Question on old Bessa RF folder

[shadowfox]

Hello all,

What's the difference between the top of the line 6x9 Bessa II with Heliar lens compared to the older ones (the one with the all black top) with the same lens?

Obviously different ages plays a role, but other than that, is there any other reasons?

How about pictures from yours? 🙂

 

[Solinar]

Will, I believe both the Bessa II and the older black Bessa that uses the same coupled entfernungsmesser share the same chassis.

Zeiss-Ikon, Voigtlander and Agfa all built post-war 6x9 folders that were based on on prewar platforms. Those built during the early 1950's models have updated viewfinders, shutters and lenses versus their prewar predecessors.

 

[Abbazz]

What's the difference between the top of the line 6x9 Bessa II with Heliar lens compared to the older ones (the one with the all black top) with the same lens?

As stated by Andrew, the newer Bessa II and the pre-war Bessa E (Bessa RF in the English-speaking countries -- the one with the black top) share the same chassis. The only differences are:
- The Bessa E has a coupled rangefinder but the viewfinder window is separate from the rangefinder, whereas the rangefinder is combined on the Bessa II with a patch located right in the middle of the viewfinder. As a consequence, the view finder of the Bessa E is much brighter because there is no half-silvered mirror in the light path.
- The Bessa II Color Heliar lens is coated, while the Bessa-E Heliar lens is not.
- The Bessa E generally has a hinged yellow filter in front of the lens; the Bessa II doesn't.
- The Bessa II has a double exposure prevention mechanism; the Bessa E doesn't.
- The Bessa E with a Heliar lens goes for $150-300, while the Bessa II with a Color Heliar goes for 3-4 times as much.
- Last but not least: IMHO, the Bessa E has a more stylish design with its black lacquered cool looking top cover.

Here's one of my 2 Bessa E:

Cheers,

Abbazz

 

[shadowfox]

Andrew and Abbazz, thanks for the answers, that's exactly the kind of info I'm looking for.

I too think that the old black top Bessa looks so much cooler, the fact that it's older only adds to the classy-ness. I just hope mine still have enough parts intact to be able to be CLA'd to full operation condition.

Say, Abbazz, that's a cool picture of the camera, for some reason the black top reminds me of this:

DISCLAIMER: The photo is not mine, it's the property of whoever owns this website: http://www.birmingham101.com

 

[Abbazz]

Andrew and Abbazz, thanks for the answers, that's exactly the kind of info I'm looking for.

You're welcome.

Say, Abbazz, that's a cool picture of the camera, for some reason the black top reminds me of this...

It reminds me of this one as well (1930 Mercedes Benz SSK "Count Trossi" - Wikipedia Image):

Cheers!

Abbazz

 

[shadowfox]

I found a nice website for the old Bessas.
http://www.retrography.com/bessa.htm

On that particular page, it also speaks highly of the Bessa E.

Now I'm glad I didn't have to fork out the outrageous amount that the Bessa II commands. 😀