Heavy Arts

I’ll probably keep making these posts as new stuff comes up, and hopefully for anyone looking at the new CV Rangefinders this information will be useful.

I’ve no new complaints about my Bessa, but I have to reaffirm that it is terribly useful to have on hand. I just shove it in my bag and pull it out when required, works fine. Quick and easy.
-It’s shutter lock is taking a little getting used to – on my FM2n it’s just a matter of pulling the film advance away from the body and the shutter is unlocked. On the R2A, you have to flick a little switch around the shutter release. I’ll get it eventually, but it throws off my usual automatic operation. Everything else is pretty much a spot on match with the FM2n, and it’s really a personal complaint than anything. Unless you do things exactly how I do, you probably wont even notice it. Buuut if Cosina would like to make the shutter lock the same as the FM2n, I wouldn’t mind.

I commented earlier about the “leather” on the body, and while I like the rest of the camera this still irks me a bit. With the solid feel of the rest of the camera, the plastic of the body covering detracts somewhat.
But then I ran across this! Cameraleather.com, and it’s [page on the Bessas]. Apparently I’m not the only one with this qualm. You can get a new covering mailed to you for under $50.

Update! I emailed [Mainline Photo] about their 2 year Voigtlander warranty and how it relates to changing the cosmetics of the camera.

Hi Alex,

No worries go for it. Send us some photos of the finished product.
Your full warranty will still apply.

Kind Regards

Scott Vanthoff

I’m sort of considering some accessories now. The nice part of a modern camera system is that you can buy things new, and accessories haven’t yet become the target of collectors more than users. A trigger winder will set you back around $200, and a soft release maybe $20. I’m considering both. A side grip is only $75-ish, but I think you might as well get the winder and add some extra functionality.