I have a Bessa R2 which is the M-mount version of the same camera, minus the self-timer, which has the advantage of being able to use both M and LTM lenses with an adaptor. I often use it with a 35/1.7 Ultron but focussing close wide open is distinctly marginal. The Voigtländer side grip, which has a more rear set strap lug on the winder end, makes the camera much better balanced on a neck strap, even with tiny lenses, and more comfortable to hold too. Thanks for another interesting and informative video!
Thanks Alistair.. R2, nice! I have the R2C so that to follow but well before that another Bessa video will come and it includes something similar to the grip you mention. Agreed, very comfy in the hand (it's already recorded and I mention that aspect). Also agreed that M mount Bessas are generally more useful though the LTM ones offer the best price point currently. (I've not tried the 35/1.7)
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaComThe grip is very similar in form to the quick winder... The 35/1.7 Ultron is very nice optically but it's a bit of a mess ergonomically, so it tends to get less use than my other 35mm lenses. It does look the part in silver with my olive green/silver R2 (I know, I know) 😁
@@johnny_bravo9990 Haha not til the channel makes enough money to cover the cost of the giveaways.. give my 10 years and maybe ha :) .. hopefully 1 day!
Thanks, I don't think so no, but search Google to be sure. (You could try to rewind the film and shoot over it but would be hard to exactly line up each frame)
Hi Matt, I have this Bessa R camera but I can’t use my collapsible ltm lenses both Leica Summitar and Russian ones. İs there any clues you can give for that. Cheers
Thanks for sharing. I like a 28mm lens for street. When you attach a 28mm this camera does anything change in the viewfinder? Do you just keep it on 35mm/90mm? Also, does it have adjustable diopter? Apologies if the questions sounds dumb. Not a rangefinder shooter, but certainly on the market for one. Bessa seems the way to go. Cheers!
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Thanks mate. Appreciate that. Also, I just saw your No More Blurry Photos video, so that clarified things for the diopter situation. I have an Nikon FG on the way. Can't wait.
Great info Matt, very helpful. I am considering selling my M6 and buying a Bessa instead, but how do the Bessa cams compare to M6 in terms of shutter-noise? I like sneaky street photography and that is one of the big benefits in M6's leaf shutter.
Great review Matt, how are these cameras in terms on reliability? I’ve heard the shutter is prone to jamming and the RF is easily knocked out of alignment. Have you experience any of those issues?
Thanks! Leica are tougher for sure and will last forever, these are more plastic. I’ve had issues with other Bessa but not this one so far. If you want something stronger watch my Canon 7 video. Same mount. (I’ve seen no shutter issues on these, they are modern so vs Leica the shutter is more likely to work than a vintage Leica). I had replaced a shutter in a Barnack Leica.
Just bought one very nice camera would you know if a Leica Elma f=5cm 1:3,5 will be ok a Leica advert lady with one fitted to a Bessa R but some where I have come across not to fit a retractable Lens?
Perhaps one could say it the other way round: the Leica M cameras have a crude, 1930s based loading system that requires removing and holding (somehow) the bottom of the camera while you wrestle the roll of film into the camera, the Bessa has a normal modern loading system where the back opens, you drop the film in, attach it to the take-up spool and close the back. The Leica has no way to tell what film is loaded, while the Bessa does. The Leica does not have a meter while the Bessa does. The Bessa has a rewind crank, most of the Leica Ms have a crude, 1930s, rewind knob. If you are a full-time war photographer, the Leica will (maybe) last you a lifetime. With occasional $500 CLAs. If you are not a war photographer, the Bessa will probably last a lifetime. (It's pretty simple.) The Leicas are more pleasant to use, and quieter. And cost 10 times as much. Given that some Bessas can only use screw-mount lenses (but not all), the Bessas will take exactly the same picture as the Leica, with the same lens, and given that they are film cameras, the latest ASPF M-mount lenses won't give much advantage. I love my Leicas, but the Bessas are easier to use. Oh, and if you're trying to use a rangefinder camera wide open and close up, you're using the wrong camera. ;-) Great video!
Thanks Scott, all excellent and valid points! :) I enjoy the Bessas for a lightweight setup and with wide lenses (the L and R).. the T is decent and I can use with longer lenses too. But yes I like doing things the hard way.. it's somehow more rewarding to get a photo from a 1930s Leica than some near digital SLR camera. (I use those too but different tools for different days!) . I enjoy experimenting and testing too.. I shoot film because digital is too easy so the next step is to use older harder to use cameras. It keeps me on my toes. ..and the Leica iii cameras are quick to load with practise and just put base in pocket. ..but as a war photographer.. i'd get more shots faster with a Bessa.. I just may need a few spares! :)
Hi. I’m about to get my bessa r and just wondering how to read its light meter? What does it mean when the arrow point to right lights up or when the arrow pointing left lights up? Thanks!
Hi Kathreem the arrows mean under and over exposed.. change your settings til you see the dot then the exposure should be good. (It's easy to check the arrows.. turn the shutter dial and watch the lights change. Left should be under exposed, right over exposed, from memory. So if at 1/500 and left arrow lit and you change to 1/30 and right arrow lit then the dot should light at around 1/125
Hi Jack, sorry I missed this. There are 2 versions of many Skopar lenses.. just get the LTM version and you will be fine on Bessa R. Don't get M version.
A Nikon DK21M eyepiece magnifier ($25) increases viewfinder magnification by 1.17x which is equal to .80x and gives an effective base length of about 30mm. Every little bit helps.
Hi Robert, many thanks for that great tip! I see on ebay but mostly in Japan. Does it fit / connect to camera correctly or does it need DIY fixing!? Thanks for sharing that. (I think you can use other screw in diopters too but I struggled to find them when I looked in the past).
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom I saw the magnifier available from Adorama (US). It slips on without any modification and was originally made for Cosina slrs. Male sure you order DK21M (magnifier). there is a similar item DK21 which is only an eyepiece.
I don't believe you mentioned that the shutter is metal (obviously), whereas the Leica is cloth. Like the older Canon P and Canon 7, 7s, etc., the metal shutters are better for shooting bright light sources, which "could" burn holes in Leica shutters. Bessa shutters are also loud. Leicas are so nice and quiet, but Bessas are quite loud. I have a Bessa L that I use with a 15mm Voigtlander, and it is loud . . . but nothing like the Canon P and Canon 7 shutters. Those go "CACHUNK!!!" followed by something that sounds like a spring slapping around.
Thanks Brad, yes sorry I should have mentioned that, good point. Bessa shutter sound varies which each model. L is the loudest I believe. More refined models are quieter. I have a Canon Model 7 I still need to review! :)
Matt Osborne I have a Canon 7 and Canon P. Both are good in their own ways. The shutters are loud, and the viewfinder on the P is a challenge to use at less than 50mm. My Canon 7’s rangefinder is really good, but the meter doesn’t work, and there is no cold shoe available to mount my KEKs external meter. For that reason, I hope to find a usable 7s or 7sZ at some point. Love your work!!! However, you are making spend lots of money on old cameras. :P {recent purchases: Perkeo I, Bessa II, Voigtlander RF, etc., etc., etc.}
Funnily enough I find the Leica Barnack shutter sound loud, like a loud snap. My nicest-sounding (and quietest-sounding) cameras are my Kiev 4A (especially at speeds of 1/125 and faster) and the Olympus OM-1.
Matt, everyone talks about the cheap plastic build, but how bad is the body compare to those plastic Nikon SLR you have owned? And most importantly, is the back door latch metal or plastic? I have a Canon EOS elan 7 and the plastic latch just break on me for no reason. Wasted a roll and wasted a day of shooting opportunity.
Sorry to hear Michael, the R is full plastic (well mostly) but has no common issues. The R2 has more metal including back door (see last video). I’ve never heard of Bessa back door issues and I like them / buy them as lightweight Leica option. Nikon FE2 type camera is tougher I’d say.
I have two Bessa T’s I have used for years as back up or if I go somewhere sketchy. No complaints, except for a dead meter in one. They were cheap, and feel cheap, I would never, ever pay the prices all these cameras are going for now. These cameras are not built for the long haul, someone would be better off saving more, and buying a Leica that can be repaired if needed.
Yes sorry the Voigtlander prices were pushed up with the Leica prices. Keep you eyes open, sometimes you see a deal and these are still one of the cheapest vs other Bessa / Leica.
Canon P or even the 7, are so much superior to that cheaply made plastic Bessa R and are a much better choice for LTM photography. Less expensive too....
Thanks Adam, I have the 7 and an older Canon LTM. It's okay.. I willl do a video.. nicely made but no Leica. yes I know what you mean, they are properly built vs. Voigtlanders and should last but I prefer Bessas for a lightweight 'Leica' setup then Leica for a proper setup. Why. Build and rangefinder. (But I do enjoy Canon LTM lenses!) :)
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Yeah, if you rate weight so highly, but the poor build quality and miniscule EBL (can you accurately focus a 35/1.8 or 35/2, let alone a 50/1.8 wide open on an R? I have my doubts.) clearly outweighs (so to speak) any advantage the R holds. Plus Cosina built a number of low end SLRs on basically the same platform in the past which were junk. Maybe my opinion is colored by having a Canon T60 literally fall apart in my hands. I might pay US $50-100 for a throw away R to use as a wide angle (25mm/28mm) platform, but they sell for far more on eBay while a mechanically clean Canon 7 or P can be found with some due diligence for under $150.
Adam Lang thanks Adam. All fair points for sure. Yes as said in the video the EBL is useless unless shoot wides. It’s my lightweight camera for cycling / running for f8-11 landscapes. Also FYI the Bessa build varies widely. Some have the cheap plastic toy camera like you remember which is probably the R and L especially. Other models are much more solid and metal feeling. (More to come). Canon are great if I didn’t have Leica. I put a few sample Canon shots on my Flickr and video will still follow.
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I have a Bessa R2 which is the M-mount version of the same camera, minus the self-timer, which has the advantage of being able to use both M and LTM lenses with an adaptor.
I often use it with a 35/1.7 Ultron but focussing close wide open is distinctly marginal.
The Voigtländer side grip, which has a more rear set strap lug on the winder end, makes the camera much better balanced on a neck strap, even with tiny lenses, and more comfortable to hold too.
Thanks for another interesting and informative video!
Thanks Alistair.. R2, nice! I have the R2C so that to follow but well before that another Bessa video will come and it includes something similar to the grip you mention. Agreed, very comfy in the hand (it's already recorded and I mention that aspect). Also agreed that M mount Bessas are generally more useful though the LTM ones offer the best price point currently. (I've not tried the 35/1.7)
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaComThe grip is very similar in form to the quick winder...
The 35/1.7 Ultron is very nice optically but it's a bit of a mess ergonomically, so it tends to get less use than my other 35mm lenses.
It does look the part in silver with my olive green/silver R2 (I know, I know) 😁
Me, while watching every video: "Oooh, I need that."
Sean Cook haha thanks. Yes I think this is why I have so many cameras! Each is great at something! 😆
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom planning on a giveaway anytime soon?
@@johnny_bravo9990 Haha not til the channel makes enough money to cover the cost of the giveaways.. give my 10 years and maybe ha :) .. hopefully 1 day!
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom You can do it within a year 💪🙌
@@johnny_bravo9990 I'll try! :) ..watch me physically age over the next 12 months haha :)
Thanks for the excellent information about some many objects of technolust. I didn;'t realize that rangefinder camera can be shortsighted!
Thanks!
Hello, thank you for this review. Is there a way to shoot double exposure on this camera?
Thanks, I don't think so no, but search Google to be sure. (You could try to rewind the film and shoot over it but would be hard to exactly line up each frame)
What is the difference in framelines between the Bessa R and T?
T has no viewfinder so no framelines so quite a big difference. R is like a normal camera with a viewfinder. (See T video)
Hi Matt, I have this Bessa R camera but I can’t use my collapsible ltm lenses both Leica Summitar and Russian ones. İs there any clues you can give for that. Cheers
You can use most lenses but can’t collapse all of them. Jupiter-12 won’t fit for sure.
Hi
Does the collapsible Leica lens like the Elmer fit this camera ?
Thanks
I can't remember from memory, some cameras the lenses don't go all the way in. Not sure about the Bessa R, possibly not.
very instructive dear!!! dear help me to know if I have a M39 mount lens and M42 mount lens..... which one fits in the voigtlander rightly? thanks
M39/L39/LTM fit Voigtlander, M42 are SLR lenses
Great video about finding the best value in rangefinder cameras. Pretty darn useful for folks who might not have the coin for a Leica right now..
Avery Wagg thanks Avery! 🙏🏻 Yes I think the R offers great value as a LTM Mount alternative.
Great video. For close focussing can you use another technique such as zone focussing and get a sharp result?
Thanks Wendy, yes you can zone focus, just stop down for a better chance of hitting focus. (I do this with Bessa L & 15mm Heliar)
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Thank you.
Hi Matt, where dou you place the Bessa R2 regarding the EBL? More lower end (CL, Bessa R) or upper end (M3)?
Sorry I keep meaning to do EBL vid. R2 is 50% less than most Ms, nothing beats M3 (that’s why I like it the most), CL is poor, R & R2 the same I think
Fine for wides, not for fast 50s
Thanks for sharing. I like a 28mm lens for street. When you attach a 28mm this camera does anything change in the viewfinder? Do you just keep it on 35mm/90mm? Also, does it have adjustable diopter? Apologies if the questions sounds dumb. Not a rangefinder shooter, but certainly on the market for one. Bessa seems the way to go. Cheers!
Yes just use the full VF for 28mm so any FL settings can be used (you ignore them anyway). No diopter but can buy fixed diopter for them.
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Thanks mate. Appreciate that. Also, I just saw your No More Blurry Photos video, so that clarified things for the diopter situation. I have an Nikon FG on the way. Can't wait.
Great info Matt, very helpful. I am considering selling my M6 and buying a Bessa instead, but how do the Bessa cams compare to M6 in terms of shutter-noise? I like sneaky street photography and that is one of the big benefits in M6's leaf shutter.
Remember the R is LTM mount so you can't use M lenses. From memory sounds is more electronic and not too loud. (I haven't used mine for a while)
Does the bessa r’s lightmeter remains illuminated even if you don’t half press the shutter button? Thank you.
Hi Kathreen, sorry I missed this, no most cameras meters come on when you have press the shutter only (so it doesn't drain the battery)
Great review Matt, how are these cameras in terms on reliability? I’ve heard the shutter is prone to jamming and the RF is easily knocked out of alignment. Have you experience any of those issues?
Thanks! Leica are tougher for sure and will last forever, these are more plastic. I’ve had issues with other Bessa but not this one so far. If you want something stronger watch my Canon 7 video. Same mount. (I’ve seen no shutter issues on these, they are modern so vs Leica the shutter is more likely to work than a vintage Leica). I had replaced a shutter in a Barnack Leica.
Just bought one very nice camera would you know if a Leica Elma f=5cm 1:3,5 will be ok a Leica advert lady with one fitted to a Bessa R but some where I have come across not to fit a retractable Lens?
Yes you can use. Put a thick band on the lens so it doesn't collapse 100% (if worried).
Many thanks Matt
Any flash recommendation?
Hey, perhaps the small Leica flash if want TTL. I use Godox 350TT (see my flash videos)
Perhaps one could say it the other way round: the Leica M cameras have a crude, 1930s based loading system that requires removing and holding (somehow) the bottom of the camera while you wrestle the roll of film into the camera, the Bessa has a normal modern loading system where the back opens, you drop the film in, attach it to the take-up spool and close the back.
The Leica has no way to tell what film is loaded, while the Bessa does.
The Leica does not have a meter while the Bessa does.
The Bessa has a rewind crank, most of the Leica Ms have a crude, 1930s, rewind knob.
If you are a full-time war photographer, the Leica will (maybe) last you a lifetime. With occasional $500 CLAs. If you are not a war photographer, the Bessa will probably last a lifetime. (It's pretty simple.)
The Leicas are more pleasant to use, and quieter. And cost 10 times as much.
Given that some Bessas can only use screw-mount lenses (but not all), the Bessas will take exactly the same picture as the Leica, with the same lens, and given that they are film cameras, the latest ASPF M-mount lenses won't give much advantage.
I love my Leicas, but the Bessas are easier to use.
Oh, and if you're trying to use a rangefinder camera wide open and close up, you're using the wrong camera. ;-)
Great video!
Thanks Scott, all excellent and valid points! :) I enjoy the Bessas for a lightweight setup and with wide lenses (the L and R).. the T is decent and I can use with longer lenses too. But yes I like doing things the hard way.. it's somehow more rewarding to get a photo from a 1930s Leica than some near digital SLR camera. (I use those too but different tools for different days!) . I enjoy experimenting and testing too.. I shoot film because digital is too easy so the next step is to use older harder to use cameras. It keeps me on my toes. ..and the Leica iii cameras are quick to load with practise and just put base in pocket. ..but as a war photographer.. i'd get more shots faster with a Bessa.. I just may need a few spares! :)
Thanks again for another fascinating video. For another possible subject, what do you think of the Zeiss Ikon ZM?
Thank you! I’d like to try the Zeiss one day if I get the opportunity and I’ll share my thoughts if I do.
Hi. I just got my voigtlander bessa r and the lens has fixed focus and does not adjusts its focus. It just one focus. Thanks
Have you used a rangefinder camera before? Just asking the obvious because it looks and works very differently to say a Nikon or Canon SLR.
Hi. I’m about to get my bessa r and just wondering how to read its light meter? What does it mean when the arrow point to right lights up or when the arrow pointing left lights up? Thanks!
Hi Kathreem the arrows mean under and over exposed.. change your settings til you see the dot then the exposure should be good. (It's easy to check the arrows.. turn the shutter dial and watch the lights change. Left should be under exposed, right over exposed, from memory. So if at 1/500 and left arrow lit and you change to 1/30 and right arrow lit then the dot should light at around 1/125
With the current price of the voigtlander, you might as well just spent another 200 quid on M6.
Nah they are still 50% cheaper than M6 (or less depending on model).. but good point.
R2 might be a better option for people frowning on the plastic build. That one’s all metal, and M mount instead of screw mount.
Yes! Thanks. See my all bessa video (and or my R2, R3, R4 variant videos)
Bessa with large viewinder? Have glasses
See my "All Bessas" video, 12 in total
Does a Voigtlander COLOR SKOPAR 35mm F2.5 MC for Leica L39 mount on the Bessa R or do I need an LTM thread lens?
Hi Jack, sorry I missed this. There are 2 versions of many Skopar lenses.. just get the LTM version and you will be fine on Bessa R. Don't get M version.
Adapter?
A Nikon DK21M eyepiece magnifier ($25) increases viewfinder magnification by 1.17x which is equal to .80x and gives an effective base length of about 30mm. Every little bit helps.
Hi Robert, many thanks for that great tip! I see on ebay but mostly in Japan. Does it fit / connect to camera correctly or does it need DIY fixing!? Thanks for sharing that. (I think you can use other screw in diopters too but I struggled to find them when I looked in the past).
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom I saw the magnifier available from Adorama (US). It slips on without any modification and was originally made for Cosina slrs. Male sure you order DK21M (magnifier). there is a similar item DK21 which is only an eyepiece.
Robert Schellhammer thanks Robert very kind 🙏🏻
I don't believe you mentioned that the shutter is metal (obviously), whereas the Leica is cloth. Like the older Canon P and Canon 7, 7s, etc., the metal shutters are better for shooting bright light sources, which "could" burn holes in Leica shutters. Bessa shutters are also loud. Leicas are so nice and quiet, but Bessas are quite loud. I have a Bessa L that I use with a 15mm Voigtlander, and it is loud . . . but nothing like the Canon P and Canon 7 shutters. Those go "CACHUNK!!!" followed by something that sounds like a spring slapping around.
Thanks Brad, yes sorry I should have mentioned that, good point. Bessa shutter sound varies which each model. L is the loudest I believe. More refined models are quieter. I have a Canon Model 7 I still need to review! :)
Matt Osborne I have a Canon 7 and Canon P. Both are good in their own ways. The shutters are loud, and the viewfinder on the P is a challenge to use at less than 50mm. My Canon 7’s rangefinder is really good, but the meter doesn’t work, and there is no cold shoe available to mount my KEKs external meter. For that reason, I hope to find a usable 7s or 7sZ at some point. Love your work!!! However, you are making spend lots of money on old cameras. :P {recent purchases: Perkeo I, Bessa II, Voigtlander RF, etc., etc., etc.}
Brad Horn thanks Bras, haha sorry about that! Hopefully the value will go up on them all and in a few years you might thank me 😆👍🏻
Funnily enough I find the Leica Barnack shutter sound loud, like a loud snap. My nicest-sounding (and quietest-sounding) cameras are my Kiev 4A (especially at speeds of 1/125 and faster) and the Olympus OM-1.
Matt, everyone talks about the cheap plastic build, but how bad is the body compare to those plastic Nikon SLR you have owned? And most importantly, is the back door latch metal or plastic? I have a Canon EOS elan 7 and the plastic latch just break on me for no reason. Wasted a roll and wasted a day of shooting opportunity.
Sorry to hear Michael, the R is full plastic (well mostly) but has no common issues. The R2 has more metal including back door (see last video). I’ve never heard of Bessa back door issues and I like them / buy them as lightweight Leica option. Nikon FE2 type camera is tougher I’d say.
I have two Bessa T’s I have used for years as back up or if I go somewhere sketchy. No complaints, except for a dead meter in one. They were cheap, and feel cheap, I would never, ever pay the prices all these cameras are going for now. These cameras are not built for the long haul, someone would be better off saving more, and buying a Leica that can be repaired if needed.
Thanks Jon, I appreciate your input. Yes they are not Leica build for sure. Bessa T video is already recorded and will follow! :)
make a video lens good for that camera thanks
Thanks, see my Lens Series 2 playlist and future vids for it. All these lenses will fit the R. More soon!
Awesome video. *checks prices on eBay*. Rats.
Yes sorry the Voigtlander prices were pushed up with the Leica prices. Keep you eyes open, sometimes you see a deal and these are still one of the cheapest vs other Bessa / Leica.
The Bessa R is every bit the equal to the M6
Thanks Benny, it's certainly a fun little camera if you are happy with LTM lenses.
The Canon LTM rangefinders like the P and 7 models are great inexpensive cameras to start learning without breaking the bank.
Thanks Caldera, yes agreed. I have a 7.. video to come when I get chance! :)
Canon P or even the 7, are so much superior to that cheaply made plastic Bessa R and are a much better choice for LTM photography. Less expensive too....
Thanks Adam, I have the 7 and an older Canon LTM. It's okay.. I willl do a video.. nicely made but no Leica. yes I know what you mean, they are properly built vs. Voigtlanders and should last but I prefer Bessas for a lightweight 'Leica' setup then Leica for a proper setup. Why. Build and rangefinder. (But I do enjoy Canon LTM lenses!) :)
@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Yeah, if you rate weight so highly, but the poor build quality and miniscule EBL (can you accurately focus a 35/1.8 or 35/2, let alone a 50/1.8 wide open on an R? I have my doubts.) clearly outweighs (so to speak) any advantage the R holds. Plus Cosina built a number of low end SLRs on basically the same platform in the past which were junk. Maybe my opinion is colored by having a Canon T60 literally fall apart in my hands. I might pay US $50-100 for a throw away R to use as a wide angle (25mm/28mm) platform, but they sell for far more on eBay while a mechanically clean Canon 7 or P can be found with some due diligence for under $150.
Adam Lang thanks Adam. All fair points for sure. Yes as said in the video the EBL is useless unless shoot wides. It’s my lightweight camera for cycling / running for f8-11 landscapes. Also FYI the Bessa build varies widely. Some have the cheap plastic toy camera like you remember which is probably the R and L especially. Other models are much more solid and metal feeling. (More to come). Canon are great if I didn’t have Leica. I put a few sample Canon shots on my Flickr and video will still follow.
You don’t have enough polish to tell me that a Bessa is good.
Mike McElligott ha yes I still need to develop all the film from my Poland trip using the Bessas.