Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2002/02/19

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Subject: [Leica] Bessa R2 New Features
From: "Paul C. Brodek" <pcb@skyweb.net>
Date: Tue, 19 Feb 2002 13:19:09 -0500

Thanks to John Collier for the pointer to the Bessa R2 intro
information.  A quick scan of the info & specs shows the following
changes over the R & T:

1. M-mount body, with the body "throat" enlarged so there are fewer
M-mount lens restrictions.  M-mount lenses which cannot be mounted
are: Hologon 15/8.0, Super Angulon 21/4.0 and 21/3.4, first generation
Elmarit 28/2.8 and Summicon-DR 50/2.0.  In addition to these, the T
specs show that standard (non-ASPH) Summilux 35/1.4 won't mount, and
the R2 specs imply that the T has problems with some 35/2.0 Summicrons
(7-element, pre-Asph).

2. Top cover, bottom cover and rear door are molded magnesium alloy to
increase strength with minimum weight penalty.  Body itself uses a
die-cast aluminum shell (as does R and T)  Body weight over R
increases 30g to 425g; length and width specs are the same but height
is listed as 3mm higher.

3. Film advance crank is ratcheted (R is not, T is).

4. Film rewind crank is smoother; implied smoother than R & T.

5. Body fits trigger winder (as does T).

6. Body covering is more "rubberized" for better grip.

All finder- and meter-related specs appear to be the same as for the
R.  The T meter specs show upper ISO limit as 1600; R & R2 go to 3200.

It looks to me like a handy blend of the R & T.  List price for black
R2 body is 78,000yen (US$586) and 85,000yen (US$639) for the olive
body.  R list price is 68,000yen (US$511), so the R2 lists for 15%
more than the R.  At B&W prices, currently $440 for the R, once
initial demand spikes smooth out the R2 might sell for just over $500.

I've always liked the idea of lower-priced entryways into Leica Land.
I'll be interested to hear what Tom A. and others say once the info
embargo is lifted.....

Cheers,

PB


Paul C. Brodek
Hillsdale, N.J. U.S.A.
E-mail: pcb@skyweb.net
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