Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2002/02/20

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Subject: Re: [Leica] Bessa R2 New Features
From: Dante Stella <dstella1@ameritech.net>
Date: Wed, 20 Feb 2002 08:09:05 -0500

Cynical of them.

> 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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Dante Stella
http://www.dantestella.com

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