Leica Ic verses Bessa L

[lxmike]

Now l have a voigtlander ltm thread 15mmm 4.5, which l have acquired for my New York trip, (amongst other things), now what to mount it on. I already shoot with a IIIg, IIIc, Voigtlander Bessa, so is it just GAS that is driving me to pick up a Ic and/or a Bessa L. I carry a light meter anyway, so metering not a problem and the Ic would look good in the collection/stable, so why am l drawn also to the Bessa L for the New York trip, I realise that the Ic and Bessa L are different beasts, build quality etc.......my oh my what to do................help .....talk me in or out of buying another camera😀

 

[otveit]

ic

ic

I would take a barnack over a bessa any day for the 15mm heliar. I used mine on a bessa before, then on a iiic and now on an Mda. The bessa was functional, and took the abuse I handed to it, but to me it does not look as good as a barnack and most importantly does not feel as good. If you dont mind the size I would recomend looking for an Mda, perfect wide angle sidekick if you are into M's.

 

[lxmike]

I would take a barnack over a bessa any day for the 15mm heliar. I used mine on a bessa before, then on a iiic and now on an Mda. The bessa was functional, and took the abuse I handed to it, but to me it does not look as good as a barnack and most importantly does not feel as good. If you dont mind the size I would recomend looking for an Mda, perfect wide angle sidekick if you are into M's.

Yes an MDA did cross my mind, but still a bit pricey, l know what you mean regarding feel and build quality, leicas just ooze a certain somthing, or rather, 'old metal' cameras ooze a certain build quality

 

[WJJ3]

I asked a similar question several years ago, and most people were recommending the Bessa. I ended up getting the Barnack and it was a great body for my purpose. Here is the thread if it is any help in your decision!


https://rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=143310

 

[CharlesDAMorgan]

I use my 15mm screwmount Heliar on my Leica III with the viewfinder, no problem. Ditto on my M2 or 3 with adapter. If you wished to be talked out of buying something then I can't see the point of buying another body to lug around if you already have lovely things on which to mount the lens.

 

[Dralowid]

On any Leica I does the 15mm viewfinder make it difficult to get to the speed dial?

Or does this only happen on the versions that have a fixed viewfinder and one accessory shoe?

I remember a problem with the big CV 21mm finder but can't remember which camera

At 15mm who needs a finder anyway!?

 

[Geo Toreno]

Ic

Ic

I sold my Bessa L, don't need center-weighted metering. I carry handheld lightmeter "everywhere".

I choose Ic.

or If

or Ig

 

[Ko.Fe.]

Do you need fashion statement or low profile? L is taller than my Zorki, which is earlier Barnack copy. L is also most loud shutter in Bessa. As loud as in SLR.
The only reason to get L is its well placed TTL exposure meter.
And if you will not put half-case on it (to make it even more bulkier) its soft rubber back will become scratched in no time.
So, bulk in half-case and already taller than your IIIa what is the point of getting it, if you are OK with manual meter?
My first L had jamming shutter blades with bulk loaded films. My IIf never had this problem.

 

[lxmike]

I asked a similar question several years ago, and most people were recommending the Bessa. I ended up getting the Barnack and it was a great body for my purpose. Here is the thread if it is any help in your decision!


https://rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=143310

many thanks for the link, hopefully this will help😎

 

[lxmike]

I use my 15mm screwmount Heliar on my Leica III with the viewfinder, no problem. Ditto on my M2 or 3 with adapter. If you wished to be talked out of buying something then I can't see the point of buying another body to lug around if you already have lovely things on which to mount the lens.

l do indeed have some nice things to mount the lens, but alas Gas is difficult to cure

 

[lxmike]

On any Leica I does the 15mm viewfinder make it difficult to get to the speed dial?

Or does this only happen on the versions that have a fixed viewfinder and one accessory shoe?

I remember a problem with the big CV 21mm finder but can't remember which camera

At 15mm who needs a finder anyway!?

yep the 15 is mighty wide🙂

 

[lxmike]

I sold my Bessa L, don't need center-weighted metering. I carry handheld lightmeter "everywhere".

I choose Ic.

or If

or Ig

woah, wait a minute, you have some serious gear there

 

[lxmike]

Do you need fashion statement or low profile? L is taller than my Zorki, which is earlier Barnack copy. L is also most loud shutter in Bessa. As loud as in SLR.
The only reason to get L is its well placed TTL exposure meter.
And if you will not put half-case on it (to make it even more bulkier) its soft rubber back will become scratched in no time.
So, bulk in half-case and already taller than your IIIa what is the point of getting it, if you are OK with manual meter?
My first L had jamming shutter blades with bulk loaded films. My IIf never had this problem.

I must admit l am leaning towards the low profile option

 

[WJJ3]

or Ig

I never understood the appeal of the Ig. It’s the same form factor as the IIg and IIIg, whereas the Ic and If are actually more compact by removing the rangefinder. Never really understood the appeal of the MD cameras for that matter either.

 

[lxmike]

Well while toying with the above question, Ic or Bessa L, l also toyed with the idea of a MDa as an option but discounted that option as prices for Leica MDa are a bit steep, anyway, three weeks back an MDa was listed on ebay starting bid of £220 with an best offer option, well l offered 240 and 250 both were rejected, the camera did not sell and was relisted last week, well to cut a long story short l placed a starting bid of £220 and won the auction this evening. I was initially worried that the seller might pull the sale post abction but l have just had an email from him indicating that the camera will be posted Monday, so it looks like l have an MDa, newly serviced, on its way to me. So l have a happy home for my Voightlander 15mm 4.5 to rest on.

 

[lxmike]

thanks everyone by the way for all the replies in this thread to my questions, as ever your wise words are much appreciated🙂