🟡 Coolest Rangefinder Camera? Voigtlander BESSA R2

Modern 35mm Film Rangefinder Camera - Voigtlander Bessa R2 Review + vs. Bessa R / Leica M
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Voigtlander Bessa R2 review - including Voigtlander Bessa R vs Bessa R2 and Voigtlander Bessa R2 vs Leica M. I love the Olive Bessa R2 design, quite unique to Cosina Voigtlander. The Voigtlander Bessa grip will fit the T, R2, R2A, R2M, R2C, R2S, R3A, R3M, R4A, R4M cameras. This Leica M mount Voigtlander camera is a cheap Leica M mount rangefinder camera alternative (in Leica terms) but the Bessa R is probably the best value.
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[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

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[@obatolay]

The R2 only needs a battery for the light meter. I have the black version and I really enjoy it. I appreciate the review. I was hoping you’d review it. I’m happy to hear that it’s worth more now than when I bought it 6 years ago!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks! Yes Bessa have gone up a lot in the last 2 years!

[@MrichardK]

I have this camera, and it’s by far my most used go-to camera. I don’t have a Leica, and so far it’s done a good job of keeping me from buying a pricier Leica M6 or MP.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks, yes they offer good functionality vs Leica so I can see why 👍🏻

[@MrichardK]

Actually, I recently held an MA to compare virewfinders. I think I prefer the Bessa in that one regard. The loading of a Leica is objectively nicer, as is the film advance and the shutter (slightly) but it isn’t the leaps and bounds to justify the significant price jump IMO. The Bessa prices are up, but the Rollei 35 RF is still quietly affordable (after an initial premium price above the Bessas).

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

@@MrichardK thanks, yes part of the Leica experience is the feel of the cameras, agreed. You’ll see that in my next video. Bessa offer better value and good tip on the Rollei!

[@shereemaebalangue1296]

I just purchased an olive “like new” bessa R2 with mint 35mm f2.5 color skopar! I’ve only had it for a week and I’m in love with it. It’s exactly what I’ve needed. I’m having so much fun with it and the camera just makes me want to go out and shoot. I love that I don’t need the batteries to have is work and that viewfinder is as bright as my Olympus OM2n!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Congrats! I use that lens too, great setup and nice and portable too. Yes a super bright easy to use finder :)

[@shereemaebalangue1296]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom your video on the color skopar was what lead me to purchase it. I’ve wanted and looked for a bessa R2, R2m or R3m for over a year and one finally popped up! It wasn’t cheap for the whole kit especially in the condition it was in but I have no regrets hahah

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

@@shereemaebalangue1296 ah great, happy you found one! :)

[@markturner7910]

Great video Matt , I picked up the green R2 off eBay last year for £675 , shoot it along with my M240 , mainly using a 1956 Jupiter 8 50mm , both are great cameras , keep up the excellent work , stay safe

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thank you Mark, nice combo! The J8 is great too, I will review at some point (need to use it more first). Thanks

[@stevesurfaro]

Matt, you really combine likability with unique and useful information. I thoroughly enjoy your Leica M and companion videos like this!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thank you Steve, very kind! :) I'm glad the videos are helping people and being well received. I just try to pass on what I learn in a searchable packaged way.

[@stevesurfaro]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Maybe someday you can appear pm my "coffee break' 12 minute podcasts where I would interview you on The Benefits of Analog film And giving these vintage gems a new lease on life!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

@@stevesurfaro hi Steve message me on Instagram @MrLeicaCom

[@Gerard-hu6kp]

A very pleasant and well informed presenter Enjoyable video!

[@crissignori7482]

Leica makes the coolest and finest rangefinder cameras. That’s why there’s a Mr. Leica …. Ok now onto photography 😊

[@19compton52]

Matt, to my eyes that is one of the best looking cameras ever. That has nothing to do with functionality but does make you want to pick it up! From what you say, it is also one heck of a good camera. Excellent information as usual.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Neil! Yes it is pretty for sure! :) Leica are more solid but it offers lots of features.

[@ralph4840]

I very much appreciate my Bessa R4A. IMHO it is a superior camera compared to my M6 (original version). From wide angle frame lines to the lesser weight, smaller size, film loading, metering, A-mode convenience, higher X-sync speed, everything is better than the Leica. Where the Leica shines is in the hype department.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks, yes see my R4M video, agree for wide angle those cameras are king!

[@robertobreve8623]

Got this beauty! Thanks for the recommendation, my wallet is happy too since I didn’t have to spend so much for an m6 😅 , the only downside is the shutter sound! For street photography it can be very loud

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Yes it sure is one of the prettiest cameras I've ever owned! Enjoy!

[@barthonhoff5547]

A few years back, I brought my Leica M6 for 700€, the same price you can now get a used Bessa R. I brought my Bessa R around the same time for as little as 225€. Times have changed.....

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Yes the old prices are crazy to hear when you say it now! You can find the Bessa R for under £400 if you are patient but everything is still much more expensive sadly.

[@grahambell1959]

Another belting video, Matt. You're certainly educating us about all these Bessa variants . . .

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Graham! This is the last one but I’ll do a big roundup vid when I get chance :)

[@bonghungk7544]

I bought my olive green R2 with its matching mechanical winder and pancake Version 1 voightlander 35 mm F2.5 colour Skopar lens/voightlander 75 mm colour heliar F2.5 back in 2003. I’m a happy shooter with this set up!!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Niiice! Great combo with the Skopar for sure :) Nice and small. 75mm is a great performer too I hear.

[@bonghungk7544]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom yes the 75 mm heliar has a classical balance between sharpness and smoothness with nice background blur. Great point about these VC lenses. It’s compact and light weight particularly when I don’t need the fast stops. If I need faster lenses I pull out my summiluxes 35/75 mm = in Leica unfortunately there’s a difference between these brands and not because of the aperture differences only.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

@@bonghungk7544 thanks!

[@lightning_star]

I bought BESSA R2 today on eBay Condition is pretty good and beautifull. I'm so expecting 😊

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Congrats!! Very nice camera. Enjoy!

[@lightning_star]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom I Bought trigger winder too hahaha. it’s my first RF camera. I used fm2 before. SLR and RF camera has a little difference. So I’m so expecting Have sweet day!

[@DystaticStudio]

I have the mint-condition Bessa R3M which is my first-ever rangefinder film camera for a fair price, and the exact same 35mm lens as yours. I got lots of beautiful still shots out of this body despite being told that lens does not hold the sharpness well even when stopping down. I agree it’s lightweight and robustly built, though everytime I need to be careful not to scratch the viewfinder glass, which I got one barely visible hairline after a trip. Still, a very functional film camera for most street and small event situations.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks and nice find with the R3M! I just did a video of all 12 Bessa so you might be able to relate to that.

[@Nigel-nar53]

I love those Olive Green bodies. 👍

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Nigel! Agreed :)

[@axelherr2410]

Thanks for the great review. Just bought a near-mint olive R2 from Kyoto based on your review.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thank you and congrats! Such a beautiful camera, you'll love it.

[@philmtx3fr]

This Bessa R2 that I didn t know seems very appealing… light meter, weight, higher flash synch, less pricy… it gets all … except the f… red dot:). For me it overpass the m2 and m3 easily and it s more recent so you can expect good reliability. Very good review on this underestimated camera. Thx Matt.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Phil, I just left you a comment on the CL. If we speak remind me to tell you about the Bessa too.

[@jllanesphoto]

Thanks for a great video. Always wanted a Bessa. Can not justify, as I have an M4. The Bessa is a beautiful camera.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Jerry, the M4 is even better in most situations 😉👍🏻

[@ductritran8637]

Thanks for many videos you posted 👍👍👍👍👍 very helpful .

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks! 230+ videos so far :) To search them easily sign up to MrLeica.com free and get the KZbin search tool

[@erichung9043]

Voigtlander/ Cosina has also made a M42 mount SLR Bessaflex TM. With TTL,it's easier for me to focus with fast primes than my other Bessa R2C which has a relative short effective base length. As you know, vintage M42 lenses are cheap. But I somehow was able to find a Zeiss Distagon 35mm F2 and a Planar 50mm F1.4 both ZS M42 mount made by Cosina.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Eric, yes I have a M42 body on my to get list actually. I just want a small body with good VF so need to do some research! Wow you did great with those lenses :)

[@jonlouis2582]

A very professional presentation as usual. I have a few of these cameras that I bought when they were very inexpensive, but sadly none of mine are in olive. I agree that they are well thought out and fun to use. I often take one out cycling as well. The accessories are fun to collect, and the rapid winder is superb. I can't imagine who would pay the price they go for now though, unless you have money to burn. The build quality is appalling, and one of mine has a dead meter after light use. Leica is a much better value for the money, and can be repaired.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Jon, yes per my last video I agree Leica are for life and are worth the investment I think. :)

[@AlistairMurray]

Another excellent choice! (I also have the grip for mine, and a camo print brown leather strap") It is indeed a great choice for 35mm lenses and looks the business with silver lenses - I can forgive the 35/1.7 Ultron's iffy handling for the way it looks on an olive R2. The M5 is another good choice for 35mm lenses, though it is a bit of a chunk

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Alistair, I was surprised how many people could relate to this vid! Sounds like you have a lovely setup! Agreed silver lenses on these look so good! :) Still haven't used the M5, will try to test for a future vid. I use my M2 for 35mm.

[@milesian1]

Really nice overview, Matt. I always wanted an M mount Voigtlander, but was afraid to get into that system due to the price of lenses. I love my Bessa R because it has all the great features of the R2, but I can use all the less expensive L39 lenses without breaking the bank with M mount lenses.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks! ..and yes agreed, L39 lenses are great, I use M bodies too and often use L39 lenses with them via an adapter. Sometimes I want to use a M lens (or have the option) so a camera that can do both suits me. That said I love my Leica iii cameras and just use them with older lenses.

[@jimbob119874]

Is there an R2D too? That's a cool safari colour. A Voigtlander body with a Leica lens is the opposite of my setup. Thanks for another interesting review.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks James! No there is no Bessa R2D only A/C/M/S .. yes most people have the opposite and the same as you I think.. Voigtlander glass is great value and the new stuff is especially excellent.

[@tuftufclub159]

Very intresting video Matt ! Waiting for your "Best" video ever ;-) Thanks alot, take care, Roger.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Roger, yes summary Bessa video will be coming, it’s on the list! :)

[@petemcknight803]

We are going to have to start calling you Mr. Rangefinder 😂

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Ha yes I’m a rangefinder boy at heart but I shoot Nikon and others occasionally! 😆

[@iello911]

NIce! I had the same camera, also in army green, sold it a few years ago for probably less than half of today's prices (yes, should have kept it!!!). Ever tried the Epson R-D1, basically a digital version of this camera? It was the first digital rangefinder ever made - and with better ergonomics than the digital Leica M which came later.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Sorry to hear! I made the same mistake selling a Contax 645 years ago. Ah yes I know of that camera but I’ve never used it.

[@iello911]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom If you get a chance to borrow one, try it out, it is a real pleasure to use. You basically shoot an old analog camera - with manual cocking shutter - where the film is replaced by a digital sensor. I only sold it because I THOUGHT i needed 'more pixels', but mainly because of the aps size sensor and its crop factor. I kept going back to it, had 3 of them, but eventually gave up on it. Prices keep going up for them too, of course!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

@@iello911 thanks for sharing / the info 👍🏻

[@LucyS565]

Looks like an amazing camera! I really like how easy it is to load. Have you ever shot with a really old camera like a Contessa Nettle folding bellows camera? I've always wanted to. Thanks Matt!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Lucy, yes these Bessa are very easy to load, like the later SLRa :) See my 6x9 video for older folding cameras :)

[@LucyS565]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom I sure will! Thanks Matt!

[@pablodean141]

Great and detailed review as always! May I ask you how often do you send it out for CLA? I’ve been having a black R2 for almost a year now and I think it might be time for a trip to the camera repair shop

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Pablo! I tend to send cameras for CLA when something stops working. Usually 90 year old Leicas. This is a modern camera so it depends how much use it’s had. If it works I’d carry on using it for now.

[@aerovision257]

Hi, I am a big fun for your video. Many videos gave me lots of help during I choose my system. Do you have any Leica R lens and camera using experience? Especially R lens!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks! No sorry i've not used any R glass yet to date but hopefully I will get the chance in the future. Stay tuned! :)

[@mathewrupp8568]

Problem with this camera is getting it repaired in the US. If they weren't originally purchased in the US you can't get parts or repairs here. The vast majority of used Bessa's on Ebay coming from Japan. The only way you could tell if bought in the US is if you could ID the serial number somehow. Also they have gone up in price faster then Leica.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Mathew regarding repair in the US. Yes the price increase over 5-6 years was crazy!

[@raymondkilminster2194]

loved the video , but can i ask where did you get your side grip from . The only ones i can find are all in Japan .

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks! It came with the camera but yes most Bessa stuff now you need to import from Japan. (I imported some of my cameras)

[@raymondkilminster2194]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaComok thanks matt for replying .

[@miks.343]

What's the difference between the R2 and R2M? I have read that the "M" stands for mechanical shutter, so I thought that R2 had electronic shutter, but that doesn't seem to be the case... So, how is R2M different from R2? Thank you

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Hi, please see my detailed blog post and or video on all 12 models and how they differ. (No pre "M" and "A" models were mechanical) MrLeica.com

[@antoinehope4498]

I was wondering for M mount, the difference between the new VOIGTLANDER Ultron 35mm f/2 Asphérique and the Carl Zeiss biogon 2/35mm zm T cuz they are about the same price now Thanks for your content it’s always helpful !

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Hi thanks, I don’t own either of those lenses so I might not be the best person to ask but I like Biogons so I’d go with that.

[@antoinehope4498]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom All right thanks Matt !

[@vincentandtheo]

Hi Matt! I love my Olive Bessa r2 with a foldable 50 lens. I LOVE your videos!! I struggle with the meter r2 meter. It disappears and is slow enough to cause me to lose shots. Iwant to chage to a r2a or r3a. Which would you recommend? I will be in Tokyo next week. Would you buy or trade there? Thanks, David!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Hi David, thanks for your kind words! See my all 12 Bessa video + blog post. Don't choose based on the meter, look at the other specs too. The later ones will all meter the same.

[@vincentandtheo]

​@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Thanks, Matt ! My meter on the r2 is intermittent. I want to get a r2a or r3a for the Aperture Priority.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

@@vincentandtheo or just buy a lightmeter for the top of your camera. See my lightmeter video and the TTA unit

[@alzathoth]

IDK. i'm still on the fence. i have $1000 canadian to buy a new camera. i have shot a nikon f4/D700 for years but need a change. either the bessa2 or go to medium format like the RB67.

[@roy5515]

I’ve shot with both, they’re drastically different. RB 67 is a studio based camera, very well constructed but really big and heavy. Bessa r2 is light weight and fast, good for all occasions especially street photography. So it depends on your wish in your future endeavors in photography style, as they’re not really interchangeable. If you’re replacing your Nikons, Bessa is the choice. Better yet, get both.

[@alainmijngheer]

An interesting video here, thanks for that Matt. I have a question about using LTM lenses on the R2 using an adapter. On the market I see 3 adapters available, namely the 50-75, the 28-90 and the 35-105. Since you can adjust, on camera, the viewfinderlines does it matter what adapter you use? Can't you just use one for different focal lenghts or is there another reason? Perhaps you know the answer? Keep up the fascinating videos by the way :)

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Hi Alain, sorry for my late answer. No it doesn't matter for Bessas. This is for Leicas. You can use any. On Leica you need the correct one to bring up the correct frame lines. All adapters fit all lenses it is only for Leica M frame selection. Cheers!

[@alainmijngheer]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom no worries and thanks for the answer. Meanwhile I did put a film through my Bessa to check it out and I'm just out of the darkroom now with indeed no problem at all on the pictures as you said :) Have a nice day !

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

@@alainmijngheer Great news!

[@andyteri777]

Looks like an X pro 3 😁

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Haha :)

[@voradorlinux]

Question: I'm not a rangefinder guy but I have a 40mm leica-m mount lens... since this have frames for 35mm (not 40mm) would that be an issue? Sorry if the question is stupid but as I said I am not a rangefinder guy (just SLR). Thanks in advance, cheers!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Hello, you need to estimate the 40mm frameline but you soon get used to it once you use the lens a lot. That's how I used my 40/1.4 and 40/2 lenses (see those videos)

[@geofff6671]

Any idea how reliable these cameras are today?

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Not as reliable as Leica..and with the big price jump in recent years i'd rather spend extra and get a Leica. (I still have some Bessa but I sold the more expensive ones).

[@alexkane1]

Hi there, I have a question about frame lines… so I have a 28mm. I understand that this would show the 35mm framelines, and then my image would end up being wider than what I am seeing. However, how does that not effect the focus?? If I am using a wider lens and the camera and focusing mechanism thinks I am shooting a 35… thanks for the video!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Hi Alex, yes focus is always accurate with any RF coupled M lens. It only impact the framing. If you see a 35mm frameline but use a 28mm lens use the full viewfinder area to guestimate the composition. If wider than 28mm get a hotshoe finder to help compose.

[@widam]

beautiful camera, It seems that the only place to buy is ebay now

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks yes I buy 99% on eBay and have done for a years (Perhaps it was 80% in the past).

[@ScaleDreamsStudio]

If you use the new Voigtlander 35mm f2.0 APO on the R2 body, Does it have the same minimum focus distance of .7 meters on the R2 Like the M6 Lieca or can it go down to the .5 meters?

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Sadly no. See next video for more info on that, out soon 👍🏻

[@hovigalahaidoyan4080]

I'm looking for a place to fix the light meter on mine and seems nearly impossible. Shame, as I love it and it served me well. Any suggestions? Ive tried NY, London...would I have to send it straight to Cosina in Japan? Any suggestions welcome...I dont want to buy another R2 so might go with an R. (shooting w/ a pancake 35)

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Hello sorry to hear this. You could get a small hotshoe lightmeter instead? I'm not sure how easy the meter is to fix. I have quite a few cameras with no/ a broken meter and I just meter handheld. Not ideal for you I know.

[@regentzs]

On my bessa r2 olive, sometimes hard to focus/see patch if my eye not center VF, most hard to see the patch when vertical position. do you have same issue on your bessa r2 or other voigtlander? Thanks

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Hi Regent, I use a lot of rangefinder cameras so I think I put my eye in the centre automatically. Make sure your finger is not over the VF window, sometimes you can get light or flare so the patch can be harder to see, with older cameras some are clearer than others but this is very modern vs. my 1930s Leicas so I would expect it to be OK.

[@regentzs]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom thanks Matt, sometimes patch seem not vertical align if my eye not centre VF, i need to adjust my eye centre, but when i use other M body as usual works fine😅.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

@@regentzs it sounds like it’s had a knock and needs a service. My R3A Bessa had to be recalibrated too.

[@maynoralvarado5528]

Can one install a self timer on R2?

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Hi Maynor, I think from memory you can use screw in cable releases so therefore you can use a screw in old style self timer I think

[@klestor]

does the R2 work without a battery?

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Yes sorry I forgot to say it. Only needed for light meter

[@vijayanraghavan4789]

Instead of showing some Pics by this camera you are talking and talking about trivial things.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Vijayan, yes some of my older videos might be like this. I’m still learning as I go with KZbin.

[@alzathoth]

nice cameras. too bad they are all OVERPRICED for the average hobbiest photographer.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Yes I asked Voigtlander this year if they’d start production again but sadly they said no. I did ask!

[@jaynebooton5663]

Hope you didn't wear this camera out... think I just bought it:)

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Hi Jayne! Really ha? No if it was mine I had it a very short time. Looked amazing but I bought it for a special project which then fell through so I couldn't justify owning another Bessa.

[@jaynebooton5663]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom No mistaking that serial number, it still looks lovely, no issues so far, it feels nice in the hand and I appreciate 1/2000 shutter. Really enjoy your very informative vids.. (and was probably this review that pushed me to look for one, absolutely didn't expect to end up with yours), so thank you.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

@@jaynebooton5663 thanks! I’m not sure if someone else bought it before you and sold it on. I sold it with a lens. Either way yes lovely camera and the guy before me said he had from new and had looked after it.

[@ptrbask640]

Bessa R2 and higher are electronic cameras, can not work without battery, so that's a pass from my side. Bessa R is not worth the money. But they are really nice cameras

[@iello911]

Actually, the R2 works just fine without batteries, you just lose the light meter function. The following "A" models, with aperture priority, do in fact need battery power to operate.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

I believe it is only bodies after the R2 that need batteries. Those that offer auto exposure.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

@@iello911 thanks for confirming, sorry I should have mentioned this in the video.