Okay, I can't stand it anymore.

Eric, I too like that gray R3A. I have an R2 and R3A. I wear glasses and the 40mm frame lines are hard to see, but I adapted pretty well and do not have any problem shooting with it.

There is a fair bit of difference in finish durability between the L, R, T, and the T101, R2,

R2A and R3A.

 

the L is a $69 camera.

 

I have an R and the T101 and since I dont wear sandpaper gloves the finish is holding up

fine thanks. I also have a IIIf and the CVs are not in the same league but they aint crap

either.

eric: i have been talking to my counselor lately about my addiction of camera gears. you should also try... :)

I've been using the R3A steadily for 3 months now and there's not a mark on the body. I don't think that the black finish can be compared to the earlier Bessas, but I can't speak to the grey. I'll warrant that it's pretty tough.

The 40mm framelines are hard to see, particularly since I have a big nose and am left-eyed, but I'm getting used to them. Shooting with a 50 and a 75 is a great experience, however. My complaint is there there isn't a bottom line on the 40mm framelines, just a dash at each end. Sometimes I cut off the bottom of my image.

 

I'm in Vancouver if you want to see the camera. Just drop a line.

I can see putting together a major travelling kit with the 3A plus 21mm, 40mm and 75mm CV lenses all just a little bit over $1500 and you're good to go.

great to come home to such replies. i was sold on the R3a but now consider the 2. I don't wear glasses or feel i'll ever own a 40mm. that's why i thought...oh i don't know what to think. Now I'm back to the R2a

 

i'm not concerned about the finish keeping up. i never have nor am i collector for monetary value. i just use them and try not to drop them :) I've dropped my D2x/17-55 already and saved most of the fall with a hacky-sack move.

 

Ben, thanks very much for your offer, expect to hear from me in a couple of weeks. Were did you order from? Leo's? How much if you don't mind me asking...

Eric~ Do you find anything about Frank stating a pint of view about buying a certin camera hunorous? I wouldn't follow any avice he gave out if it had been my first thought on the matter as well.

Mark, I'm not sure what you mean? I've tried reading it a few it a few times but still no luck. I have many cameras, some for making a living with and some for having fun with. This would be for the latter.

Hi Eric,

 

I bought the R3A new from Stephen Gandy at Cameraquest in May, and picked up the CV 40/1.4 SC from a photo.net member.

 

Drop a line anytime you'd like to see it.

 

Ben

I bought the R3A

 

You poor thankless sad soul...how could you waste your cash on such a worthless piece of junk.... gold star sad fondler.

 

Only kidding, i have one permanently in my camera bag; it?s so very light.

Those techy types are paid so much to pratt around....can you lot make a slight bit of effort to drop the question mark thing: it?s so very light....can?t be too hard.

 

Jeez, don't want to put you out too much and spoil your endless coffee breaks.

Grey R2a is the one for me. I had the black R3a but prefer the R2a because the viewfinder has the 35mm framelines (I really didn't get on at all with the 1:1 finder). Here it is with some coffee and a CV 28mm 1.9<div></div>

Cheers Everyone, and cheers Ben. It'll be a few weeks until I'm finished this gig. What is the total cost for us over on the Best Coast? I was just going to email Beau and tell him to order it. Glad to see another Vancouverite on the forum as well, man.

 

I think it's going to be a R2a...

Eric,

 

There's a V/C dealer downtown right across the street from the Pacific Center entrance on

Howe Street. It's just about half a block up from Pender Street.

 

I don't know what kind of inventory they carry but you might give them a call and see what

they have in.

 

I've always gotten a bit of a break from them on my gear (ultra-wide 12mm V/C lens.)

Leo's on the other hand... don't deal at all! The price is the price is the price.

 

[bTW... I have nothing to do with them other than being a customer. :)]

 

Good luck

 

Cheers

Eric, my boy, isn't it time to buy yourself a Leica M? When you do, you'll never look back. Oh, and thanks for the heads-up at Beaus. ;*)