Voigtlander Bessa-L Silver, 15mm f4.5, Finder 10097 - 1748393
This Voigtlander Bessa-L (Silver), #00010097, is in great condition with minor handling wear. I rate it cosmetically a (9+). The camera is in proper working order; film advances properly, the shutter is accurate at all speeds, the meter and self-timer function, and the battery compartment is corrosion-free. The included Voigtlander 15mm f4.5 Super Wide-Heliar lens, #9930005, is in similar condition, also rated a (9+). The focus and aperture rings are smooth, the aperture functions properly, and the glass is clean and clear with no haze, marks, or fungus. There are a few faint specks of dust inside, but they do not affect image quality. The included Voigtlander 15mm viewfinder is also clear. This listing includes a front lens cap, but no rear lens cap or body cap. The camera uses either one (1) 3V battery or two (2) 1.5V batteries (not included). Please refer to the photos for details.
What Our Experts Think
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Compact and Lightweight Design – The Voigtländer Bessa-L Silver is a sleek, minimalist rangefinder camera that offers portability without compromising on performance, making it perfect for travel and street photography.
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Built-In 15mm Lens – The camera comes with a fixed 15mm f/4.5 lens, ideal for wide-angle photography. It’s perfect for capturing expansive landscapes, architecture, and street scenes with stunning detail.
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Wide Angle Simplicity – With the 15mm lens, you get an ultra-wide perspective that’s great for creative compositions. The lens’ f/4.5 aperture offers a good balance of depth of field and sharpness, perfect for everyday wide-angle shots.
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Optical Viewfinder – Equipped with a built-in optical viewfinder that’s specially designed for the 15mm lens, the Bessa-L allows for precise framing and composition, even with wide-angle shots.
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Durable and Reliable – Made with high-quality materials, the Bessa-L ensures durability while maintaining a vintage aesthetic. It's a reliable companion for those looking to dive into manual controls and film photography.
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Minimalist and Functional – The simple design and mechanical nature of the Bessa-L focus on the essentials, making it ideal for photographers who appreciate the pure, unfiltered process of shooting with film.
Q&A
Q: What type of camera is the Voigtlander Bessa-L Silver?
A: The Voigtlander Bessa-L Silver is a compact 35mm rangefinder camera. It features a simple, manual control system, making it ideal for photographers who prefer a more traditional, hands-on approach to photography.
Q: Does the Voigtlander Bessa-L come with a lens?
A: Yes, the Bessa-L Silver comes with a 15mm f/4.5 lens. This ultra-wide-angle lens is perfect for landscape, architecture, and street photography, allowing you to capture expansive scenes with clarity and detail.
Q: Is the Voigtlander Bessa-L Silver compatible with other lenses?
A: The Bessa-L is compatible with Voigtlander’s LTM (Leica Thread Mount) lenses and other lenses that support this mount, offering flexibility to expand your creative options.
Q: Does the Voigtlander Bessa-L Silver have a built-in light meter?
A: No, the Bessa-L does not have a built-in light meter. Photographers will need to rely on an external light meter or use the Sunny 16 rule for proper exposure settings.
Q: What is the included viewfinder used for?
A: The included 15mm viewfinder (Finder 10097) is designed for composing images when using the 15mm lens. It ensures accurate framing and helps you visualize your shot, especially since the Bessa-L lacks a built-in viewfinder.
Q: Is the Voigtlander Bessa-L Silver suitable for beginners?
A: While it’s a manual rangefinder camera, the Bessa-L is still relatively easy to use for beginners who want to learn manual control. Its compact design and straightforward controls make it a great introduction to rangefinder photography.
Maintenance Tips
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Cleaning: Use a blower to remove dust and dirt from the camera body and lens. For cleaning the lens, use a microfiber cloth and lens-safe cleaning solution to avoid scratches and smudges.
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Storage: Store the camera in a dry, cool place, ideally in a padded camera bag to protect it from dust and moisture. Avoid exposing the camera to extreme heat, humidity, or direct sunlight.
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Lens Care: Always keep the lens cap on when not in use to prevent dust, fingerprints, or scratches. Be gentle when attaching or detaching lenses to prevent damage to the camera mount.
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Viewfinder Maintenance: Clean the viewfinder occasionally using a microfiber cloth. Be careful not to touch the glass or lens components to avoid leaving smudges or scratches.
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Battery Care: If you don’t plan to use the camera for an extended period, remove the battery to prevent leakage. Store spare batteries in a cool, dry place.
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Film Compartment: Keep the film compartment clean and free of debris. When loading film, avoid pulling it too tightly to prevent strain on the mechanism.
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Regular Inspection: Periodically check the camera for wear or loose parts, particularly around the lens mount, shutter release, and film transport mechanisms.
