Difference between revisions of "Bessa (35mm)"

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The '''Bessa''' [[35mm]] cameras are manufactured in Japan by [[Cosina]] as a revival of the [[Voigtländer]] brand name.
 
The '''Bessa''' [[35mm]] cameras are manufactured in Japan by [[Cosina]] as a revival of the [[Voigtländer]] brand name.
  
All the [[Cosina Voigtländer]] Bessa models have a double [[focal plane shutter|focal-plane shutter]] with two sets of curtains to prevent damage by the sun. Shutter speeds range from 1 to 1/2000s and bulb (B), with [[flash sync]] at 1/125s on hot-shoe or PC terminal. They all have [[TTL]] exposure metering, and manual exposure; the recent R2A and R3A also have an [[aperture priority|aperture-priority]] automatic mode.
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All the [[Cosina Voigtländer]] Bessa models have a vertically-traveling metal focal plane shutter ranging from 1 to 1/2000s and bulb (B), with [[flash sync]] at 1/125s via hot-shoe or PC terminal. They all have [[TTL]] exposure metering, and manual exposure; the R2A and R3A also have an [[aperture priority|aperture-priority]] automatic mode.
  
== The Bessa L (finderless) and T (viewfinderless) ==
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The Bessa range was derived from a camera platform developed by Cosina for inexpensive [[SLR]] bodies [[Cosina_OEM_cameras#K-mount_SLR | sold under numerous brands]]. Rangefinder lenses can focus bright light (including the sun) directly on the shutter blades (this would be blocked by a [[Reflex finder | reflex mirror]]) and so the Bessas use a modified Copal shutter with a second, inner set of metal blades to ensure light-tightness. These are finished in gray and are the surface from which light meter readings are taken.
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== Bessa-L (finderless) and Bessa-T (viewfinderless) ==
  
 
The first model was the '''Bessa-L''', introduced in 1999. This is a finderless body with a [[Leica screw mount]]. It was introduced with 15mm and 25mm Voigtländer 39mm screw lenses, both quite inexpensive and said to be of excellent quality. It can of course mount a wide variety of 39mm screw lenses by manufacturers as diverse as [[Leica|Leitz]], [[Canon]], and [[Nikon]] and even cheap but often excellent Soviet lenses. (NB neither the L nor its [[rangefinder (device)|rangefinder-equipped]] successors can be used with certain lenses that would foul certain parts.)  
 
The first model was the '''Bessa-L''', introduced in 1999. This is a finderless body with a [[Leica screw mount]]. It was introduced with 15mm and 25mm Voigtländer 39mm screw lenses, both quite inexpensive and said to be of excellent quality. It can of course mount a wide variety of 39mm screw lenses by manufacturers as diverse as [[Leica|Leitz]], [[Canon]], and [[Nikon]] and even cheap but often excellent Soviet lenses. (NB neither the L nor its [[rangefinder (device)|rangefinder-equipped]] successors can be used with certain lenses that would foul certain parts.)  
  
The Bessa L was intended to be used with ultra wide angle lenses, with which the absence of a focusing device is not a problem. Most notably Cosina introduced a 12mm lens, the widest rectilinear lens ever marketed.
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The Bessa-L was intended to be used with ultra wide angle lenses, with which the absence of a focusing device is not a problem. Most notably Cosina introduced a 12mm lens, the widest rectilinear lens ever marketed.
  
The Bessa L has TTL metering with [[LED]] readout on the back edge of the top plate with an [[Film speed|ASA]] range of 25-1600 and an EV range 1 to 19 at ASA 100. The readout consists of two red arrows pointing to a green light in between.
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The Bessa-L has TTL metering with [[LED]] readout on the back edge of the top plate with an [[Film speed|ASA]] range of 25-1600 and an EV range 1 to 19 at ASA 100. The readout consists of two red arrows pointing to a green light in between.
  
In Asia, the Voigtländer Bessa L was first sold as the '''Cosina 107-SW''' in a limited number and hence this version is slightly rarer to find today. Most came with the Skopar 25mm f.4 snapshot lens, a very convenient super wide lens - hence the camera name SW for super wide. There were also limited editions made of both the Bessa-L and the 107-SW in a series of colour bodies in grey, olive, red and blue. The standard colours are metalic silver and black.
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In Asia, the Voigtländer Bessa-L was first sold as the '''Cosina 107-SW''' in a limited number and hence this version is slightly rarer to find today. Most came with the Skopar 25mm f.4 snapshot lens, a very convenient super wide lens - hence the camera name SW for super wide. There were also limited editions made of both the Bessa-L and the 107-SW in a series of colour bodies in grey, olive, red and blue. The standard colours are metallic silver and black.
  
The Bessa L was supplemented in 2001 by the '''Bessa-T''', which used the [[Leica M mount]], could have a trigger advance attached to its foot, and had an integrated [[rangefinder (device)|rangefinder]] with high magnification, but lacked a viewfinder. It was sold in silver or black; from 2002, also in gray or olive (at a higher price and perhaps only in Japan). It is now discontinued.
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The Bessa-L was supplemented in 2001 by the '''Bessa-T''', which used the [[Leica M mount]], could have a trigger advance attached to its foot, and had an integrated [[rangefinder (device)|rangefinder]] with high magnification, but lacked a viewfinder. It was sold in silver or black; from 2002, also in gray or olive (at a higher price and perhaps only in Japan). It is now discontinued.
  
In 2001, the Bessa T was sold in a special set, called '''101st Anniversary''' (in short "T101"), with a 50mm f:3.5 collapsible Heliar lens, for the anniversary of the Voigtländer Heliar lens design. It existed in black, grey, olive and blue: five hundred numbered examples were produced for each color. The lens is particularly highly regarded.
+
In 2001, the Bessa-T was sold in a special set, called '''101st Anniversary''' (in short "T101"), with a 50mm f:3.5 collapsible [[Heliar]] lens, for the anniversary of the Voigtländer Heliar lens design. It existed in black, grey, olive and blue: five hundred numbered examples were produced for each color. The lens is particularly highly regarded.
 
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|image_text= Bessa-L chrome
 
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|image_text= Bessa-L black
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|image= http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3331/3267204269_4efb713e3d_m.jpg
 
|image_align=  
 
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|image_text= Cosina 107-SW
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|image_text= 107-SW top view
 
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|image= http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3162/2457198641_58860a6033_m.jpg
 
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|image_text= Bessa-T
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|image_text= [[39mm screw lenses|39mm screwmount]] Bessa-R
|image_by=Rick Soloway
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|image_by= Marcello Sokal
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== The Bessa R and R2 (manual rangefinder) ==
 
The '''Bessa R''', introduced in 2000, is a [[rangefinder camera]] with a parallax-corrected bright-frame finder and a [[Leica screw mount]]. Although considerably cheaper than a [[Leica]] M camera, its [[viewfinder]] is comparable in function and feeling. It has manually selectable frame lines for 4 lens focal lengths: 75mm, 50mm, and  35mm & 90mm (paired). The body's top housing, baseplate, and film door are made of polycarbonate plastics, and so the build quality does not compare with a Leica, but it is solid enough. The Bessa-R was available in black or silver; and from 2002, also in navy blue or olive (at a higher price and perhaps only in Japan).
 
  
The '''Bessa R2''' replaced the Bessa R in 2002. It is an updated version, with a [[Leica M mount]] replacing the [[Leica screw mount]], and the ability to take the same trigger advance accessory as the [[Bessa T]]. (39mm screwmount lenses can be used with an adapter.) The R2's quality of fabrication and overall finish is better than that of the R, with magnesium alloy replacing the former model's plastic plates and a more substantial cast (as opposed to pressed) metal film rewind lever. The changes resulted in a more solid and marginally larger camera, available in either olive (with chrome detailing) or splatter-textured black paint finishes. The Bessa R's self timer was deleted from the R2, possibly due to the packaging constraints imposed on the design by the adoption of thicker metal panels.
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== Bessa-R and Bessa R2 (manual rangefinder) ==
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The '''Bessa-R''', introduced in 2000, is a [[rangefinder camera]] with a parallax-corrected bright-frame finder and a [[Leica screw mount]]. Although considerably cheaper than a [[Leica]] M camera, its [[viewfinder]] is comparable in function and feeling. It has manually selectable frame lines for 4 lens focal lengths: 75mm, 50mm, and  35mm & 90mm (paired). The body's top housing, baseplate, and film door are made of polycarbonate plastics, and so the build quality does not compare with a Leica, but it is solid enough. The Bessa-R was available in black or silver; and from 2002, also in navy blue or olive (at a higher price and perhaps only in Japan).
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The '''Bessa R2''' replaced the Bessa-R in 2002. It is an updated version, with a [[Leica M mount]] replacing the [[Leica screw mount]], and the ability to take the same trigger advance accessory as the [[Bessa-T]]. (39mm screwmount lenses can be used with an adapter.) The R2's quality of fabrication and overall finish is better than that of the R, with magnesium alloy replacing the former model's plastic plates and a more substantial cast (as opposed to pressed) metal film rewind lever. The changes resulted in a more solid and marginally larger camera, available in either olive (with chrome detailing) or splatter-textured black paint finishes. The Bessa-R's self timer was deleted from the R2, possibly due to the packaging constraints imposed on the design by the adoption of thicker metal panels.
 
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|image= http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7808/46451092304_25e7d05056_z_d.jpg
 
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|image_text= [[39mm screw lenses|39mm screwmount]] Bessa R
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|image_text= Bessa-R
|image_by= Marcello Sokal
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|image_by= Rainer Marx
 
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|image=  http://farm1.static.flickr.com/181/387198762_d59616222b_n.jpg
 
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|image_text= [[Leica M lenses|M-bayonet]]-mount Bessa R2
 
|image_text= [[Leica M lenses|M-bayonet]]-mount Bessa R2
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== The Rollei 35 RF ==
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=== The Rollei 35 RF ===
  
 
The names Cosina, Voigtländer and Bessa appear nowhere on the '''[[Rollei 35 RF]]''' (2002), marketed not by Cosina but instead by [[Rollei]]. But this camera is very obviously based on the Bessa R2. The most obvious differences are the price (much higher) and somewhat gaudy appearance; more importantly the framelines are for 40, 50, and 80mm. The Rollei 35 RF retains the .68 viewfinder magnification of the R2, rather than the 1:1 viewing of the R3A/R3M (see below), arguably making it the best choice for 40mm users who wear glasses.
 
The names Cosina, Voigtländer and Bessa appear nowhere on the '''[[Rollei 35 RF]]''' (2002), marketed not by Cosina but instead by [[Rollei]]. But this camera is very obviously based on the Bessa R2. The most obvious differences are the price (much higher) and somewhat gaudy appearance; more importantly the framelines are for 40, 50, and 80mm. The Rollei 35 RF retains the .68 viewfinder magnification of the R2, rather than the 1:1 viewing of the R3A/R3M (see below), arguably making it the best choice for 40mm users who wear glasses.
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The '''Bessa R2S''' and '''Bessa R2C''' are special versions of the Bessa R2, introduced in 2002, the R2S having a [[Nikon rangefinder lenses|Nikon rangefinder mount]] and the R2C a [[Contax rangefinder lenses|Contax rangefinder mount]]. They are both discontinued today but stock is still available.
 
The '''Bessa R2S''' and '''Bessa R2C''' are special versions of the Bessa R2, introduced in 2002, the R2S having a [[Nikon rangefinder lenses|Nikon rangefinder mount]] and the R2C a [[Contax rangefinder lenses|Contax rangefinder mount]]. They are both discontinued today but stock is still available.
  
At about the time in 2005 when discontinuation of these two models was announced, the Bessa R2S was also available in a "Nikon Historical Society" version with special paintwork and a rigid version of the Heliar f/3.5 50mm lens sold earlier with the Bessa&nbsp;T. The set was (and as of May 2006 still is) available to the general public through regular retail channels in the US: Society membership is not required.<ref>"Bessa R2S 'NHS' kinen moderu ga Amerika de hatsubai".</ref>
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At about the time in 2005 when discontinuation of these two models was announced, the Bessa R2S was also available in a "Nikon Historical Society" version with special paintwork and a rigid version of the [[Heliar]] f/3.5 50mm lens sold earlier with the Bessa&nbsp;T. The set was (and as of May 2006 still is) available to the general public through regular retail channels in the US: Society membership is not required.<ref>"Bessa R2S 'NHS' kinen moderu ga Amerika de hatsubai".</ref>
 
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|image= http://farm1.staticflickr.com/578/33206907692_3b31f0afed_n_d.jpg
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|image_text= Bessa R2S
 
|image_text= Bessa R2S
|image_by= James McCallum
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|image_by= Film&PhotoArchivist
 
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== The Bessa R2A and R3A (auto-exposure rangefinder) ==
 
== The Bessa R2A and R3A (auto-exposure rangefinder) ==
  
The '''Bessa R2A''' and '''Bessa R3A''', both introduced in 2004, are the current models in the Bessa line. They are both updated versions of the Bessa R2, with the [[Leica M mount]] and an aperture-priority automatic exposure, switchable to manual. The R2A has a finder with a 0.7x maginification, and 35/50/75/90 frame lines. The R3A has a finder with a 1x magnification, and 40/50/75/90 frame lines. Both can take the trigger advance accessory.
+
The '''Bessa R2A''' and '''Bessa R3A''', were both introduced in 2004. They are both updated versions of the Bessa R2, with the [[Leica M mount]] and an aperture-priority automatic exposure, switchable to manual. The R2A has a finder with a 0.7x maginification, and 35/50/75/90 frame lines. The R3A has a finder with a 1x magnification, and 40/50/75/90 frame lines. Both can take the trigger advance accessory. They were sold in textured black or flat grey paint finishes. In 2013, June 10; Cosina announced the discontinuation of the A series models.
 
 
They are currently sold in textured black or flat grey paint finishes.
 
 
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|image_text= Bessa R2A
 
|image_text= Bessa R2A
|image_by= Daniel Go
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|image_by= Daniel Y. Go
 
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{{br}}
 
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== The Bessa R2M and R3M (manual rangefinder) ==
 
== The Bessa R2M and R3M (manual rangefinder) ==
The '''Bessa R2M''' and '''Bessa R3M''', both announced in Germany around March 2006 and in May elsewhere, are limited-edition manual-exposure, mechanical-shutter equivalents of the R2A and R3A, sold with a 50mm f/2 M-mount collapsible Heliar lens. The exposure display in the finder is more elaborate than that in the R2.
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The '''Bessa R2M''' and '''Bessa R3M''', both announced in Germany around March 2006 and in May elsewhere, are limited-edition manual-exposure, mechanical-shutter equivalents of the R2A and R3A, sold with a 50mm f/2 M-mount collapsible [[Heliar]] lens. The exposure display in the finder is more elaborate than that in the R2.
  
 
They are to be sold in black (1000 examples of the R3M, 500 of the R2M) or silver (700 of the R3M, 300 of the R2M).
 
They are to be sold in black (1000 examples of the R3M, 500 of the R2M) or silver (700 of the R3M, 300 of the R2M).
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|image_text= R3M
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|image_by= Dave Green
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|image_text= Bessa R3M w/ trigger winder
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|image_text= R2M
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== The Bessa R4A and R4M (wide-angle rangefinder) ==
 
== The Bessa R4A and R4M (wide-angle rangefinder) ==
The '''Bessa R4A''' and '''Bessa R4M''' are wide-angle equivalents to the R2A and R2M respectively. They have 21/25/28/35/50 framelines. No alternative from any other manufacturer has yet (2009) offered a design with integrated view/rangefinder for such wide lenses.
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The '''Bessa R4A''' and '''Bessa R4M''' are wide-angle equivalents to the R2A and R2M respectively. They have 21/25/28/35/50 framelines. No alternative from any other manufacturer has yet (2009) offered a design with integrated view/rangefinder for such wide lenses. The R4A has been discontinued along with the R2A and R3A in 2013.6.
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|image_text= Bessa R4A
 
|image_text= Bessa R4A
 
|image_by=Dave Dunne
 
|image_by=Dave Dunne
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|image_text= Bessa R4<small>M</small>
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|image_by= Carlos Santisteban
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{{br}}
  
{{br}}
 
 
== Zeiss Ikon==
 
== Zeiss Ikon==
 
A substantially re-engineered version of the Bessa rangefinder is also marketed by [[Carl Zeiss]] as the '''[[Zeiss Ikon / Cosina|Zeiss Ikon]]''', discussed in its own article.
 
A substantially re-engineered version of the Bessa rangefinder is also marketed by [[Carl Zeiss]] as the '''[[Zeiss Ikon / Cosina|Zeiss Ikon]]''', discussed in its own article.
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== Links ==
 
== Links ==
*[http://cameras.alfredklomp.com/bessal Bessa L] by [http://cameras.alfredklomp.com/ Alfred Klomp]
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*[http://cameras.alfredklomp.com/bessal Bessa-L] by [http://cameras.alfredklomp.com/ Alfred Klomp]
*[http://elekm.net/bessa-r/ Bessa R] by [http://elekm.net/pages/ Mike Elek]
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*[http://elekm.net/bessa-r/ Bessa-R] by [http://elekm.net/pages/ Mike Elek]
*[http://web.archive.org/web/20050204223102/www.peat.org/cvfaq/ An unofficial Voigtländer FAQ], edited by Peter Bakke
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*[http://peat.org/cvfaq.html An unofficial Voigtländer FAQ], edited by Peter Bakke
 
*[http://www.cosina.co.jp/v.html Cosina Voigtländer] Cosina's own site (in Japanese)
 
*[http://www.cosina.co.jp/v.html Cosina Voigtländer] Cosina's own site (in Japanese)
*[http://www.voigtlaender.de/cms/voigtlaender/voigtlaender_cms.nsf/id/pa_dtag6lulbz.html Ringphoto Voigtländer] (in German)
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*[https://voigtlaender.de/index.html Ringfoto Voigtländer] (in German)
 
* Stephen Gandy is the US importer of the Bessa and maintains informative [http://www.cameraquest.com/voigtsys.htm pages at Cameraquest]
 
* Stephen Gandy is the US importer of the Bessa and maintains informative [http://www.cameraquest.com/voigtsys.htm pages at Cameraquest]
 
* The [http://www.nemeng.com/leica/030b.shtml entry] in the Leica FAQ
 
* The [http://www.nemeng.com/leica/030b.shtml entry] in the Leica FAQ
* Peter Wolff's [http://www.photographical.net/bessa_r2.html Bessa R2 review]
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* [http://web.archive.org/web/20070509162513/http://www.photographical.net/bessa_r2.html Peter Wolff's Bessa R2 review] via [http://www.archive.org Internet Archive: The Wayback Machine]
 
* [http://www.photographyreview.com/cat/cameras/film-cameras/rangefinders/voigtlander/PRD_84672_3138crx.aspx User reviews] at PhotographyReview.com
 
* [http://www.photographyreview.com/cat/cameras/film-cameras/rangefinders/voigtlander/PRD_84672_3138crx.aspx User reviews] at PhotographyReview.com
* Lionel's [http://35mm-compact.com/compact/voigtlanderbessar.htm Voigtländer Bessa R overview] at 35mm-compact.com
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* [http://35mm-compact.com/compact/voigtlanderbessar.htm Lionel's Voigtländer Bessa-R overview] at [http://www.35mm-compact.com 35mm-compact] - in French
* An Australian Blogger's [http://www.heavy-arts.com/?tag=r2a Bessa R2A experience]
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* Bessa-R rangefinder adjustment [https://web.archive.org/web/20080208191125/http://photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=001NhD photo.net forum] (archived)
* Bessa R rangefinder adjustment [http://photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=001NhD photo.net forum]
+
* [http://www.thorleyphotographics.com/?page_id=52 A short Review of the Bessa-R] at [http://www.thorleyphotographics.com/ Thorley Photographics]
* A short Review of the Bessa R[http://www.thorleyphotographics.com/bessa.php]
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In Italian:
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* [https://internoinbakelite.wordpress.com/2015/09/15/voigtlander-bessa-r-made-in-japan/ Bessa-R] on [http://internoinbakelite.wordpress.com/ Interno in bakelite]
  
 
== Images ==
 
== Images ==
  
* [http://pbase.com/cameras/voigtlander/bessa_r Bessa R sample photos] at pbase.com
+
* [http://pbase.com/cameras/voigtlander/bessa_r Bessa-R sample photos] at pbase.com
 
* [http://pbase.com/cameras/voigtlander/bessa_r2 Bessa R2 sample photos] at pbase.com
 
* [http://pbase.com/cameras/voigtlander/bessa_r2 Bessa R2 sample photos] at pbase.com
 
* [http://www.flickr.com/photos/tags/bessar Bessa R tag] at flickr.com
 
* [http://www.flickr.com/photos/tags/bessar Bessa R tag] at flickr.com

Revision as of 16:27, 20 July 2021

Japanese 35mm focal plane VF and RF (edit)
Leica screw mount Alta | Bessa L/T/R | Canon II/III/IV | Canon VT | Canon VI-T | Canon L-3 | Canon P | Canon 7 | Canon 7s | ChiyocaChiyotax | Honor S1 | Honor SL | Ichicon-35 | Jeicy | Konica FR | Leotax | Leotax G | Melcon | Melcon II | Minolta 35 | Muley | Nicca | Nicca III-L | Nippon | Tanack 35/IIIS/IV-S | Tanack SD | Tanack VP | Teica | Yasuhara T981
Leica M mount Bessa R2/R3/R4 | Konica Hexar RF | Minolta CLE | Rollei 35 RF | Zeiss Ikon
Nikon mount Bessa R2S | Nikon rangefinder models
Contax G mount Contax G1 | Contax G2
Other Bessa R2C | Kwanon | Tanack V3
Japanese TLR and pseudo TLR ->
Japanese 6×6, 4.5×6, 3×4 and 4×4 ->

The Bessa 35mm cameras are manufactured in Japan by Cosina as a revival of the Voigtländer brand name.

All the Cosina Voigtländer Bessa models have a vertically-traveling metal focal plane shutter ranging from 1 to 1/2000s and bulb (B), with flash sync at 1/125s via hot-shoe or PC terminal. They all have TTL exposure metering, and manual exposure; the R2A and R3A also have an aperture-priority automatic mode.

The Bessa range was derived from a camera platform developed by Cosina for inexpensive SLR bodies sold under numerous brands. Rangefinder lenses can focus bright light (including the sun) directly on the shutter blades (this would be blocked by a reflex mirror) and so the Bessas use a modified Copal shutter with a second, inner set of metal blades to ensure light-tightness. These are finished in gray and are the surface from which light meter readings are taken.

Bessa-L (finderless) and Bessa-T (viewfinderless)

The first model was the Bessa-L, introduced in 1999. This is a finderless body with a Leica screw mount. It was introduced with 15mm and 25mm Voigtländer 39mm screw lenses, both quite inexpensive and said to be of excellent quality. It can of course mount a wide variety of 39mm screw lenses by manufacturers as diverse as Leitz, Canon, and Nikon and even cheap but often excellent Soviet lenses. (NB neither the L nor its rangefinder-equipped successors can be used with certain lenses that would foul certain parts.)

The Bessa-L was intended to be used with ultra wide angle lenses, with which the absence of a focusing device is not a problem. Most notably Cosina introduced a 12mm lens, the widest rectilinear lens ever marketed.

The Bessa-L has TTL metering with LED readout on the back edge of the top plate with an ASA range of 25-1600 and an EV range 1 to 19 at ASA 100. The readout consists of two red arrows pointing to a green light in between.

In Asia, the Voigtländer Bessa-L was first sold as the Cosina 107-SW in a limited number and hence this version is slightly rarer to find today. Most came with the Skopar 25mm f.4 snapshot lens, a very convenient super wide lens - hence the camera name SW for super wide. There were also limited editions made of both the Bessa-L and the 107-SW in a series of colour bodies in grey, olive, red and blue. The standard colours are metallic silver and black.

The Bessa-L was supplemented in 2001 by the Bessa-T, which used the Leica M mount, could have a trigger advance attached to its foot, and had an integrated rangefinder with high magnification, but lacked a viewfinder. It was sold in silver or black; from 2002, also in gray or olive (at a higher price and perhaps only in Japan). It is now discontinued.

In 2001, the Bessa-T was sold in a special set, called 101st Anniversary (in short "T101"), with a 50mm f:3.5 collapsible Heliar lens, for the anniversary of the Voigtländer Heliar lens design. It existed in black, grey, olive and blue: five hundred numbered examples were produced for each color. The lens is particularly highly regarded.


Bessa-R and Bessa R2 (manual rangefinder)

The Bessa-R, introduced in 2000, is a rangefinder camera with a parallax-corrected bright-frame finder and a Leica screw mount. Although considerably cheaper than a Leica M camera, its viewfinder is comparable in function and feeling. It has manually selectable frame lines for 4 lens focal lengths: 75mm, 50mm, and 35mm & 90mm (paired). The body's top housing, baseplate, and film door are made of polycarbonate plastics, and so the build quality does not compare with a Leica, but it is solid enough. The Bessa-R was available in black or silver; and from 2002, also in navy blue or olive (at a higher price and perhaps only in Japan).

The Bessa R2 replaced the Bessa-R in 2002. It is an updated version, with a Leica M mount replacing the Leica screw mount, and the ability to take the same trigger advance accessory as the Bessa-T. (39mm screwmount lenses can be used with an adapter.) The R2's quality of fabrication and overall finish is better than that of the R, with magnesium alloy replacing the former model's plastic plates and a more substantial cast (as opposed to pressed) metal film rewind lever. The changes resulted in a more solid and marginally larger camera, available in either olive (with chrome detailing) or splatter-textured black paint finishes. The Bessa-R's self timer was deleted from the R2, possibly due to the packaging constraints imposed on the design by the adoption of thicker metal panels.


The Rollei 35 RF

The names Cosina, Voigtländer and Bessa appear nowhere on the Rollei 35 RF (2002), marketed not by Cosina but instead by Rollei. But this camera is very obviously based on the Bessa R2. The most obvious differences are the price (much higher) and somewhat gaudy appearance; more importantly the framelines are for 40, 50, and 80mm. The Rollei 35 RF retains the .68 viewfinder magnification of the R2, rather than the 1:1 viewing of the R3A/R3M (see below), arguably making it the best choice for 40mm users who wear glasses.

The Bessa R2S and R2C (Nikon and Contax mount)

The Bessa R2S and Bessa R2C are special versions of the Bessa R2, introduced in 2002, the R2S having a Nikon rangefinder mount and the R2C a Contax rangefinder mount. They are both discontinued today but stock is still available.

At about the time in 2005 when discontinuation of these two models was announced, the Bessa R2S was also available in a "Nikon Historical Society" version with special paintwork and a rigid version of the Heliar f/3.5 50mm lens sold earlier with the Bessa T. The set was (and as of May 2006 still is) available to the general public through regular retail channels in the US: Society membership is not required.[1]


The Bessa R2A and R3A (auto-exposure rangefinder)

The Bessa R2A and Bessa R3A, were both introduced in 2004. They are both updated versions of the Bessa R2, with the Leica M mount and an aperture-priority automatic exposure, switchable to manual. The R2A has a finder with a 0.7x maginification, and 35/50/75/90 frame lines. The R3A has a finder with a 1x magnification, and 40/50/75/90 frame lines. Both can take the trigger advance accessory. They were sold in textured black or flat grey paint finishes. In 2013, June 10; Cosina announced the discontinuation of the A series models.


The Bessa R2M and R3M (manual rangefinder)

The Bessa R2M and Bessa R3M, both announced in Germany around March 2006 and in May elsewhere, are limited-edition manual-exposure, mechanical-shutter equivalents of the R2A and R3A, sold with a 50mm f/2 M-mount collapsible Heliar lens. The exposure display in the finder is more elaborate than that in the R2.

They are to be sold in black (1000 examples of the R3M, 500 of the R2M) or silver (700 of the R3M, 300 of the R2M).


The Bessa R4A and R4M (wide-angle rangefinder)

The Bessa R4A and Bessa R4M are wide-angle equivalents to the R2A and R2M respectively. They have 21/25/28/35/50 framelines. No alternative from any other manufacturer has yet (2009) offered a design with integrated view/rangefinder for such wide lenses. The R4A has been discontinued along with the R2A and R3A in 2013.6.


Zeiss Ikon

A substantially re-engineered version of the Bessa rangefinder is also marketed by Carl Zeiss as the Zeiss Ikon, discussed in its own article.

Notes

  1. "Bessa R2S 'NHS' kinen moderu ga Amerika de hatsubai".

Links

In Italian:

Images

Reference