What do you all think about this Bessa?

[Wander]

I've found a used Voightlander Bessa-R with a 50 f1.5 for sale. I got some pictures of the camera from the shop today, they are asking $499 for the kit which I am guessing is a little high but how much? If I offered $450 for this kit would it be a good buy?

 

[Wander]

Anything??? Do I need to post more pics? From looking at some sites I see the Bessa-R is kind of a starter RF due to price and (to a lesser extent) build. It uses the old 39mm screw mount for lenses-will that be too confining?

What would be a good price? The place selling this is asking $499 for the whole kit.

 

[Wander]

Thanks, it seems the Bessa-R has a very bright and well sorted viewfinder from what I'm reading and it seems I'd have to get a M4 or above to have the clarity which adds a lot to the cost. I'd rather spend the money on lenses.

 

[nbleak21]

The bessa R is a great little starter/beater rangefinder. they use focal plane shutters like modern SLRS as opposed to cloth sliding curtain shutters like older SLRs and rangefinders (M series).

The M's are a much quieter and smoother shutter system, allowing for better candid and low light images.

I'm pretty sure that back in the day I picked up my bessa R new for $250-300, so if they still make them, you may want to look into new.

If I were to buy in again, I'd look into a Bessa R3a or R3M (mechanical) which takes the m and screw mount lenses (with adapter) if I needed something more modern and not terribly expensive.

If budget weren't of a concern, I'd hit up the Zeiss Ikon, I've had my eye on that since it came out, but since having gotten out of film (though I'd love to get back into it!) I just cant justify it.

Good luck with your quest!

 

[mrbishi]

If you can afford it splash out for a R2a/3a or m.

The most difficult thing to know is if you prefer shooting 35mm as your normal lens or 50. For me its 35 all the way.

 

[Wander]

That one comes with the 50mm so it's part of the kit, I plan to get a 35 or maybe a 28 as I loved the 28 I used to have on a Nikon FM that I used for group/candid shots when I did event photography back in the film days.

I also spotted a Leica IIIf RD with a 50 elmar yesturday in 8+ condition for a little more but that might be going too far back. That thing is gorgoeus though-it's art in design.

I have a feeling that I should just hold out for a used Leica M4 body and start with a 35 or 50 and add from there. If any of you spot a nice looking M4 for a good price let me know. I'm not looking for something mint-just in good working order.

 

[Wander]

Saw a sad sight yesturday

I went to my local camera store to see if they might have any used rangefinders and to look at a new lens for my D70s. No luck on the rangefinder and I was kind of sad to see all the used 35mm SLR's and lenses where just heaped onto a shelf with no order or care. Have film cameras really fallen that far out of vogue!? I guess this does offer the opportunity for those of us that still like film to pick up some real bargains on gear we could never afford before. Hmmm maybe it's time for that Nikon F4 or F5 I always drooled over???

 

[Wander]

oops! I guess I had the motordrive on.