🔴 Wish your Leica M had 21mm and 25mm framelines? | Voigtlander Bessa R4M Review / R4A

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

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[@scottchenoweth4937]

I just picked up an R4M, a 21mm Ultron, a 35mm Color-Skopar, and a 50mm Nokton. I haven't had an M-mount camera for about seven years. I had a CLE that I loved, but it died. I cannot wait to get out with all the new stuff this weekend.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Wow Scott, that's awesome!!! Great combo. Enjoy! (and if you ever need M camera/ lens support just check out MrLeica.com )

[@johnirby493]

I had a Bessa R, and loved it. I traded it, a Rolleiflex 2.8E, and a bunch of other cameras for a Mamiya 7ii. It came with an 80mm lens. I added a 43mm, 50mm, and 150mm, to go with it. Then I turned around and sold the outfit for the down payment on a house. Sometimes I think the camera was better than the house. Oh well.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks John. Yes I think that’s what normal people do! I have the cameras but no house :)

[@johnirby493]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom I'm worse than you. I've pretty much replaced the cameras, 49 and counting. Them damn things multiply like rabbits.

[@jovandevijver9400]

I have had a R4A twice, and sold it twice. Stupid me! 😫 It was 5 years ago, when they were still affordable. I dont know if it was better than a Leica, but it served me well. The viewfinder is amazing. I had a Ultron 21mm f1.8 on it. Nice lens, but it was so big that it covered a huge part of the viewfinder.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Sorry to hear! This is why I’m scared to sell things! I think this is only better if want built in wide angle framelines. Otherwise Leicas are better ofc.

[@linjicakonikon7666]

I LOVE this! Thank you for another EXCELLENT video.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thank you! :)

[@LucyS565]

Excellent review! A must-have camera on my list! Thanks Matt!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Lucy! Quite hard to find now it seems so keeps your eyes open for a good price 👍🏻😊

[@rogerwalker3201]

One problem with the Voigtlander camera is that if you own a 21mm Super Angulon lens, the back of the lens will hit the shutter linkage in the back of the camera. It was not design for the older version of leica’s 21mm. Other than that, I find the camera very good as my secondary camera.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Roger, that sounds a bit like the Jupiter 12 which also has a big rear element. Thanks for the info.

[@3flyte_3flyte]

I bought the R4m when it came out. I picked one up right away because I knew no other maker would do 21 and 25 frames. Now it's 2022 and people are lusting after the R4m.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Yes, Leica can't complete with these framelines. I did eventually sell mine as the prices were up to similar to Leica (but without the lasting build quality)

[@62smarty]

Hi Matt, I use the 15mm/4.5 III very often with my M's. Only the external viewfinder helps 😉😁

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks! I have the 15mm VF I’m just wondering if I can have a simplier setup with the R4M ..it’s my excuse! :)

[@maciejbury5759]

First equipment (in my life) that I bought for my self (to make photos the way I like) was... Flektogon 20mm f2,8 [m42] & I was asking friends for their Praktica cameras for a few days (Much later I had bessa with 15mm heliar ,but it was too wide for me [& now I prefer panoramas])

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks! Yes I like pano too if the location and subject suits this. After lockdown when we can travel again I will do more :)

[@highlander200107]

I feel called out Matt, I was one that contacted you to say I picked up the 21mm/4 this past weekend :-P

[@highlander200107]

Also, great video my friend.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Ah thanks John! Ah yes I forgo you just got one too. Quite a few people bought these, The 35 version, M8, M9 and CLs and tell me. Thanks for reminder!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

@@highlander200107thanks for your support!

[@jacovanlith5082]

Today I bought at Kamera Express in Rotterdam an Avenon 1 : 28 - 21 mm LTM mount. Plus a LTM - M adapter. A nice lens with a good Voitländer feeling. Focus up to 3,5 feet. Do not know which film it will be to make the test shoots; Kodak Tri-X or Agfapan 25. For wide angle optics I do not like the EVF and optical viewfinders. I prefer a frame finder, I will build a DIY framefinder by using bicycle spokes. So I will have to snitch a bike.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Nice I hear that lens is good but I never try it yet

[@jacovanlith5082]

I beg your pardon, what are you saying mr. Osborme? "If I find ever time to make silver prints in the dark room " Listen to the Rolling Stones: TIME IS ON MY SIDE. "Matt, shame on you! Got no time ? Smoking cigasr in the dark room. Being in a dark room is the place to be. No stress there, just the sound of the ticking clocks and the running water. My Lab was 5 x 8 meters, had cold and hot running water, chairs to sit on a hifi stereo set to play the sound of the Sixties. My favourite bromide paper brand was FORTE made in Hungary; it was made at the Kodak plant for eastern Europe and exported to the West. Paper sizes PC ( postcart 9x12) up to 50x60 cm Paper and carton weight. ll kinds of surfaces and structres. Chlorobromide emulsio was superieur over Ilford,Agfa and Kodak Opening a box of Forte paper it makes me think of my girl friend ..... Do I need a psychiatrist? When processing films I was drinking a glass of wine and eating snacks. My dark room could be a Bed & Breakfast

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Great vision Jaco! I’ve not developed any film from the last few trips / months but hopefully I’ll find time at some point. I do enjoy it when I get to it.

[@NapoleonSuarez]

Thanks for sharing. I've been waiting on the sidelines to purchase the M version of this, but wouldn't mind the A. I'm hoping your review won't cause a spike in purchases so that the price will stay low!!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks. There are so few listed currently I hope you find one ok.

[@nuzleafyi]

R4M is one of my dream cameras but super hard to find compared to the R4A!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Yes I’m not sure if more As were made or if people just don’t sell their Ms. I hope you find one!

[@AlistairMurray]

Another goodie! :) I seem to have timed my R4a purchase rather well, I paid ~£600 a couple of years ago. It's a really nice viewfinder with the 21 and 25, but the small effective base-length is certainly beginning to be an issue with the 28/2...

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks and great price! yes I kicked myself that I didn’t get it sooner! Yes I’m with your on the EBL. This will come up again in a future video! ;)

[@Art-cq1zy]

Issue in what way?

[@MB-or8js]

Now it makes sense to me why CV always has 21 and 25 mm lenses in their program! Didn't know that there is a rangefinder camera which has frame lines for them. I see the R4A models going for > $1600 online which is a lot if you compare the Bessa built style to a Leica M.

[@jlwilliams]

Don't judge these by the older Bessa models - the R3 and R4 series are a substantial build-quality upgrade over the R and R2, and feel very solid. I'm not saying they're equal to a Wetzlar cuckoo clock, but they're really nice to use. And while $1600 may seem high, it's still much less than you'll pay for a Leica M with 21mm frame lines in the finder :-)

[@MB-or8js]

@@jlwilliams this is true regarding the crazy price hikes in recent years for Leica M cameras. I paid for my Leica M6 five years ago $1100. I personally would nowadays find a price below $1K justified for a R4M but not the current list price. But hey, I am set with film cameras and so glad that I don't need to buy any rangefinder now.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Martin, I finally answer.. sorry about that. Yes agreed the price of these has always been more than other Bessa as Leica cant complete (so to speak). As said below the later Bessa are less plastic, like the R2C video - magnesium alloy body.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks correct, even the R2 is a metal heavy weight compared to the R/T/L

[@ulfjonsson2122]

As always,a great review / Ulf

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Ulf!

[@Anarki2U]

Leica should have made 2 or 3 versions of their rangefinder Leica M cameras, one for wideangle 21, 24, 28 an 35mm. one for 35, 50, 75 and 90mm and maybe one for 50, 75, 90 and 135mm so the finder showed these length of lenses, also there should have been full frames and not just guide lines :) Who knows, maybe Leica will make it in future models :D I love my EVF :)

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks yes agreed they missed a trick! There is the 0.58x viewfinder M6 but that’s as wide as they got I think.

[@TucsonAnalogWorkshop]

At one point they had a choice of .58x .72x .85x from the M6, M7 and lastly w/ the MP "al carte" program-- but now that choice has gone away and only .72x is available

[@JayGrapherTh]

really interesting to see this set up and would love to use this lens to adapt on to my fuji and its still very compact.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks yes a lovely compact lens!

[@JayGrapherTh]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom just went to my local film shop and they have these lens, really beautiful and small - moved away from the idea of owning leica but still interested in Range finder style film cameras to try it out from other brands. Seeing the R2

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

@@JayGrapherTh yes they all give the same nice experience 👍🏻

[@Nigel-nar53]

Hi Matt, I almost bought one of these around 4/5yrs but faffed about until they were all gone. Now I see the price of them has doubled! another big mistake on my part! 👍

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

I did the same Nigel! I thought I won’t loose money on one so bit the bullet last year.

[@jeromearnould9940]

Super Video. Bessa look very nice. Thanks for sharing.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Jerome! :)

[@alanbooth8120]

Hi mat When focusing do you use hyper focal distance or infinity Thanks

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

If use RF I use infinity but hyperfocal distance if shooting without RF. (Say on Bessa L)

[@tuftufclub159]

Great video, very intresting ! Made by a very enthusiastic photographer ! Greetings, Roger ;-)

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Roger! :)

[@tuftufclub159]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom You are really triggering your readers to use film ! I love it and it works . . . I still have 2 B+W films waiting to . . . and a new battery for my old Nikon F-601 . . . we will see ;-)

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

@@tuftufclub159 thanks Roger, lovely to hear this, great!

[@johndavid1861]

Hi Matt absolutely love your vlogs and photography...your a genius !! I'm going to buy the Leica CL and the Voigtlander color skopar 35mm f2.5 lens to go with it - After watching your review !!! But can you recommend a L-M mount adaptor for the lens to fit this leica CL will I have to pay £350,00 for the Leica one or are there cheaper options that do the same job ?? Hope you can help...thanks

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Hi John, thank you! Yes I can help! :) See my recent video on the 7Artisans close focus adapter (and the follow up video once you have the CL). That will save you lots of money AND let you focus all M glass closer to your subject so win win. I was very happy to discover it!

[@johndavid1861]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom top man !!! I will watch this later , thanks so much !! Love your photography !!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

@@johndavid1861 thanks David!

[@Harlequin565]

Hey Matt. I'm selling my R3M because the rangefinder patch is very much dependent on where my eye is against the viewfinder. Same goes for the LED lightmeter. Many times now I've put my eye to the VF and not been able to see an LED and only a very faint patch. I wear glasses. Is this something you've experienced? I really want 40mm to work but after getting an M6, I'm finding 50mm and 28mm are my new "go to" focal lengths rather than 24 and 40 which I'd love to do if I could find a camera that worked like that. I know it sounds daft but I actually thought my R3M was broken when I got it because I couldn't see the LED. Only by jiggling my head about could I finally see it.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Hi Ian, sorry for my late reply. I'm used to RF cameras so i've not had any issues. I did think R3M/A as soon as you said 40mm. You could get a Leica CL (see that video if interested).. if you like 40mm.. or a CLE.

[@rogerwalker3201]

Sounds like you should try a medium format camera. Try looking through a Mamiya 645. You’ll have no problem seeing your composition with that baby.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

@@rogerwalker3201 yes the M645 gives nice negatives. See that video from last year.

[@Harlequin565]

@@rogerwalker3201 yeah. Only problem is weight. My RB isn’t the best street camera. Sounds like I’m literally shooting someone! :-)

[@alanbooth8120]

Also forgot to ask is this camera as well built as the BessaT ? Thanks

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Much better built. The later the Bessa the better it was made (R3/R4 being more solid)

[@yvessoppelsa3026]

Hello Matt, do you know if the colos skopar 21 mm is working good with a Leica M, please ? I red article telling that the back of the lens is too close to the sensor.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Hi Yvette, yes it seems fine for me though I use it mostly for film

[@alanreid208]

Do you print your images on silver prints? or are they scanned images? The sample images were beautiful.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Hi Alan, no I scan all my images currently but it would be nice to print some in the future if I ever find the time.

[@jacovanlith5082]

I beg your pardon. "If I find ever time to make silver prints in the dark room " Listen to the Rolling Stones: TIME IS ON MY SIDE. "Matt, shame on you! Got no time ? Smoking cigasr in the dark room. Being in a dark room is the place to be. No stress there, just the sound of the ticking clocks and the running water. My Lab was 5 x 8 meters, had cold and hot running water, chairs to sit on a hifi stereo set to play the sound of the Sixties. My favourite bromide paper brand was FORTE made in Hungary; it was made at the Kodak plant for eastern Europe and exported to the West. Paper sizes PC ( postcart 9x12) up to 50x60 cm Paper and carton weight. ll kinds of surfaces and structres. Chlorobromide emulsio was superieur over Ilford,Agfa and Kodak Opening a box of Forte paper it makes me think of my girl friend ..... Do I need a psychiatrist? When processing films I was drinking a glass of wine and eating snacks. My dark room could be a Bed & Breakfast @@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom

[@AudioHand]

Price of voigtlander?

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Detailed in the video in both GBP & USD