until today. I bought a Bessa R + CV 35/2.5C recently and developed the first roll from it (Tri-X 400) yesterday.. it was also my very first time developing film - I used to be all digital (see http://x.unix.se/photos/ for that). Considering my newbieness I think it turned out relatively well. I love the camera and am really looking forward to going out and shooting lots of pictures now - here in Sweden, spring seems to finally have come (just last week the temperatures were well below zero (celsius) and people were out walking on the frozen waters; right now it's +17 in the sun and the snow's melting!)

I've attached the second picture I took with the camera. I don't have any photo paper yet, but I couldn't wait to see the results, so this is actually a photo of the enlarger's projection of the negative, taken with a D70 at 1/30 ISO 1250 and then inverted in The GIMP, which (hopefully) explains the quality..

 

[Doug]

Welcome, Anders! You picked an outstanding rig to start with, and a bargain. With developing too, there are lots of new experiences I hope you'll continue to enjoy. Innovative digitizing process!

 

[peter_n]

Great kit Anders and it looks like you did a pretty good job with the soup! Welcome to the forum! 🙂

 

[Solinar]

Yet another welcome and I hope you enjoy the new Bessa kit.

 

[tedwhite]

Welcome to the forum:

I have lived lo these many years, yet the idea of photographing a projected image absolutely never occurred to me. Turned out amazingly well.

I have the same camer and lens, but it's not a 'C.'

From what you are saying about the first nudge of Spring, May must be a beautiful time to be where you live.



Ted

 

[andersju]

Thank you all!

May is indeed beautiful here; I can't wait to photograph it.

I'm going to shoot some color with the Bessa R + Industar-61 L/D this weekend, very curious about how it'll turn out (never used the lens before). All I need now is a film scanner..

 

[tedwhite]

It's a waffle. I just know it.

What do you worthies think about me buying a Bessaflex (M42) for all my seven Super Takumar lenses? Anybody have one or know anyone with one?

Ted

 

[tedwhite]

Can't find his name in member's list. Not under B or M.

Perhaps you know his email address?

Ted

 

[GeneW]

Can't find his name in member's list. Not under B or M.

Perhaps you know his email address?

Ted

He's bmattock and here's his profile:
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/member.php?u=6

I remember Bill getting a Bessaflex -- he's sure to have some advice.

Gene

 

[Doug]

Not having one will not stop me from offering an opinion, Ted. 🙂 It's apparently directed at those like you who have M42 lenses that they'd like to use more, but who probably also have M42 bodies at hand. They would be looking for a new camera with a new-camera warranty, I think. They'll also get a brighter viewfinder, diode metering display, and compatibility with the Bessa-R2 side grip, under grip, and trigger winder. Using my trigger winder on the SLR would be cool.

Like the original Spotmatic, it also has stop-down metering. While a simple arrangement, that is a tad inconvenient. Though I believe Pentax didn't intend the user to meter every single exposure, just whenever necessary.

Mostly what holds me back from getting a Bessaflex is already having four M42 Pentax bodies in good working order, ranging from a 1958 model K to a 1972 model ES. These are all, I daresay, more solidly made than the Bessaflex. Do you have a Pentax body as well?

The Bessaflex is interesting in bringing the modern Voigtlander Bessa line full-circle to its SLR origins. Its predecessor was sold as a price leader under half a dozen famous brand names (but not Pentax) and as many different lens mounts. Wonder where it'll go next!

 

[BillG]

Bessa R and a 35mm f2.5 Classic is a perfect compact walk around combination...great bargain, great quality....hope to see more of your photos. I just got back into BW development this past Christmas after a 25 year hiatus. I am about to go on a BW Bessa bingeas the temperature here in Ontario - Canada gets above freezing and stays there, my cat is getting annoyed at the sunshine fooling him into thinking Spring has really sprung. Snow still here and the lake is still frozen with snowmobiles running by.

 

[tedwhite]

Doug:

I have three Spotmatic (SP) bodies. Two have been CLA'd by Eric. The third looks new but has shutter lag and an inoperative meter. Merely the thought of having a new M42 body is what I found intriguing. ((Plus the trigger winder, of course).

Ted