Suggestions please for 40mm lens for Voigtlander Bessa R

<p>Hi folks</p>

<p>I am hoping to buy a used Voigtlander Bessa R soon. It is to be used as a bit of fun really and won't be my main camera. I know very little about Voigtlander and Leica lenses so I am hoping for a few suggestions for a decent compatible lens in the 35 - 45mm range (40mm would be ideal). I don't want to spend a fortune so please don't suggest anything extravagant. I would also like a fast aperture if the price isn't too silly. Anything considered.</p>

<p>First, you want to get the R3A-or M. It ha 40mm frames. A good choice would be the Voigtlander 40/1.4. It has a warranty if bought new. A used Minolta 40/2 for CL or CLE is also a good choice. I would go for the new lens.</p>

<p>Thanks Alex, so (numpty question coming) if I was using a 40mm lens on a Bessa R what would I see through the viewfinder? i.e. what frames does the Bessa R have?</p>

<p>Jamie, the Bessa R is Leica Thread Mount (LTM) and discontinued. You don't want it. You want a New Bessa, which is better made and takes Leica M lenses. When you look through the viewfinder you'll see the 40mm frames when you dial them in for your 40mm lens. You'll also see a focusing thing in the center with a split image. You bring the image together by focusing the lens. It is simple and accurate. Note that all the Bessa Rs have manual frame sets, as opposed to the automatic ones on all other Leica M-mount cameras. Get the R3A or M (automatic or manual) as it has 40mm frames.</p>

<p>OK, thanks Alex. I didn't realise the Bessa R was screw thread. I am not interested in changing lenses, once I get the 40mm it will stay on there permanently. I may have to have a rethink as the R3 is much more expensive.</p>

<p>In addition to it's 40mm frame R3 also has something that in ideal world every rangefinder could have - a life-size rangefinder magnification. Closest second is M3 with it's 50mm frame at 0.92x. This lets you use the camera without any eyestrain, with both eyes open, and thus is the most "transparent" viewfinder I can imagine.</p>

<p>There is only one modern 40mm available in screw mount and thats the Rollei Sonnar 40mm f2.8. Its reasonably rare and more expensive compared to the other 40's. I agree with others get a R3 in M mount and get a matching Voigtlander 40mm f1.4. If you are only planning on having one lens you may as well get the fastest.</p>

<p>I use Voigtlander 40mm f/1.4 on a Bessa R3A and I'm very happy about its performance; it lives on the camera!</p>