lxmike
M2 fan.
Thanks everyone, have decided to buy a Bessa L from a fellow RFF member
lxmike
M2 fan.
Well I have just spent an afternoon wityh my newly aquired Bessa L, build
quality, well its not trying to compete with Leica, but it is more sturdy than I
thought it would be, the light meter is very responsive and easy to read, the
lever wind is very smooth and the shutter is not as quiet as my Rollei 35 but
its queiter than my Pentax MX. All in all I'm very happy with it. At the end of
the day it is merely a platform ofr the superb glass that Voigtlander produce
quality, well its not trying to compete with Leica, but it is more sturdy than I
thought it would be, the light meter is very responsive and easy to read, the
lever wind is very smooth and the shutter is not as quiet as my Rollei 35 but
its queiter than my Pentax MX. All in all I'm very happy with it. At the end of
the day it is merely a platform ofr the superb glass that Voigtlander produce
lxmike
M2 fan.
Can I also take this opportunity to thank RFF member Kevin (Bruin), for allowing me to buy the Bessa L off him, it arrived safely across the pond and in superb condition. I am very happy indeed
Bruin
Noktonian
My pleasure, Mike 
lxmike
M2 fan.
Thanks once again Kevin, its gone to a good home
BillBingham2
Registered User
Congrats on your new friend. I'm sure you will have a lot of fun with her. The L is lighter than any other camera and mine went everywhere.
B2 (;->
B2 (;->
lxmike
M2 fan.
Hi Bill, how reliable was your example, I hear hooro stories about their reliabilty
BillBingham2
Registered User
I had a used Bessa L that I got as part of a lens deal and it worked without problem for seven years. It was my main carry camera, other than on vacations where it was backup and the offical 25mm lens cap. Judging from what I expect to be the number made I'm not too sure what we are seeing is a few of thousands good ones.
I have heard of R's having issues with something jamming in the advance, but as I remember it was an easy fix taking off the bottom plate. More from a drop than anything else as I remember.
You might want to join the CVUG (CV User Group) from CameraQuest.com. I've been on it for years and it has lots of knowledge specific to Bessas but also beyond. There are lots of potential issues, people passing problematic cameras along to others. I never heard back from either of the two people I sold my Ls to.
I'm sure you will be fine with the L, my favorite street/family/fun film camera ever built, at least IMHO. Don't worry, treat her with respect and put lots of film through her.
And of course share your results and impressions with us!
B2
I have heard of R's having issues with something jamming in the advance, but as I remember it was an easy fix taking off the bottom plate. More from a drop than anything else as I remember.
You might want to join the CVUG (CV User Group) from CameraQuest.com. I've been on it for years and it has lots of knowledge specific to Bessas but also beyond. There are lots of potential issues, people passing problematic cameras along to others. I never heard back from either of the two people I sold my Ls to.
I'm sure you will be fine with the L, my favorite street/family/fun film camera ever built, at least IMHO. Don't worry, treat her with respect and put lots of film through her.
And of course share your results and impressions with us!
B2
lxmike
M2 fan.
Thanks BIll, I'm more tham happy with my Bessa L and even happier with Kevin who sold me it, he underdescribedit, its in superb condition
eyesglassy
Established
This is a weird poll. The CV25/4 and the Bessa L are perfect for each other.
R
rovnguy
Guest
If you're going to mount a wide angle lens, it makes more sense to go with the L. If you want longer focal length lenses, it has to be the T.
gb hill
Veteran
The Bessa L & the 25/4 is the setup I have & it's perfect. Only thing I can think of to improve it is the addition of the 15/4. A superb lens.