Who owns/uses a Bessa T ?

[Mr Ho]

Saw a Bessa T in a store here in HK today and tried it out for a focus with my Heliar 50/2. Enjoyed the experience of the simple rangefinder plus dioptic and thought it would be great to use on my 15/4.5 for which I only use an external viewfinder.

Who else owns and uses this bare-bones camera and is pleased to do so?

Let me know your thoughts and experiences, please.

 

[Rayt]

It is not so different than using an old Leitz screw mount camera where you focus through one window and compose through a separate view finder. It works well and a good value. I used one with a 24mm for a while.

 

[Scarpia]

I've had one for a number of years but only used it once (too many cameras) with a British Cooke Amotal 50mm f2 lens. The results were excellent and I was very satisfied. The rangefinder is very clear and easy to use.
Kurt M.

 

[mike goldberg]

Hi... I just got mine recently. The more I use it, the more I like it!
I love seeing the meter readout at the top deck OUTSIDE, and as
you mentioned, having the diopter adjustment is great. Although
I have the 25mm finder for the CV 25/4, I'm now using a good
quality 35mm finder as my "universal finder.' The T is an exceptional
W/A camera, whether your wides are coupled or not.
Cheers, mike

 

[Nando]

The Bessa-T was the first RF that I owned. I love it. It's a very enjoyable camera to use. It's handy to have for wide-angles and the 1.5x rf is helpful for focusing fast or longer lenses.

 

[Nokton48]

I was out with mine today, with my Canon 1.2 and I have to say it is becoming my favorite Bessa. I have two R's and two L's, as well.

Getting used to the regimen of the adjustable rangefinder ocular has been a different experience for me. Now, first before doing anything, I focus the ocular for the appropriate distance, then I'm pleased with how easy it is to set critical rangefinder focus.

It's simply a great camera for the money.

 

[Ken Ford]

I had one for several years, and really enjoyed it. It's my favorite Bessa!

 

[dagabel]

I'm seriously thinking of getting one with the 35mm/2.5C lens. It will be my only working rangefinder, as lately I've been experiencing the rollercoaster money pit of older cameras. I've had 3 go out on me in the last three months (Agfa Ambi Silette shutter, Canon FTb shutter and Ciro-Flex E focusing mechanism), and I just can't afford to keep getting these cheaper cameras CLA'd! I'm ready to move up to the $400-$500 range, anyway.

I was thinking of the T even before this chain of events, but the fact that it's new with a warranty will probably push me over the edge to purchase. Then I can have a working rangefinder while I learn some camera repair skills.

Duane

 

[laptoprob]

It is a great camera, with only one technical downside. In the rangefinder mechanism there are two flat surfaces alsmost sliding over eachother. No problem usually, except when this system gets stuck on safari in Kenya due to dust.
Relatively easy to fix though.
Every cloud...

 

[mike goldberg]

>>first before doing anything, I focus the ocular for the appropriate distance, then I'm pleased with how easy it is to set critical rangefinder...

Hi All and Nokton48,
Please explain: Does "focus the ocular" mean to scale focus?
Thanks, mike

 

[Ken Ford]

I think he's referring to the diopter adjustment...

 

[Nokton48]

Hi Mike,

Yes I am refering to adjusting the diopter in the eyepiece. I am now in the habit of adjusting this, before using the rangefinder. It only takes a moment to adjust it, and the diopter varies quite a bit from a close-up to infinity adjustment.

 

[John Robertson]

I use my Bessa T mainly for close up work with the Visoflex111. Huge focussing screen.accurate TTL metering with external read out on top plate, slow gentle mirror lift with cable release, far better than any of my SLR's!!

I was going to add a shot of it, but this damned site will not let you post a picture twice, so I gave up!!!!!:bang:

 

[Pablito]

I was thinking of the T even before this chain of events, but the fact that it's new with a warranty will probably push me over the edge to purchase.
Duane

I you're lucky you'll still find a new one somewhere but they've been discontinued for a while now.

 

[maddoc]

Bessa-T's pop up on yahoo auction sometimes (although the site is in japanese). I owned one for a short time (had the 101 year set with the Heliar 50mm f/3.5) and especially with the CV 15mm it's a good, small camera. I had to let it go when I received the M6 and some Leica glass (expensive ...) 😉

-Gabor

 

[Jacob]

The T was my first "modern" rangefinder camera. I still have it and often prefer it to my M6. It is lighter, and the external meter read out is great. I have travelled with it and a 25/75mm lens combination. Very light and versatile although the loose finders sometimes are a hassle. It's good if You can get one with warranty, since some seem to have shutter/advance trouble. My first got stuck but was replaced by Cameraquest.
Jacob

 

[pvdhaar]

I moved from a Hexar RF to a Bessa-T. I just couldn't get used to the screech of the motorized film advance on an RF. To me the Hexar RF, fine though it was, was neither fish nor fowl..

Now, the T made sense. It's mechanical through and through..

I've shot about 40 rolls with it, but had to have it repaired after about 20 rolls or so for a broken shutter/film advance..

I since added an M4 to the bag, thinking that it would be the uber-experience, but must say that I still like the T best for shutter speeds of 1/30 and faster. Only at the slow speeds does the M4 win out. The T does have some kick there when the gear train sets in.

 

[Mr Ho]

Thanks for all your replies. Apart from the film advance comments, the T looks like a nifty option for WA use. Not sure I can find the 101 set, but I have found an original black body in HK for roughly US$350. That's pricier than the $185 S. Gandy is quoting for a silver body, but I'd have to consider shipping and the aesthetic!

 

[Q-dog]

Is the T rangefinder comfortable to use with glasses? I use a Bessa L w 15/4 and a couple of Yashica rangefinders. They work great but I would like a rangefinder that is easier to use with glasses and in low light conditions.

Regards,
Ola

 

[maddoc]

From my experience the rangefinder of the T is not easy to use wearing eye-glasses. However, using the camera with an external viewfinder and a non-RF coupled lens like the CV 15mm is really nice !