Voigtlander Bessa R Review: My NEW 35mm Film Camera

[@anthonyjames8294]

My wife JUST bought me this camera and lens last week as a birthday present. Serial number 15! Literally scanning my test roll now. Big fan so far!

[@gothampops]

Killer gift! Happy Birthday

[@ozzygreen619]

Happy Birthday!

[@tomdivasion7724]

@@ozzygreen619 That wife is a keeper

[@davidhunt9692]

Some information on anybody looking at purchasing this camera, there are pretty major differences between the different Bessa R models Bessa RA vs Bessa RM: Bessa RA has an electronically controlled shutter and subsequent aperture priority feature like a Leica M7, the M is mechanical shutter just like an M6, and can still be shot when the batteries die. The Bessa R has a M39 mount like a Leica M3 or M2, so be cautious as to what lens you get for this camera as it may not work without an adapter. The Bessa R2 has a Leica M mount so works with any Leica, Voigtlander, or Zeiss glass made for M cameras. Much broader selection to choose from. The next is the viewfinder. The R2 has a 0.7x magnification, this is closest to a Leica M6 Classic at 0.72x magnification. And has 35/50/75/90 frame lines. Works well for someone who doesn’t wear glasses or contacts. Wearing glasses and using this might make composure a challenge because your eye is physically further back from the viewfinder. The R3 has 1.0x magnification and has 40/50/75/90 frame lines. The R4 has 0.52x magnification and has 21/25/28/35/50 frame lines. This is the best choice for someone with glasses. Hope this helps.

[@SalvatoreHuang]

Thank you

[@meabster]

Great information except Leica M2 and M3 are Leica M Mount and not LTM ( screw mount ) The screw mount Leicas were the pre -M cameras.

[@eddwingregg6999]

You’re so awesome!

[@samcooper-drake4732]

This is the most clearcut way of breaking it down, thank you! Are all models metered? It was my belief that the R and R2 arent metered...

[@hobi.jardine]

Hey I'm new to photography. What does magnification do exactly ? thanks!

[@yungkental434]

Can u also like make a video showing how to use the handheld lightmeter? Like where should we point the sphere and what to meter in certain conditions? thanks great video as always

[@venividdivici0]

yung kental plsss

[@g_young_h]

He does have a video about how he meters at night, that should help. In general, if you can walk into the scene, meter in light shadows (will over expose) and the negative will be more dense. Works very well.

[@JohnnyMcMillan]

Always meter in the shadows when you're shooting film and you'll be fine "expose for the shadows, develop for the highlights"

[@moodcatching]

Yes please :D

[@flipmoebrix1717]

yung kental yeeees

[@sohkinoshita8138]

Willem: “this is my new camera, ima be using this everyday” *next month* Willem: “So this is my new camera, the other one just wasn’t it”

[@WillemVerb]

lowkey this is every photographer doe

[@dovywave9111]

@@WillemVerb literally tho

[@dovydasgrigas441]

RIP the mamiya 6

[@pilsplease7561]

@@WillemVerb It sure as hell is me, lol.

[@-webfootoctopus7896]

Willem Verbeeck yup😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@Miranda-zq3du]

I was about to take a nap but Willems videos are top priority.

[@andywalczak7659]

That's what I do

[@Sn4k3f1st]

Willem: ' so I picked this camera up for 500$ with a lens, which is pretty expensive for a 35mm ' Ebay: body only 1500$ ok

[@RK-rf8rc]

Yeah, I thought 500 was a good deal. Most on Ebay are priced at least 900, and often much more.

[@caldera878]

Canon P or Canon 7 are going less than $500.

[@donnie7125]

he's driven up the price, usually always happens

[@MarvinBoydCo]

If you look at just the R its an M39 mount which isn’t that popular so the price is around that but I think he may have a different R model because the original R is only M39 mount and I cant see an adapter on his camera to use Leica m glass

[@BenjoC8632]

No I see them $450-$600 on eBay yet. I don’t know, I love the crap outta my dads Nikon F2, it’s an AWESOME camera.

[@aubreymalinis]

I have not once been interested in photography, nor do I have any evident eye for it, but I just wanted to mention that watching your videos (and, by extension, watching you photograph) changed my mind - at least about the interest thing. The passion and awe is just so inspiring and motivating. I've recently bought my first film camera and intend to give this thing a try. And I'll continue to be looking to you for inspiration. Mad respect, man and immense appreciation.

[@tomdivasion7724]

Can't believe you're cheating on the RZ67 with this small hussy

[@TopshelfJunior]

"hussy" is funny

[@Dunnoxer]

Well, before this video I was eyeing the Bessa R for around 300-400€ in good condition. Now there are none on eBay and the other models are around a 1000€. I mean, I enjoy your videos, Willem, and I'm not saying it's exclusively you who drove up the price, but I had a feeling this would happen. Now I'm sitting here all salty, not being able to afford one anymore.

[@carlosgrajeda1986]

I’ve had a Bessa R as my daily for about 2 years now, always loaded with Tri-X pushed to 1600. There weren’t many videos out there on the original Bessa R, so it seemed like a hidden gem. I’ve wanted to get a second body at a decent price but that’s never going to happen now, ahaha.

[@RewDowns]

The moon shot and the last shot with the tree and city in the background was fire!

[@yeahcubs]

Oh man, glad to see you join the Bessa R cult. I've got one of the R3As myself and you inspired me to recently purchase an RZ67

[@RyanTrostle]

Just recently ordered a Zorki S Rangefinder this video has me hyped to start using a rangefinder for my street stuff!

[@ella-wg4du]

The appreciation you have for nature and architecture is just a blessing to watch, seriously love watching you shoot in all your videos, you have a huge gift!

[@jarrentuazon4379]

6:05 that shot is LIT, hope I could find something like that in the future.

[@moment]

dig that lil nug cam

[@jandekker6008]

You're in for so much pleasure with this. Slightly shonky build quality though. Mine (from 2001) feels a bit sticky now because of the rubberised materials covering the body.

[@DaveMontejano]

There is something so soothing about your voice and editing. Film cameras are the cherry on top. Great vid man!

[@sovelle]

a new vid from you on my day off is just the best. im pumped to see what ya do this year 😍👌

[@WillemVerb]

Let’s gooooo

[@RK-rf8rc]

Just picked one of these up and was completely unaware you made a video on one. Double happiness in one day.

[@andyb9637]

I've got three Bessa R's. One(silver) I bought from Cameraquest and two(black) I won on ebay, way back when they were cheap. The black models, one is a demo and the other is new, never used. The silver one is the camera I use. After watching your video and seeing the prices on ebay, I really lucked out. Only wish I had bought more lens' because those are hard to find and are expensive.

[@brettwood737]

Thanks for the video, I've been looking at the Bessa for sometime and seeing your shots has convinced me to press the go button.

[@nersgev]

never have I ever been so early, great job as usual Willem

[@MikaelSchou88]

Sir. Willem Verbeeck! I truly love your channel. This is the ONLY channel I need in my life. Thank you! ✌️

[@tris9167]

I just love your videos, genuinely so informative and just aesthetically appealing. Love the personality of it all

[@gogouser99]

Dude you’re honestly super cool, I think most people will agree that we dig the vibe you give off. You played a big part in inspiring me to buy a camera and now all I look forward to is going out and taking pictures, and your videos ofc XD! Keep doing what you’re doing 🤟🏽🤟🏽

[@WillemVerb]

That means a ton 😭 thanks for watching ❤️

[@scottyg9167]

Agree totally! And you’ve inspired me to pick back up with my trusty M3. It’s so much for satisfying to feel that quality and oozy mechanical-ness.

[@ozzygreen619]

hi willem, for me, your reviews are always really high quality, very aesthetic and super helpfull! a big "thank you" from germany :)

[@adamhaziqsalleh]

Willem,if you're reading this I just want to let you know that you and Joe had inspired me to finally bought a film camera. I'm having a lot of fun right now with it and I've already completed my first roll. Thank you for always posting such amazing contents

[@RK-rf8rc]

I have this and it's legit the nicest camera I've used in terms of actually using - weight, size, grip, mechanics, sound. Taking photos with it is a perfect experience, IMO. Better than the Leica M6

[@mattbump7462]

I just got my Voigtlander Bessa R2A a few weeks ago. I love it. Great Review.

[@dmitryavershin1890]

This is amazing, first time watcher here, really enjoyed the pictures with this camera, especially the composition and color. Keep going! I will subscribe.

[@amplifierheadache]

I bought my Bessa R (just R nothing after, those are more comparable to Leica M series prices) without a lens for around $150, I didn't need to really pick up any lenses with it because I already had an entire set of Soviet LTM lenses for it. I would probably like to pick up a few Voigtlander lenses at some point, but currently I'm having too much fun with my Jupiter and Industar lenses. Keep up the good content Will! -Shane

[@kribomon]

Ayeeee, nice, congrats on the new camera. I have almost the exact same setup, although I have the R2 in olive green. I've had it for 5 years now and never letting go of it.

[@travis_cannady]

I personally almost went with this camera when looking to buy a rangefinder, but the photo lab I work at took in an M3 double stroke and I couldn't pass on it for the price.

[@emmabrdly]

Got my first film camera for Christmas. Pentax k1000 📷 Really loving your videos lately as I’m learning :)

[@oweng1756]

I got that camera for my 21st birthday. Enjoy and have fun!

[@AetherCS2]

Forgot you post on Wednesday’s! Perfect timing, just got my wisdom teeth taken out and can’t do much

[@Enzo_hamma]

got the bessa r2a and i love this camera definitely can’t replace it! quality of glass and how easy it is to use it incredible

[@benjaminsalazar1635]

Love that it is fully mechanical like my Pentax k1000, the colors and light in these photos were very cool

[@ChristianSpraungel]

I just picked up the Bessa R2A with the Voigtlander Nokton 35mm. I was primarily shooting medium format as well and wanted to upgrade my 35MM. It was more expensive that I was expecting to spend but I couldn't be happier with it. Super fun to shoot with and looks sharp too.

[@augustlions]

Ive had a Bessa R2 for a few years now and I love it. Only thing I would change is the leather that will peel and the strap lugs that make the camera lean back when on your neck.

[@GeekyGarden]

I've been playing around with an Argus C3. Where it lacks a light meter and higher shutter speeds, it has forced me to really think about my shots. I tend to use a meter app on my phone, take multiple readings, and then mull over settings for about 5 minutes. It's really helped me slow down and appreciate the technical side of photography.

[@nlewa1220]

i just got into shooting on film and can’t stop watching your channel. your vids are actual gold! :) ✨

[@WillemVerb]

Amazing!!

[@photomitch]

I own The Bessa R and love it. I call it the "poor man's Leica" and got good results from it. I purchased the system back in 2001 and within time I got four lenses (15, 35, 50 & 90mm) I frequently use the 35mm for my street shooting, but have a rare times used the 50mm. I works well and I'm happy with mine.

[@josefd1997]

And now it’s almost as much as a used Leica M6 😩

[@brentsouverein4472]

I got the bessa r2 And i am in love iam wearing it as a neckless lately

[@rideroundandstuff]

I picked one up for 150 Euros in 2007 when nobody shot film, haha. It was my first proper rangefinder. So funny how you bought it now. The one thing that really bothered me was the placement of the strap holders. It always made the camera awkwardly point away from my body. Incredibly good camera otherwise though. I later upgraded to a R3M, which was a mistake.

[@David_GarciaMontero]

I just bought the Bessa R2 to do some videos about it. Thanks for the recommendation Willem

[@kebab_boi]

Willem looking kinda fresh ngl Got me acting strange 😳

[@0.sit.0]

Got me acting hella strange

[@WillemVerb]

He do be shooting film doe 😳😳

[@SazLowify]

Anybody know the name of the kind of pants he's wearing?

[@kebab_boi]

@@WillemVerb thanks for the reply man, made my day haha😂😂

[@ozzygreen619]

@@SazLowify i think you should just search for wide/ baggy material pants, or just workwear pants, dickies for example. sorry for my bad english, im from germany. Hope my answer was helpfull :)

[@djtoman6875]

Great choice in cameras! Having wanted a really nice rangefinder, I recently got a Bessa R. I didn't want to go down the M Mount rabbit hole, and since I have some L39 lenses and Leica screw mount lenses can be adapted to M Mount bodies (but not vice versa) if I ever end up with an M Mount body, I decided on the Bessa R. Using my L39 Voigtlander Nokton 50/1.5, so far it's been a genuine pleasure to use. I'm very pleased with the bright viewfinder, accurate metering, and overall handling.

[@andreasschroder7880]

Maybe you can help me, I'm a little bit confused. He says it's a Bessa R, wich is a M39/L39 camera. But the Voigtlander 35mm F2.5 he is talking about is a Leica M Mount lens... how is this working?

[@andreasschroder7880]

Thanks in advance!

[@anthonyjames8294]

Andreas Schröder Theres a LTM Version. I have it on my Bessa R now.

[@andreasschroder7880]

@@anthonyjames8294 Thank you!

[@djtoman6875]

@@andreasschroder7880 Sorry, I got it backwards above (will edit). There are both Leica screw mount (L39) and M Mount versions of the Color Skopar lens. Screw mount lenses can be adapted to M Mount bodies, but not the other way around. My Nokton is a screw mount lens. So I'm pretty sure he is using the L39 version of that lens.

[@TwangThang57]

Nice,. I had the original Bessa L w/ the 25mm Color Skopar. I sold it 10 years or so ago when I unloaded most of my film cameras. That's the one I miss the most! Now that I'm shooting film again, I'm really kicking myself for letting that one go. Plus, that 25 would be great on my X-Pro2!

[@eetzi]

Had this exact combo for a while back in 2018! Swapped over to a M6 now, but the Bessa R still has the best viewfinder I've ever used.

[@ChancellorM1YT]

what lens were you using? looking to get this exact setup

[@eetzi]

@@ChancellorM1YT I mainly used a 35mm f2.5 Color-Skopar, the LTM version. Superb lens for the price.

[@ChancellorM1YT]

@@eetzi thanks so much for getting back to me! getting the lens today :)

[@ChancellorM1YT]

@@eetzi are there any accessories for the lens you recommend?

[@eetzi]

@@ChancellorM1YT Not really, no. It's fine as it is :) Enjoy it!

[@luisisaiasmontesrico9610]

500 bucks with a voigtlander lens is highway robbery

[@AndresRuiz-gs8vm]

Thank you for posting this! I'm selling my Bessa R3A & hope to not get low-ball offers .. I had this repaired last year & realized that it's built like a tank or Leica also.... It's also newer than Leica film cameras

[@joelhypponen]

These photos were definitely some of my favorites from you shooting in the vids. Fireeee.

[@sebastianrodriguezchavez3232]

When i watch your videos i get exited and i just want to go out side to shoot my camera its really good motivation, thx!

[@MichaelZieschang]

The R2A is a great tool for daily use on the streets. Love it with the Voigtländer 35/1.4...

[@gattocat3729]

Congrats on being with other great film photographers in NBC Left Field video

[@stevenwang3396]

One of my favorite looking 35mm cameras! If I ever had to choose another to replace my M4 I'd probably spring for one of these!

[@JoeLopez]

Great job on this video. I love the Bessa R line!

[@Fourtitude44]

1:35 - 2:30 what song/music is that?

[@wykevanweelden]

Thanks for the review! The photos with the trees and moon was AMAZING

[@WillemVerb]

Thank you!! 😭❤️

[@Wicked_Panda]

Thinking about picking up one of these in a few months. I've never owned or shot with a rangefinder, but I've always wanted to so I ordered a Canon P. Fingers-crossed rangefinders are a good fit for me. If they are, I'm definitely getting one of these bad boys.

[@tygruber4773]

“wHeRe DiD i PuT mY eXtRa FiLm?!” “Here it is ☺️”

[@WillemVerb]

are you maaaad

[@tygruber4773]

Willem Verbeeck it was the most relatable moment of the video💀😂

[@77fa47]

I’ve been using the R2M for a few months now. That entire R line is fantastic

[@spewoflife]

6:06 is defiantly one of the best shots in this vid

[@nathanwabre]

Dope camera and location for dope photos, great job man 💪

[@turbogato1]

I really enjoy my voightlander. Paid under 200 for a olive green one in brand new condition. I use it as a alternative to my Olympus om2.

[@Huntedluxe]

So nice to see the bessa r getting some love had this camera for about three years don’t see very many people using it Especially when they’re all Worshiping Leica’s

[@JamieMPhoto]

I shot there last year when I was in NYC ... LOVE that place, and was completely surprised by it. I actually didn't have a super high opinion on that camera before, but thanks for opening my eyes to it!

[@bigjefflebowski]

That shot of the moon through the trees is 🔥

[@estebanley1124]

those last few shots were on point! nice video

[@ameyadchule]

Hi Willem! great video, I am wondering what hood are you using on the 35 f2.5 skopar lens? Its very low profile!

[@24hourtomatosauce]

I got way to exited with the notification 🏎️

[@demetriuswolak5125]

Why do you consider it an upgrade from the A-1? Why not just buy better glass In the fd line up ?

[@iceiceice-c9c]

That picture with moon was beautiful. Nice video.

[@WillemVerb]

Thank you!

[@iamjoshuaterry]

Willem -- you're an inspiration. Your eye is impeccable. Where do you typically look for cameras? I'm currently looking for the Bessa R and prices are up to double what you paid for the body :/

[@miracleyacht__1538]

How do you shoot Photos with so little grain. On my Mamiya DTL with Porta 200 there is much grain.

[@SamsonArnettRoughley]

beautiful photos in this one, looked into theseBessa's a while ago. I still want one.

[@MultiSciGeek]

What about the Voigtlander SL? I cannot find a single review on that camera

[@SeeMick1]

You should do a section on some of these photowalk videos on how you're editing the photos after. You get such a consistent look to your images.

[@gabrielborjas7923]

I love your channel Willem, makes me feel inspired

[@cherylmification]

I love my A1 so much but like you I'm ready for an upgrade!

[@seanc5718]

Any reason in particular you chose the LTM Bessa over the M mount versions? Or just got a deal you couldn't pass up?

[@sculptorgalaxy1806]

wait. So it is the f2 lens or f2.5? you mentioned one and then the other

[@tl2960]

where can I buy film cameras? i dont have it in my local camera store

[@billpickle2875]

Man... I used to own one of these. I paid next to nuthin for it and sold it for a little bit more. Prices are crazy high now. Totally regret selling it. Great camera.

[@desimaru88]

I honestly just want to get started. I wanted to get the Canon A1 but no luck. What would be the next best thing? And lens wise, what's good for beginners??

[@thanagritwitchayaphong7351]

your len was voigtlander 35mm f.2.5 color skopar ?

[@adammescan4860]

I like how excited you got when you said Matt Day

[@michaelharris3450]

What happened to your a1? I have an AE1 almost indestructible. Great camera and I have a NMD 50 mm F1.8 and a 28 mm f 2.8. I like that 28 mm for street photography because I can set it at f/16 with 400 ISO and have everything from 3 ft to infinity and relative focus. Makes for rapid shooting. Just bought a Voightlander on eBay. Don't have it yet I'll let you know as soon as I run a roll of film through it how much I like it. This is a good video thanks

[@juliafragomeni3494]

The Bessa R only takes screw mount lenses I believe, what lens adapter do you use if you don't mind me asking?

[@danchoppen909]

Love your videos! KZbin suggestions finally hooked me up! Out of curiosity. The photos we see, when you snap, then the photo appears. Is that the developed photo unedited, or have you tinkered with it slightly? x

[@stefanhensel4496]

My younger brother brought one of these home from a thrift store a few years back. Bessa R with the 35mm 2.5 color skopar, he got it for $3 Amazing camera apart from the light meter which worked 10% of the time on a good day, and the shutter completely collapsed after 2 rolls. Tried to repair it, but it's so complicated that I chucked it

[@kiwipics]

Bargain of the century

[@xandrux_]

man you’ve been such a big inspiration to me and have really been the one who gave me that final boost i needed to get into film photography. i haven’t gotten a film camera yet, but what 35mm camera would you recommend for starting? i was thinking the canon ae-1

[@jepswashere]

Alex Trevino I love my canon ae-1 it’s easy to use and the pictures come out great!

[@ricardovera116]

Willem, your vids are awesome. Please do a photo shoot with an olympus om-1 if you still have it.

[@mathispyt8603]

can't wait to see more of 35mm photos with more photos of people probably because of the ease of use !!

[@erwinc.9117]

I just upgraded to the Leica M6 from this. While the M6 is the camera you would want, this camera is everything you need for the streets. Purely mechanical except from the meter.

[@joelsittler6997]

Can confirm this lens is dank. I have it for my Nikon S3 and I plan on getting one for a Leica M4

[@oudjunk]

I have some questions. Do you scan picture from negative film or paper picture? I went to the film lab and let them scan my negative film but the quality is worse than the others.

[@ryang3494]

give this man a master class for gods sake!

[@eierkarton]

I have a fully mechanical camera as well it's really comfortable to not worry about battery life I love that about these cameras

[@eierkarton]

Post reflex c-tl