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Post by GeneW on Sept 22, 2006 10:33:26 GMT -5
This one is sort of a cross between RF and VF but even though it's technically not, I think of it as RF.
So, our member backalley sells a bunch of stuff so he can purchase a really nice new cam for himself. I look at this list of stuff and can't resist, so I'm the new owner of a Bessa L with CV 21/4 lens.
No pics yet -- it just arrived -- but I plan to use it tomorrow at a photographers' meet in Toronto. It's quite compact and very lightweight. The Bessa L has no focusing mechanism -- you estimate distance and set it on the lens directly. No VF of any kind -- you use external VF's on it, which you'd need to do anyway for a 21mm lens.
It does have some modern niceties though, like a very good built-in meter, swing-back door, modern film wind lever and modern rewind lever. Plain, simple, and nice...
Gene
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Post by John Parry on Sept 22, 2006 10:44:43 GMT -5
Sounds a nice item Gene. With a 21mm, would have thought that practically everything would have been at infinity?
Post a picture of it when you get chance.
Regards - John
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Post by herron on Sept 22, 2006 10:54:36 GMT -5
Yes, would love to see some pix. I've toyed with the idea of the Bessa L (or Bessa R) for a long time. I just like the look of them! (don't tell my Mamiya...they still think they're the only ones in the display case).
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Post by doubs43 on Sept 22, 2006 13:52:17 GMT -5
So Gene, you're saying the Devil made you do something GOOD? Are you trying to ruin his reputation or something? He'll get ya for that! I predict that you'll soon be looking for a finder as framing that 21mm without one will be almost impossible. That's supposed to be an outstanding lens too. Walker
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Post by GeneW on Sept 22, 2006 14:26:49 GMT -5
John, I'll post a pic of the camera & lens soon. Ron, once I have some pix from the cam I'll post a couple. The Bessa L is really cheap, brand new, from cameraquest.com ... Walker, I'm supposedly not collecting anything 'new'. Well, resolutions were made to be broken, no? Fortunately this one came with the brightline 21mm external finder so I'll be able to use it right away. I had one of these lenses once before. I first used it on a Leica CL, then on a Zorki 3M. It's a very good lens indeed. Gene
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Post by herron on Sept 22, 2006 15:02:57 GMT -5
Gene: If I remember correctly, doesn't the Bessa L use the 39mm Leica thread mount? Same as a lot of the Zorki lenses?
Also, did Stephen Gandy's site also sell the CV 21/4 lens?
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Post by doubs43 on Sept 22, 2006 17:53:51 GMT -5
Gene: If I remember correctly, doesn't the Bessa L use the 39mm Leica thread mount? Same as a lot of the Zorki lenses? Also, did Stephen Gandy's site also sell the CV 21/4 lens? You're correct on all counts. However, the Bessa L does not have a rangefinder and would thus be most useable with the wider angle lenses where zone or hyperfocal length focusing is easiest. Kinda like using the original Leica A except you have interchangeable lenses on the L. Walker
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Post by doubs43 on Sept 22, 2006 17:55:13 GMT -5
John, I'll post a pic of the camera & lens soon. Ron, once I have some pix from the cam I'll post a couple. The Bessa L is really cheap, brand new, from cameraquest.com ... Walker, I'm supposedly not collecting anything 'new'. Well, resolutions were made to be broken, no? Fortunately this one came with the brightline 21mm external finder so I'll be able to use it right away. I had one of these lenses once before. I first used it on a Leica CL, then on a Zorki 3M. It's a very good lens indeed. Gene Sorry, Gene. I didn't think you had a 21mm finder. I should have known that Joe wouldn't sell the kit without the finder. Walker
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Post by GeneW on Sept 22, 2006 18:12:11 GMT -5
Indeed, as Walker says, Stephen Gandy sells both. He's one of Voigtlander's authorized dealers in the US.
We don't talk about CV lenses much mainly because they're quite 'new' in the sense of a camera collectors' forum, but for the money, they're incredible deals. Not as well made or quite as good as new Leica or Zeiss glass, but far less expensive. I have a few CV lenses and they've been a joy to use.
Gene
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Post by byuphoto on Sept 22, 2006 19:48:45 GMT -5
Gene, Gene, just when I think you are on the way to recovery, BAM you fall off the wagon and start a new addiction
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Post by GeneW on Sept 22, 2006 21:00:59 GMT -5
Rick, as the old joke goes, I said "Get thee behind me, Satan" ... so he got behind me, and pushed! Gene
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Post by physiognomy on Sept 23, 2006 20:34:47 GMT -5
Hey Gene,
I'm sure you'll love the Bessa L... For me it's simplicity is very refreshing & since I have the 15mm I barely need to worry about focusing if stopped down a little. My only experience with shooting a 21mm is on a SLR, but I would really like to get the CV 21 & give it a try...
Peter
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rover
Lifetime Member
Dad with a Camera, or two, or...
Posts: 101
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Post by rover on Sept 24, 2006 3:51:33 GMT -5
The devil was after me too Gene. He wanted me to have a black L, but I came across a black T first. I put a side grip on it and plugged my 21 CV up front too. I really like the personal, intimate view of a 21mm lens. Take it in close to your subject and enjoy.
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Post by GeneW on Sept 24, 2006 4:58:51 GMT -5
Peter, thanks. I really enjoyed my first day of using the Bessa L yesterday. Was at a rangefinder photogs meet in Toronto and made good use of it. I'll bet the 15mm is lots of fun too. The 21 is sweet.
Rover, I guess the devil doesn't have an exclusive on me. He visits you from time to time too, eh? Bessa T with side grip -- nice! Show us a pic of the T when you get a chance!
Gene
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rover
Lifetime Member
Dad with a Camera, or two, or...
Posts: 101
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Post by rover on Sept 24, 2006 9:31:08 GMT -5
Pretty little thingy......
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