I'm sure I skimmed right over this somewhere but now I cannot find the answer to a simple question: Are the R2/3A and R2/3M bodies metal or plastic? If metal, is it aluminum, brass, zinc, magnesium, stainless steel, etc.?

They are all metal. What kind of metal I don't know.

Thanks, Andy.

No worries. I've been trying to find out what kind of metal they are constructed from ever since I bought my R3M. Haven't found the answer yet.

Lee, check this address, I think it will have the information you are looking for.

http://www.cameraquest.com/

I hope this helps you.

Paul

Thanks, Paul. I checked there first but never found it although I'm sure the answer is somewhere in all the ramblings. I took the easy way out and just asked.

Lee, it's magnesium, AFAIK. Also, this (http://www.cameraquest.com/voigtchart2.htm) page says: "Magnesium casting outer covers and back door".

My R2 is metal and it is very strong.

The Bessa R2/R3 upper cover and back door are made of thixotropic-moulded magnesium alloy, just like the Leica M8 or Canon EOS 1 series cover.

Cheers,

Abbazz