🔴 Better Rangefinder than the Leica M6 + 4x Cheaper! | Voigtlander Bessa T Review + Photos + T 101

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

✅ Check price on eBay - Bessa T - (Com) ebay.to/2FR9pJp (UK) ebay.to/309d1gO (DE) ebay.to/369JOpM (FR) ebay.to/2RYMaiR ⭐️ Patreon: Join us today for more videos! From £1/mth - www.patreon.com/mrleicacom ▶️ Watch Next: Leica M6 vs Leica M4-P - kzbin.info/www/bejne/qoWaZqyuodVkoqs Voigtlander Bessa L - kzbin.info/www/bejne/h6OQpYKZe5mHetE Voigtlander Bessa R - kzbin.info/www/bejne/faCmhnR9lNN-Z8k Voigtlander Bessa R3A - kzbin.info/www/bejne/eH66kpSchtV9h9k Voigtlander Bessa Film Loading (All Cosina models) - kzbin.info/www/bejne/qWakf3d4qcqNjq8 Voigtlander Viewfinders - kzbin.info/www/bejne/h6eremWuarOebpY

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

**I’m aware I’m giving the poor M6 a hard time but I’m just trying to open up Leica glass film photography to a larger audience..like myself when I started out..I wish I knew all this years ago! Yes the Leica M6 is far better built and it is a precision tool for life but if we only look at the final images then the Bessa can offer you the same. Leica still make the best rangefinder cameras no question and I’m 100% pro Leica but I’m just trying to recommend cheaper alternatives for people to try. (And the positives mentioned in the video are 100% valid).

[@tc227]

Thank you very much Matt! I knew about the existence of Bessa T for quite some time, but I always thought it was a LTM mount camera like Bessa L and R. The price for Bessa T is such a great bargain.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks, yes for sure!! I still own 2 Ts. See the full all 12 Bessa video for a summary of them all.

[@endnami]

Really enjoy the format of your videos Matt. Thanks for all the good information.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks no problem :)

[@charlesk323]

I am a new channel watcher, and this is excellent. I just go my Bessa T 101. Oh my, it's beautiful. THANKS so much for the information.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Great! Enjoy and no problem

[@JK_bnw]

Great video again, you made a great job, Man!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thank you Jean! Much appreciated :)

[@tinpl8r]

Nice video. It’s about time a video on the Bessa T has been posted

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Developing monochrome thanks for the Bessa T love! Yes it seems lesser known vs other models.

[@averywagg1839]

50mm. Love the information you’re providing. Thanks!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Avery Wagg thanks! 🙏🏻

[@jonlouis2582]

I enjoy your videos! I myself think these may be some of the ugliest cameras ever made, but that hasn't stopped me from using two of them for years. They suit my way of working very well. Once in a while they need service, which is cheap, except for the electronic bits, which can't be repaired. The trigger-winder is very high quality, and handy. I enjoy cycling, and with a pancake lens, this is just the ticket. For the price, I think the CL is a much better deal, but not ideal for the kind of work you do with fast or long lenses.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

jon louis thanks Jon, yes agreed the CL is better for most M shooters. The T is mainly for portraits for me then the CL or R ..or L for cycling / running. 👍🏻😊

[@PhotoArtBrussels]

The Bessa-R exists in LTM (39mm), Contax RF and Leica M Mount.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks, sorry I was referring to the original R (ltm) rather than my R2C or R3A. See those videos too.

[@bruceemberley9277]

35mm, very timely as I just started shopping around

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Bruce Emberley thanks Bruce! 50mm won for the first video but I’ll do the experiment again and perhaps 35mm will win!

[@elplaysgames]

Hello, great video very informational !! I've been thinking about picking up the Bessa T as my everyday 35mm film camera. I wanted to know can the camera be used without a battery? And do you suggest the Voigtländer Bessa T with the color skopar 35mm Lens over a Contax g1 with the carl ziess planar 45mm lens? Thanks Again

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Jules, other Bessa might be better for 35mm lenses. Have you watched my all 12 Bessa video? If you get stuck reach out to me via MrLeica.com/zoom . The G1 is more automated, not for me but others like them. Yes Bessa with manual shutter don’t need a battery.

[@monjue4459]

Great video.. I have a Bessa R2m and i love it.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Julian Fletcher thanks! Yes the R2s are really nicely made..if like my R2C. That review still to come! 😊

[@monjue4459]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom ooh! ill certainly keep a look out for that. Its quite hard to find any videos on the R2. Thanks again for this video.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Julian Fletcher I keep trying to use the camera then don’t so not many example photos yet but yes the video will come this year. :)

[@nolansnook1268]

Tried liking your video twice, but couldn't :) Do the screw mount lens series please! I want to supplement my Leica IIIf Elmar 50 3,5f with a bit faster lens. I know you recommended Canon 50/1.8 previously, but haven't found a good one without scratches yet. Also, a good screw mount 35 is of interest, so I can avoid selling my body parts for a Leica lens. I am an old guy and it would probably take most of me. Stay safe and healthy Matt!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Nolan Snook haha thanks Nolan, I enjoyed your comment. It looks like everyone wants a 50mm so you’re in luck. If the 3 video ‘experiment’ works I’ll try to do it more often.

[@nolansnook1268]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Very good Matt. The 35 is also a consideration for future screw mount too, no?

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Nolan Snook yes don’t worry, 25,28,35,50 (21 already covered on M series). It will be another quite long series!

[@danpedroza007]

Like the diopter on this camera.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Daniel Pedroza yes! So much better than without ..this and the Leica iii cameras. 👌🏻

[@laurencegoldman4639]

Would you say, that for film cameras, mostly what matters is the film and lens? (Vs digital which is completely different: the sensor and software being huge)

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Laurence Goldman yes 100% ... lens + film + being able to focus/compose accurately..that’s why some Voigtlander cameras shouldn’t be overlooked as you can pair with the best glass and get the same photo as with a Leica.

[@gordyscamerastraps]

Nice camera strap but then my minions made it. I sold my M3 and Voigtlander R2a and kept my Bessa T. Easier to focus and brightline viewfinders are larger and brighter than the M3 and R2a. Your gray one is beautiful!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Gordon! Yes the grey Bessa T is a really nice version. I'm not sure I would ever set my M3 but the T rangefinder is better than most/ all other Bessas..which I appreciate! More Bessa vids to come when I get chance (I want to use them more first to get some more example photos).

[@Guairenito]

Man that gray anniversary version looks sick

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Cheaper than Leicas too!

[@Guairenito]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom what a lovely camera, for real. I might try and get one in the short future, with the Nokton 35mm f1.4 II MC 🤤🤤🤤

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

@@Guairenito nice combo!

[@omidyousefinia727]

I really want to invest in M mount lenses and since I don’t care about the viewfinder, I was wondering since the magnification is 1.5 , is it good for wide lenses focusing like Voigtlander 25mm f4 M mount?

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Omid Yousefinia hi no think they opposite..the wider the lens the less accurate you need the rangefinder. The R4M or R4A is best for wide but if need cheaper just get the CL. See that video ..offers some framelines and is M mount.

[@robertspeicher5047]

When I shot slide film I grew to prefer the 35 over the 50

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Robert!

[@tuftufclub159]

Hi Matt ! Again a Fantastic & Intresting video ! One step to go for 250 likes ! Very curious to watch your overhall Rangefonder video . . . yet to come ! THANKS ALOT ! Greetings, Roger.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Tuftufclub thanks for the support Roger! Yes the bonus video has been recorded so will be out next. :). Yes I’m looking forward to the ‘big’ video too but many cameras to get through first! Stay tuned! :)

[@ducaipham1248]

Hello I’m owning bessa T after i watched ur video. So, i have a question. So do i need to have an eyecup for bessa T. Because I dont know how to use viewfinder although I bough it also. Can you help me ?

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Hello, yes you need a "eyecup" (viewfinder).. if you use a 50mm lens you need to buy a 50mm VF. The in camera "viewfinder" is only a rangefinder for focusing (not to see the framing).

[@ducaipham1248]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom yes thanks a lot i bough viewfinder 50mm for lens 50mm. Thanks so much for advise

[@valentinrizvan1870]

how is the Heliar 50mm 3.5 compared to Elmar 50mm f2.8 old version? I got the Elmar and I was thinking if Heliar is an upgrade or not really

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Hi see my sharpest 50mm video and Elmar videos. Heliar video out hopefully end of this month.

[@MarcoMarfia]

Hi Matt, thanks for the video! The Bessa T got my interest, i love the 50mm focal length. The Heliar 101 anniversary edition kit is really cool! Does the 50mm viewfinder have parallax correction? Would you recommend the T heliar 101 over the R2, which seems to be better built? Which one has better viewfinder/rangefinder for better focusing? I have a Canonet QL17 GIII but I find a bit hard to nail focus with it. Thanks!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Hi Marco, see my all 12 Bessa video. No T has no parallax adjustment in add on finder, T is cheaper feeling (plastic one), 101 is better build, much better finder than all models.

[@MarcoMarfia]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom thanks Matt! I'll try find the T 101 anniversary then

[@nergal213]

Do you recommend this over the bessa r? I'm looking to buy either or. I dont really have a budget however, I narrowed it down to these two. I care mostly about portabality and the leica m mount. I know the bessa r uses the older screw mount. Which would be better? I typically use 50m lenses and below. I don't shoot anything

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Hi have you see my "all Bessas" video, maybe check that. The R is good for LTM and wider lenses for me, the T is better for 50/90mm and for portraits, and it's M.

[@philipadam7870]

Question Matt, after watching your videos I've decided to purchase a back-up Bessa to my R2A, one that doesn't need a battery to work. Would an R3M make the most sense with an array of lenses in my bag? Do you know of a Voiltlanger dealer in the UK that is reputable? Thanks Matt, get videos!!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Hi Philip, see my All Bessa video.. it tells you all you need hopefully..see that rather than me try to tell you from memory (R2s for 35mm, R3s for 40mm main difference)

[@shasha8900]

Great vid. Oh I want one. Does it have a self timer?

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Great camera but no self timer sadly. See my latest video, the R has a self timer..

[@shasha8900]

I bought it! And love it ( even without self timer). RF takes little getting use to. Thanks for your reply. You are among best ! Thanks. Ps. In past few months posts your vids. I bought Nikon f4. And Nikon fg. But I think I like the Bessa T best

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

@@shasha8900 congrats! Sorry I miss some of the comment replies. Yes lovely cameras 👌🏻

[@jeromearnould9940]

Hi Matt, great review ... Maybe I'll go for a Bessa as a second film camera as a backup with my M6 TTL... for next video ... 50mm :-)

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Jerome Arnould thanks! 🙏🏻 Yes if you use fast or longer lenses then the T works great for me. If you stop down or use mostly wider lenses the CL might work for you.

[@AlloyDiesel]

Should I get a fujica gs645 or a voigtlander bessa r2 with a voigtlander classic lens? I do my own darkroom printing, just family and snapshots.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Bessa with give you choice of lenses, gs645 will give much higher resolution. Both are nice cameras. I still need to make my Voigtlander R2C video. If you shoot a lot 35mm film is cheaper but if you want the best images use medium format.

[@AlloyDiesel]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom hey thanks for the reply! I asked the question because it was a comparison I am struggling over, and wanted to give you feedback on what your viewers are thinking about. I have decided to go with a R3(AorM) and the new VM 50 1.5 version 2. I think I will enjoy the process of taking photos more with that setup, and "fun" is probably the main reason I take photos. Plus, I have never really owned a high quality lens for 35mm, curious about them. The irony is I'll be paying more than double the price for 1/4 the resolution. I guess resolution isn't everything. And let's be honest, I will eventually get the fujica as well.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

@@AlloyDiesel thanks, you’ll see me review the 50/1.5 this year as Voigtlander will send me one to review. Yes resolution isn’t everything, I have nice MF cameras (see those vids) but shoot mostly 35mm. See my LTM lens videos when you want more lenses! :)

[@AlloyDiesel]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom I did see the LTM videos, and am interested, just want something modern. My shelves are already filled with vintage classics that are a steal in regard to image quality. (Canonet QL17 is my current daily driver). I just want to see what a modern lens is like, I dont have any of those. Even still, could not bring myself to get something like the zeiss planar 50, as I thought it would be too boring. If you get the opportunity, you should let the voigtlander rep know that there is a hole in marketplace for a reasonably priced 35mm film rangefinder. The prices on used bessa-R**s have risen to be comparable to used zeiss ikons and Leica M4-Ps. They could probably make another run of bessas, sell them new for 700-800 $US, and make a good profit. We need something to put their fantastic lenses on, that is under $1k (and has a viewfinder). Anyway, great channel, you are fast becoming the resident expert on high-end photography gear.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

@@AlloyDiesel thanks mate! I did actually reach out to Voigtlander and suggested to make another run off a previous Bessa but they said it wasn’t going to happen. I hear you re modern glass. If you want a 35 I can’t recommend the Ultron 1.7 highly enough. It has Summilux style sharpness to my eyes.

[@gearytagawa4680]

Is it possible to adjust the rangefinder?

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Hi Geary, yes like all cameras I think but i'd have to send to a repair guy as i'm not an expert on these.

[@red92diaz]

Hey Matt, are you on Flickr? I think I follow you. Also, that bessa t anniversary edition is soooooooo seeeexxxyyyyy.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks and yes! Sexy and Flickr ha. Search me or MrLeicaCom 👍🏻

[@vincentdanopoulos]

I am sorry if this is out of context, but I need some help here. While removing the body cap of my Leica M8, I accidentally turned the "wheel" which has the hex-key inlet and is on top of the bayonet with my finger, where you adjust/calibrate the rangefinder. Is the finder now decalibrated? I unfortunately cannot test it with a lens now, I just wanted to know if I am good, or I messed something up.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

It should be fine. Wait til you have a lens to test with and you can check with the rangefinder patch in the viewfinder straight away (it wont align if it's knocked out).

[@toulcaz31]

Not sure how it’s better for critical focusing if once focused you need to move to the viewfinder to control your composition.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Nico Cazals great point Nico, d a fair one. (That’s why the M3 is still the best!) The M6 is fine with magnifier but I was just comparing how they both work ‘out the box’... these videos are starting to make me appreciate the Barnack Leica cameras more and more. I’m looking forward to my Mega Rangefinder Comparison Review but it might be 6-12 months yet as so many more cameras to get through first.

[@faiosung]

i use without viewfinder and guess the frame. very fast and convenient to use

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

fredfung Nice! With a wide lens? 21mm? I guess the same as with the Bessa L too if can judge the distance etc.

[@faiosung]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom haha no. i ve used 50 and 75 and 25 . it's pretty much the way with rangefinders lol

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

fredfung good work! I guess anything is possible with practice! 👍🏻

[@faiosung]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom thanks.

[@alanbooth8120]

Hi Is this camera fully mechanical You properly did mention it somewhere in this video Thanks

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

It's a mechanical shutter with battery for light meter

[@alanbooth8120]

Thanks Matt

[@jas9922]

Voigtlander 35mm F1.2 version 2

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

JAS yes I have, see the video review 👍🏻

[@jas9922]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom cool thanks...How about testing the Voigtlander 35mm f1.2 v3 ?

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

JAS yes I will if I get one to test 👍🏻

[@PerryCarbonell]

inexpensive 50 pls

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

P Carbonell see the last 2 videos posted. It doesn’t get much cheaper!

[@epstar83]

50mm

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Michael Epstein 🙏🏻😊

[@hwntwww]

you are waving your hands around

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Sorry i'm not a natural presenter as you can tell! I will try to sit on them a bit more in future vids to keep them in check.. some videos are worse than others for this.

[@Zetaphotography]

But you wouldn't keep it over a Leica.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Reuben Zuazua no true. :) Leicas are more of a life investment, especially Barnacks, M2 and M3 (for me).

[@alanward4551]

50mm

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Alan Ward 🙏🏻

[@alanprice3793]

50mm

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Alan Price 🙏🏻

[@martinscholz6613]

50mm

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Martin Scholz 🙏🏻

[@SuperSckid]

35mm

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Lincoln Leung 🙏🏻

[@wattsrc1]

50mm

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Richard Watts 🙏🏻 50mm is coming!