Leica LTM Bessa L + Skopar Lens?

Leica M39 screw mount bodies/lenses
G

giganova

Well-known
Local time
3:10 PM
Joined
May 18, 2015
Messages
1,620
I'm totally intrigued by the Voigtländer Bessa L with a Skopar 21mm lens and think about getting one. I love the ultra-retro design and approach to photos to graphs with no rangefinder, zone focusing, and the small footprint of the camera and lens.

How's the image quality of the Skopar 21mm lens?
If I get a used Bessa L, what should I be looking forward out for?

Thanks!
 
The 21 is excellent, won't disappoint.

The Bessa L is a very cool camera and worth getting for your wide lenses. At about $100 used, it is not a high end camera and may jam/break. For less than the cost of a CLA on a Leica, you can replace it with another used L.
 
True, costs are so small, I could get the used Bessa L and a 21mm with viewfinder for around $400. Cameraquest still has a new Bessa L for $200. Could be fun!
 
I recently picked up a Bessa T for using my CV 21/4. No it's not a Leica but very nice for the money. In my case it's a second body but works very well with the 21. I would have no problem using it as a primary body with a Nokton 40 and 21/25 lens as a compact fun travel kit. I really like my 21/4 and unless you shoot 21 a lot I don't see a real need to get something "better". IMHO it is more than good enough.
 
Plenty of threads about this lens here. I have seen only good comments.
Maybe same amount of threads about camera as well. I've had it for a while. Don't pay more than $100 for used one.
Bessa T is not so expensive either and supposed to be better build. I'm thinking of getting one for 25 f4.
 
My favorite EDC camera of all time was a Bessa L and a CV 25/4 Snap-Shot. My very favorite street photography kit, good at parties and with kids.

Never had the 21, but the 25 and 15 were both stellar so I would be hard pressed to say you will not be fine.

B2 (;->
 
Bessa L is a fun camera. You will like the meter on the outside rear. It's a sturdier camera than people say. Yes, it's very lightweight & has a bit plastic feel to it but I look at those as a plus. It's easy to carry all day. The only downside you might find is the film advance lock. You have to keep the arm out from the body but it's easy, for me anyways, to get used to. I have the 25/4 with mine. It's a good lens. I'm sure the 21 is stellar also.

As long as you don't jerk the film advance lever too hard, I doubt you will ever have a problem it locking up on you. When the film is on it's last frame & you advance it will feel locked up. Simply push the bottom rewind button & rewind the film. Then advance the shutter arm. Reading all the negative talk on the camera locking up scared me the first time this happened...enjoy!
 
Do consider the T. It is also inexpensive (I think paid a little over $200 for mine) and it has a rangefinder built in, giving you a bit more flexibility with lenses. This can be very useful as a backup camera when your main camera goes to the shop, for example. Mine has the 15mm ultra wide "glued" to it. I am ready to go with that lens in an instant and it is useful when I have my other camera with a 35 and I want an ultra wide in addition - no need to change lenses then. Build quality of the T is ok; I've never had problems with advancing the film and it has a classic look - much better looking than my Bessa R or a Leica M, IMHO.
 
traveler_101 said:
Do consider the T......
Click to expand...

All good points and I would add that the T will accept a CV Rapid Winder which is loads of usefulness at times.

The L just feels light, the LEDs simpler, can't put it into words, it never felt as if I was carrying a camera, it just disappeared from a weight perspective, always there around my neck or shoulder.

While it felt more like Nikon EM than a S2, it always worked for me.

B2 (;->
 
I had a Bessa L for my Snapshot Skopar 4/25 -- wonderful combination, but the camera somehow got stuck twice and although it miraculously repaired itself both times I did not trust it anymore.

I'm now using a Leica MD-2. Very, very fine camera. Compared to the L it is heavier and has no meter. I also have a Bessa T (for my CV 4,5/15 and an Elmar-C 4/90) which is very nice and hasn't had any problems so far.
 
The L is a fun camera. If you buy used, just check for light leaks, but it's easy enough to change seals. It's really a great body for the 15mm or 21mm or 25mm. Using it becomes even more enjoyable if you get an external VF with as little distortion as possible. I would bypass the plastic CV ext. VF's and get the metal ones instead.
 
Thank you all for the encouragement! I made the plunge and got a Voigtlander Bessa-L with a Skopar 21mm/f4. I'm still in shock how tiny the lens it! Can't wait to shoot a roll of film with it. I love the minimalistic user interface, what a fun little package!

I bought it mainly as an entry point into the (expensive) world of Leica. If the lens is any good, I'll get an M adapter and buy a used film Leica, and add Leica lenses later down the road.

Hey Frank -- shall I send you a dust blower? ;)

Voigtlander_Bessa.jpeg
 
kxl said:
If you buy used, just check for light leaks, but it's easy enough to change seals.
Click to expand...

Mine only has a light seal at the top of the back door and around the window in the back door. Is that it or are there any light seals missing? :confused:
 
Could someone be so nice and confirm that there are only light seals at the top of the back door and around the film window? That's all the light seals mine has.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom