Voigtlander Bessa Medium Format Folder Camera

The Voigtlander Bessa has a reputation as one of the better choices among folder cameras for a lower cost, folder camera. Unlike the Zeiss Ikonta and related collectible folders, the Bessa tend to be much for reasonable buys. Be sure to check for intact bellows without light leaks, and also a sturdy lens standard when fully extended. The lenses provided good picture taking quality, with a variety of types and format versions.

Date: Mon, 25 May 1998
From: "John R. Millard" jmillard@compassnet.com
To: rmonagha@post.cis.smu.edu
Subject: Voigtlander Bessa--any thoughts on lens/shutter?

I just purchased a Voigtlander Bessa in excellent condition. It has a Voigtlander 25-75 shutter and a Voigtlander Anastigmat Voigtar 1:7.7 10.5cm lens. The only lens/shutter combo that I really know anything about it the Skopar/Compur setup. Any comments on the combo that I have?

Date: Sat, 6 Nov 1999
From: linda/al aandl@prodigy.net
To: rmonagha@mail.smu.edu
Subject: Voigtlander Bessa

I discovered your web page at random. a few years ago at a flea market I purchased a Bessa folder in nice cosmetic shape. everything works except for the black metal tab on the outside of the folding cover which I presume would extend and hinge out to support the standard when the camera is open and placed on a flat surface. This device, of black painted steel, as such, is frozen. It is located near the tripod boss on the lid of the camera.

My Bessa has an "Anastigmat Voigtar f:6.3 10.5 cm" lens. The shutter ranges from 1/25 - 1/125 plus t and b Camera appears identical to that illustrated. Very happy indeed to find your article!

Bessa Rangefinder Folder Camera
Special thanks to Harold M. Merklinger for sharing this photo!

[Ed. note: special thanks to Harold M. Merklinger for sharing these notes, photos, and observations...] Date: Mon, 14 Jan 2002 From: "Harold M. Merklinger" hmmerk@fox.nstn.ca To: Robert Monaghan rmonagha@post.cis.smu.edu Subject: Ricohflex VII (35) and Bessas Bob, I have a Ricohflex VII set up for 35 mm film. I didn't see this option mentioned in any of your references. When I purchased this camera I thought it must have been made specifically for 35mm. The points that made me think this were: the leather case says "For 35 mm FILM", the wind knob has the necessary 35 mm exposure counter, the focusing hood has an (eyelevel) frame line for the 35mm format, the ground glass is marked for the 35mm format, and there's no typical (for many cameras - don't know about the Ricoh line) sticker saying to use 120 film. Closer inspection and consultation of your references suggests, however, that this camera could easily be converted back to 120 with the appropriate insert. I believe the wind knob would serve the purpose - the 35mm wind stop is in the insert. And I see the 35mm frame line in the hood is standard. One curious observation is that there is no factory-provided index marker on the body itself for the exposure counter, although there is on the leather case. A previous owner has scratched one on the edge of the back, though it's not in the same place as the index mark on the case. I'll probably put this on my "Unusual cameras" page, but I would welcome any comments before I do - I'm not all that familiar with the Ricoh line. I'll attach a composite photo of the camera, as well as photos of 2 Bessa IIs, (a Heliar and an Apo-Lanthar) a Bessa RF and a Perkeo E. There are 4 files: "BessaII.jpg", "BessaRF.jpg", "PerkeoE.jpg" and "RicohVII-35.jpg". (I know I'm not helping with your new 35 MB limit!) Regards! - Harold -- Harold M. Merklinger hmmerk@fox.nstn.ca Home phone: 902-461-1873 http://www.trenholm.org/hmmerk/

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