Some of you might already know that I ain’t one who can use a rangefinder camera properly. Blame my old fuzzy eyeballs … I usually have problem focusing with that little patch in the viewfinder. Hahaha! I’ve tried several rangefinders (without film in them) and concluded that I might go blind if I ever finish shooting 36 frames in one. Recently a friend passed me his Bessa R2A and told me to give it a try. I knew it will be quite a challenge but for the fun (and pain) of it … I agreed. He told me that I can buy it from him if I like it. Damn. I was worried and I am still worried.
Loaded the camera with a roll of Kentmere 400 black & white film and struggled for some weeks before I managed to finish the roll. I’ve not use this film before … so this is also my test roll (of the film) since I bought them during my last visit to Tokyo. The cam came with a Voigtlander 40mm f1.4 SC lens and I was told that the SC (single coated) lenses will produce more dreamy feel to the photos (sometimes). Hmm.
Honestly … I think it isn’t that bad (using the RF). Maybe it was because of the larger viewfinder/patch that made it eaiser for me. Finally got the roll developed and I’m pretty convinced that I might be able to focus properly if i try (and not go blind).
Fired the shutter before I focused. LOL! Somehow I love this. Guess old habits (of loving blurred photos) die hard!
So do I like the cam? Honestly I quite like it. Hahaha! The focusing might drive me blind someday but so far I like the pretty solid feel of the camera … but … but … I’m pretty broke at the moment. Grrrr!
