new voigtlander has anyone used it?

Has anyone used the new Voighlander Bessa 35mm rangefinders made by

Cosina.

 

Are they good picture takers, rugged, easy to use.

 

In short, are they worth buying?

These have been out for several years in various forms, with a new release scheduled for Photokina this fall. Search the archives for 'Bessa R' and 'Bessa R2' and you'll have enough reading material to last a week. Also look at Cameraquest.com.

Had the R and R2, and about 6 or 7 lenses, when I was going through my RF phase... I still have the R2 and 75mm, but have sold everything else. If you're one to change lenses often, then the R2's M-mount is incredibly convenient.

 

I think if you know you're an RF kind of guy, want to stay with the 35mm format and can't justify the $$$$ for the red dot, then the Bessa is worth the money.

 

If you're just thinking of getting into RF to see if it takes, try one of the classic RF's from the 70's first, such as a Canonet (they're going for about $40-50 on @bay).

 

KL

Currently using these things and I'm NOT exactly happy them. The thing that riles me the most is the noise of that shutter - cheap and LOUD. Sort of '70s style SLR.

 

Metering is okay most of the time. Focusing is okay. Rugged - not really. Easy to use - depends. Loading film may be easier but I shudder each time when I see all that plastic inside the body. Changing lenses M-style is much the same. Manual lens frame selection however is an irritation.

 

Lenses are okay but they're not "red dot". A bonus is their selection of wide and super wide-angle lenses if you're into that.

 

Are they worth buying? Put another way, other than what you may invest in your own work, they're not an investment. More a matter of riding them into the ground and then tossing them out IMHO.

Hello, my husband owns an R2 and a couple of the Voightlander lenses and he says that the camera is just fine. Granted the lenses are not "red dot" quality- but then he has never bought a camera for an investment. He uses the cameras for taking pictures. The lenses are nice and sharp and contrasty. The shutter is loud but if that is not a problem for you, then who cares? He has used all kinds of rangefinders and he finds these cameras and lenses to be excellent shooters and well worth the money, compared to other systems. Thanks, Elaine

See Gandy's site: cameraquest.com

<b>Good for most photography?</b> Yes.<P>

<b>Rugged?</b> Time will tell. The Bessa-R makes prolific use of plastic. The R2 replaced some of the plastic parts with metal -- a worthwhile improvement.<P>

<b>Easy to use?</b> Yes. Great viewfinder, accurate metering system. Easy to focus, if you're attuned to using rangefinders. If you've only used SLRs, then you'll need to make some adjustments in how you focus and how you "see" with the camera.<P>

 

<b>In short, are they worth buying?</b> If you're on a budget, then yes, a good choice. Don't expect a Leica, because it's not a Leica. It's a Japanese camera, and it looks, feels and operates like one. The shutter is louder than it needs to be, something Cosina has so far failed to address. The lenses are very well made, possibly better than the body.<P>

 

It would be best if you could handle the camera. Like other cameras, only you can tell if it's for you. The general response to the Cosina Voigtlander has been positive.

IMHO they are definitely worthy tools for RF 35mm photogrfaphy. Unlike others I prefer the Bessa-T with its more accurate focusing but require seperate View-Finder. I've taken the body to hiking and beach, during rain adn snow. SO far its performing as it should. ITs also nice to have an up to date body/shutter/meter that I know works.

 

IF the intent is to have faster work ( combined VF/RF ) , the Konica Hexar RF work quite well, had Auto, had motor winding, Auto DX film speed coding.

I have a Bessa R (earlier model) with VC 35mm and 50mm lenses. Lenses are probabaly the best ones I own, camera build is not a Leica, but then I consider camera bodies and devices to hold the film behind my lens. Viewfinder great for these aging eyes.

Thank you all for the input. I never expected "red dot" precision, nor would I pay those prices again. I guess the take is generally positive. Time to buy and try.

 

Again, Thank You All!!