My first interchangeable RF - Voigtlander Bessa R2A

In 2004, Voigtlander introduced 2 new camera bodies, the R2A and R3A. This was Voigtlander’s first Aperture Priority leica M mount bodies. Offering to users are metered manual or Aperture Priority AE exposure with 2 stops exposure compensation.

This was my first interchangeable lens RF and it didn’t took me a long time to decide that this was the RF that I am looking for.

The R2A has a 0.7 magnification finder with 4 framelines, 35/50/75/90 which can be selected thru a switch on the body instead of depending on the adapter used. This saved the need for different framelines adapter for different lens used on the body.





It has a built in TTL light metering system.
The Viewfinder is big and clear



The selected shutter speed is displayed in the VF.
There is an AE lock
The camera has a much better built compared to its predecessor Bessa R series and despite that, it is much lighter at 430g.
There are some small features that I personally like a lot,
The rewind crank mimic the early Leica M series, yet easier to rewind, giving it a nostalgic feel to this camera.
The shutter button lock was a good design for me.
The use of back cover for film extraction was more convenient.







And the best part, this camera is priced affordably so everyone who wishes to try and experience an interchangeable lens RF can do so.

If I really want to nit-pick this camera, the only thing I would say was the printed on white letters at the front of the camera which I personally felt that it was a little too catchy, especially on a black RF body. This was solved with a black gaffer tape over the letters :)
While many said that the shutter sounded louder compared to a Leica M, I felt that it was okay since im shooting mostly with my earphones on, and I didn’t really get to hear it!



With this I started my journey in RF, and it was always a pleasant to use this camera.
I have used many lenses on this body and it never failed me. On a personal note, I feel that Voigtlander lens are designed to look amazingly nice on a Voigtlander body! This is a fact and also one of the reasons that my R2A is still irreplaceable!

Just a note, remember to change your battery on the R2A regularly or carry a spare one with you. For the convenience to use the Aperture priority mode, a little effort like this is definitely well worth.