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Post by GeneW on Jan 14, 2008 15:19:53 GMT -5
While Wayne awaits his wonderful D300, my wonderful-in-a-different-way new Bessa arrived today. 1:1 VF, aperture priority with manual override. This has replaced my M2. I'm still awaiting the CV 40/1.4 S.C. lens that is on order for it. It's currently wearing an M-Hexanon 50/2. Gene
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Post by doubs43 on Jan 14, 2008 16:28:43 GMT -5
WOW, Gene! Just WOW!
It's simply gorgeous!
Walker
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Post by kiev4a on Jan 14, 2008 18:25:27 GMT -5
Gene:
That's one beautiful camera. Actually prettier than an M2 IMO.
Wayne
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Post by GeneW on Jan 14, 2008 20:43:09 GMT -5
Walker, Wayne, thanks for looking! You know how it is when you get a shiny new toy Gene
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Post by kiev4a on Jan 14, 2008 21:52:59 GMT -5
Gene:
The R3A is the top of the line Bessa, isn't it? I really like that gunmetal gray body.
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Post by GeneW on Jan 14, 2008 22:28:38 GMT -5
Gene: The R3A is the top of the line Bessa, isn't it? I really like that gunmetal gray body. There's an R3A and R3M (the M models being totally manual). There's also a newer R4A and R4M but they're a different type of Bessa -- designed specifically for WA lenses. It has framelines for 21/28/35/40 and 50. Pretty much the same body otherwise. The grey model R3A was just released and it attracted me like a magnet. Gene
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Post by Michael Fraley on Jan 19, 2008 2:02:24 GMT -5
That looks very nice indeed. And the 1:1 ratio viewfinder is a bonus. I have an R2 and the viewfinder, though not 1:1, is one of the brightest I've used. Let us know how you like the aperture priority, in practice.
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Post by GeneW on Jan 19, 2008 5:31:25 GMT -5
That looks very nice indeed. And the 1:1 ratio viewfinder is a bonus. I have an R2 and the viewfinder, though not 1:1, is one of the brightest I've used. Let us know how you like the aperture priority, in practice. Michael, I've shot one roll of 36-exp with the R3A and so far I really like the aperture priority. I like it on my other AP cams too, so that's no surprise. It displays the selected shutter speed in the VF if you want to check it. It also has +2 to -2 exposure compensation on the dial and it's easy to switch to Manual when that's preferred. Gene
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Post by Michael Fraley on Jan 19, 2008 15:13:11 GMT -5
It looks more practical to use the +2 to -2 exposure compensation than on the M7. There's a very stiff wheel on the M7, and you have to depress a small button at the same time. If the camera is in a case, even with a cut-out window on the back, I find it impossible to do. Also if the wheel is pressed, it can make the exposure reading wonky. A little red dot starts flashing, the shutter speed flashes, it generally goes goofy. Otherwise a beautiful camera to use, and the auto exposure is great. Just a little problem with the controls.. The Bessa looks like a better design in that regard.
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Post by GeneW on Jan 19, 2008 16:08:01 GMT -5
Michael, it might be at that, but it'll never match an M7 for sheer beauty and build quality. For those who don't mind a bit of doggerel, I posted a new entry in my blog that begins with this parody of Allan Sherman's "Hello Muddah, Hello Fadduh": Goodbye Leica, hello Bessa Some say more-a, some say less-a I say ‘Phooey’ to the stress-a And go shooting with my inexpensive Bessa blog.genewilburn.com/archives/26Gene
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Post by GeneW on Jan 21, 2008 14:13:03 GMT -5
My CV 40/1.4 Nokton S.C. arrived today. I had to buy it separately because I didn't have enough funding to buy both at the same time when I ordered the Bessa R3. With the Bessa's bright VF, 40mm framelines, 1:1 viewing, and a fast 1.4 lens, I'm in rangefinder heaven! Gene
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PeterW
Lifetime Member
Member has Passed
Posts: 3,804
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Post by PeterW on Jan 21, 2008 16:45:36 GMT -5
All this talk about Bessa R/Fs and new digital SLRs is making me quite envious.
But no, envy isn't a healthy attitude. I must be firm. With my limited ability to go out and take pictures these days I couldn't justify spending that amount - even if I had it to spare. For me they remain desirable, but a convenience.
These days I seem to be more of a camera collector/historian than a very active photographer. But I enjoyed many years of almost daily picture taking with a variety of cameras from Box Brownies to Leicas, so I shall soldier on with my main user cameras, my Canon T70 and my outdated 2.1 megapixel Epson, plus the occasional forray with a vintage collectable camera. After all, many of my vintage cameras were once state of the art, and in the right hands are still capable of producing better pictures than I can with them.
PeterW
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Post by GeneW on Jan 21, 2008 22:20:41 GMT -5
Peter, that's wisdom showing through. I sometimes buy a piece of gear just because I fancy it, rather than because I need it.
Gene
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Post by nikonbob on Jan 22, 2008 8:05:15 GMT -5
Gene
Great little outfit you have picked up and gray looks very good. Give us your impression of the rig when you can. I never knew need entered into the equation when buying gear.
Bob
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Post by GeneW on Jan 22, 2008 9:00:24 GMT -5
Gene Great little outfit you have picked up and gray looks very good. Give us your impression of the rig when you can. I never knew need entered into the equation when buying gear. Bob Bob, you're quite right. Need has very little to do with it, unless this equates to one of Maslow's higher needs I should finish my second roll in the next day or two, then I'll develop them and see how things look. Sometimes it takes a new bit of gear to get me revved up and out taking pics. Gene
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