Santa brought me the 6x9 RF legend...

[Spotmatic]

...and I'm happy like a little kid! And those in the know don't need to ask why 😱

 

[kzphoto]

Yowsa! Does that have the coated lens? I remember thinking that would be a very sweet setup indeed.

 

[johannielscom]

VERY pretty! Congrats, and tell Santa his good taste rulez!

I got myself a Bessa RF from 1948 for Santa, it'll go in the mail soon. I envy the larger viewfinder on yours, but I'll manage fine with mine I reckon.

Post some shots from this once you have them, I'd love to see them!

 

[Keith]

I'm not really into folders ... but that is nice! 😀

 

[Spotmatic]

So all three of you did not notice the most remarkable part of this nice camera 😉

I own the Bessa RF with Heliar too, and I don't think the viewfinder of the II is larger. But it's easier to use because it's 1 viewfinder for focusing and viewing.

 

[burninfilm]

Yup, noticed the APO-Lanthar immediately. Beautiful camera.

 

[Zonan]

Ah, so that's where it went! He left me a note apologizing for leaving it at the wrong place, one he couldn't remember. 🙂

Congrats, that is one beautiful folder! Looks like it just came from behind the display counter. Have fun.

 

[Spotmatic]

Yup, noticed the APO-Lanthar immediately. Beautiful camera.

Well spotted!

 

[johannielscom]

So all three of you did not notice the most remarkable part of this nice camera 😉

I own the Bessa RF with Heliar too, and I don't think the viewfinder of the II is larger. But it's easier to use because it's 1 viewfinder for focusing and viewing.

Hehe, you must have been reading up here, tonight 😀
In this thread, I did not write mine has a Color-Heliar, that was in another thread! 🙂

Still, I'd like to see shots from this beauty, that Lanthar must be spectacular.

Oh, and I hope Santa let you have both kidneys as he left 😛

 

[sahe69]

Wow! Thats THE Bessa II. Seems to be in really nice condition, too.

 

[Keith]

OK ... can someone explain to a Bessa folder ludite what's so special about the Lanthar and what were the alternatives! 😀

 

[Abbazz]

Thousands flying cow sh*ts! The holy grail of 6x9 folders!

Look how it glows!

Cheers!

Abbazz

 

[monochromejrnl]

OK ... can someone explain to a Bessa folder ludite what's so special about the Lanthar and what were the alternatives! 😀

The Apo-lanthar is rare but unless you're planning to make BIG enlargements and comparing it side to side with prints from the other variants, I doubt one could see the difference.

The Bessa II also came with w/ a 105/4.5 Color-Heliar and Color-Skopar variants.

All are fantastic lenses.

I owned and used the Color-Skopar version.

http://www.certo6.com/cam/bessa.html

 

[Keith]

I have to admit I like the look of that more than the Bess III ... it has a presence that the new incarnation lacks.

 

[Spotmatic]

And call me stupid, but it was only after holding this Bessa II that I finally understood why Cosina-Voigtländer engraved the lens barrels with a blue, green and red line... 😱

 

[WilliamK]

It is... soo... pretty...

Can't wait to see some photos from it!

 

[BillBingham2]

You must have been a VERY GOOD BOY! I will have to try harder this year........

Congrats.

B2 (;->

 

[venchka]

It looks new. Use it well.

Enjoy!

Happy New Year!

 

[Kevin]

I am curious as to why this version does not have the swivel 4.5x6 mask in front of the viewfinder...

How many red windows are on the back? One or two?

 

[Steve M.]

The Bessa II that I have shoots only 6x9. No mask and one red window. I think all the II's are like that. Mine has the Color Heliar lens, and I would love to see some shots from this Lanthar. The holy grail of folders indeed.

The only downside w/ mine is these are left handed cameras, and on nearly every roll I have a lost frame where I thought I was focusing the lens but was actually slowly advancing the film.