Hi all, 2 questions really. I was considering the Bessa-T as a second body for my M4. Tried it out at the shop, feels really solid (OK not to M4 solid, but much better than Bessar-R). Putting a 21 on it should bypass the problem of lack of finder. Any one out there opted for the same solution to expensive M bodies? Also, why the grains on chromes more pronounce than that of negative of comparable speeds? I really like chromes, but the grain forces me to use a speed a little low for my liking. Just trying to understand the physics and chemistry behind this. Thanks.

-- Steven Fong (steven@ima.org.sg), July 14, 2001

Answers

First on the film... yes it is understood that fast slide film, ISO for ISO, will be no match for the equivalent print film. Everything is a trade-off, and depends on your threshold of quality acceptance. I use ISO 400 print film all of the time, but I will not use any slide film over ISO 100. There is an element of personal preference here but this works for me.

Something to think about regarding your selection of a second camera. My thinking is that any "second" camera should be able to do what your "first" camera can do. If a camera breaks, and you can't carry on with the second camera in every way, then it is not a back up camera... it is just another camera. For years I was using an M3 for my 90mm lens and an M2 for my 35mm lens. My M2 went down for repairs, and I was forced to use the 35mm lens on the M3, which only went to 50mm in the finder. This led me to sell the M3 and buy an M4. Now both of my cameras could do what the other camera could do. Today, a M2 backs up my M6.

If your Leica M4 dies, could you survive using a camera that only allowed a 21mm lens? Would you buy external finders for the other lenses in your arsenal? Operationally, it might be better to look for another full M body.

There was a very good multi-page review in the British magazine "Armature Photography" a couple of weeks ago for the Besssa- M. The review was good enough to make me think about it, but only because it would be a "fun" camera. I already have redundancy for my real shooting cameras.

-- Al Smith (smith58@msn.com), July 15, 2001.

I agree with Al about the backup camera issue. I have two M6's, and am considering buying the Bessa T as a _third_ body to mount the 24 on permanently, but I would never buy it as a _second_ body.

Having said that, the Bessa T really does look like a very useful wide-angle body. Ideally I'd have 3 M6's, but there are limits...

-- rob (rob@robertappleby.com), July 15, 2001.

an extra body is always good, about the larger grain in slide film vs negative, the reversal bath of the E-6 or similar proceeses may have something to do about increasing the grain size.

-- r watson (al1231234@hotmail.com), July 15, 2001.

I got a Bessa T about 2 months ago. It is not a Leica M. But it is a good backup camera. It handles heavy lenses nicely. The "Triggerwinder" is quite good but not as fast as the Abrahamsson Rapidwinder or my Canon VT Delux bottom winder. The M mount is good but my c. 1972 28/f.28 Elmarit is a tiny bit wobbly in it. Lens with M adaptors don't have that problem. The shutter is too darn noisy.

When I got the T the finder shoe was loose. Using a small flat screwdriver, I pried off the cover and tightened the 4 screws holding the shoe down. I brushed a bit of clear fingernail laqueur over the screws for a little extra strength. Then I slid the plat back on. So far so good.

I've had fun using various lenses with the T. It's a real blast with my old Nikon zoom finder (35-135). Focusing & shooting even my old Nikon 85/f2 was interesting (the separate focus window is very acurate).

I took it and the Canon VT Dulux out one day for a comparative study. The VT was armed with a Ricco 21/f3.5 and the T with the Elmarit 28/ f2.8. Both had Voitlander grips (long). The VT was a bit more agile. The T's external light meter acted as a meter for both cameras.

The T's shutter button activates the T's meter. It's a little problematic (unlike the Bessa L) and a few times I accidentally fired. Also it cannot use the Abrahamsson Soft Release Button--the shutter dial is about a micron too close.

I wish Cosina / Voigtlander would come out with a wide angle zoom finder. Then the T was be a very hot little camera.

-- Alex Shishin (shishin@pp.iij4u.or.jp), July 21, 2001.

Ask and ye shall receive. Just read about the new Leica 21-24-28 zoom finder. I'm getting one and putting it on the T!

-- Alex Shishin (shishin@pp.iij4u.or.jp), July 21, 2001.

Bessa-T seems very interesting product. I can see it is more useful for wide angle lenses. For 90 mm lens, for example, I cannot image how to focus and frame since the camera could be moved after framing and refocusing may be required. Kind of endless loop.

-- kenny chiu (amchiu@worldnet.att.net), July 21, 2001.

Well, I did receive--about 12 hours ago I got the new Leica 28-24- 21 finder (black) and put it on my Bessa T. The transformation is incredible. You can think about rapidly interchanging wide angle lenses, which work best on this camera. This finder feels exactly right on the T. It is as if it were made for the T. This is the first time that Leica scored a point on innovation off Cosina--or ate Cosina's lunch as Stephan Gandy (Cameraquest) might say. The T comes alive with a zoom finder. That is all there is to it.

-- Alex Shishin (shishin@pp.iij4u.or.jp), July 27, 2001.

A footnote. Stiff shutter finger from shooting with the T!! That shutter button is rough in going down. First to push half way to start the meter. Then down all the way to fire. Put at little cute button with an L on it. Finally put back big yellow betton with bubble which works better. Would like to use Abrahamsson Softie but scraps the shutter dial. See separate question regarding this.

I have become a Platonist after using the T. Somewhere there is an ideal form of the T beyond space and time. One that is a smooth and quiet as a Leica and whose back opens up.

Maybe it will appear like that wide angle zoom finder I was dreaming of...

Cheers,

Alex

-- Alex Shishin (shishin@pp.iij4u.or.jp), July 28, 2001.