Bessa R3a

[Andy K]

I'm contemplating buying an R3a or R3m. I'm leaning more to the R3m as it is all manual. Any recommendations as to which two lenses to buy with it? I have a budget of about £1000 (including buying the camera body). I like the look of the 40mm Nokton or maybe the 50mm Heliar f2 collapsible...

[Frank-G]

I have 2 Bessa R3A cameras and I just bought a new Nokton. The R3A is a great camera---trouble free---but I prefer using a 50mm instead of a 40mm. The 40mm frame-lines are difficult to see. The R3M has interested me but I prefer an auto shutter to make quicker shots. However, a Leica makes a better fondling tool because they're heavier and cost more.

[Tom Hoskinson]

I have both the R3a and an R3M. I like both cameras, but find that I prefer the finder and light meter on the R3M - also, I believe that the R3M shutter is a bit quieter than the R3a shutter.

I bought the R3M with the collapsible 50/2.0 Heliar - a very nice lens.

I also have 2 M3 Leicas (and they are great for admiring and fondling) but my current 35mm RF picture taking is with my Bessa T, my R3a and my R3M.

[Stephanie Brim]

The Heliar is a nice lens. If you go that route, you could also think about getting a 35mm Skopar or pancake. Another excellent, reasonably fast lens. If you throw caution to the wind, you could also forego the two lens thing and get a 35/1.2 Nokton. That thing shines.

[ScottH]

Sounds like your already set on the CV, but before you pull the trigger on an all manual, you may want to consider the Canon P. Built like a Leica (M3) without the price tag. Framelines are 35 ,50, 100. Well within yur budget w/ a CLA and very nice lens. Here's a lnk:

http://www.cameraquest.com/canonp.htm

Canya tell I like mine?? Enjoy the shopping.

[Frank-G]

Hmmm, so you like your R3M better, eh? Let me think.... Yes! I have the room on muy CC. Shhh. Don't tell the wife.

This means I should sell off one of my other cameras. But which one?

[Andy K]

R3M Special Kit (with Heliar 50mm f2 collapsible) in Piano Black,
+ 90mm Apo Lanthar (black),
+ screw to M adapter,
+ side grip,
+ Kenko rangefinder polariser kit,
+ camera case,

ordered last week. Should arrive tomorrow morning.

[matt miller]

My R3M & Heliar kit arrived a couple weeks ago. I really like it quite a bit. It's an amazing combo. I've just run one roll of C41 color through it. The results are super. I think I'm going to love the Heliar. I've been pondering the 90 Lanthar as well. Please let me know how you like it.

[mercedes_sl1970]

Haven't tried the R3M, but my R3A is an absolute delight. As I understand, the batteries will last a long time (can get them anywhere) and you also get the benefit of aperture priority and manual operation in one camera. I started with the 40/1.4 and now also have a 50/1.5 and the 21/4 (and the 90...). Apart from the fact that they are all very sharp, contrasty, etc, they each have their charms - I prefer the 40 to a 35 and the framelines are fine (just need to centre your eye), the 50 is superb and the 21 gives that extra-wide view without getting too wide. As Frank G said above, you do get the benefit of getting faster shots with the R3A. But then maybe I am a bit slow with a manual camera. Good luck with your choice.

Andrew

[Bromo33333]

R3M Special Kit (with Heliar 50mm f2 collapsible) in Piano Black,
+ 90mm Apo Lanthar (black),
+ screw to M adapter,
+ side grip,
+ Kenko rangefinder polariser kit,
+ camera case,

ordered last week. Should arrive tomorrow morning.

Well, did it arrive yet? How is it????