Familiar with these old Cameras?

[gdi]

A friend asked me to check these out and run a couple rolls of film through them to see if they work. The Konica III seems to be fine, but the Bessamatic is a little "awkward " to figure out and the advance return is very slow!

Anyone using these models or have any info on them?

Thanks

 

[bmattock]

They are both very nice and well-regarded cameras. I suggest a Google search, there is quite a bit of information available on both, if you are just seeking general information. If you have a specific question, I'm sure someone here can assist you.

Just FYI, that Konica III looks to be in fantastic physical condition. Depending on how it works and which lens/shutter it has, it could fetch a pretty penny. The Konica III is generically referred to as a cult classic.

 

[gb hill]

Try this link for camera manuals on line. http://www.butkus.org/chinon/

 

[gdi]

Yes I did a little research, thanks.

I really just wanted to see if a conversation would form around any user experience with them - especially the Bessa. It is an odd beast in my view, with some seeming eccentricities (odd aperture setting procedure, blanked out VF until cocked, movng DOF guage, etc.

The Konica is in extremely good condition and looks to have been very well cared for. It is obviously an extremly well made camera and beautiful to boot. These were his father's so I am sure he will keep them. However, I may try to find a Konica myself after seeing this one!

So my specific questions:

Who would be recommended for a CLA on each camera? And which of the Konica III models would be most desirable? This III seems just about perfect though the half frame IIIM could be worth a look, no?

 

[wyk_penguin]

Yes I did a little research, thanks.

I really just wanted to see if a conversation would form around any user experience with them - especially the Bessa. It is an odd beast in my view, with some seeming eccentricities (odd aperture setting procedure, blanked out VF until cocked, movng DOF guage, etc.

The Konica is in extremely good condition and looks to have been very well cared for. It is obviously an extremly well made camera and beautiful to boot. These were his father's so I am sure he will keep them. However, I may try to find a Konica myself after seeing this one!

So my specific questions:

Who would be recommended for a CLA on each camera? And which of the Konica III models would be most desirable? This III seems just about perfect though the half frame IIIM could be worth a look, no?

From what you described, it sounds just the way things were before instant return mirrors and cheap lens construction.

It shares the same quirks as a Hassy (no mirror return and moving DOF indicators).

 

[wlewisiii]

I can't offer much on either of these except that I use a Zeiss Contaflex Super which is a somewhat newer & equivalent camera to the Bessaflex. The whole leaf shutter, interchangable lens SLR phase was an odd one that had many companies jump on the bandwagon but only a tiny handful produced decent cameras because the basic concept was so insanely complicated. The Contaflex, the Bessamatic & Retina's are probably the only ones really worth bothering with and even finding good ones from them are hit and miss. I got lucky & have one that was CLA'd by the master of the Contaflex relativly shortly before he retired. I do not know of anyone that does the Bessamatic - perhaps Essex or Eddie Smolov?

But if you can get a good one, they're a heck of a lot of fun 😉

William

 

[mrb7]

... I do not know of anyone that does the Bessamatic - perhaps Essex or Eddie Smolov?

I can give a second vote to Eddy Smolov ( 123camerarepair@gmail.com ). I haven't sent him any rangfinders yet, but in the past two months I have sent him a Pentacon 6 TL and a Yashicamat, both needing serious shutter repairs.

For both his turn around time was excellent, and the price was extremely reasonable. And both cameras work flawlessly now.
They are becoming my go-to MF bodies.

I fully intend to send him a Kiev 4 after the new year. I'm satisfied.

 

[gdi]

Thanks for the repair input!