Voigtlander Bessa R the cheap Leica alternative

<p>Do anybody know about Bessa compatibility with non-retrofocus wide angles like the russian ones?<br /> I used to own the 35mm with the protruding back lens (purchased it new with a Fed 5 "Olympic" and sold it with all the other LTM stuff), and later on i purchased a nice Russar 20mm in chrome finish, original and perfectly OK. IF it work with a Bessa, i think i'll keep it, and try to find a cheap used Bessa on the bay, other way i think i'll sell it to make some money for my current craze for vintage large format lenses (in particular soft focus ones).<br /> Any advice?</p>

<p>have fun</p>

<p> Paolo</p>

<p>CV makes a 12 and 15mm lenses that protrude into the body quite a bit and they obviously work since they're from the same manufacturer. Find the specs on them and if you're under that you'll be fine. Some collapsible lenses have issues though.</p>

<p>I have the R3A and I like it a whole lot more than I'd expected, given accounts I'd read that the R line were essentially re-used SLR body designs without prisms. The shutter does sound like an SLR's, and is not exactly whisper quiet. It looks and feels business-like. I haven't been tracking the used model pricings all that closely, but anecdotally, they seem to be climbing, and I'm seeing second-hand R3A bodies go for around 25% more than I paid a couple of years ago, and they're noticeably rarer in my usual dealer listings. CV lens prices seem to be climbing commensurately. Fortunately for me I now have all the CV lenses in the series that I want, being the set of 21/28/40/75. R/F lenses seem markedly more expensive than their structurally more complex SLR counterparts, but I guess that's a supply and demand thing.</p>

<p>I found it a whole lot easier to get over not having a TTL image than I thought I would, and I still get a kick out of the continuity of image in the viewfinder at the moment of exposure. I chose the R3A because I couldn't at the time justify the ZI body, and the R3A is good enough to keep me photographically happy.</p>

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<p>Thanks Alex! I seem to be coming to the same conclusions in reading about this gear, too. But it really helps to hear it from an owner! I remember the fun I had with my Electro 35, and these seem like they'd be even better.</p>

<p>Nice to see your study of shapes, Mike. I shot several rolls with one and liked it. I also thought it felt somewhat flimsy, but I loved the lightness and that finder is oh so bright. In the hand it fits well but you don't get the nice, tactile heft of an all-metal mechanical RF. I'll stick to my Canon's and Contax G RF but it's nice to see the Canon LTM lenses work so well on the Bessa.</p>

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<p>Do anybody know about Bessa compatibility with non-retrofocus wide angles like the russian ones?</p>

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<p>I don't own a Bessa R series personally, but from what others have said any lens that has a protruding rear element won't work - the Bessas have an extra "blind" in front of the shutter to help prevent light leaks, and the protruding lenses hit that blind. So, no, the Russian lenses won't work with a Bessa.</p>

<p>Just to join in (belatedly), I'm also fond of my Bessa R. I've also got the 35mm f/2.5 Color-Skopar and an ancient (although only 1949, in my case) 90mm Leica Elmar (nice bit of engineering). I've never got around to testing the rangefinder, and don't usually shoot wide open when I care about the focal point; some day I'll attack it with a screwdriver. I like having a camera that can survive temperature extremes and whose battery is optional - I tend to mix black and white and Velvia with it.<br />

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My objections are really: 1) it's almost as loud as an SLR, whereas I really wanted something as quiet as the cloth-shutter Leicas (or a Rolleiflex), and 2) for something quite plasticky, it's heavy - my Eos 500 and 50mm f/1.8 are lighter, if bulkier, than the Bessa and 35mm pancake. Still, it's a nice change from my SLR selection, even if it's no M9.</p>

<p>I read this with great interest and feel that I need to defend the humble little Bessa R. I am a professional photographer, and have used nearly every film system known. A long time Leica fan and user, I wanted to mention that they are not without faults. I have owned four leica rangefinders and have had to have all of them adjusted at some point. For example, my M6 classic purchased new needed the vertical parallax adjusted right out of the box. The speeds on my pristine M4-P were all off. My two Lecia CL's needed meter adjustments and my Leica R3 (SLR) developed electrical problems early in life. Only my R6 (SLR) has never needed anything more than a routine cleaning.<br>

I mention this because I purchased a new Bessa R about 10 years ago so that I could use my wartime era Zeiss Sonnar 50/2. I never expected Lecia build quality, but was surprised at how solid the camera feels. It's not whisper quite but how many metal focal plane shutters are? (minolta XE, Lecia R3 comes to mind) In 10 years of regular use, the finish looks outstanding. Since this is my 'beater' take anywhere camera, it's never been serviced, and it's never needed service. Speeds, meter and rangefinder are all spot on. I would highly recommend this little beast to anyone. And I don't mind the composite body. No dents. Oh, and the film winder action gets smoother with use. I have NO complaints with the Bessa R, it's view finder is as good or maybe even a touch better than my M6 (I'm gonna get blasted for that) and if you wear glasses it doesn't flare.<br>

Give the Bessa R credit for what it is, a well made reasonably price entry into the wonderful world of Rangefinder cameras.<br>

Norman</p>

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<p>Even later to the subject :)<br>

I have a Jupiter 12 (Russian 35mm with large protruding rear element) that fits my Bessa R perfectly. Apparently about 20% or so will (and in no particular pattern of serial numbers). I just got lucky. Even if the lens is not going to fit it will not cause damage. Just rack the focus to the near limit before attaching to the Bessa R and then slowly adjust out. You may not reach infinity due to internal baffles. Metering does not work, though, due to shadowing of the meter.</p>

<p>Well, this post was created YEARS ago, but here goes!<br>

I've long been a budding amateur Black & White chap, but thought I'd have a go and see what all this fuss was with Rangefinders!<br>

I realised, VERY quickly that I couldn't afford a Leica (the M4 appealed to me!) so read up on the Bessa R. The reasons were two-fold! Firstly, I could afford a second-hand one (I sold my beloved Nikon FM2N with lens for a Bessa R in black!). Secondly, the M39 threaded lens meant I wasn't drawn into the world of Leica M (megga-expensive almost exclusive!) lenses! Make no mistake, if I had the money, I'd have a Leica, but my Bessa R is likened to a Ford Focus! It gets me from A to B just like a Porsche... (get it?) ;~)<br>

I first got an Industar 52mm lens... on developing my first roll of film, it became clear that there was either a focal fault or the lens was incompatible. On reading further, I learnt that the Jupiter 8 50mm was a good option. I got one for £30 on Ebay and it was spot on! In truth, I'm kinda a 'rangefinder convert'! I love the setup and I'll be keeping it for the foreseeable future.<br>

The only fault I have with the body is a light leak I discovered recently in very bright conditions. Using my common sense and some Sherlock Holmes skills I sourced the leak to the film cartridge window. I've ordered some 2mm self adhesive foam and will sort this out easily!<br>

I'm really pleased with this setup, now. I'm bulk loading, daylight developing (Agfa Rondinax) and scanning and loving it! I'm pretty average, but only use point-n-shoot digitals whenever I NEED to, rather than through choice! ;~)</p><div></div>