Voigtländer Bessa :: Antique Folding Cameras

A little show and tell today. I've got a 1939 Voigtländer Bessa folding camera. One of my favorites - you've seen it before, its the camera I have in my avatar photos.
Don't get confused by the Voigtländer name. The name was later sold to several companies - Cosina owns it today and makes cameras with the Voigtländer brand out of Japan. They are 35mm rangefinders. To make it more confusing, they use a lot of the same model names even though they are completely different.
These are great collectable cameras for people who actually shoot. They are fun to use although they take more patience than modern cameras.
I also mentioned Jurgen's site Certo6.com (but forgot his name while filming) - Jurgen has a great deal of information on folding cameras - he does repair and restoration as well.
On my channel you will find videos about photography, cinematography, post processing tutorials for Capture One, Lightroom and Photoshop, photo assignments that YOU can participate in, the Artist Series and of course me vlogging about my personal life. The Artist Series is an ongoing set of videos I produce as documentaries on living photographers. I am extremely passionate about photography and video and my goal in making these videos is to share my passion and enthusiasm with you! Don’t forget to subscribe and make sure to hit the like button and share this video if you enjoyed it!
Ted Forbes
The Art of Photography
2830 S. Hulen, Studio 133
Fort Worth, TX 76109
US of A

[@SAHBfan]

Forward to 6:00 to hear about the camera...

[@MaroonLoto]

Thanks! I appreciate the video and the efforts, but those uninteresting introductions/advertising take some patience.

[@patricelongchamps9880]

I am sleeping !!

[@walterl8863]

👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@bjarnihelgason5339]

Cats, guitars and vintage cameras. You are my guy!

[@danienelphoto]

Just bought myself an old Voigtlander today. Will be opening it up for a clean up today.

[@theartofphotography]

The date sounda bout right. Ihagee is the king… I'm really quite surprised so many viewers have old cameras! Bring on the revolution!

[@drawcomics]

I love seeing the cats walk in the background. I half expect them to start doing a little dance while you're not looking. Great vlogs, keep it up

[@mnoliberal7335]

That's trippy, man!

[@bobsden25]

I like the "off the cuff" nature of the Vlog, It keeps things current and fresh.

[@nigelhaycock3423]

Nice camera, it's on y list of cameras to add to the collection. My first 35mm was/is a Voigtlander and I have a few now. Really nice little cameras

[@TheCriton]

nice I also have a voigtlander. Mine is a bessa 66 which I picked up in pristine condition for 30 dollars in Asheville North Carolina. It came with the original case which has a lock and the original instruction manual

[@theartofphotography]

The Frankas are great cameras - you'll love it!

[@aeyb701]

Just came across your series, Mr. Forbes; very informative and in a radio-host's style that makes me the viewer feel you're talking one-on-one.

[@theartofphotography]

I love mine (obviously). Such a cool and different camera to shoot on.

[@NeilBlenkiron]

Keep them coming Ted you're doing a fantastic job. I received a Ihagee Auto Ultrix No 4860 folding camera just the other day. As far as I could tell it was made in 1930/31, was made in Germany and came to me via Ebay and Greece. I will be putting film in it tomorrow!

[@perropatata]

Dude awesome video !!! Congrats keep ir up

[@theartofphotography]

Thank you sir!

[@theartofphotography]

Thanks!

[@layZ2BPnoy]

05:53 for the antique folding camera

[@FrapsomaticalOption]

Hey Ted, I just bought my first enlarger with and with it a lot of other stuff from a "retired" photographer and there was this weird box which I just found out is a Belca Belfoca from the 1950s. I'm still very confused about how this works but it seems to be very similiar to the Voigtländer, so your video was a huge help fro me, thanks!

[@stephenarling1667]

An old friend gave me a 1929 Icarette folder, using 120 film for 6x9, with dual extension bellows, plateholder back, and an f=10.5cm, 1:4.5 Tessar. All original, and it still works beautifully. Having learned snapshooting on a 1914 Kodak Autographic 3A, using the comparatively advanced Icarette is like second nature.

[@alfredbarten4901]

Your video inspired me to get one. It just arrived today after 3-1/2 months wait. It's just like yours with one exception: there is a screw on the back side between the two red windows that raises and lowers the light shield for the windows. The 645 shield is missing, but who cares? The camera is in mint condition (or so I'm told by the seller), but the focus wheel is very stiff. Still, a beautiful camera, and very compact. Looking forward to using it. Goes along with my Perkeo II.

[@glenyseverest4112]

I know this is now 2020 when I am making this comment. I have a thinktank set for waist mounting, and have been using them since 2010, and they are still holding up. I also managed to fit a Lowepro bag on the belt as well. Wear it on hips when working, and also makes a good shoulder set-up too

[@lerpack455]

If one can get a 6x9cm slide projector the slides from these cameras are amazing. It has a 6x4.5cm format mask also for 12 shots.

[@victorwhitby4401]

Hi Bob putting on a slide show today about early British equipment. Regards. Early 1950s dtuff

[@aeyb701]

PS I also love REAL Bessa's, and have learned about camera repair after buying a couple on eBay; I'm talking epoxy, nail polish, etc when one of those 80-year-old German screws gets stripped or lost. Oh, lighter fluid works way better than certain well-known shutter refurbishers you hear about, for freeing up sticky shutters: just unscrew the glass bits, squirt in a few drops through any hole, actuate a couple dozen times and leave to dry thoroughly before reinserting the elements.

[@mnoliberal7335]

I had a sofa just like the one in the background.

[@mogphoto]

I am loving the vlog!

[@KingGameReview]

I have my grandpa's old Voigtlander Prominent that he bought when he was stationed in Germany in the 50s

[@theartofphotography]

Try Jurgen at Certo 6. Link is in the show notes.

[@odetteli03]

Timely vlog! I just "won" a franka solida IIR uncoupled rangefinder folder on ebay last week which was within my budget. Looking for that next step up from the Holga, albeit I will need to take time with it to work out the details. Would love to see the camera shelf thing with drawers as well!

[@johnirby493]

The Bessa RF came out 7 years after the original Bessas. I've had several of the early Bessas, along with a Bessa l, and a Bessa R made by Cosina, which is a different animal. I have always been on the lookout for a Bessa ll, at a reasonable price.

[@theartofphotography]

Get one! There are usually a bunch on eBay. Check the Certo 6 link - good info on all the brands making these cameras at the time…

[@shinyparts]

Mine has a manual focus ring on the front of the lens, I might look into getting the rangefinder Bessa you have now

[@londonsurrealist]

I have a cheapy version from the same period, the slow Voigtar lens and no rangefinder, it has simple zone focusing and the highest speed is 1/100.

[@raydex63]

Very interesting vlog Ted, you know your stuff! I'm new to medium format/vintage cameras but have recently bought an Agfa Isolette (for the princely sum of 9 British pounds!) which is in surprisingly good condition for its age, I love the engineering that went into these cameras & happened upon your vlog while looking for more info on my Agfa. Anyway I'm wiser now than I was before;-)

[@RedmanSnuffyChops]

Got mine for $20. Love it.

[@dennislam8102]

where you get it

[@theartofphotography]

I'll do a chemical episode this week - still need to order myself. I'll talk about them, but I'd recommend something easy to start with - TMax RS is great. You can replenish it and its a liquid mix. The powders can be a pain. Note that this is different than straight up TMax. TMax Dev is great, but its one shot. I like the RS for the longevity you get reusing it. Just follow the directions. D76 is good too - classic developer. But remember its a powder mix. Not a deal breaker, but…

[@IainHC1]

Love old camera's :-) I have over 30 of them (so my son says) :-)

[@robertoosthuizen8718]

Hi, Ted. lovely camera! I've recently got a Korelle Compur folding camera which also has the twin red peep-holes at the back. I know it takes 120mm film but what is the best way to load the film? Can't wait to try it out! Bob

[@joseuribe1552]

Think tank make awesome bags!

[@brianmccutcheon3205]

Thank you, you answered many of my questions appreciated

[@weedrunkglasgowman]

This was great....thank you.

[@akroisel]

+1! He is supposed to do great work!

[@aeyb701]

PPS, again-love what you give to so many. -Jon Archibald in Ontario, Canada.

[@theartofphotography]

Sure! I've got a bunch of old FED's that I really liked shooting on at one point.

[@victorwhitby4401]

Hi how about the Brit Ross enseign Ross lenses were really cool is 120 folder more abscure the Brit 35mm wyflex SLR. Regards

[@timyang4710]

I may be kinda late for this video, but i like the ThinkTank ShapeShift bag

[@randallstewart175]

The Skopar lens is a copy of a Zeiss Tessar [4 element], the Skopar generally considered the better performing version. This Bessa is pre-war, thus uncoated, meaning lower contrast and easier to flare. Post-war, the camera was reissued with some improvements as the Bessa II. It's a great user, but buying used requires careful consideration of the front lens standard, the structure which holds the lens when open. The Bessa design is WEAK, so can be damaged over time. A damaged standard will have "play" when open, allowing the lens to wiggle a bit. This adversely impacts sharp focus and is difficult and expensive to repair, so buy no Bessa with a loose front end.

[@garyedwards2243]

Randall Stewart thanks for the insight! i have been looking for a cheap bessa 66 and will definitely be looking for any without the loose front end

[@randallstewart175]

The Bessa 66 is pre-war, mounting both 3 and 4 element lenses, all uncoated, and has no rangefinder. Having acquired collection status, a good user will be in the low hundred dollars. Another choice might be a later model Mamiya Six: 6x6 120 folder, rangefinder, post-war modern lenses and shutters, some having a superb Olympus lens. Built like a tank; unbustable but a bit heavy. About the same price range as the Bessa 66. No front standard issues because it focuses the film plane rather than the lens.

[@CalumetVideo]

I have the Bessa I which also takes great photos. Mine was serviced by Certo6 and he did a great job on the CLA. I have probably ran about 10 rolls through camera and think it’s right on par with a he more modern Fuji 6x9 camera’s.

[@franciscocasillas6824]

Does he also repair cameras? I have a Brillant that's in need of repairs

[@CalumetVideo]

@@franciscocasillas6824 I think he still repairs them.

[@CZinger21]

I just recently got a Voigtlander with Compur (type of shutter) and am not able to figure out what type of film is needed or even weather or not the film is still being made for it.If you could bring light to this it would be much appreciated.

[@NeilBlenkiron]

You mentioned you have to order fresh chemicals for your darkroom. I am looking at setting up to do my own film processing -- I have a pretty good scanner so won't be doing any printing any time soon. My question is what chemicals do you recommend that will suit a beginner and be able to develop both Kodak and Illford black and white stock. I have yet to choose a film to stick with as I want to see how each one looks in my various cameras (Mamiya 67RB, Ihagee and the Holga 120FN).

[@KingGameReview]

I have an old Zeiss Nettar similar to that camera

[@vevolander]

i jump to thinktank streetwalker hard drive backpack. i upgraded from lowepro compudaypack, another must have lowepro. but thinktank is small considering the load capacity of it, instead of going wide, it goes deep pocket. i saw kata only able to fit 1 flash each pocket, on this thinktank i could put 580exii with 430exii on top of each other, (complete with case and speedlite foot!) thats how deep it is. what i love most is the tripod strap outside the bag, its removeable and its ease to use.

[@nisornt]

Your video sounds really good. Just wondering which model you using. Hope you can help, thanks.

[@gilberthaddad378]

hello i have a voïgtlander vito c, please If you can give me enough technical steps to use it and the type of film who fits with it thank you

[@annasvarcova]

Oh, this is really nice video :) Do you know any types of Voigtländer Bessa cameras? Because I have older camera that you have and I am not sure, what type have I. And it´s little bit hard, find information about this old cameras.

[@colnagocowboy]

Just got my voitlander bessa 6x9 cant wait to run a roll of rollei ortho 25 plus through it

[@shinyparts]

I have a nice prewar Voigtlander Bessa, its not as advanced as yours as mine doesn't have a range finder lol its nice to find a compact 120 camera (I also have a Kodak Six-20) easy to use, although takes a while to sort out the exposure as it doesn't have a light meter etc, its got more settings than my Sputnik stereographic camera though!

[@mattosj.berger2081]

Can I actually open the little red window on the back when I want to wind each frame or should it be closed from the first frame to the last one?

[@dlarge6502]

Open the window when winding on to make sure you wind to the correct place. Close the window when you are not doing this.

[@AbdulSalam-ek3vj]

Where can i see the pictures you took? thanks

[@antoniocuria8857]

do you have experience with a Voigtlander VITO CLR? thanks

[@lenalijstje8265]

I have a question. I found an old bessa when going through my grandmothers old stuff. I really love it and want to shoot with it, but in your video you mentioned that it uses a 120 mm film. However, the films I can find on internet are only for 6x6 or 6x7. What is the difference and what should I take into account? (I have never used an old camera before, so I don't know anything)

[@ContreRiposte]

Hey Roos, 120 film werkt voor 6x6, 6x7 en 6x9 camera's. Het is doorlopende film, hij is niet ingedeeld in "vakjes"(wat bij gewone 35mm film wel het geval is). Forgive me if i guessed wrong and you don't speak Dutch ;-)

[@paulomoreira007]

Very nice, I have the Bessa II. You just forgot to mention that the lens is uncoated and thus, not really suitable for colour photography, but awsome with black and white. For people wanting to shoot colour, the right model is the Bessa II with coated lenses.

[@orionz51]

Does anyone know where I can have a bessa like yours repaired? I have one as well but it needs new bellows and some shutter work.I have heard mixed review's about some of the mom and pop repair shops that deal with folding cameras.

[@kauxkaux]

Is there any affordable vintage rangefiner?

[@johnnybozzy]

show the the camera shelf thing with drawers!!

[@tekoppentekoppen761]

Bessa heliar. Between 500-1000 dollars now. Thanks!

[@murusons]

Where can we see photos from this camera?

[@muheema]

What happens if you don’t rewind the film?

[@gryzman]

Blimey, you looked so different 7 years ago

[@thunderchild010]

More of the same please!

[@doggi31]

Mind doing something about russian Leica copies? Couldn't find much reviews on youtube about that

[@captainbmo6629]

You never linked your photos that you took with this one did you?

[@Veryraredxvid]

yeah I really know somebody could you please give me some advice I have a boat landing and I don't know I would like to know how much it probably cost it's a great Linda CA and I don't have any idea how much it costs how old it is schools out to the

[@mp4podcastDOTcom]

I want one of those cameras now.

[@METACOUSTIX2]

Cat!! 10:30 ;D

[@Beachboxtv]

Hi Ted, what film is best to buy?

[@bthemedia]

Unfortunately the viewfinder is out of alignment on mine (especially noticeable shooting buildings) so now I place a picture hanging level on it which works well thanks to its flat surfaces. Some adhesive would help too, here's a photo example on instagram: statigr.am/p/664963971308740283_16449758

[@matthewbanta3240]

There really is no point in making a camera with a lens that can produce images that are significantly sharper than what you can capture with the film stock of the time. I believe that by 1939 we would have had 35mm and even 16mm movie film. So they would have had film that would be expected to be projected onto a much larger screen. However there was a time when a 6x9" negative meant that you only expected a 6x9" print. I wonder if cameras from that time would have had lenses with high enough quality to use with modern film stock. Then again, maybe the engineers of the day would have been more likely to over build their cameras? How old of a camera can you find that would still be suited for the film stock of today?

[@samacochan]

The cat is hungry..Mann

[@CZinger21]

I believe it'a an Avus model of the Voigtländer

[@johnhuttner3999]

that is not the first bessa

[@sauravbasu8805]

can anyone name a 35 mm folding camera whose lens can be completely recessed inside the body ?

[@victorwhitby4401]

Hi ted I would refer u 2 the book collecting and using classic cameras by Ivor matanle published by Thames and Hudson London UK how about the voigt prominent the voigt superb and the cannon p regards

[@bthemedia]

Wow, you actually have a way to focus the camera! My Bessa must be from 1935, it looks like yours is the Bessa II. camerapedia.wikia.com/wiki/Bessa_%28folders%29