Voigtlander Bessamatic - buyers guide, things to watch-out for ?

[Luddite Frank]

Thinking about adding a Voigtlander Bessamatic SLR to the collection.

What particulars should I examine when looking at candidates ?

Thanks,

Luddite Frank

 

[Sarcophilus Harrisii]

They're a lovely camera, one of the best lens shutter SLRs for the 35mm format I think.

 

[CameraQuest]

Thinking about adding a Voigtlander Bessamatic SLR to the collection.

What particulars should I examine when looking at candidates ?

Thanks,

Luddite Frank

Good designs, great glass for their type, unbelievably good leather cases, but real problems to find someone who services vintage Bessaflexes today.

 

[vonfilm]

After hearing about all these issues, I am thankful my Bessamatic still works. Hopefully for a while longer. My meter reacts but does not seem accurate. I always use a light meter.

 

[Sarcophilus Harrisii]

After hearing about all these issues, I am thankful my Bessamatic still works. Hopefully for a while longer. My meter reacts but does not seem accurate. I always use a light meter.

I think they were generally a well made camera. Stripping, cleaning and lubricating one should see it working well again on re-assembly, but the fact remains they are a complicated design, and it is time consuming to reach the shutter, in particular.

 

[Luddite Frank]

Thanks for the replies, all.

Good information for me to have.

Luddite Frank

 

[GarageBoy]

Check for lens separation- my father had 3 ultrons - all have separation

 

[NaChase]

For what it's worth, I am using a 50mm Voigtlander Septon on a 5D Mk III with an adapter and it's a great lens. Just throwing out another viable option.