Voigtlander Bessa R4m Review (vs Leica MP)

[@MichaelQC]

Hi Jeremy, thanks for the review. As an owner of an R4M of 5 years, I can say most of what you said is true. It's a unique tool for the photographer who has the time to compose and likes wide lenses. However it should not be compared with Leicas for build quality. Mine has been a workhorse though and has never failed me in traveling 3 continents. Cheers and subbed!

[@jeremy-t]

Thank you! Wow.. Great to know that it’s so reliable as a camera!

[@moustachio334]

Leicas aren't built better. They use thick brass to give a heightened sense of reliability. The Bessa can out last you as evidenced by all the manual cameras still working from the 50's.

[@joeb3619]

Awesome review! I appreciate the detailed explanations with examples. Keep making videos these are some of the best reviews I've watched

[@jeremy-t]

Thanks so much! :)

[@lucamaselli40]

Stunning good video!! Like a new servicet mechanicel camera! The sound, the feeling, the information!! Thanks a lot mate!✨

[@jeremy-t]

Thank you! 😌

[@DanielCaiMedia]

Great overview and review! I owned the R3A, the R4M is on the other end of the spectrum as far as the viewfinder goes. Also just wanted to mention that I've posted some details about my Summilux close focus mod on your other video, in case you missed my comment. Cheers

[@jeremy-t]

Thank you!! :) And also for reminding me, I somehow didn’t get the notification your previous reply. I replied you there too!

[@photo_dude1686]

I know more about the Bessa R4M now than I did when I woke up this morning. I don't know if that is a good thing or not. It's just a fact. Great video. Keep them coming. 😁

[@jeremy-t]

Hahaha!! I laughed out loud when I read this.. Thank you! :)

[@westonsmith4572]

This is a very useful, highly insightful video. Thank you for posting. I have been thinking about and researching a Bessa R3M and R4M and this is the best presentation that I am aware of. Cheers from Canada

[@jeremy-t]

I’m glad it was helpful. Thank you for the kind words, and hello from Singapore!

[@SwitchJaStro]

Great video, very insightful. Been researching the R4M the past week, very well might purchase one. Price jump is tragic, but everything’s inflated right now.. Thank you! Subbed.

[@jeremy-t]

Thank you!! Yes everything is more expensive these days.. Gone are the days of $3 kodak gold..

[@ryanbhangdia]

great video and perspective! I agree, the cameras are all light tight boxes but the tactile feel of using them is important to me so (for now) I'll stick to my Leica (probably forever). I did try the R4M some years ago before the price skyrocketed and I wanted to love it specifically for the metal shutter and 1/2000th shutter speed - I've burned a hole in a curtain once or twice.. but the overall feel of the camera made me not want to use it.

[@jeremy-t]

Thank you! Yes me too.. Maybe Leica will give us 21mm frame lines? 😂 in a perfect world…

[@DirekMui]

Hello Jeremy... thanks for the video... i'm at the very edge of purchasing a R4M... I totally understand all your points. I own a R2A and YES the "camera in your hands experience" is lacking... but I am really tempted with the idea of SEEING more thru the viewfinder... I have found my photographic heart falls into 35, 28 and below... for now, i use an external viewfinder to help with me being a glasses wearer... appreciated you sharing your experience... will let you know... more power to you

[@jeremy-t]

Thank you!! Yes... I absolutely love shooting 21mm through a viewfinder.. And the r4m's viewfinder is amazing!

[@philipau3847]

If you're looking for non-Leica M-mount options, the Zeiss Ikon ZM is a much better deal than the Bessas which tend to get more air time online.

[@jeremy-t]

Ah yes. Ditto! :)

[@JacobChristiansen1]

Did you try the Hexar RF? Although it's not fully mechanical, for 28 it is amazing and has 1/4000 shutter

[@jeremy-t]

Uh oh... haha!

[@jude979]

Great review 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾...why the M6 though over the other leica M bodies.

[@jeremy-t]

Thank you! :) Mostly, just the meter.. 🙃

[@ZachBie]

I considered the Bessa cameras in 2015-2016 when I bought my M6. Like you said, I recall the Bessa was about $800 and I got my M6 for $1,300. For me the Leica was the clear choice for long-term use and repair ease.

[@jeremy-t]

Agreed :)

[@m66096]

The other models with tighter framelines also suffer a bit from the shorter rangefinder length, but the brighter viewfinder makes it kinda even. The first time I held a Bessa camera I was highly disappointed by the construction! Those cameras looks amazing but feel extremely cheap !

[@jeremy-t]

Ah yes, the viewfinder is surprisingly bright!

[@anthonymiller8979]

Yes, the rangefinder baseline is almost half that of an M Leica which could have real impact on accuracy especially if shooting with a narrow depth of field.

[@dogangulcan4972]

Great video! I'm still trying to find a rangefinder M mount camera where I can see the frame lines with 28mm lens :D

[@jeremy-t]

Hahaha!! As am I... Hopefully one day that gap gets filled.. :)

[@beneett6800]

Thank you for the awesome comparison! One question: I own a Leica because I can easily handhold 1/15 or 1/8th of a second. Is this also possible with a Bessa R4m? Thank you!

[@jeremy-t]

You’re welcome! Yes! 1/15th. 1/8th is pushing it.. it’s a light camera so it doesn’t sit down into the hands as well.

[@theblackmanarmedwithacamera]

GREAT VIDEO REVIEW! SUBBED!!

[@jeremy-t]

Thanks for the sub!

[@OrangeBrick8]

This camera with the Konica 21-35mm alongside a Leica with a 50mm would be a dream.

[@spieler440]

Back when the bessa was $400-600 dollars its was a no brainer. With them going for sometimes $2800 now, might as well spend the extra little bit and get a m6

[@jeremy-t]

Ditto!

[@antnguyen]

Sold.... on a Pentax 67 haha, I didn't know that camera was "affordable" and I've been itching on trying medium format.

[@antnguyen]

Also, after watching your video regarding foampan 400, I ended up picking up a 100' roll and a Lloyd bulk loader to try out. Man, I came back with 4 rolls (16exp rolls) of some of the most messed up light leaks I've ever seen. I haven't developed many rolls personally, maybe around 20 rolls, so I didn't think it was a developing error, but I'm thinking it's the Lloyd bulk loader. Perhaps it has a faulty door, or the felt isn't tight enough to keep light out of the roll... anyways, I just returned the Lloyd bulk loader and purchased an AP bobinquick loader with hopes this more expensive loader will do the job. Would you have any tips regarding bulk loading? I'm loading into used hp5 canisters, thanks.

[@jeremy-t]

Haha!! Yes the Pentax 67 is an amazing deal.. When it comes to bulk rolling, any issues I've had with light leaks were usually due to the cassettes, but if you're using relatively new HP5 (assuming the seals are good), then it may the loader, or possibly the dark bag? Let me know when you've tracked down the problem! :)

[@justinkingery2489]

@@antnguyen Weird. Sorry you experienced that. However, I've got three Lloyd bulk loaders, and I've never had an issue with them. In fact, I sold my Watson loader because the Lloyds are so dependable. Maybe you ended up with the rare lemon somehow? Regardless, best of luck. I hope the APB works out better for you.

[@scrambagorg]

No other camera has the built in framelines or VF that this camera does. That in itself is enough of a reason to justify the cost increase. The biggest con to me for this camera is the lack of serviceability.

[@jeremy-t]

That’s true.. I wish there were more rangefinders with 21mm Framelines..

[@emmanueltsI5]

shame they discontinued these products. Only Leica nowadays offer brand new film cameras.

[@jeremy-t]

Yes… I wish they were still around!!

[@briglnai]

I love my Konica Hexar RF, though it is electronic...

[@jeremy-t]

Awesome! I’ve always wanted to try one..

[@stephthemolerat]

More more more!

[@jeremy-t]

🙃

[@bradl2636]

The high end Bessas are no longer good value. If you have one keep it, if you don't, then at current prices just spring for a real Leica M. If the Bessa breaks most repairers will tell you to junk it and buy another one... the difference in durability and repairability vs Leica M is very material.

[@jeremy-t]

Ditto!

[@MR-rp3xr]

The Bessa R range are nowhere near The Leica for build quality they are about the same as a Cosina SLR the compay that makes Voightlander It would be better buying a Kiev 3 B with the lightmeter and use Russian or Contax mount lenses

[@MR-rp3xr]

Sooner have a Contax or Keiv3B

[@jeremy-t]

Cool!