Voigtlander Bessa R2A Review - The BEST Leica Alternative?!
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- Опубліковано 20 жов 2024
- Today we review the Voigtlander Bessa R2A a finely tuned rangefinder camera capable of mounting Leica M Glass as well feature an impressive Built in light meter. This camera packs one hell of a punch when it comes to a Leica rangefinder alternative, but the real question is; Is this camera the BEST Leica Alternative?
Written Article Review - kingjvpesphoto...
TIME CARD:
Key Features - 2:07
Pro’s - 5:15
Cons - 6:00
Conclusion (Who is this camera for?) - 7:45
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Filming Equipment used:
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I lean a little bit more towards SLRs, just because my 50 year old eyes have a little more trouble with rangefinder patches. Although I’ve had a very good experience with the Olympus 35SP rangefinder. Great video!
theoldcameraguy this is funny, because I prefer rangefinders because my 45 year old eyes focus better with the rangefinder patch than through the lens of an slr 😂
its all about zone focusing
Thank you for the great review. After doing much research I ended up with the matte gray/black Bessa R2A and Voigtlander 35mm and I can say it's my favorite 35mm camera I've ever owned. I'm not normally a rangefinder person, but this one is great and very bright. I also was not normally one to use aperture priority but I have found myself using it constantly and it is huge bonus on this camera. As per the electronic shutter- who cares?! The batteries are incredibly easy to find, and are very cheap and (obviously) light weight. If you have a camera bag or are wearing pants, these batteries will not be a hassle to have a backup pair. All said and done it still cost me about $1600 but the camera and lens are near mint. Definitely worth the price IMO. Thanks again for the good review!
Cheers man! I'm still pretty happy with the original Bessa R, even though my one is battered as hell. I mostly shoot with screw-mount 35mm Summaron, the saved weight with the R makes it a no-brainer for travels. It gets the job done well and even better I don't have to worry about expensive camera on me at shady-er places :)
i was literally looking on your channel for this as you posted it!! You the Man!
Man, you gotta give the Minolta CLE a go! Everything good about this body, the CLE does too!
Matt D. Good camera, but unreliable
I'm a simple guy, i read minolta i press like.
@@paznit why unrealible?
@@sebvz89 i wouldn’t say it unreliable but it’s a camera that is battery dependent and the light meter like most cameras from that time tends to go out of wack. It’s extremely hard to find someone to service CLEs too.
Voigtlander R3M user and rangefinder lover here. I prefer the form factor of rangerfinders over SLR's. I also love my R3M to death! I feel I'd baby a Leica more than actually shoot it due to the price/resale value. My Voigtlander is my go-to film body :)
I own a rangefinder as well as five SLRs. I never felt the rangefinder did anything better than a SLR. They're just prettier.
Zorki 4K with Jupiter 8 lens for under 30dollars is the real deal!
Of the regular Zorki 4
@@BavarianM The Film winder on the 4K makes is just that bit faster and easier to use. But the 4 is a pure gem!
Plus, it's just got a cool name! You can't help but talk with Russian accent with name like Zorki!😁
Just bought one yesterday can't wait for it to arrive it will be my first rangefinder so going to be a learning curve
@@mistaacollins97 Those are really a good way to start! Happy days!
The situation you mention @6:23 I can clearly remember this video! Because of this video I became aware of the Bessa and bought one for a very good price. It cost me around 500 bucks. I love my Bessa r3a
LiiLRaabbiiT haha!! Lucky with that price my guy 🤘🏼
Team rangefinder.
Also, love the ghetto lav mic bro. :)
Not sure if a $1,000+ rangefinder would be classified as “beginner”.
NamesNotPatrick YT the Bessa R goes for around $300 for the body, put on a $50 Jupiter 8 lens and your good. It is a shit ton for a camera for me a high schooler lol but I don’t pay too many bills so I’m lucky haha
TangyOrange / not sure what the difference between the R and R2A is but $300 isn’t a bad price for a beginner or intermediate. The $1,000 R2A is a bit much to spend as a beginner, especially if you aren’t sure if you even like rangefinders.
@@pl3bsy I get that. That's why i started on my rangefinder experience with the Canonet QL17. Then move on to decide if a full flesh rangefinder would fit.
Jackie Huynh the Canonet is probably one of the best first rangefinders. I had the QL17 Giii and I loved the size, but for $100 it definitely felt on the cheaper side compared to my $30 QL19.
I see he changed the name of the video. Definitely a better name than “best beginner rangefinder”.
I’m surprised Jon you don’t have a Minolta CLE rangefinder yet it also takes Leica lenses too. It’s also the Leica CL since Minolta and Leica were working together in the 1970s for camera designs.
great vid! I shoot with (2) SLRs and love them both, I grew up on SLRs so its comfortable. I haven't shot with a rangefinder system but Im definitely intrigued now more than ever. always appreciate the inspiring vids brother!
What are your thoughts on the Minolta CLE? It's probably the only other Leica M RF with modern features and compact weight. I guess the Zeiss Ikon is another example, but it's as pricey as a Leica.
Rangefinders!!! Been lusting for an R4M then I got pulled into Leicas but you have just reignited the Bessa fire!! Great vid
I like both rangefinder and SLR but the accurate framing at any distance and ability to preview depth of field just give SLR's the edge for me.
This video made me want this camera so badly! Really nice video!
I own both a Zeiss rangefinder and a couple Nikon SLR and I find myself using the The Nikon SLR much more often because they're more versatile.
FE2, FM2, F3, FM3A over leica any day.
сам не знаю почему, но я влюблён в систему дальномерной камеры. Нет никаких предпосылок ненавидеть зеркальную камеру. Просто мне нравится сама идея дальномерной камеры. Нравится что она почти всегда меньше, легче, тише и не трясётся в руке. Нравится что я не могу предугадать, что получится на готовой фотографии. Нравится магия🙏
Hey man great video :) how do you trigger the light meter? Is just on when you take the cap off? Do you have to half press the shutter button? Hope you’re doing well.
any recommendations on where to pick one up for about 500-800 bucks?
SLR's all day! I love being able to compose my frame and know exactly what result I'm going to get, but rangefinders are definitely more aesthetic.
I'd love a rangefinder camera. There is a simplicity and elegance about them. The batteries aren't an issue really as it isn't that hard to carry several LR44's in your bag or even pocket. The problem for me is indeed the rangefinder. I'm 69 and wear glasses and believe me not all rangefinder patches are easy to focus and some are just downright impossible to see. I have Fuji GW690 and unless you are standing on the sun the patch can be very difficult to see. I also have my dad's old Argus C3 and surprisingly it is actually easier to see even though it is smaller. It does have two different colors in the rangefinder patch which are easier to see and know when you have matched the patches. So for me right now my Nikon F3 HP is my go to walk around film camera and oh did mention that uses LR44 batteries too.
Whats up King how are you? I have a Rollei XF rangefinder but I prefer the slr for accurate work because for one if the sun is flaring on a rangefinder lens in the brides face you wont see it till its too late, also looking through an slr or waist level finder you can see the beautiful shallow DOF and see how the image will look rather than having to imagine it. I do prefer my Rollei XF for those times I need something small, quiet and lighter. my 2 cents
Well presented video - information pertinent, to the point and not tooooo long . I will check out more from King Jvpes. Thank you.
I agree with everything you say but with one exception: You can get a used M6 for around 1.300 Euros. The Voigtländer costs (depending on the condition) between 900 an 1.100 Euros. That being said, I personally am happy to pay 200 to 400 Euros more to get the M6 - especially when I plan on using Leica glass anyway (which is way more expensive than the camera bodies).
Hi I like both as I learnt on my grandfather's rangefinder but went over to the Minolta x 700 .
You should organize a photowalk when youre in the Philippines, for sure a lot of people will join that.
Damn that needs to happen. I'd totally join
Luis Javier ....why because he’s Filipino? Just stfu
Would you say the Voigtlander viewfinder is better/brighter than the Leica 0.72 viewfinder?
Afaik it‘s actually a full metal body with this faux leather covering big parts of it.
You also forgot one con: the placement of the strap which makes it hang fairly uncomfortable.
I still love my R3A for the one feature that no other rangefinder (I know of) has: a 1.0 magnification viewfinder which let‘s you compose and shoot with both eyes open ... something which makes for a very special experience.
cs-- there is an official grip you can buy for £50 which adds a second lug which fixes this issue
The Canon P has the same VF magnification.
Thanks for a good review. I like my M2 but a built in meter would be useful. Do you know if these are still being manufactured? B&H is out of them and they're not listed on the Voigtlander website.
I like both, but I slightly prefer SLRs. I'm just a sucker for that ground glass!
This Bessa camera cost just as much as a Leica M4-P, give me a Leica M4-P that could last a lifetime over this plastic, battery dependant camera Bessa.
🔥🔥🔥DAAAAAMMMMNNNNNN🔥🔥🔥
But you won't have a light meter.
@@filmbyhari The fastest light meter you can have is a thing called "Sunny 16 Rule". Once you figure it out you will never need a light meter ever again
I know what it is and I do use it on my fm2n with a broken light meter. It maybe the 'fastest' but definitely not the most accurate. There is a reason why light meters exist.
If you look at the R2m model, it's actually not too bad since it has a mechanical shutter. That being said though, I bought the Bessa and then M4-2 right afterward lol. The M4-2 have been my everyday carry since.
I shoot a combo of Bessa L and a Voigtländer Super Heliar 15mm 4.5. very much fun to shoot and always fits in my camera bag.
Is that a third party hood? I love square style hoods
It was probably worth mentioning that the shutter sounds like a thunderclap. Also, that good sticky you mentioned on the back of the film door is notorious for wearing off and is not serviceable. Points I think are important to someone trying to make a decision on an M mount body.
Shoot a R2a myself. got it 5 years back when it was like USD$300.
I actually prefer that the spaces outside the 35mm frame lines for more peripheral vision!
I’m a big fan of rangefinders. I shoot a Leica CL, Olympus xa, and a mamiya super 23. I do have one slr that I love (the Olympus om1), but I typically stick with rangefinders for 35mm shooting. This is a really informative video! I was torn between this and the Leica cL for a cheaper alternative for being able to use Leica glass, and this kind of makes me wish I’d tried the bessa. I love the little Leica, but of course the meter doesn’t work, and the faster shutter option would be cool to have too.
Thoughts on the canon p?
Hi! Can I mount any vintage glass on a rangefinder ? I have contax zeiss, olympus zuiko, nikon ai/ais etc thank you!
To me Why not of a little bit of Both, I have my Nikon SLR system, and my Canon 7, and VT system, and last is my Babies, Contax II, and III RF's Works for me.. love your videos, and when I went to the Philippines I took my Contax with the 35mm, 50mm, and the 85mm. I think shot about 10 rolls on the Contax, 5 on the Nikon Lite touch.
Great vid man, Lots of info.
I like slrs more as I get to see whatever my lens is pointed at. Also had to like the video cause that Voigtlander looks good.
Slight typo in the camera name in the title, JP. Another great video. Love 'em all!
I like both Rangefinders and SLR. Depends of situation. SLR for Portraits with 100mm and 135mm and RF for 50mm lens . For 35mm, ok, I am using 38mm on Konica C35 EF - viewfinder camera
Minolta XD11 in Black with various legendary Rokkor-X glass from, 16mm Fish-Eye f2.8, 28mm f2, 50mm f1.2, 85mm f1.7, and 200mm f4. Just depends on what I’m shooting for the day. Love my Minolta.
I like rangefinders for more street photography and Slr’s for photos that I have alittle more time with. Portraits, landscapes, etc.
I have to choose between Leica M2 and Bessa R3m ... I completely don't know which one is better choice, good classic Leica or light meter built-in
I can’t decide what I like better! Ever since I bought my Nikon fm2, everything else has been blown away. But the bessa r is great for street shooting or wanting to stay under the radar. I’m into night street shooting and for that I’ll probably go with bessa r. The viewfinder is bright and with the Jupiter 8, it’s a dream to use. But saying that the Nikon fm2 is great for that as well
I think that the Bessa rangefinder system is shorter that the one in the Leica M , have you noticed any difference in focus accuracy - compared to the M2 ?
My first rangefinder was a Minolta Hi Matic 7, given to me in 1973. I use FP4 rated at 200. I do the same with my Minolta SRT 303. Can’t really tell the difference between them. Can’t explain really, but I’m a serious rangefinder fan, probably due to those early days. My Leica M2 results feel richer somehow and as for my digital retirement treat (M10) well, as you would say in the US, that’s a completely different ball game.
I like them both? For their different features and for using them for different purposes...
Wow, ... Will you be doing a vlog while you're in the Philippines? And some shooting? ... excited for that man. In advance, welcome 😉✊
What about the Konica Hexar RF? Mine cost me less than 300 euros used. It have Aperture priority too and light meter, and the viewfinder was way brighter than the one of my M6. The max shutter speed goes to 1/4000.
Here is another GREAT M mount alternative: Minolta CLE (the better twin of the Leica CL which Leica discontinued because it was extremely successful and eating into the then Leica M4 market)
C00ltronix *M5
I’ve never had a rangefinder before but I’d love to have one. Especially a pocketable point and shoot like the Nikon L35AF (if you can think of a 35mm film camera more compact than that please let me know!). The pentax 67 (definitely the 67ii), and a nice rangefinder are next on my list for film cameras.
Btw I really dig that lens hood!
Never tried a rangefinder so would not know if i would like it. But I love my slrs that I inherited from my dad. A nikon f2 photomic and a konica autoreflex t3. I also have his canonet ql17 which is a rangefinder but unfortunately the leaf shutter and aperture are stuck. :(
Wow, this is so expensive. I am currently on a Canon A1, but I would like to use my Voigtländer glass on an analogue camera. Are there any cameras that are affordable and have a Leica M-Mount?
Do you use Apple headphones as a mic? It looks like you have one of those little mics that clip onto your shirt but it’s a headphone cable it looks like. Never seen that before.
great video as always man!
Aperture priority alone makes the Bessa R2A/R3A/R3A far more agile and versatile than any Leica film camera (apart from the M7). Just set your aperture, zone focus and you've got a perfect street shooter.
Even though the its primarily made of plastic. Do you think it can hold up to some wear and tear? @kingjvpes
I've never used a rangefinder camera, so i cant trully tell if like it or not (hope i will try it out in the future)
What are your thoughts on the Zeiss ikon ZM? Have you used it before?
Cool content Kingjvpes. I currently own a Nikon Dale system with few lenses for my professional works, but few months ago I got myself a Minolta x700 which I must say I love using for my personal work and projects, but I just felt I need to get a rangefinder. Given my budget, I'm considering a Yashica Electro 35 GSN. What are your thoughts on the Yashica? Thanks #minoltagang
My Canon F1 also has 25-3200 ISO and 1/2000s. But I would like to try a rangefinder.
When i am working with rangefinder with filters circular polotic i cant see how is the photo. With slr i can.
All about that sticky leather friction lol 😆 👍
Also I've been shooting nothing but SLRs up until a year ago, and I like rangefinders...but prefer SLRs. With that being said, the bessa r3m is one camera I'm looking into for an m mount system (alternatives are on a more secret list lol) (I also have been gravitating more towards mechanical body's opposed to battery operated. I have a couple of both, I just prefer mechanical) thank you for this review!
Do I like phillips head or flat head screwdriver? It’s a tool Bro. Depends on what you need at the time.
One positive about the extra space around the 35mm frame lines would be for shooting a 28mm!
My favourite beginner rangefinders are the old Ricoh 500 and Canon L3, both of which can be had pretty cheaply and are great cameras.
As a leica m3 purist, i really felt the warning at the beginning xD.
Hi can I ask wat is the jazz music playing at the start? Thanks
One thing to keep in mind about the Leica M6 is not all of them come with a TTL metering system. Some come with no meter at all. I think it may be because the M5 wasn't terribly well received by the buying public, although it is a competent body with good features. I'd love to have an M6 w/TTL, but I need to sell my M4 & M5 bodies first. I'm not quite ready to do that yet though, so I guess I can't upgrade to the M6 TTL for awhile. The Bessa R2A is a great body & anyone interested in shooting RF bodies should look at them seriously.
John Wilkinson All M6s have a built in meter, the TTL part refers to through the lens flash metering... Not that there are many Leica users who probably use a flash.
Which soft shutter are you using on that body?
Ummm... Minolta CLE??? Probably the better Leica alternative? Rangefinder, takes M mount lenses, has aperture priority, has 40mm framelines (some may find this even better than 50m and 35m standard favourites), is small and lighter than Ms, smaller body is great for wide angle lenses and also efficient film management. 🤙🏾 check it out if you haven’t shot it
I've been looking online for an bessa r2a, but having little to no luck. Been seeing the Bessa R3a; what is the main difference between R2a and the R3a??
The R2A / R3A bodies are identical, except for the viewfinders. The R2A has a .7x magnification viewfinder with 35/50/75/90 framelines. The R3A has a 1.0x magnification viewfinder with 40/50/75/90 framelines.
This vs the F3 your thoughts?
SLR, And I shot plenty of both. Konica Auto S3; Yashica GSN(s), CC, Lynx 14 -- etc. Reason 1. Zoom lenses. I can shoot great primes OR great zooms. A prime guy mainly but have nothing against zooms. I like the versatility of an SLR. 2. Cost. Picked up a minty Nikon D75 for $`10 recently. This is a plastic F6 (basically). 3. Optical viewfinder that sees what the lens sees , including zooms. No frame lines. No parallax correction. Can take close-up photos and get everything framed precisely. There is a reason why SLRs smashed rangefinders during the film era. They were a better design.
Just picked up a Canon ft QL with a 50mm f/1.4 lense...it's a beast for 50+ years
What would you think about the minolta cle?
Top level camera😍🎞
A good alternative to the R2A and the cameras that proceeds it is the Konica Hexar RF. Around the same price second hand and have more features like AE Lock and goes up to 1/4000 shutter speed. Imo the Hexar RF looks much prettier than the Bessa R bodies.
Can you frame if you mount a 45mm lens ?
The Bessa is a fantastic camera, if my M2 hadn't landed in my lap I might have ended up with one. Still, comparing tech specs against a Leica is pointless, the German wonder has less tech ability than a Spotmatic... But damn it feels so good in hand. I could never give that up, they got it so right 50+ years ago that it doesn't matter that feature wise it's nothing impressive.
Nice! Where can I find your pictures from Philippines? ;-)
like i like my orange chicken....idk why but had me rolling. luh u king
I’ve got a bessa r (m39 mount). Aside from the durable plastic and the weird strap lug, it’s a great camera. Due to the plastic body, I think I’d rather take either my Nikon fm2 or zenit 12xp, on holiday, just to be careful. It’s a great camera to take out for the day, rather than being on the go for more than a day
Bessa r is fully mechanical too!
whats the difference between the R2A and R2M?
I liked the video, and I'm leaving a comment.
Personally, I have a very limited selection of cameras (there aren't a lot of film cameras for sale in Bulgaria - for example, there is only one Canon A-1 for sale in my whole country, and its body only for $100-110), now I have a Zenit SLR but I will sell it for a Minolta XD7/XD11 in USA, I have one rangefinder - Kiev 4a, basically a pre-war Contax, only the nameplate is changed. I want to use 35mm lens on it, but I can't find the lens and a finder, I like it with it's 50mm f/2 lens and top speed 1/1250. I want to get used to it, so I like rangefinders, SLRs too.
SLR. Minolta X-700 #minoltagang
it's a goody
What should i do if i enjoy both. I love my Fed5 with industar lens and i also love my olympus is-10(point and shoot slr) or my minolta dynax 7.
Cheers m8
#minoltagang
I love slr. I never tried an rangefinder
I was searching R2A at ebay and the cheapest I saw was 999usd for mint pre-owned. It's the same price with mint R3A. Isn't it better to get the R3A instead?
The only difference is the viewfinder. The R3A is not better in specs, but has a 1/1 magnification, so you can shoot with both eyes open. Because of that, you don't have framelines for 35mm, just 40mm instead. I have a bessa R3M and it is really good to use on street, since you can see much more with your both eyes. They have a R4M/R4A too, also the same specs but with framelines for really wide lenses like 21mm
i've only ever used SLR cameras, never tried a rangefinder, i was always under the impression that a rangefinder camera was a inferior camera compared to a SLR since it had a TL focusing screen so you got the actual image you're taking instead of guessing, no parallax issues, changing lenses you can see exactly what it would give you and overall better construction.
new im seeing so much hype over rangefinder cameras and i don't understand why, especially when a top tier manual SLR like the old nikon or canon bodies go for a fraction of the price of some of those rangefinders...
can someone explain to me if there's really and advantage to a rangefinder over a SLR or is it just hype and hipster creds?
(i understand that leica and this voigtlander is a special case and most people like it for the excellent lenses it has to offer)
I find precise focus to be easier with a rangefinder, provided that the subject has some contrasty lines to intersect (also provided that the camera has a bright viewfinder/rangefinder patch AND a decent effective base length); with traditional SLR focus screens I can never quite tell when I'm passing through the sharpest point without some racking backwards and forwards, by which point the moment might've passed. Although this could be more to do with my preference for shooting in low light conditions, sometimes at a level where even the autofocus on my beloved EOS-3 just refuses to lock onto anything. Also rangefinders are smaller than SLRs, particularly the more modern ones, so are a better choice for travelling light. ALSO, from a design standpoint, rangefinder lenses need to make fewer compromises; there's something about having to mount SLR lenses further from the film plane that means that all sorts of work-arounds have to be built into many of the lens designs, but you'd need to ask a scientist with a knowledge of optics to explain this more clearly than I'm able to.
And yet, for all that, the inability to very precisely frame and compose each image plays havoc with my obsessive-compulsive tendencies, and makes me shoot slower rather than quicker, to determine where exactly things will fall in the frame if they look a certain way in the viewfinder. Maybe there's just no perfect, one-size-fits-all camera...
I have a Leica M2 lens will if fit on this setup??
Great video!
Very nice review
Where can I purchase this camera?
would love getting the Bessa R2A no way I could get a Leica M6 (soooo expensive). I looooove range finder even with digital like fuji 100V or xpro3