Greatest CV camera?

[BillBingham2]

The L to me is the classic CV Bessa. Low cost, high value, super functional.

B2 (;->

 

[David Murphy]

Write-in candidate

Write-in candidate

Write-in candidate: Bessaflex TM

 

[traveler_101]

The R4 has opened a better than 2:1 lead over the R. I knew that there would be a lot of votes for the R4 because it is a unique camera, but I must say i am little surprised at the way the numbers look at this point.

And where are all the doubters? The guys who don't like Cosina . . . Nice and polite this forum.

 

[SamShio]

I love my Olive R2 and the R4M I have is great with wider lenses. They make a great pair when I am out.

 

[Out to Lunch]

Missing from the list are the CV Bessa III and III Wide.

 

[jsrockit]

Missing from the list are the CV Bessa III and III Wide.

This poll is in the "Voigtlander Bessa Leica Mount Cameras" section of RFF.

 

[robert blu]

I voted for the R, the one I have and which brought me back fro SRL to RF photography.
I still use with satisfaction beside my M7 !
robert

PS: Bessas are beautiful, here!

 

[Rick Waldroup]

I voted for the T.

 

[ChrisPlatt]

How many Bessas?

How many Bessas?

In order to contrast enthusiast (this poll) vs consumer (actual buyer) preference
it would be very interesting to see production and/or sales figures by CV model.

Care to enlighten us, Mr. Gandy?

Chris

 

[Bingley]

As a "classic," I voted for the Bessa R, even though I no longer own one. I think it played a major role in reviving interest in rangefinder cameras and was the first modern rangefinder for LTM lenses.

I can also make the case for the Bessa T (which I still have), the perfect and unique Barnack with Mod Cons.

Personally, I think the Bessa R2A (or *M) is an incredible value for the money.

 

[aizan]

the zeiss ikon or gf670!

 

[maggieo]

Zeiss Ikon.

 

[Robert Lai]

I have the Bessa R, and the GFIIIW.
Really excellent viewfinders, and nice meter readout.
The metering is accurate too.

The 55mm lens on the GFIIIW is outstanding.

 

[kchan]

I have the Bessa R, but I really haven't taken more than a couple of rolls with it .. so for me ... the Epson Rd-1 🙂

 

[Peter_S]

Bessa III (667) and 667W

 

[Darthfeeble]

I didn't vote because the only one I know first hand is the R. I don't see too many of them being around and working in 30 years. I liked mine, very light and compact but like others, I don't see the build quality there to make it a "classic".

 

[Pioneer]

My R2C is still ticking fine. Doesn't get the heavy use that my ZI or MA get but it should last for awhile.

I think that anyone is expecting Nikon F or Leica M3 toughness from these cameras but under "normal" use (3 to 6 rolls per month) they should last for awhile.

I actually think that long term repair is a serious question but, unless there is a fault in a part, or it is abused, it should hang in there quite well. Believe me, I have some really questionable sheet metal stamped cameras from the 50s that I wouldn't have bet on back then either, but they continue to work.

 

[jmilkins]

I owe a lot to Mr K. and his wonderful team.

The L started me on this mad but happy path. The R3a's got me hooked on 40s. The T is a joy because it is different. And my R4a's have that extraordinary finder. My Bessa III and ZI are a step above.

Overall, I voted R4 because in 30 years I think the unique finder will stand the test of time as a desirable "classic", but I feel the R really got the renaissance rolling.

Thank you to Mr K, Jorge, Stephen, Tom A and all the many others who have championed RFs and Cosina Voigtlander in particular.

 

[Ronald M]

None will ever be classic. Consumer grade stuff, all of it.

 

[radi(c)al_cam]

R2... it's nice, but doesn't offer anything that a Leica hadn't (that I'm aware of).

You mean then? I guess: the shutter speeds, e.g.?

Pretty camera in that color though.

Wish I would have an olive R2!

But I'm happy having a black one 😉