Topic: Bessa R3a?

[RandomHamster]

Hey all,

Anyone out there use a Bessa R3a?  I have a Bessa R but am thinking of changing up to an R3 instead.  Would you recommend it? Most of my photography is based on the go out and see something and photograph it kind of thing, so I like the size of the rangefinders (cannt afford a leica).  I hear the R3a has a 1:1 viewer, any good?  The Bessa is good but feels too flimsy for my taste so the R3 might feel better too! 

[LT]

I have an r3a, and I know damion and skorj use one too.  I absolutely love mine and it is a dream to use.  The r3a does have a 1:1 finder which is ok - I'm not too keen on it for the 40mm lens I have (it has framelines for 40 and 90, 50 and 75),as the frame lines are right on the periphery and sometimes difficult to see.  You really can use it with both eyes open and get a kind of frameline superimposed on your normal vision, cyborg-like. 

I really like the aperture priorty mode and only use it in this, that said, a couple of times, i've forgotten to turn it off and drained the batteries which is a pain.  Thinking back on it, I'd probably have gone for the r3m if it was available at the time I bought it.

I only have a 21 wide and 40 for it, but I'm keen to get a 75mm one day which I think would make me use it more.

[david b]

Keep an eye out for good deals on the Konica Hexar RF too - a very underrated camera, and much nicer than any of the Cosinas. IMHO at least.

[RandomHamster]

Leon....  Thanks for that, the viewfinder sounds odd but given how long I sometimes sit behind my cameras waiting for a moment (or someone to get out of the way) it would be nice not have to squint for ages!
Am I right in thinking that the only difference between the R3a and R3m is the ability of the m to work without batteries? Its a good difference though, definately something to look out for.
Also good to know that several of you guys use them too, its an excellent recommendation!

David...I know nothing about the Konica, so I will investigate further, thanks for your suggestion!

I used to have an old Rollie 35, its the one camera I always wished I had never gotten rid of.  Might think about that again too or even the Vitessa T (with the wierd plunger), anyone ever use one of those? (sigh, ebay addiction coming on again)

[LT]

r3a for auto
r3m - for manual (eg no aperture priority mode)

here's a good link with a chart that compares the Hexar with other currently available rf's

http://www.photoethnography.com/ClassicCameras/index-frameset.html?KonicaHexarRF.html~mainFrame

[LT]

one more point - if you;re thinking of buying new - it is cheaper to buy from cameraquest.com in the us and pay the $40 shipping than buy from the uk - but not sure how much difference import duty would make ... if you get caught with it of course

that said, Robertwhite.co.uk have a special "festive" price on r3a bodies but it's still more expensive (with VAT added) than the us site.

[Francois]

The Bessa is nice, but you really want one of those nice German made cameras with the little round red circle on it

[This-is-damion]

i love my bessa,   it goes everywhere with me!

see my post here from prague  http://filmwasters.com/forum/index.php?topic=1169.0

[RandomHamster]

Cool pics Damion, what lens are you using?

Am definately getting more tempted by the R3a (nice thought Francois but little red dots are way too expensive!!).
Will probably opt of second hand though as willl have to get lens too.  Dont suppose anyone out there is looking to trade up and wants to find a good home for their R3a?!   

[Pete_R]

it is cheaper to buy from cameraquest.com <snip> but not sure how much difference import duty would make

I've placed three different orders with Cameraquest totalling several hundred quid and I've not had to pay any duty (there's no customs officers 'round here is there?) because Stephen always puts a low value on the parcel. I've not asked him to do it, he just does. I wouldn't buy anywhere else. I really don't understand how Robert White can justify their prices.

I currently use a 'T' with 21, 28 and 40 lenses but am thinking about a 4A. My other kit rarely gets a look in these days and I wouldn't have any problems recommending the range as a whole.

[Ed Wenn]

Skorj is off line this weekend, but sent me a message from up a mountain in Japan somewhere to kindly refer you all to the review of the R3a that is posted in the articles section of this site: http://filmwasters.com/forum/index.php?topic=772.0

[This-is-damion]

Cool pics Damion, what lens are you using?

Am definately getting more tempted by the R3a (nice thought Francois but little red dots are way too expensive!!).
Will probably opt of second hand though as willl have to get lens too.  Dont suppose anyone out there is looking to trade up and wants to find a good home for their R3a?!   

thanks very much!!!,  the lens here was the 21mm,   its an amazing lens.    the only other lens i use is the 40mm nokton -single coated...again its a great lens and stops down to 1.4 i think .

[RandomHamster]

Thanks very much to all for your help, its great to have so much positive feedback, certainly sounds like its a camera you dont want to put down!
I think I have sourced one at the moment, though I am waiting to hear back from its current owner so fingers crossed!

Damion, the 21mm lens is fab! Will definatley have to put that on my wish list!!!