Bessa II Serial Number Location?

[River Dog]

Anyone know where the serial number is located on a Bessa II and a reference to decode it? Thanks!

 

[jnoir]

I have the Bessa RF, not the II, but IIRC the number should appear engraved on the rim of the front element.

 

[River Dog]

Thanks, I see one there. But as it is a replaceable front element, is that for the rest of the camera as well? Also, does anyone have a link or other way to decode the number?

 

[jnoir]

Thanks, I see one there. But as it is a replaceable front element, is that for the rest of the camera as well? Also, does anyone have a link or other way to decode the number?

As far as I know, yes, that is the only serial number for the camera. At the same time, I doubt there is some "secret coding" put into Voigtlaender's serial numbers. But I may be wrong, it'd be interesting to know that it is actually the other way round.

 

[River Dog]

No, I just meant where can I look up these numbers? Can't find a source.

 

[jnoir]

Oops, sorry, I misunderstood.

Still, I don't know where to match the serial number to a specific or approximated date. All I know is that there were some 35.000 Bessas II made, and that the accessory flash shoe was included from 1954 onwards (apparently, the Bessa II was discontinued by 1956).

If you ever find out let me know, it may be a nice resource 🙂

 

[Leigh Youdale]

I think you'll find that in the era that these cameras were made, the idea of replacing the lens on a non-interchangeable camera was never considered, and the only identification is the one you have found. Only the lenses were numbered. Thus, the bodies become anonymous if the lens (or the element bearing the number) is removed. Hence there will be no resource listing the information you seek.

 

[sevo]

I think you'll find that in the era that these cameras were made, the idea of replacing the lens on a non-interchangeable camera was never considered, and the only identification is the one you have found. Only the lenses were numbered.

That can't be generalized, another maker, Zeiss Ikon, numbered all folder bodies.

 

[Ken Smith]

No body numbers on the Bessa II, just serials for both the lens and the shutter itself. There is a site that has the serial number list for Voigtlander lenses. I just have to find it again since it also included serial numbers for Zeiss lenses and few other vintage folding cameras.

Sorry - just found it and it's for large format lenses and not all Voigtlander lenses.