Current slide {CURRENT_SLIDE} of {TOTAL_SLIDES}- Best Selling in Film Cameras
Current slide {CURRENT_SLIDE} of {TOTAL_SLIDES}- Save on Film Cameras
Rangefinder film cameras have their unique use, mostly, street photography. Some professional wedding photographers also prefer rangefinder film cameras. If one doesn't need a camera that is strong enough to be shuttled to outer space and than back to earth, still alive and kicking, like Leica cameras – the Voigtlander Bessa R will be enough. Big and bright finder, 35mm frame lines usable for people who wear eye glasses, like me, TTL light metering. In short, excellent rangefinder film camera, with LTM (Leica Screw Mount) compatible lens mount. The benefit of LTM lens mount is the option to use some compatible old Nikon and Canon lenses, having very good quality, at fairly low price. Highly recommended. I gave this camera only "4", because "5" belongs to Leica M mount cameras. Amongst LTM cameras, the Voigtlander Bessa R deserves "5".Read full review
I purchased a Bessa R2 a couple of years ago as a replacement for the Bessa R that had given me great service. I had "rediscovered" rangefinder cameras after years of shooting with Nikon F2S's, F2SB's, FE's, FE2,s FM2N's, F3HP's and, finally, the digital D70s. The rangefinder is a (dare I say?) cute little camera and far less intrusive for snapshots, has nice light weight (read: after hours of carrying a camera), and is a bit quieter than a big ol' Nikon while photographing candid subjects at close range. Needless to say, I do like the Bessa R series of rangefinders and regard them as a superb rangefinder film camera with a nice range of lenses. The Voigtlander optics are SUPERB and far more affordable (with little if any image quality loss) as compared with optics produced by Leica. Back to the Bessa R2: They are well-constructed in metal, compact and affordable. The Bessa metering system is superb, the ability to switch between framelines to consider formatting in different focal lengths is a wonderful tool. The shutter speed of 1/2000 may not receive frequent use but is a great option when shooting in bright situations such as sunny days when there is snow on the ground or high-speed objects such as automobiles or aircraft. The optional rubberized handgrip is a great addition for a secure grip and imparts, I believe, a nicer and more secure "feel." The controls on the Bessa R2, as with the original Bessa R, are well laid out and comfortable and the shutter release is comfortable and nicely located. The rewind lever, although having evolved in later models for strength, has a nice feel and is reminiscent of the rewind handle on my (yes, I still have it) Canon P. I don't mind the absence of a self-timer as I never really use the little buggers very much, anyway... The Bessa R2, to this admittedly amateur photographer, is a great buy - particularly now as the bodies can be had at a reasonable price with both newer models and the mass migration of shooters to digital photography. A word on that: I DO love my Nikon D70s but also note that I have a familiarity and love of film photography. There are differences in the images one realizes with film versus images made with a digital camera. In summary, the Bessa R2 is a GREAT little rangefinder camera with wonderful optics. It is a GOOD BUY - whether you have a stable full of Leica cameras, are starting out in film photography, miss the nostalgia of a rangefinder camera, are seeking an alternative to digital electronica or simply seeking an affordable, rugged and compact camera.Read full review
Very basic features, the way I like it. It's a viewfinder, so know what you're getting. Very solid build, hefty even--clicking the shutter is quite a satisfying experience. Armed with a Leica M Lens Mount your options are essentially limitless. It can be easy to forget these days with the prevalence of the feature loaded DSLR--but the camera body is mostly a vessel through which to use a lens, the Bessa R2 is a gentle reminder that this is the case, and does a damn fine job at it too for the money.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Easy trade, camera is exactly as described. Thank you
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Amazing condition and functions beautifully.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
The Bessa-R is a metered Leica screw mount camera. The meter is excellent as is the manufacturing quality of the camera. A pleasure to use. For those of us who cannot afford a Leica M6.
Ranger finder experience, solid build, manual features. The only draw back is its finder is not as nice as the Leica or Zeiss and you need good light to focus.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned