Bessa R2a/R3a and R-D1 same bottom?

[Tom Conte]

Anyone have both a Bessa R2, R2a or R3a and an R-D1? I'm wondering if they have the same bottom dimensions and tripod socket location. If so, then the side grip would work.

[rover]

Tom, I did have my R2 with me in NYC when I attended the Photo Plus Expo. I sat the Bessa down next to the R-D1 and in all dimensions the R-D1 was slightly larger than the R2. I would guess that at least the R-D1 is not the same. I did not directly compare the R2 and R3a when I had them in hand, but they are at least very close.

[David Kieltyka]

I tried the Bessa grip with the R-D1 shortly after getting the latter. It doesn't quite fit unfortunately. As Rover notes the R-D1 is a tad bulkier than a Bessa.

-Dave-

[Tom Conte]

David,

Was it something that could be hacked and altered to fit, or a you-can't-get-there-from-here kind of thing?

[David Kieltyka]

Tom, IMO it's a no-go. The grip fits onto the side of the R-D1, though not snugly, but the securing screw doesn't line up with the camera's tripod socket.

-Dave-

[jlw]

Here's a baseplate view of an R-D1 and an R2. You'll notice that the tripod sockets are in the same location relative to the lens mount, but the R-D1 is visibly thicker, longer and taller.

I don't know how this compares to the R2a or R3a -- but if anyone would like to lend me one for six months or so, that should be enough time for me to do a new comparison photo. Hey, I'm a slow worker...

[JohnM]

The old R2 and the new R3a/R2a share the same baseplate - trigger winders and sidegrips that fit the R2 will also fit the newer Bessas....and not the R-D1.

[Tom Conte]

Thanks guys, that's pretty definitively 'no'. I appreciate the quick replies.

[Sean Reid]

It's not the same thing, of course, but LeicaGoodies is sending me a sling to try on the R-D1 for a little review. If it works, would that be of interest? http://www.leicagoodies.com/

Sean