Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2002/02/19
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]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 - -- To unsubscribe, see http://mejac.palo-alto.ca.us/leica-users/unsub.html