Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2000/12/16
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Dan Khong writes: > It has been some time since the Bessa-R was introduced into the market and > I would like to think that by now LUGgers who have used it would have > gotten to know the good and bad points about this camera. I will appreciate > your feedback. I have been using the Bessa-R since early March. I carry it every day. I am only currently shooting about one roll of film per week. I have used the M-series Leica since 1965. Disadvantages to me: 1. I now remember why the bayonet system is great. Changing screw-mount lens in a hurry is a pain (the more hurried you are the longer it takes). 2. The rewind lever is a pain. Don't even try with gloves on. Once you get the lever up, rewind is a snap. 3. I still haven't got used to the placement of the shutter release. I keep thinking it is an M camera and I try to release from that position. 4. The Viso system will not fit due to the different placement of the shutter release. 5. Tom's current model of the soft release won't work. Advantages to me: 1. I feel that the rangefinder is better than my M3 and particularly my M6. It doesn't flare. I can get a focus spot in any lighting situtation I have encountered. 2. The placement of the flash synch plug to the right is much better than the M's placement on the back of the camera. As a left-eyed shooter, I don't have a cord poking me in the face. 3. I like being able to tell what film I am using. 4. I like the price. 5. The loading system is more familiar to anyone that uses an SLR. It's not in the least bit tricky. Thus any member of my family can use it without having to have used the M as a training device. Neutral: 1. The exposure system is spot-on with my M6. If the Bessa-R had an M-mount and if the Viso III would fit on it, I would seriously consider selling all of my M-cameras and using the Bessa body and some of the Cosina/Voigtlander lenses. On the other hand, I hope I am never in the situation where I have to make a choice. Regards, Bill Larsen