Voigtlander BESSA - Are they any good?

[GWT]

My unquenchable thirst is for RF's only getting worst (I blame this site!!!)

A while back I first saw the Voigtlander BESSA and was mildly interested (I think at the time I was after a Contax G so I soon moved on) I'm now once again considering a bessa but some of the things I've read about them isn't always good - the question is what are they like and if I was to get one which one should I go for?

I'm referring to the newer Japanese models. R and L series

[eyesglassy]

I've had two Bessa-R's since they first came out. (1999?). I've never had one problem. The viewfinder is awesome! I also have two Bessa-L's that I treat pretty rough. I love them all.

[GWT]

Which model should I go for?

Someone told me the the meter in the R3 is pretty great.

[presspass]

Don't know about the newer ones. But if they work as well as the R2, they're fine. Good viewfinder, accurate exposure. If you buy the bottom lever wind accessory, make sure you understand how it works or you will get uneven frame spacing. A little louder than a Leica, but a great buy.

[ray*j*gun]

I've had an R2s and an R both outstanding no issue cameras. R2s meter was right on compared to my Gossen Luna Pro.

[kossi008]

Which one to get depends heavily on your shooting preferences. Wide-angle or longer lenses? Screw mount or M-mount? AE or mechanical shutter?
Maybe you would like to read up on the CameraQuest site... I find they have a pretty good overview for starters.

[rbelyell]

may i suggest deciding on a bessa by working backwards: what lenses do you want to shoot with (their FLs need to match up with the cameras framelines, which are different on different model bessas); how do you wish to shoot (close up (bessa t) vs street vs landscape vs combination). once youve made these decisions, the decision on which bessa may indeed be already made!

for me, the combination of street and close up work was most important. i primarily wanted to use a 21-25 for street and a 40 or 75 for close up depending on indoor or outdoor use. without getting too much into technical/theoretical machinations, these consideratios ultimately led me to the bessa t, with which i have been very happy.

once you decide whats important to you, i believe the camera choice will become obvious.
tony
tony

[alexnotalex]

Models have different viewfinder magnification and lines, so get one which matches your preferences.

I sold my modern, capable R2 because of the LEDs and plastic knobs and the feeling I had whilst using it; I was seduced by a older, smoother, heavier body.
I still have great photos taken with it hanging on my wall though, these cameras are really terrific, great VF, metering, great value, and certainly modern.

Very best regards,
Alex

[paulfish4570]

r2m, very, very good ...

[Blanc]

The main mechanical problem of those little things is the wekness of the part linking winding and cocking. If you own one just be gentle at winding and don't recock just after shooting (well it's not a nikon F6)...