Voigtlander Bessa Leica Mount Cameras Made in Japan by Cosina in partnership with Voigtlander, the many modern Voigtlander Leica Screw Mount and Leica M mount bodies offer inexpensive and often unique options into entering the world of Leica rangefinder photography. |
View Poll Results: For Bessa owners. How do you use your camera now and in the future?
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Bessa (any model) is my primary camera
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33 |
23.57% |
Bessa is my secondary or backup camera
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52 |
37.14% |
I do not use my Bessa much any longer
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28 |
20.00% |
I also own a Leica Screw Mount camera
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41 |
29.29% |
I also own a Leica M camera
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68 |
48.57% |
I also own a RF from another manufacturer
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60 |
42.86% |
If my Bessa breaks I intend to have it repaired
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47 |
33.57% |
If my Bessa breaks I will not repair it
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18 |
12.86% |
I can see myself buying another Bessa.
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44 |
31.43% |
The decision by Cosina to stop production makes me less positive about my camera.
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13 |
9.29% |
10-06-2016
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#41
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⚛Yashica
nukecoke is offline
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Sweden/China
Posts: 877
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My main mechanical RF was a Canon L2. And now a black Bessa R takes over and I really like the camera. It came with fungus in finder and misalignment RF, however it's fairly easy to clean and adjust.
What surprised me is my Jupiter-12 can be mounted to the R without damaging anything, and it can focus to all distances. The only problem is the rear elements cover the light meter sensor completely so no metering for me.
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10-06-2016
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#42
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Zoom with your feet!
pvdhaar is offline
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Netherlands
Posts: 3,163
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My Bessa-T went in the great camera purge.. every now and then I miss it, despite that the separate viewfinder/rangefinder set up isn't the most practical.
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10-12-2016
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#43
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Truth is beauty
Juan Valdenebro is offline
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Barcelona and Colombia
Age: 46
Posts: 4,357
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Quote:
Originally Posted by pvdhaar
My Bessa-T went in the great camera purge.. every now and then I miss it, despite that the separate viewfinder/rangefinder set up isn't the most practical.
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Isn´t the most practical unless you find a way to photograph without focusing slowly... HCB used to say he made his best photographs with a Barnack, from the early 30's to mid 50's, and that's the majority of his photography, more than 2 decades of shooting before the M3 was invented, precisely because of a good control of subject distance that makes focusing unnecesary most of the times, unless you use your lens wide open a lot... YMMV.
Cheers,
Juan
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F i l m means fun!
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10-12-2016
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#44
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Zoom with your feet!
pvdhaar is offline
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Netherlands
Posts: 3,163
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Juan Valdenebro
Isn´t the most practical unless you find a way to photograph without focusing slowly... HCB used to say he made his best photographs with a Barnack, from the early 30's to mid 50's, and that's the majority of his photography, more than 2 decades of shooting before the M3 was invented, precisely because of a good control of subject distance that makes focusing unnecesary most of the times, unless you use your lens wide open a lot... YMMV.
Cheers,
Juan
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You do have a valid point there; it's very tempting to ride the focus if you've got an integrated VF/RF. Something that certainly can be a distraction, and can get in the way of composition and timing..
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10-12-2016
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#45
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Registered User
grouchos_tash is offline
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: NE England
Posts: 483
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Juan Valdenebro
Isn´t the most practical unless you find a way to photograph without focusing slowly... HCB used to say he made his best photographs with a Barnack, from the early 30's to mid 50's, and that's the majority of his photography, more than 2 decades of shooting before the M3 was invented, precisely because of a good control of subject distance that makes focusing unnecesary most of the times, unless you use your lens wide open a lot... YMMV.
Cheers,
Juan
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I feel like I more 'in focus' and faster shots with my IIIf than with the M6. I worried less about focus and found the separate Leitz viewfinder for 50mm to be so clear and simple. I'm really considering buying a Bessa T (I sold my IIIf).
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10-18-2016
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#46
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Registered User
superultramega is offline
Join Date: Sep 2007
Posts: 50
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I've been using an R for many years, finally moving onto a (NOS!) Zeiss ZM. The R served me well with some minor issues. The film counter plastic window fell out, the backdoor is a mess and I've re-aligned the rangerfinder a few times. But along with (ltm) CV lenses it is a great affordable photo making rig.
I believe I read somewhere it's possible to buy (or strip) a replacement backdoor from other Cosina manufactured cameras. Is that a truth or myth?
Anyway if anyone is looking for a loved but properly functioning Bessa R keep your eyes on the prize in the next few weeks.
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10-19-2016
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#47
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⚛Yashica
nukecoke is offline
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Sweden/China
Posts: 877
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Quote:
Originally Posted by superultramega
I've been using an R for many years, finally moving onto a (NOS!) Zeiss ZM. The R served me well with some minor issues. The film counter plastic window fell out, the backdoor is a mess and I've re-aligned the rangerfinder a few times. But along with (ltm) CV lenses it is a great affordable photo making rig.
I believe I read somewhere it's possible to buy (or strip) a replacement backdoor from other Cosina manufactured cameras. Is that a truth or myth?
Anyway if anyone is looking for a loved but properly functioning Bessa R keep your eyes on the prize in the next few weeks.
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I have an Olympus OM-2000 (bought very cheaply) which was made by Cosina and the back door seems 99% identical to the one on Bessa-R. It doesn't have the rubber coating and looks much neater. I'm thinking of move the OM2000 back door onto the Bessa-R if the original one breaks.
And ye, the film counter window on my Bessa also fell off inside. I re-glued it and put some transparent tape under it to make it secured.
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10-19-2016
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#48
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Registered User
Snapper_uk is offline
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: East Sussex, UK
Posts: 202
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I always got the impression that the Bessas were looked down upon in these parts as the poor relations...
I have an R2a, an R4a and an L and have never felt the urge to use anything else for 35mm.
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10-19-2016
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#49
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Registered User
honozooloo is offline
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: honolulu, hi
Posts: 158
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Raoul_Volfoni
One complaint I have is that the shutter mechanism locked a couple of times, the curtains remained open and the shutter release wouldn't work.
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I heard that when you force the winding lever at the end of a roll that might happen. Unfortunately for me it happened in mid roll both times. I am a little afraid that will occur again every time I use it...
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I've had this problem occur with my R3A a few times. Best I can tell, it's happened because the film rewind lever thingy popped out of place a little, and jammed against the camera body in such a way that the advance lever couldn't pull film all the way forward to complete the winding cycle because the jammed rewind lever prevented film from advancing.
Either way, it seems too much resistance from the film when winding causes this problem. This can happen due to a jam or hitting the end of the roll. The last time it happened I was shooting a few frames off in rapid succession on my R3A and didn't check the advance lever before racking another frame with the rewind lever, hard and fast. It made an awful crunch too, yikes!
This issue is my one complaint about the design of the R3A; if you wear your Bessa on a strap across the chest, your rewind lever can snag on your belt or jacket or whatever, and pop out into a kind of "half open" position that can cause a jam.
EDIT: Also, yeah the Bessa feels more like operating a Nikon than a Leica. It's been super reliable and a great camera...just as Nikons are. And with Leica glass mounted to your Bessa you're giving up absolutely nothing to the M in terms of IQ obviously. But yeah, of course the Leica FEELS better in the hands and in use. Are M-cameras that much better? In actual use, I believe not. But in terms of user experience...yeah Leicas feel like Porsches while the Bessas feel more like Hondas. YMMV.
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10-23-2016
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#50
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American abroad
traveler_101 is offline
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Oslo, Norway
Posts: 953
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Quote:
Originally Posted by pvdhaar
You do have a valid point there; it's very tempting to ride the focus if you've got an integrated VF/RF. Something that certainly can be a distraction, and can get in the way of composition and timing..
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Or combine methods: give yourself a wide field of focus at f8 or f11; frame and shoot - or alternately frame, and if you decide you have time, shift to the RF window, touch-up focus and shoot. But for street shooting or any shooting where speed is of essence, the camera should always be ready to shoot without relying on the RF.
However, I must admit that I find the Leica IIIf better at focusing quickly than my Bessa-T. My Bessa-R with the integrated finder-rangefinder is a different story.
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12-22-2016
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#51
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Registered User
mpaniagua is offline
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico
Age: 45
Posts: 780
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My Bessa R2 light meter failed on me last week. First I thought it was weak batteries, but remplaced them already and viewfinder light meter leds won't light or show anything.
Any idea where to get it fixed? Looking at the bay, seems R2 prices had rised a bit (bought mine last year for 250, now there are around $400) so I think it deserve fixing. Great camera and had served me well.
Regards.
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12-26-2016
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#52
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American abroad
traveler_101 is offline
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Oslo, Norway
Posts: 953
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I would start by e-mailing our own "head bartender" and ask if his mechanic would take on your repair.
https://www.cameraquest.com/repairs.htm
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12-26-2016
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#53
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Registered User
gb hill is offline
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: North Carolina
Age: 58
Posts: 5,782
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ChrisPlatt
Sounds like a job for Flex Seal. Might be good for the Nikon F100, too. Ya-hoo!
Chris
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Nah, best to work through it. Wears off pretty quick then it's fine. Flex Seal would probably just do the same if not worse. 
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01-11-2017
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#54
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⚛Yashica
nukecoke is offline
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Sweden/China
Posts: 877
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Yesterday I compared the bottom plates on OM-2000 and Bessa-R. The OM-2000 (came out 1997) has plastic plates too, but there is a layer of nickel-copper-zinc alloy coated on them. Bending both bottom plates in hand, the one on OM is notably harder, while the one on Bessa-R is so soft that I dare not to bend with more force... Additionally the alloy coating makes the camera looks better and feels better, and the paint does not chip as easy as Bessa. I wonder why Cosina dropped this design on the pre-metal-plates Bessas. Cost Issue maybe.
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01-16-2017
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#55
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American abroad
traveler_101 is offline
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Oslo, Norway
Posts: 953
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Quote:
Originally Posted by nukecoke
Yesterday I compared the bottom plates on OM-2000 and Bessa-R. The OM-2000 (came out 1997) has plastic plates too, but there is a layer of nickel-copper-zinc alloy coated on them. Bending both bottom plates in hand, the one on OM is notably harder, while the one on Bessa-R is so soft that I dare not to bend with more force... Additionally the alloy coating makes the camera looks better and feels better, and the paint does not chip as easy as Bessa. I wonder why Cosina dropped this design on the pre-metal-plates Bessas. Cost Issue maybe.
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It's irritating that they didn't spend just bit more and use better materials, though the plastic plates seem less problematic to me than the chintzy rewind lever. It just feels like it is going to break. I am careful.
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02-11-2017
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#56
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Analog Preferred
Solinar is offline
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 2,375
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The Bessa 35mm series filled a niche that was ignored by the larger firms by providing simple camera without a lot of bells and whistles.
For my non-professional needs - the Bessa R - which was adapted from an existing Cosina SLR body - has exceeded expectations.
Purchased used in 2005 for mere couple of hundred dollars, I've only run maybe 40 rolls of film through the camera. The Bessa R - or - my Rollei 35 S are still my go to 35mm cameras when traveling on the road - mainly because I'll be able to find another if they are lost.
__________________
- Andrew in Austin, Texas -
35mm Gear Bessa R, Leica II, - IIIg, - M2
Just for fun 35mm Gear a Rollei 35 S, Oly 35RC, plus an XA
Modern Medium Format Fuji GW 690III
Vintage MF Folders a Voigtland Bessa II and Perkeo II - a ZI Mess Ikonta - 524/2, plus an Agfa Super Isolette & a Record III
Digital a D300 and a D700 with some primes
"Who spilled the Dektol on the bathroom carpet?"
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02-22-2017
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#57
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American abroad
traveler_101 is offline
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Oslo, Norway
Posts: 953
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Solinar
The Bessa 35mm series filled a niche that was ignored by the larger firms by providing simple camera without a lot of bells and whistles.
For my non-professional needs - the Bessa R - which was adapted from an existing Cosina SLR body - has exceeded expectations.
Purchased used in 2005 for mere couple of hundred dollars, I've only run maybe 40 rolls of film through the camera. The Bessa R - or - my Rollei 35 S are still my go to 35mm cameras when traveling on the road - mainly because I'll be able to find another if they are lost.
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Well that's right. Losing a Bessa-R, or having it stolen, would not feel like the end of the world - as opposed to having a prized Leica M stolen, lost or damaged. Still that you generally choose the Bessa as your traveling camera over a M2 is boss.
The fact that the Bessa was built on a SLR chassis, as you point out, was presented to me, when I was a newcomer, as an undesirable or less desirable characteristic: "not really a rangefinder" was the refrain.
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07-19-2017
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#58
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Thread Killer
ChrisPlatt is offline
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Queens NYC
Age: 57
Posts: 2,558
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In moderate use my Bessa R has behaved well and never malfunctioned.
I'm thinking about getting a Bessa L with 25mm Snapshot Skopar as well.
Chris
__________________
Bring back the latent image!
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Primary 35mm camera, but... |
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07-19-2017
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#59
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Registered User
KenR is offline
Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 631
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Primary 35mm camera, but...
I use my Bessa R2 and R4 cameras as my primary 35mm bodies, but whenever I can, I use medium format. I have Fuji GSW690 and GW690 that I consider my main cameras, but their weight precludes me from taking them on long hikes. When somebody invents an anti-gravity strap I will use the Fujis all of the time.
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10-13-2017
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#60
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Registered User
Gareth Rees is offline
Join Date: Sep 2011
Posts: 192
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Still using my R2C without any problems
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10-13-2017
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#61
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Registered User
retinax is offline
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 292
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I didn't bond with the Bessa R I briefly had. Mostly due to the plastic-y feeling and light weight. Superficial, I know.
I'm much happier with a Canon 7.
That being said, I'd love a R4 one day for wideangle lenses, but can't afford/justify one.
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10-22-2017
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#62
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Registered User
MaxElmar is offline
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Central New Jersey
Posts: 546
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Just found and purchased a nearly mint R2 - I am really pleased. I had an R for a while and I sold it - and I found I missed it. I also have a T which is a wonderful camera, but not as pretty or as handy as an R2. As a Barnack shooter - I really like the T rangefinder - and that's the one I reach for for a really fast or long lenses. I use a CV 40/1.4 on the R2 - I have a tendency to frame too loosely - the 35mm frame lines are just about perfect for me. I tried an R3a briefly - I may get another one - but I could not see the 40 frame lines or the display. Darn glasses! I should probably try the R4m...
__________________
Chris L.
Still Photographically Uncool
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01-09-2018
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#63
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Cat, coffee, camera:Check
lxmike is offline
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Co Durham NE England
Age: 52
Posts: 2,806
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I bought a Bessa R for a great price and although l shoot a lot with a IIIg and IIIc l really like the Bessa R, obviously l had to buy a Nokton 50mm 1.5 to go with the Bessa
__________________
Current glass: Leitz Elmar 5cm f3.5, Summar 5cm f2, CV Nokton 50/1.5, Fuji XF 35/1.4, Fuji XF 18/2, Nikkor 50/2, Pentax 40/2.8 SMC M
New arrival: Leitz SBOOI 5cm finder.
Currently loaded: Leica IIIc & Voigtlander Bessa R.
Soon to arrive: Olympus XA4
myblog:lifefromawindow
myRFFgallery:
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01-09-2018
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#64
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Registered User
tbhv55 is offline
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Devon, UK
Age: 62
Posts: 513
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Quote:
Originally Posted by lxmike
obviously l had to buy a Nokton 50mm 1.5 to go with the Bessa
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Well, naturally! That's compulsory, surely?  
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01-14-2018
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#65
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Registered User
Jdsegra is offline
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 22
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mpaniagua
My Bessa R2 light meter failed on me last week. First I thought it was weak batteries, but remplaced them already and viewfinder light meter leds won't light or show anything.
Any idea where to get it fixed? Looking at the bay, seems R2 prices had risen a bit (bought mine last year for 250, now there are around $400) so I think it deserve fixing. Great camera and had served me well.
Regards.
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Yep, try Stephen Gandy at CameraQuest
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The single fastest way to become a better photographer is to become a ruthless editor.
flickr
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02-13-2018
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#66
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Registered User
Rayt is offline
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,739
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The R4M with the very wide VF is such a great tool to have in my kit. I really hate external finders. When the Leica .58x came out I was overjoyed and Cosina turned it up to 11. My dislike though about CV bodies is the vertical rf seems to remain off. Not a deal killer for wides.
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02-22-2018
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#67
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Photog
kshapero is offline
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: South Florida, USA
Age: 68
Posts: 9,491
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Mr K and a CV Bessa R3A started my resurrection of using film again. Eventually evolved to the R3M which I proudly still own and shoot today. Add the CV Hand grip and IMHO you have the most ergonomic film rig on the market today.
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02-22-2018
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#68
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Registered User
beakhammer is offline
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 1
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I have been using a Bessa-R for a couple of years, and just picked up a Bessa-T. I like them both very much, and they hold their own among a large gang of other cameras that I use regularly. First, within any format I am especially fond of smaller, lightweight, all-mechanical cameras. I like cameras that are simple and straightforward to use. I like big bright viewfinders. These Voigtlanders have all of these qualities, and they are also more robust and convenient than many of my antique cameras.
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02-23-2018
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#69
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American abroad
traveler_101 is offline
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Oslo, Norway
Posts: 953
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Quote:
Originally Posted by beakhammer
I have been using a Bessa-R for a couple of years, and just picked up a Bessa-T. I like them both very much, and they hold their own among a large gang of other cameras that I use regularly. First, within any format I am especially fond of smaller, lightweight, all-mechanical cameras. I like cameras that are simple and straightforward to use. I like big bright viewfinders. These Voigtlanders have all of these qualities, and they are also more robust and convenient than many of my antique cameras.
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Welcome to the forum!  Can't help but agreeing that these are two commendable camera models, especially considering that I own both of them myself!  And, yes, some compromises made in materials has had the virtue of keeping the cameras light.
Curious about how you use the Bessa-T. That was my first rangefinder but I haven't used it much since I acquired a R (and a Leica IIIf). Of course the T takes M-mount lenses . . .
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3 Weeks Ago
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#70
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Registered User
Gary E is offline
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 362
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The Bessa R3a is the best shooting M mount camera I own. It is what I take out when I just want to capture photos on a vacation or at events where I don't have time to meter manually. My longest used camera was my M4-2, and it was a great camera to use when I wanted to slow things down a bit.
I only wish the R4a wasn't discontinued. 
__________________
VC Bessa R3a & Leica M4-2
Yashica D TLR
Assorted unRF SLR's
Sony FE used to call me but now Fuji GFX is ringing in my ears
For Pete's sake, they're all good. Just get out there and shoot with what you've got!
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3 Weeks Ago
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#71
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Registered User
kuvvy is offline
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: United Kingdom
Age: 61
Posts: 1,759
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Quote:
Originally Posted by lxmike
I bought a Bessa R for a great price and although l shoot a lot with a IIIg and IIIc l really like the Bessa R, obviously l had to buy a Nokton 50mm 1.5 to go with the Bessa
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A silver Bessa R arrived in our store last week along with the CV Nokton 50/1.5. I was tempted but didn’t succumb. Tried the lens on a M4/3 body and was impressed. Wonder what that would be like on my RD1.
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1 Week Ago
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#72
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Registered User
jbharrill1 is offline
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: NC
Posts: 80
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I’m curious and feel like this may be the best place to ask this question. What is the honest difference in shutter noise on a bessa vs an m body? I’ve watched a few YouTube comparisons but still don’t have a solid idea.
I own a CL and an m4-p and the m4-p is a bit more quiet than the CL. I’m wondering if the bessa is comparable to the CL or more or less quiet? I always thought for some reason that the automatic bessa’s would be a little less noises due to the electric shutter.
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1 Week Ago
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#73
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Registered User
dourbalistar is offline
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: Bay Area, CA
Posts: 180
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jbharrill1
I’m curious and feel like this may be the best place to ask this question. What is the honest difference in shutter noise on a bessa vs an m body? I’ve watched a few YouTube comparisons but still don’t have a solid idea.
I own a CL and an m4-p and the m4-p is a bit more quiet than the CL. I’m wondering if the bessa is comparable to the CL or more or less quiet? I always thought for some reason that the automatic bessa’s would be a little less noises due to the electric shutter.
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The Head Bartender has a description of the Bessa's shutter noise on his Bessa Comparison Chart, about halfway down the page. I think it's the shutter material that has the bigger impact on sound and not the electronic shutter per se. The Bessas have vertically travelling metal bladed shutters vs. horizontally travelling rubberized cloth for Leica M.
I have a Bessa L and a M5, and to my ear the Bessa's shutter is a bit louder and a bit more metallic sounding. But like the Head Bartender says, it's relative, and you may or may not find it objectionably louder.
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5 Days Ago
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#74
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American abroad
traveler_101 is offline
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Oslo, Norway
Posts: 953
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jbharrill1
I’m curious and feel like this may be the best place to ask this question. What is the honest difference in shutter noise on a bessa vs an m body? I’ve watched a few YouTube comparisons but still don’t have a solid idea.
I own a CL and an m4-p and the m4-p is a bit more quiet than the CL. I’m wondering if the bessa is comparable to the CL or more or less quiet? I always thought for some reason that the automatic bessa’s would be a little less noises due to the electric shutter.
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Metal is metal, cloth is cloth regardless of the drive mechanism. My IIIf and a M6 that I tried are much quieter than my Bessas R and T. But then cloth shutters develop problems more easily.
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