Looks not right....
Looks not right....
1) as noted by previous poster. It looks like the front standard is bent back. Some may say it's just not folded out all the way, but the gap in the hinge (see just in front of the body on the side standard) is fully closed, so the side frame is fully extended.
2) how much is it? Moot, if front standard does not go full upright, as it is NOT in the picture.
3) Do you know the Bessa I's are dual format. They will shoot two sizes of format.... 6X4.5 and 6X9. BUT they need a mask inside the camera to do so. The mask is missing most of the time. I have one which has the mask if you want to see a picture of what the mask looks like. When out, it is separate from the camera, explaining why so many are missing.
With the mask, you can get 15 frames of 645 on a 120 roll. Without the mask, you get 8 frames at 6X9.
I like the Bessa I because of the dual format.
I will also point out that the Vaskar lens which seems fairly standard on these is an OK triplet.
However, Bessa I's also came with an upgrade lens occasionally. That was the Color Skopar (sometimes in a compur shutter).
The best combo in the Bessa I is the camera, with the Color Skopar lens in Compur or Synchro Compur, AND the dual format mask. That camera will often sell for anywhere between $150 and $200 in good cosmetic condition with clean optics and a good shutter.
Also, if you get a Vaskar or Color Skopar in a Prontor shutter, NEVER, NEVER try to use the self timer. Not without a CLA on the shutter, or you will be forced to do a CLA.
I would give up to $75 for a Bessa I/Vaskar lens and no mask. I would pay up to $125, if the mask came along as well. But these would have to be clean, with no curling edges on the coverings and perhaps the leather carry case.
Good luck.
