Oh my ... I've gone and done it

MCTuomey · 11-29-2004

Hello everyone. Just today I couldn't help myself and went and bid on an R2. Decided not to wait for the AE version - trying to save some money to be able to buy 1-2 lenses sooner. Coming from auto SLR and youth sports and other things that SLRs do well. Wanting something less obvious to shoot available light and "on the street." (I've had two potentially ugly incidents with strangers while walking and shooting with my SLR. I'm a bit frightened from them, despite being 6'3'' and 230#.)

Seems like this is a very supportive forum for such impulses. Assuming I'm successful now or later, looking forward at the CV lenses, what would you think of the 1.9/28, the 1.7/35, or the 1.5/50 as a place to start? I'm hoping that the R2 will be able to focus these faster lenses well enough. If not, any other suggestions on reasonably fast lenses?

TIA for the help.

JohnM · 11-29-2004

Supportive of impulses?! By God, man, we are all about impulses here.

You're going to love the R2. Like you, I started with SLR's and shooting sports, cars, whatever...then I discovered rangefinders, bought an R2 and now even the DSLR is gathering dust. (It's a creeping sickness...I have an R3 on order.)

I have the 50/1.5 and I'm happy with it. She's a big pup, but also fast and sharp - real nice rig with the R2 and I have had no problems focusing wide open.

I've used the 28 - I'm sure it's fine, but I like having real, live framelines to look at. I don't know much about the 35/1.7, but the Classic CV 35/2.5 is a very nice lens and cheaper than heck to boot.

You might even want to consider the new 40/1.4 - would seem to fit right into your specs.

back alley · 11-29-2004

welcome mct!

you're gonna love it here!

joe

Doug · 11-29-2004

Welcome, MCTuomey! Good impulse! R2 sounds pretty good to me, though I don't have one. I do have several CV lenses, and they're very good. The three you mention are all rather large, heavy, and fast...

With an SLR, lens speed aids accurate focus, but with RF cameras that's not a factor; it's the clarity and baseline length of the RF that counts. This makes lenses of modest aperture more practical, along with the RF camera's natural lack of vibration from mirror slap, allowing lower hand-held shutter speeds.

One other attribute of the RF cam is relatively compact body size. Combined with smaller lighter lenses, this makes the cameras more discreet on the street as well as easier to have with you.

My most recent CV lens is the f/2.5 50mm, and I love its compact size and light weight along with fine performance. I have no qualms about using it wide open as necessary. Indeed, I'm not so sure I 'need' anything faster, as depth of field would get mighty thin at closer distances anyway!

I also have the 15, 25, 28/3.5, and 75mm lenses, all fine performers. I find the 25 and 28 especially useful. Whatever you choose, I expect you'll have a good time with your new gear!

mourges · 11-29-2004

Congrats - Impulse buys are a wonderful thing :-)

The R2 from what I have heard is a fine camera. i'm waiting for a R2A early next year (I was tossing up between a R2A and a R3A, but realised I want/need 35mm framelines)

I own both the 35mm 1.7 and the 50 1.5. Both are great lenses for different purposes. In terms of handholding, they are both great, and neither offer a great deal over each other.

the 35 1.7 has a brilliant tonality to the images, which i love for shooting people. I had used 35mm on SLR and could never get a handle on it. I use the 35 on my leica M3 and it is great (I just use the outside edge as framelines).

the 50mm 1.5 is a little harsher, more contrasty in it's images. it receives a lot of stick on some other forums for its bokeh, but I don't see it.

I'm also thinking of getting the 28 1.9 - I like fast lenses and sometimes the 35 isn't wide enough. (despite what some people tell you there is a large diffeence between 28, 35 and 50.

Any one of these lenses would be great, however if I had to choose one, it would be the 35 1.7. 35mm is said to be 'normal' for the rangefinder

Tim · 11-29-2004

heh heh...You are in trouble now, this Rangefinder addiction cannot be stopped once it has started...you have started down the long, slippery slope!

Anyway, that aside, I'll echo the others - Welcome!, and I think you'll love the R2, once you make the mental transition to manual RF's.

Of the lenses you mention, I have the 35/1.7 on my R2, and until last weekend used it on my Leica M6. It's a seriously great lens. The R2 focuses it just fine. I originally had the CV 35/2.5 classic, also a brilliant lens, and half the size and weight of the 1.7. But I found I needed an extra stop - hence the 1.7.

A lot depends on how you "see", some people naturally prefer 50's, or 28's, or whatever. Personally, the 35mm length is my normal lens; i do probably 80% of my photogrpahy with that length.
Ultimately only you can decide, when you get the R2 try pointing at all sorts of typical for you scenes and cycling thru the framelines and see which is more natural.

Most importantly, enjoy!!

tim

bmattock · 11-29-2004

Quote:

Originally posted by JohnM
Supportive of impulses?! By God, man, we are all about impulses here.

Ain't it the truth? It's like being at your favorite bar or tavern - "Gee, guys, should I head home or have another drink?" I think we all know the answer to that one.

I think I'm nothing but pure 'id' with a lens attached at one end.

Best Regards,

Bill Mattocks

rover · 11-30-2004

All great advise, Welcome to the site.

My experience is that the Bessas, R & R2 were made for the 35mm focal length. I had a 35/1.7 Ultron and it just jumped into focus and like everyone says, creates great images.

Choose your kit well, and accept the truth that eventually you will be buying all the lenses anyways.

g0tr00t · 11-30-2004

Welcome MCTuomey!!! Haa haa haa!!! Lookie here boys we got ourselves another one!!!

I came here a few weeks back. I asked some VERY newbie questions expecting to get thrown in the flames of hell and never to return.

Instead, I was offered some very friendly advice and great FREE tips. I ended up with a Canon GLIII, then a Yaschica GSN, then 2 Olympus SPn's and now I also bought the Bessa R2!!

I tell you this is sickening! This group is SO nice! They LOVE helping you spend your money and the best thing about it is there is no buyers remorse! These guys are here for you if you get in the dog house.

Good luck on that auction!

Tim · 11-30-2004

Quote:

Originally posted by g0tr00t
I tell you this is sickening! This group is SO nice! They LOVE helping you spend your money

Now, let's be fair......

It's not so much that we love helping you spend your money; it's more to do with the fact that by you spending yours we don't feel so bad about spending ours...... And it's much better if you can say to your significant other "Me spend money?? Ha! you should see what some of the other guys on RFF spend!!!!"

tim

Brian Sweeney · 11-30-2004

"Ha! you should see what some of the other guys on RFF spend!!!!"

I have no idea of what you are talking about...

If you want inconspicuous street pictures, the wide-angles are the place to start. The bottom portion of the ever-ready case will also help to muffle shutter noise. It sounds like you want to "shoot from the Hip", or at least give it a try. Look through the galleries of others on RFF for street shooting style. If I EVER take up street photography, I will have an excuse to use the Tessina.

spetsnaz · 11-30-2004

I had just bought my first R2 last month here in Bangkok, used one with Olive colored. Now I already have 3 of them with 21/4 and 35/1.7. They're all just great ! For the money I spent, I could buy a nice used M6 here, but I love R2 that suit my photo habit and plus convenience to use. I'm looking for more lens like 75/2.5 or 90/3.5 and ( maybe ) another used Black R2 that just come right in my friend's shop !

Doug · 11-30-2004

spetsnaz, wouldn't you feel guilty hoarding FOUR Bessa-R cameras while some other deserving persons must do without?

You might end up with both a 75 and a 90mm lens... I have long had a 90mm which has been useful on occasion, but only rarely. I think I like the 75 better now that I have one, but everyone's eye is differerent...

MCTuomey · 11-30-2004

Shucks, everyone. Thanks for all the great advice. I better win that bid ... my resolve is weakening ... looks like I'll be upping my minimum. Woo-hoo! Whatta forum ... communal support for hedonist rangefinderphilia. Home, home at last ...

spetsnaz · 12-01-2004

I know Doug, I just couldn't help myself ! R2's so not popular here, people always look for big name like Leica. I used to try some used M6s / M6 TTLs in very nice condition but film loading and 1/60 flash sync are not what I like. Leica lens on R2 should be better than thier own body IMO !

Regards,
PoP ( spetsnaz )

g0tr00t · 12-01-2004

1 more day!!!! WHOO HOO!!!! GO GO GO GO GO GO GO !!!!!!!

SolaresLarrave · 12-01-2004

We're rooting for you MCTuomey! Good luck!

MCTuomey · 12-01-2004

Thanks, everyone. As of this moment, I'm still in the money. Gabba gabba hey!

MCTuomey · 12-01-2004

Looks like there's another R2 just come up. If I lose, then I've got at least one other option. Ooh, only 22 hours to go. I'll be useless tomorrow.

g0tr00t · 12-01-2004

Ahhhh, I am going to watch this item with you! Watch those darn snipers...

I just got the other R2 for $440. Little more than I wanted to spend, but it is in the box and looks great. I just got it today!

MCTuomey · 12-01-2004

That's great, David. I wish one was in my hands. Hopefully I won't get picked off, and I can join the Bessa club. Enjoy the new addition to your bag! I'm sure you will.

g0tr00t · 12-01-2004

This should be a sticky! No one bid on that Bessa R2!!!! LOL

I am pullin' fer ya Mike! GO go go go go go!!!!

JohnM · 12-02-2004

So....did Mike win the Bessa? It went for a bargain price - I hope he nabbed it!

MCTuomey · 12-02-2004

Crestfallen, I am. I had coaching duty and wasn't near a 'puter during the final moments ... and was outbid. But I am not done yet - more R2 bodies popped up this evening. There must be one with my name on it!