Voigtlander dealers in the UK?

[ZaphodB]

Hi, I'm new to the Rangefinder Forum, although I often post on ThePhotoForum and I understand a few regulars there also post here and vice versa. Anyway hello everyone!

I'm very interested in the Cosina Voigtlanders; in particular the Bessa R3A and the Bessaflex TM. I know they're completely different systems but I'm undecided. On the one hand I'm keen to try a rangefinder system a little more advanced than my old Voigtlander Vito BL and with interchangeable lenses; on the other I already have a few very nice M42 lenses and am looking for a new body for them. Apart from which I've heard very good things about the viewfinders in both cameras.

Anyway my problem is that Google isn't turning up much information on either camera or where I might be able to buy one in the UK. I can't find an English-language site for Cosina or Voigtlander, and while I can read just enough German to find the UK distributor on Voigtlaender.de, the website for that distributor (Sangers Group) they only list stockists for Cosina and don't specify which sell Voigtlanders. The only online store I can find is Robert White, and I 'd prefer to handle the camera first before ordering one. So my question is this: did those of you in the UK who have Voigtlanders all buy them from Robert White, or are there other stockists, online-based or otherwise, in the UK? I'm in the South-East so shops around the London area would be best. Anyway thanks in advance!

 

[Kim Coxon]

Ffordes stock and sell the range but thay are in Scotland. https://secure.ffordes.com/index.htm
The Classic Camera in London also stock most of the range and would probably be the best for you. http://www.theclassiccamera.com/index.html

Other members may come up with more.

Kim

 

[iñaki]

Welcome to RFF
If you are looking for information about those cameras, RFF sponsor www.cameraquest.com is your site.
Of course, there is a lot of information in our forum to about the Bessa R3A.

Iñaki

 

[ClaremontPhoto]

I'd recommend Robert White - but it's mail order only. Perhaps you could find a used camera and handle that to help you decide?

When I bought mine last year I tried Ffordes first and found that although they list the cameras they do not stock them. They quoted me four weeks, so I went to Robert White.

Later I heard that Robert White as distributors are slow to supply retail shops which compete with Robert White as retailers. I don't know if that's true or not.

 

[Fred]

I've got stuff from both Ffordes and Robert White, borth are pretty good. Ffordes are very quick if they have what you need in stock.

I've been over to visit RW a few times a while back, the people know what they are talking about. Just give them a call first.