das
Well-known
Some time ago, I acquired a 2000 edition of the S3. I did it 95% for the new MC Olympic 50mm f/1.4, which is an outstanding lens btw. I use it often on Leica Ms with the Amedeo adapter. A++.
However, I also acquired a 35mm f/1.8 W Nikkor for a good price. The bad news is that I cannot use it on the S3. As glasses wearer not eligible for lasik or contacts, I simply can't see the 35mm framelines in the cluttered, non parallax corrected S3 viewfinder. And obviously no available, non cripplingly expensive tech exists to mount it on a Leica. So the W Nikkor just sits.
I am kicking myself for not getting an R2S when they were half the price they are now. I prefer a metered platform but the SP is an interesting alternative, albeit just as expensive in good condition.
Is anyone in love with their R2S? Certainly it can't be worth 1k. What do you think?
However, I also acquired a 35mm f/1.8 W Nikkor for a good price. The bad news is that I cannot use it on the S3. As glasses wearer not eligible for lasik or contacts, I simply can't see the 35mm framelines in the cluttered, non parallax corrected S3 viewfinder. And obviously no available, non cripplingly expensive tech exists to mount it on a Leica. So the W Nikkor just sits.
I am kicking myself for not getting an R2S when they were half the price they are now. I prefer a metered platform but the SP is an interesting alternative, albeit just as expensive in good condition.
Is anyone in love with their R2S? Certainly it can't be worth 1k. What do you think?
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Chriscrawfordphoto
Real Men Shoot Film.
The SP is ten thousand times more camera than the Bessa R2S. It is built better, has a more accurate rangefinder, has a 28mm viewfinder, and is more reliable. If you're used to the quality of the S3, you will be sorely disappointed by any of the Voigtlander Bessas made by Cosina.
das
Well-known
I do like my R4 but only because of the wide framelines. Prob would not have considered any Leica-mount Bessa otherwise.
Chriscrawfordphoto
Real Men Shoot Film.
wlewisiii
Just another hotel clerk
I once borrowed a R2C. It was a very nice camera for what it was and it worked very well with the VC Color Skopar 35/2.5 Contax Mount I had at the time that I had been using on Kiev camras.
That said, if I were to ever go back that way again, it would be to a S2 and a Nikkor 50/2.
That said, if I were to ever go back that way again, it would be to a S2 and a Nikkor 50/2.
Bingley
Mentor
I have a Bessa R2S. I use it as a back up to my Nikon S2 rangefinder. Having a decent meter is a plus. If you can find an R2S for a decent price, I’d say go for it. Yes, it may not have the build quality of a Nikon SP, but it’s got a meter and is a nice handling camera.
I should add that I have had no problems w/ using my Contax Biogon 35mm f2.8 lens (in Contax RF mount) on my R2S. So using your Nikkor 35 lens should work perfectly well.
I should add that I have had no problems w/ using my Contax Biogon 35mm f2.8 lens (in Contax RF mount) on my R2S. So using your Nikkor 35 lens should work perfectly well.
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rfaspen
[insert pithy phrase here]
I like the idea for another camera. 😬 I don't (yet) have any Nikon S/ Contax C kit but I'm tempted. I doubt you'll be overly disappointed to get a bessa or Nikon body to add to the stable. It will just add diversity and choice to your photo adventures. Of course I would also pursue an adapter for using the Nikkor 35/1.8 on the Leicas ... clearly this should be part of the fun 😎
Now, I sure hope those Bessa R2C bodies are easier to use than the old Contact II/III or Kiev III/IV bodies. I hate using those...
Now, I sure hope those Bessa R2C bodies are easier to use than the old Contact II/III or Kiev III/IV bodies. I hate using those...
WJJ3
Well-known
Retro-Grouch
Well-known
That was my first reaction, as well, with the added advice to make it a bright line finder for better eye relief. Even the best finder is far cheaper than the Bessa. I've owned Bessas, and never had problems, but aside from their excellent finders I found the overall build quality acceptable but unimpressive. Current Bessa prices are absurd!
WJJ3
Well-known
das
Well-known
Thanks for the external finder suggestions. Maybe I should find the parallax corrected Canon one so I can also use it on a VI. I'm still intrigued about the SP but I need another meterless RF camera like I need etc., etc. 
The 35mm viewfinder on the SP isn't parallax corrected, either. It does have indicator markings.
I have had a few SPs over the years, and just acquired another, unexpectedly. Dropped into my local shop and they had one with a cloudy viewfinder for $199. Super clean in all other aspects. Took it home, cleaned the main view, now it has a very clean bright view with a nice contrasty RF patch. The 28/35 viewfinder is harder to access for cleaning, so it's still slightly hazy, but I'm not going to bother sending it out for service.
These are so good.
And yes, get an external viewfinder.
I have had a few SPs over the years, and just acquired another, unexpectedly. Dropped into my local shop and they had one with a cloudy viewfinder for $199. Super clean in all other aspects. Took it home, cleaned the main view, now it has a very clean bright view with a nice contrasty RF patch. The 28/35 viewfinder is harder to access for cleaning, so it's still slightly hazy, but I'm not going to bother sending it out for service.
These are so good.
And yes, get an external viewfinder.
Ko.Fe.
Lenses 35/21 Gears 46/20
Metering in rangefinders is overhyped. And all Bessa cameras I had were with finicky metering.
maddoc
... likes film again.
I use an S2 with the W-Nikkor-C 35/2.5 and an external VF, works well for me.
hap
Well-known
I hate to say this.....but I have an SP and a S2. When I want to go out with a Nikon RF it tends to be the S2 and a nice 50.
hap
Well-known
I have a Bessa R and it is pretty nice. It's not the metering that I find issues with....it's the rangefinder which seems to go out of registration pretty easily.
Ko.Fe.
Lenses 35/21 Gears 46/20
Benjamin Marks
Mentor
My S2 is clicking away after decades of use. To echo Chris Crawford's comment above, the thing is a beast. Cosina makes good products, but their Voightlander cameras were built to compete on price, not durability. And they were great to get into RF photography if the only other choice was Leica. Get the Nikon.