Voigtlander Bessa-R2A (.7 Viewfinder) 35mm Rangefinder Manual Focus Camera Body - Matte Black
The Voigtlander Bessa R2A is an improved version of the Bessa R2 rangefinder camera, which in itself is an advancement over the original Bessa R camera. Several advancements upon the Bessa R make the R2 cameras a wonderful and affordable entry to the world or rangefinder cameras to compete with the Leica M, Konica Hexar RF & Contax G-Series cameras.
Of course, all of the original Bessa R's outstanding features are retained; an exceptionally bright viewfinder, quiet shutter & simple LED metering system. Many internal parts of the R2 are made of metal instead of plastic (as on the Bessa R), resulting in a camera which feels more solid and durable in one's hands. A major improvement over the R2 is the AE (Auto-Exposure) Aperture Priority mode, with plus/minus 2 stops compensation on AE.
The Voigtlander Bessa Series Cameras are light, unobtrusive cameras that are ideal for handheld lowlight conditions. These rangefinder cameras have a smaller distance between the film and the lens mount than SLRs, which makes for inherently sharper lenses. And above all else, they are small.
- TTL Centerweighted light metering
- Clear LED Exposure scale with red for under/overexposure and green for correct exposure
- Vertical-travel electronic metal focal plane shutter
- Exceptionally bright viewfinder with split image rangefinder patch & brightlines for 35, 50, 75 & 90mm lenses
- Superior rubberized and anodized body covering materials
- Bayonet Leica M-type lensmount accepts all 39mm screwmount lenses (with the appropriate adapter) from Canon, Leica & Voigtlander, as well as M bayonet-type lenses from Leica, Minolta & Konica
- Compatibility with the Voigtlander Trigger Winder (originally introduced with the Bessa T) for speedy, battery-free film advance
- Compatibility with dioptric correction lenses from the Nikon FM3A
| Type | 35mm Interchangeable lens rangefinder |
| Lens Mount | Voigtlander VM |
| Focus Modes | Manual |
| Exposure Modes | AE Aperture Priority, Manual |
| Exposure Metering | Centerweighted |
| Metering Range | EV 1-19 (at ISO 100 with 50mm f/1.5 lens) |
| ISO Range | 25-3200 (manually set) |
| Shutter Speed | Electronic; 1/2000th to 1 Second + bulb, with flash sync at 1/125th second |
| PC Terminal | Yes |
| Flash Mounting | Hot flash shoe |
| Film Transport | Manual |
| Viewfinder | Split image & superimposed rangefinder with brightlines for 35, 50, 75 & 90mm lenses (0.7x magnification with 37mm baselength) |
| Viewfinder Info | LED Shutter speed indication line lights up to indicate suggested speeds |
| Diopter Correction | No (accepts diopters for the Nikon FM3A) |
| Self Timer | No |
| Remote Control | Accepts standard mechanical cable release |
| Multiple Exposure | No |
| Power Source | Two 1.5V LR44 alkaline batteries |
| Dimensions | 5.4 x 3.2 x 1.4" (136 x 81 x 35mm) WxHxD |
| Weight | 1 lb (430 g) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 3 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 3 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-3
Pros
- Can Withstand Use
- Simple Controls
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Voigtlander Bessa R2A Camera - Matte Black:
I use this camera along with a Zeiss Ikon for street/documentary shooting. I find it quiet, fast handling, and equipped with a superb finder. This is everything one can ask from a rangefinder. Construction so far seems sturdy with very good fit and finish.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Handsome
- Petite yet Solid
- Relatively Quiet
- Value
Cons
Best Uses
- Inconspicuous Portraiture
- Travel
Comments about Voigtlander Bessa R2A Camera - Matte Black:
[...].I use this R2A with hand grip and a Zeiss Biogon 35 F2.0 lens. If you are use to modern day auto-focus SLR "appliances", you will be amazed at the compactness and ergonomics of this camera.Almost everyone assumes you are pointing a little digi-cam or point and shoot and have surprisingly ignored me.This camera has almost completely cured my Leica M7 cravings (but not quite- every serious photographer should own one Leica).
Comments about Voigtlander Bessa R2A Camera - Matte Black:
As a member of the younger generation of photographers, whenI really began to take my work seriously my cameras ofchoice were digital. Ive owned and used a number ofdifferent ones, but as my appreciation for classicmaster-work photography increases, and my skills advance, Iam finding myself making the transition 'back' to 35mm film.The Voigtlander is my fifth 35mm camera, and is my secondrangefinder. Coming from using mainly Canon SLR bodies, Iverealised that they aren't always practical for certainsituations; street photography in particular. A rangefinderis much smaller and more inconspicuous, allowing me to takemuch more intimate, 'real' shots.What I love about this camera:-Good size and weight...larger than point and shoot digitalsand smaller than SLRs. Feels well weighted in my hands.-Fantastic build quality with mostly all metal parts. Thiscamera feels solid and harkens back to the days whenprecision instruments were hand built with care.-Very nice bright veiwfinder...much clearer and nicer thanany of the SLR's that I own. (Rebel xt, EOS 5D, EOS-3)-Intuitive manual controls. Everything is well placed andwell thought-out. It is extremely easy to use and it is nicenot to need digital menus.-Aperture Priority is a nice touch for a 35mm rangefinder.It has proven handy in a few situations so far and makesfor super fast shooting.This is now my new favourite camera out of the seven I own.Almost all of them were much more expensive.
Expertise: Intermediate / Advanced
Problems Encountered: Not exactly a problem but I find the Matte finish a littlescary. It seems like it is easy to scratch and as the cameragets use the finish will most likely wear on surface edges.
Previous Equivalent Item Owned: Canon GIII, EOS-3, EOS 5D
Items I Recommend: Voigtlander Ultron 35mm f/1.7, Voigtlander Bayonet to Screw mount adapter
Displaying reviews 1-3
Film
Required item: Film is not included-be sure to load your camera with the best film for the shot you need.
Batteries & Power
Required item: Be sure to get batteries so you don't get caught without power.
- Price: $3.50
Filters
Protect your lens or produce a desired visual effect.
- Price: $59.00
What's in the Box
- 1-Year Warranty
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