I just returned the Elan 7n and sold the 20D.
I looked at the Bessa R2A at B&H. Then I bought one. The model I got had some sort of stuck advance lever.
I returned it and got another one.
Shot one roll on the way home.
As soon as I looked through the viewfinder of the demo, I knew I wanted it. Got it with the 40 f1.4 multi-coated lens (I read the article on CameraQuest but was unimpressed with the big deal about single coated lenses).
YES! IT IS LOUDER than a Leica M6.
But it ain't terrible.
After a few minutes with it on the street - Herald Square - I felt very much at home with it, and I like having Ap. Priority. The camera opens on the back, like a semi-modern camera, with a crank you pull up to release the door. And there's even (gasp) aperture Lock.
Well - to put it in "emotional' terms - it does feel a bit like returning home after a long absence.
5 comments:
Sounds good Dave.
I guess that you are now out of the digital universe.
Let me know what you think of the R2A. I have been thinking of getting one. I have the R2 and like it very much. I have the 35,, pancake lens for it. Also use my Leica 50 mm and Ninolta 28, 40 and 90 with it. The Canons are just sitting around gathering dust so maybe the A-1 will go towards it.
If you like the R2A then consider getting the rapidwinder. Costs about $150 compared to the Abramhsson one for the Leica that is about $500. It fits on the bottom of the camera and lets you open up the back to load film without taking it off. You are also able to use the film advance lever when it is on.
Craig
Craig - I'm going to spend a few days with the R3A and then decide whether to go on in that vein. If I do, I will go for the rapid winder... then have to figure out where next with lenses. The Ikons look interesting, but I don't know if they are just Cosinas with the Zeiss label.
I went with the Minolta lenses years ago when I bought the Leica M4-P. I felt after I bought it that the lenses were too expensive. A 50mm Leica was the limit I went with Leica. If you can find them they are good lenses I have 28, 40 and 90 Minolta. I bought the 35 Cosina this year because of its small size. Its quite a nice lens. As to the M4-P that does not have a built in meter, I had a Leica MR that broke. I replaced it with the Bessa clip on meter andit works great.
I have not found any difference with the quality from the R2 or Leica. The R2 has a TTL meter that is quite accurate.
Enjoy the R2a.
Craig
The Rapidwinder seems to be the one area where the CV trumps the Zeiss offering - quiet and quick.
Haven't played with any Bessas since the R2 came out (a big step from the original R). Too loud for me to consider. I'll have a look at the new ones. Just wish they had auto frameline setting, but I can deal with that.
Dave, young Mr Puts has a couple of articles on the new Zeiss lenses:
http://www.imx.nl/photosite/comments/c015.html
They don't seem better than your new 40/1.4. Almost as good as the Leica lenses except that you can afford them. (But keep in mind I've never touched a Leica nor a film camera so what do I know?:)
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