Any here use their new $90 Bessa L?

Huss said:
Update - my camera is broken. It will not advance film. On the first roll, after numerous what i thought was loading issues, it ceased to advance the film after the 22nd exposure on a 36exp roll.
I rewound the film, then checked the mechanism. With the back open and no film in it I could see that the sprocket attached to the film lever, and the gear to its immediate left rotate correctly. When I put slight pressure on the film lever sprocket, it slips and does not rotate/advance. Which is why when I put film in it it no longer advances the film as increased pressure causes it to slip. (and no, the film rewind button was not pushed in)
Filled out the return form on Amazon, will ship it back on Monday. Bummer. Thought something was up though when I received this 'new' camera with the shutter already cocked.

p.s. Hey Valdas, good thing you didn't buy it from me!!!!
🙂
Click to expand...

Hey, it was not the sixth sense, believe me 🙂 Those taxes make it not attractive and I still have my other Bessas (R4M/R2a)...
 
bayernfan said:
Huss, you're welcome to purchase one of two I received. Both seem problem free. Shoot me a PM.
Click to expand...

Thanks but I first want to see what PhotoVillage does. My request for a refund has been accepted, but they are also offering to exchange it for another.
Which is weird as their site says sold out/no longer available. So I have asked them to clarify that statement.
 
B-9 said:
Damn. Got a lemon. Amazon will blend it up for ya.

Salvage the roll atleast or nah complete fatality?
Click to expand...

I'm salvaging the roll and hoping that the majority if images on it are ok, as I went on a specific trip with it. Luckily it was not my primary camera!
 
So the shop is going to exchange it with one they kept back for the specific reason in case anyone had issues! They said they would test it before sending it out.

As long as it plays out properly, this was a minor $90 inconvenience that was settled in a week. Unlike my $5500 Leica M-E experience that took 6 months... 😉
 
CameraQuest had the later black model of this in stock for many years. It was factory fresh, CQ and factory warranty, and priced little more than the $90 everybody is now so excited about. When Stephen Gandy said these were great little cameras even before considering the low price, I bought one. It has been flawless.

I learned to listen to the head bartender long ago when he said the 25mm Snapshot Skopar was a great lens with a great price. He said the finder alone was worth the price of the lens and included finder combo. He was right.
 
Bob, your not lying!

The 25 Snapshot skopar is hands down my favorite VC lens. Ive owned it 4 times over the years 3 black 1 chrome. Its excellent on digital too! Like the M8 or Epson RD1. A go to lens for cramped streets and festivals.

I never did find a good alternative lens hood... there is a empty thread around here with me asking to the sound of crickets.

I almost purchased a L wayyyy back. I liked to see in WA so the L was my obvious lust until I started reading the head bartenders site and dug too deep into the Leica articles....
 
The roll I attempted to shoot was using the 25 Snapshot Skopar. I was having a blast until the film stopped winding!
 
Bob Michaels said:
CameraQuest had the later black model of this in stock for many years. It was factory fresh, CQ and factory warranty, and priced little more than the $90 everybody is now so excited about. When Stephen Gandy said these were great little cameras even before considering the low price, I bought one. It has been flawless.

I learned to listen to the head bartender long ago when he said the 25mm Snapshot Skopar was a great lens with a great price. He said the finder alone was worth the price of the lens and included finder combo. He was right.
Click to expand...

Indeed. But that was then and this is now and the next cheapest L I could find was a beat up used one for $120. So new for $90 is a deal.
Back then you could also buy a new Zeiss Ikon ZM for under $1000.
🙂

Two cameras that u put to excellent use!
 
I just grabbed a used (black!!) one of the 'bay for $115, so I'll let you know for sure. Going to check the advance, but already checked the shutter speeds and they seem fine. Came with batteries loaded and the meter works, so I'm cautiously optimistic.

It pairs brilliantly with my Skopar 21/4 and can't wait to shoot it this weekend. One thing I can already tell is going to bug me is the "no firing unless the lever is out" thing. Such a habit to shoot, wind, close, then rest my thumb where the lever is. Going to search for a mod, maybe someone has done it? It looks like there's a small half-disc that slips under the release, as part of the lever, blocking the release, but I'm not sure. If it's just a physical block, filing it off would be a breeze, but it may be something electronic.

Have to see....

Either way, it seems pretty rad for the price.
 
Aaaaaand NOPE.

This gorgeous camera has (what's the apparently common) a take-up spool with no tension. So the teeth will grab the film but it won't wind past the 2nd release, because of this. Seller offered to send me a replacement, but then discovered that one has the same issue.

Such a bummer, otherwise everything seems great with it. Going to research if there's an easy fix, otherwise it's going back. Not trying to spend hours fixing a plastic $100 camera. They offered to fix it, but honestly if I can't DIY it, I'd rather just get a refund and move on.

Anyone have any suggestions?
 
20150416-36660018-XL.jpg


Corner of 14th and Q, Logan Circle, Washington DC.

The head bartender sold me a Cosina 107-SW some years ago - the precursor to the Bessa L. The above shot is with the Voigtlander 21/4 LTM. Set it on hyperfocal and blast away!

Kirk
 
Imagesfromobjects said:
Aaaaaand NOPE.

This gorgeous camera has (what's the apparently common) a take-up spool with no tension. So the teeth will grab the film but it won't wind past the 2nd release, because of this. Seller offered to send me a replacement, but then discovered that one has the same issue.

Such a bummer, otherwise everything seems great with it. Going to research if there's an easy fix, otherwise it's going back. Not trying to spend hours fixing a plastic $100 camera. They offered to fix it, but honestly if I can't DIY it, I'd rather just get a refund and move on.

Anyone have any suggestions?
Click to expand...

Wait, so did your cameras break the same way mine did?
My replacement seems to work great, but it's only had one roll of film through it so far...
The shutter lock out is the same as my Nikon FM2n - lever has to be out. I really like the sharp instantaneous feeling shutter release on the Bessa.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

Disappointed_Horse
New LOMO MC-A
2
Replies
28
Views
943
TenEleven
TenEleven
D
Contax II (1939) – Film Winder Fork Slipping / Clutch Issue?
Replies
14
Views
647
popavvakum
popavvakum
Bololoco
New to camera repairs
2
Replies
25
Views
600
Muggins
Muggins
L
Picked up a GH5s, any users still here?
Replies
1
Views
464
Archiver
A
V
Bessa R film door movement
Replies
4
Views
1K
NNMark
N
Back
Top Bottom