Voigtländer Bessamatic m - prices and value

[Quaffit]

Hello Folks,

I'm still new to this forum because I still didn't make much experience with rangefinder cameras. My first one was a Kodak Retina IIIc which I bought last fall but I only shot one b/w film roll with it until this day. But I love that camera! It feels great in my hand, so fully mechanic and sooo much metal.

Now I got an offer from a friend of mine who wants to sell me his father's Voigtlander Bessamatic m. He said it's in condition "like new". On a photo he send I saw that the camera looks clean indeed, only the case has some traces of wear which is normal for a camera that was in fact used.

My question to the experts is: Can you tell me what the normal value of a Bessamatic m is today? I've read there had been only 9300 build, which alone makes is a rarity. My friend wants 150€ for it - which is about 129£ or about 196$. Searching eBay I found offers varying from over 450€ to over 2200$.

Any advice regarding a purchase would be highly appreciated.

Thanks!

Gaston 😉

 

[Landshark]

Although you checked ebay, did you check the "sold" listings? That give a very accurate idea of current values.
Many of the starting/asking prices are real only in wonderland.

 

[Sarcophilus Harrisii]

You will want to take the lens fitted, if any, into account. The standard lens for the M model was a Lanthar (or Color Lanthar, perhaps). It is not as good as the Color Skopar fitted to other Bessamatic models however rarity means collectors may pay more for an M fitted with one. The M is indeed the rarest Bessamatic but it was a poverty-pack model with no light meter. Unless you are really into them (they are a lovely SLR to use) personally I wouldn't pay a premium for an M, when good working original or Deluxe models are available cheaper. I'd use the extra funds needed for an M to acquire a 50mm Septon instead.

Functionally the M model is somewhat different as it lacks the setting knob on top left the others use for setting aperture and shutter. I suppose depending on your preferences some might find the M handles better for them than other models, I find my original functions beautifully especially considering its age.

The best one in my view is the less common CS with TTL CdS metering. I have an immaculate one, but it is in need of a replacement prism however I still use my original model occasionally.
Regards,
Brett

 

[BW400CN]

Oh - a Bessamatic M - nice, but as said before the rarity raises the price for nothing.
The M is just a DeLuxe with out the meter and the gauge to see the shutter aperature combination in the finder.
Normal prices are between 150,- to 250,-€ with a Color Lanthar and 10-20 less with the Color Skopar.

Unlike anybody recomending the Septon 2,0 50mm, I recommend the Color Skopar 2,8 50mm. Yes it,s a bit slower but sharper wide open with absolutly no CA - testet with film and Sony NEX-5.

More about the Voigtländer Bessamatic / Ultramatic you will find here:
http://www.flickr.com/groups/bessamatic/



Bessamatic "Standard" - früh von BW400CN auf Flickr
Very early Bessamatic


Bessamatic "DeLuxe" von BW400CN auf Flickr
Bessamatic DeLuxe


Bessamatic CS von BW400CN auf Flickr
Bessamatic CS


Kleines Set von BW400CN auf Flickr
Bessamatic DeLuxe and Ultramatic CS

Here you can find the manuals in german:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/69541531@N04/collections/72157629603491224/


Greetings
Michael