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There are lots of reviews on this camera. The main criticism is the build quality and its plastic nature. But actually it's better than you think. I covered mine in leather so you would never know it has a plastic back. It's like a Leica just cheaper. I wish it was as solid as a leica. But if it was it would cost a £1000. I like, it's a great camera. The rf is as good as a leica. I use Canon ltm lenses on it and it's great. The oddly placed lugs are a bit annoying, but who cares at this price. One day I will upgrade to a leica. But till then I really like the Bessa
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
I like this camera very much, and the price was right, but, as is apparently common with this model, the range-finder was partly out of adjustment. The RF horizontal alignment is good, so the camera can be focused fairly accurately, but the vertical RF alignment is out of whack, so the RF patch is a bit harder to read. The RF adjustments on this camera remain obscure and difficult even after extensive internet study. The local camera repair shop refuses to work on Voigtlander Bessa cameras. Rather than send it out and pay a lot for an adjustment that might simply be lost in transit I am using the camera as-is, and it seems to work well enough. Other than that the camera is very nice indeed.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
The Bessa R 35mm Rangefinder, manufactured by Cosina Voigtlander, is a great way to use the older, screw-mount Leica lenses, also known as LTM lenses. Now you can always buy some very, very nice Barnack Leica cameras to use with these lenses, and not a soul will ever blame you. The old Barnacks are magnificently engineered cameras and are true work of art. Everyone should own at least one. Though quite well made, the Bessa R will never replace these wonderful old cameras. But a very key term here is "old." The Barnack Leicas are close to, or over 60 years old now. Though built very well for their time, 60 years takes a toll on anything or anybody. FEATURES - The Bessa R brings some very positive features to the table. 1. Combined rangefinder/viewfinder rather than separate ones. 2. Framelines to provide framing guidance for the 75mm, the 90mm and the 35mm, in addition to the 50mm found on almost all Barnacks. 3. An accurate Through the Lens (TTL), in-camera meter. 4. A much higher flash synch speed (1/125 vs 1/50). 5. A 1/2000 second shutter speed. Most Barnacks stop at 1/1000 seconds. Others stop at 1/500 seconds. 6. No bottom loading or special trimming of the film leader is required. Look this up if you don't understand it. The back hinges open and film is loaded identically to most other cameras. 7. Strap lugs. Yeah. A lot of the older Barnack Leicas didn't include these. EASE OF USE - If you have never used a manual camera that does not automatically expose the film or focus the lens then there will be a learning curve for you. The one thing that most rangefinders of any kind do is put you, not the camera, in charge of your photograph. Some people like it, some don't. If you don't want to have to make the focusing and exposure decisions then you may as well stop right here. This camera is not for you. If you have used manual cameras before then this one will be extremely easy to use. I always recommend that you read the camera's manual, but with this camera you may not need to. The controls are where you expect them. SIZE & WEIGHT - This camera shines in this area. It is not a pocket camera, but it can be slid quite easily into a coat pocket. And if the lens can be collapsed (there are several Leica LTM lenses that collapse into the camera body) then the camera becomes even more compact. I have successfully collapsed all sorts of lenses into my Bessa R with no problems, but, to be absolutely clear, the camera manual does not recommend this practice. Weight? To put this simply, the camera is very light, even with batteries (for the meter and not necessary to operate the camera itself) and the film. I have never weighed mine, you can look the specs up on-line if you want, but this is the camera I pick for any overnight hiking trip I take. VALUE - For me the value for the money is very high. I have bought two of these used and they work great even today. But, like anything else, there is always a risk when buying used. There have been reliable reports of problems focusing the camera but this issue is easily repaired by most camera techs.Read full review
The screwmount (Leica thread mount) Bessa R is a great camera at a bargain price. It has a very bright viewfinder and accurate light meter with a top shutter speed of 1/2000; an excellent update to the ancient Leica III. My screwmount Voigtlander 35 and 50mm Color Skopar lenses produce amazing results on film with this camera (now if only I had the talent to make good use of them). An outstanding full frame 35mm camera and lens for less than $600 represents one of the best bargains in photography.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
It does everything I want to without any fuss. It never fails to meter perfectly and the viewfinder is simply delicious. My particular camera came with a pretty clean Canon 50 f/1.8 that has impressive qualities for a rather inexpensive lens. The weight of the chromed brass is a joy to hand hold and use, and the focus feels very smooth. The Bessa R is a full function camera that doesn't try to be too pretty and knows it's not indestructible. Compared to screw mount Leicas, the Bessa feels light and rather plasticy, but not frail. I like the weight of the camera and it has a nice grip to it. The shutter is louder than the Leicas (comparing mainly to the IIIf), but doesn't bother me when shooting, and certainly hasn't startled any subjects. I've been pining for this camera since I found out about it in 2009 and just recently had the opportunity to buy one cheap, so it's no surprise I have little complaints about it, but I really have to say that Cosina has pulled off a lot of bang for the buck with this little guy. I am very happy when shooting, more so than with my previous rangefinder of choice, the Yashica Electro 35 GSN. The Bessa R is a perfect camera to use after becoming accustomed to the Yashica, as the metering system is essentially a fully manual version of the Electro's. I've only had this camera for a week but I'm loving it so far. With longterm durability being my only concern with this camera, I can say that my shooting has freed up and nothing makes better pictures than a photog with a camera he/she is completely comfortable shooting with. Thank you Cosina!Read full review
