Voigtlander Bessa III for USA Update IN STOCK

[CameraQuest]

Edit: Sept 9 Update:

Voigtlander Bessa III's are in stock ready to ship.
USA price $2250
see http://cameraquest.com/voigtl_bessa_iii.htm

free shipping world wide if you mention your RFF ID with the order.
Paypal to Stephen@CameraQuest.com
add 8.75% tax only if you are in California

Thanks,

Stephen

[CameraQuest]

http://cameraquest.com/jpg3/voigB3_closed.jpg

Updated Bessa III page up
http://cameraquest.com/voigtl_bessa_iii.htm

Thanks for looking,
Stephen

[sam_m]

I'm sure the viewfinder is bloody fantastic, but I just can't swing it.

:(

[aizan]

any chance you'll be importing the fuji gf670 version?

[CameraQuest]

any chance you'll be importing the fuji gf670 version?

No chance, and no reason. The Bessa III is the same except for the nameplate.

Stephen

[Jason Sprenger]

Do we know what the meter display is going to look like?

[Sal Santamaura]

Updated Bessa III page up
http://cameraquest.com/voigtl_bessa_iii.htm

Thanks for looking,
StephenThree questions not addressed by the updated page:

What is the rangefinder's base length?
What is the viewfinder magnification?
Do the viewfinder frame lines also expand and contract to account for changes in field of view while focusing or do they only shift for parallax?Thanks in advance for answering,
Sal

[sooner]

Can you say what the first production run will be? I'm curious how many of these Fuji plans to produce. As I've stated before in other forums, there are lots of us like me who would love to buy this camera but can't touch it for anything near the current price.

[Tom A]

Fuji is planning a run of 5000 of the 667 (Tokyo price at Yen 218 000). I don't know what the Bessa III production estimate is though - probably similar volume. Obviously there is a pent up demand for a high quality, compact folder. A lot of Plaubel users are looking to the Fuji/Bessa as an upgrade.
Dont know the base length of the finder - will try to figure it out.
The frame lines do not correct for closer or infinity focus as far as I know. They do parallax compensate and of course shift from 6x6 to 6x7 format automatically.
The viewfinder looks pretty damn close to 1:1 or thereabouts. Very bright with a sharp, well defined focussing patch too.

[Ernst Dinkla]

Three questions not addressed by the updated page:
What is the rangefinder's base length?
What is the viewfinder magnification?
Do the viewfinder frame lines also expand and contract to account for changes in field of view while focusing or do they only shift for parallax?Thanks in advance for answering,
Sal

The specs + some (German site) picture measurements by me (ED), give or take 1 mm.

Technical specifications.

Folding camera with coupled rangefinder
Film choice 120/220 film
6x7 cm (56x69 mm ED)(120-10 exp. / 220-20 exp.)
6x6 cm (56x56 mm ED)(120-12 exp. / 220-24 exp.)
Switch for frame sizes inside the body (ED)
80 mm/f3.5 (4 groups 6 elements)
7 rounded aperture blades (ED)
Close focus is 0.9 m, 3' (CK)
Bright frame-type viewfinder.
Physical rangefinder base 37 mm (ED)
Automatic parallax compensation
Integral LED exposure metering indications
Electronically controlled lens shutter. 4-1/500 sec, B
Exposure control: SPD Sensor
Center-weighted averaging system
Aperture priority AE and manual switchover
Exposure compensation approx 2EV in 1/3EV steps
Film speed: Manual setting, ISO25-3200 (1/3EV step accuracy)
Manual film wind by winding knob
Mechanical-type counter
120/220 (changeable)
6x7/6x6 (changeable)
CR2 (3v) lithium battery
Outer dimensions: 178x109x63 mm folded (ED)
and 178x109x138 mm unfolded (BJoPh)
Weight 1KG (BJoPh)

The rangefinder is in my opinion basically the one of the 35mm Bessas. While brightness and magnification will adjust for the MF size-80mm standard lens the most interesting detail will be how accurate the rangefinder coupling is on this folder. On some older folders it has been good and on other folders lousy. All kinds of designs were used to get good rangefinder precision combined with the folding construction. Mamiya Six film shift, Zeiss ikon optical wedges, Plaubel and Polaroid strut coupling, Agfa + Iskra coupled helix construction that is used in the Bessa III too. Wonder whether there is a Bendix cable used that can be adjusted for wear in time.

Ernst Dinkla

[Way]

The lens area (shutter, focusing and aperture adjustments) looks very similar to the older Fuji GS645, which seems very solid and I have had no problems with focusing accurately. I hope the Bessa III will be even better.

[John Robertson]

According to AP the first supplies have reached UK. £1900.

[JanPB]

No chance, and no reason. The Bessa III is the same except for the nameplate.

Stephen

The Fuji version seems the only one with silver and black body (I don't like all black cameras in general).

[JanPB]

Can you say what the first production run will be? I'm curious how many of these Fuji plans to produce. As I've stated before in other forums, there are lots of us like me who would love to buy this camera but can't touch it for anything near the current price.

Which brings the obvious question: why isn't the price lower? Isn't it clear Fuji would make more money that way?

[david b]

It is now minutes from June 30.

Is this camera available yet?

[thenakedlens]

Just got mine today.....very excited.

Sal:
What is the rangefinder's base length? 37mm (effective bl 25.9mm) Auto parallax correction
What is the viewfinder magnification? x0.7
Do the viewfinder frame lines also expand and contract to account for changes in field of view while focusing or do they only shift for parallax? yes frame lines (left side and top ) expand and contract with focus in field of view

[Sal Santamaura]

Just got mine today.....very excited.

Sal:
What is the rangefinder's base length? 37mm (effective bl 25.9mm) Auto parallax correction
What is the viewfinder magnification? x0.7
Do the viewfinder frame lines also expand and contract to account for changes in field of view while focusing or do they only shift for parallax? yes frame lines (left side and top ) expand and contract with focus in field of viewThanks very much for the follow up. Here are a few more "assignments" for you. :)

Shoot a series wide open with the rangefinder focused on targets at varying distances, preferable halfway down a yardstick pointed away from the camera. This will reveal how accurately that base length + viewfinder magnification + mechanism precision focus the lens.
Make photographs at varying distances with the camera on a tripod so you can sketch out the exact scene edges covered by viewfinder frame lines. Compare resulting negatives/transparencies with your sketches to establish framing accuracy.
Determine whether, ensuring focus is set to infinity, one can non-destructively close the camera with a filter attached to the lens. Note that B+W offers "slim" filters if needed.Thank you for continuing to ferret out details. Perhaps, after doing all this, you can write and have published a review of the camera.

[CameraQuest]

It is now minutes from June 30.

Is this camera available yet?


Voigtlander Bessa III for USA Update 2nd Shipment August
My SECOND Bessa III shipment will start shipping from CameraQuest on or about August 3rd. It should be large enough fulfill all my orders for those who have Bessa III deposits!

If you have a Bessa III deposit, please pay your balance now so your camera can be shipped as soon as possible! For those wishing to get in line for future shipments -- which should not be that far away -- I'm taking $100 refundable Paypal deposits to Stephen@CameraQuest.com , or checks or credit card.

I'm taking $100 refundable deposits via Paypal to Stephen@CameraQuest.com for those wishing to get in line for the new Bessa III.

Thanks,

Stephen

Thanks for looking,

Stephen

[thenakedlens]

Sal,

eddale on this forum has already shot a bunch.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/eddale/sets/72157621359684043/

It will take me 3 weeks to get back from my whirl wind tour in the NE which begins this Friday. I will put up plenty of examples when I get back.

-T

[Sal Santamaura]

Sal,

eddale on this forum has already shot a bunch.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/eddale/sets/72157621359684043/

It will take me 3 weeks to get back from my whirl wind tour in the NE which begins this Friday. I will put up plenty of examples when I get back.

-TThanks for the link and enjoy your tour. While eddale's photos are interesting, they don't provide the information your "assignement" will. No rush; we can all wait until it's convenient for you. ;)

[Anton Caro]

I saw the bloody Bessa III in the shop window at Westbahnstrasse, Wien and I was surprised by its size. Isnt it huge? ... and probably heavy?

[Tom A]

It is not exactly small in terms of a 35, but folded up it fits nicely in a smallish camera bag or a large pocket.
Weight is 1 kg (about the same as a M3 and 50DR Summicron!). The size takes a bit to get used to - but once you look at those 6x6/6x7 negatives you forget it!
The lens is one of the best optics I have ever used in a medium format camera, Very sharp (also helped by the bright rangefinder patch and the overall quality of the finder - easy to pinpoint focus). The AE system is great - only time I have had problem with it is when I tried to outsmart it!!!
Battery life seems very good - I have shot about 35 rolls with mine and so far no problem - but I do carry a spare in my bag, as once it dies - so does the camera!
Peoples reaction is funny, ranging from "Is it a Polaroid?" to the inevitable "Is it digital?". The shutter is eerily quiet - just a soft "snap" that you, the user can barely hear and with any ambient noise - nobody can hear.
There are some shots on Flickr under Bessa III and Voigtlander 667 - but I wish the users would put up more.

[Jamie123]

Tom, are you using a Soft Release with the Bessa? Does the shutter trip when the camera is folded?

[Tom A]

Tom, are you using a Soft Release with the Bessa? Does the shutter trip when the camera is folded?

I dont use a Softie on the Bessa III - though it is possible. The "trigger" on the III is so soft that it is not needed. I will try it though at some time.
Once the camera is folded up - the trigger is locked.
One reason why I haven't used the softie on the III is the accidental relase. With a 35mm camera you only loose 1/36th of a roll - with the III in 6x7 mode - you loose 1/10th of the roll!!!!

[Jamie123]

One reason why I haven't used the softie on the III is the accidental relase. With a 35mm camera you only loose 1/36th of a roll - with the III in 6x7 mode - you loose 1/10th of the roll!!!!

Good point! :)

Truth be told, I think the only accessory that would be really useful for this camera is some sort of side grip. One big engineering flaw, IMO, is that they didn't put the strap lugs on the right side (photographer's viewpoint). That way it would've been so easy to install a hand grip!

[Keith]

I currently have one in my possession courtesy of the Oz travelling Bessa project ... about to hand it back actually.

Where this camera has it all over any other folder you can pick up is it's ergonomics IMO! It just works ... from closed to open and ready to shoot is a second or so and although a large camera it is incredibly easy to hold and focus. The viewfinder is a match for my Ikon and the build quality is fantastic.

My hat is off to Cosina for making something this good that has a classic design with just the right amount of current technology.

This camera combined with a decent scanner has the potential to make the M9's output look average ... I wish I could afford one!

[photogdave]

This camera combined with a decent scanner has the potential to make the M9's output look average ... I wish I could afford one!

I hear that! I saw one in here in Vancouver the other day - where it sells for just over $2300 CDN. A really good deal but more than I can spend on a camera now.
Maybe in a year or so...

[Tom A]

I hear that! I saw one in here in Vancouver the other day - where it sells for just over $2300 CDN. A really good deal but more than I can spend on a camera now.
Maybe in a year or so...

There at least 3-4 of them here in Vancouver already! Our Flickr site has about 60 shots done with mine in the last month. Amazing piece of equipment - rekindled my interest in 120 format. It is comfortable enough to carry around - and smooth enough to use as a "street" shooting camera - though you have to reload frequently. Hmm, I wonder if Fuji is following through with the Acros 100 in 220 format?

[Keith]

Hmm, I wonder if Fuji is following through with the Acros 100 in 220 format?



Now that would be useful Tom ... we can only hope! :)

[Debusti Paolo]

drop me a line when there's 50% off

[drinkingeye]

just got my bessa III two weeks ago. I'm amazed! This camera took me back to the wonderful film world. I carry it 24 hours/day with me. It's great Cosina has the courage to bring out such a camera. I hope they'll get their investment paid back. cheers, mauro

[Carterofmars]

It is not exactly small in terms of a 35, but folded up it fits nicely in a smallish camera bag or a large pocket.
Weight is 1 kg (about the same as a M3 and 50DR Summicron!). The size takes a bit to get used to - but once you look at those 6x6/6x7 negatives you forget it!
The lens is one of the best optics I have ever used in a medium format camera, Very sharp (also helped by the bright rangefinder patch and the overall quality of the finder - easy to pinpoint focus). The AE system is great - only time I have had problem with it is when I tried to outsmart it!!!
Battery life seems very good - I have shot about 35 rolls with mine and so far no problem - but I do carry a spare in my bag, as once it dies - so does the camera!
Peoples reaction is funny, ranging from "Is it a Polaroid?" to the inevitable "Is it digital?". The shutter is eerily quiet - just a soft "snap" that you, the user can barely hear and with any ambient noise - nobody can hear.
There are some shots on Flickr under Bessa III and Voigtlander 667 - but I wish the users would put up more.

Just picked one of these up from a forum member two nights ago. Yes, the shutter release is so quiet I was sure I wasn't snapping correctly. Beautiful camera... can't wait to see the negatives.

[ray*j*gun]

How have they been holding up......I was concerned about whether a folder was rugged enough for heavy use or in fact normal regular use.....If there is a thread that addresses that I apologize in advance.

[Fotohuis]

It's not a camera for heavy use because of the folder mechanism. But for regular use and travelling camera it's ok.