your advice: Zeiss Ikon vs. Bessa R2A

[amoz]

What do you think? I have got the Bessa right now, but am able to buy a ZI at an attractive price (after which I would sell the Bessa)... I only shoot a 35 mm (CV PII f 2.5 right now but looking for a summicron) on my rangefinder.

Would this be a worthy upgrade? I really need a second opinion, so thanks a lot!

 

[nzeeman]

what is that attractive price? it depends on that.

 

[amoz]

900 euros for a near-pristine ZI

[and I bought my R2A new from Stephen Gandy (Cameraquest) last fall so that should still be worth some cash...]

thanks

 

[rxmd]

In Germany you get around 400 EUR for an R2A in good condition. You would have to check if you have Voigtländer or CameraQuest warranty on your old body; CameraQuest warranty can be a killer if your buyer is in Europe, because shipping the body there & back is pretty much of a hassle.

The main advantage of the ZI is the much better finder. The rest (build quality, feel, ...) is pretty subjective I'd say. Take one in your hand and see if the difference is worth 500 EUR to you.

 

[nzeeman]

thats a good deal.
i dont have those cameras,but i read a lot about them. im only afraid of electronic shutter. you have to pay more attention to them in bad weather.
on the other hand zi looks really really nice and that big viewfinder is great.
(i saw bessa r here on rff in some thread for 99 euros. i would love it but my monthly pay of 200 euros dont allow me that.
so if you are in same situation keep using your bessa.)
so my conclusion is if you have enough money take it. but dont give last money for it.

 

[amoz]

Thanks for the reactions already, guys!

Anybody who has handled both cameras?

 

[back alley]

don't undrestimate the deadly combo of a long baselength and a hugh finder.
my old eyes are so happy with the zi!

joe

 

[Avotius]

im probably the only person who doesnt see a difference in the finders of the zeiss ikon and bessa but yes, the zeiss ikon is a better camera then the bessa, but I prefer the shutter speed layout on the bessa

 

[Berliner]

I've used an R3a & a ZI...
The ZI's finder is top notch. *Maybe* even better than my MP's...if that helps. Other than that, Don't the ZI & R2a have very similar features? There is also a more 'refined' finished look to the ZI, if that matters to you.

 

[rover]

I don't think you can go wrong either way. Yes, the ZI has that wonderful finder and huge baselength. It is like when a coach chooses a tall or fast player, you can't teach speed or height. Well, you can't beat baselength in a RF, even with higher magnification like the R3 camera. That said, the Bessa finder is also excellent, not as wide a field of view, and if you don't plan on shooting longer the 35mm or faster than f2 with a 50mm lens then the Bessa will do.