Voigtländer Bessamatic Analogue camera





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Description from the seller
Sharp observations. The correction about the coating is technically essential; misrepresentation about multi-coating is a common mistake with this type of glass. Also the clarification of the paint-inlay on the nameplate and the explanation of the specific EV-coupling system make the description much more valuable for a serious bidder.
Here is the corrected auction text:
Voigtländer Bessamatic - Iconic 35mm SLR with Color-Skopar X Optics
Experience the weight and precision of West German engineering with the Voigtländer Bessamatic. Produced between 1958 and 1964, the Bessamatic was one of the most sophisticated leaf-shutter SLRs of its era. Known for its bright "Life-Size" viewfinder and its pioneering light meter system, it was a direct competitor to the Kodak Retina Reflex and Zeiss Ikon Contaflex. This unit is equipped with the legendary Color-Skopar X lens, a classic Tessar-design optic famous for its high contrast and exceptional sharpness.
Key Benefits
Optical Excellence: Features the 50mm f/2.8 Color-Skopar X, a refined version of one of the finest lens designs ever produced for the 35mm format.
Premium Mechanical Build: Built with a heavy, all-metal chassis that offers a tactile reliability and "Swiss-watch" mechanical feel.
Innovative Interchangable System: Uses the DKL-mount system, allowing users to swap between high-quality Voigtländer and Schneider optics.
Features
Camera Type: 35mm Single Lens Reflex (SLR) with Leaf Shutter
Lens: Voigtländer Color-Skopar X 50mm f/2.8 (Single coated)
Shutter: Synchro-Compur
Exposure System: Coupled Selenium light meter using the EV (Exposure Value) system. Note: Shutter speed and aperture rings are mechanically coupled to maintain exposure while changing settings.
Shutter Speeds: 1 sec – 1/500 sec, plus Bulb (B)
Viewfinder: Fixed eye-level pentaprism with central split-image rangefinder
Build: Satin chrome finish with "West Germany" engraving on the rear
Condition
Rated: 3.5/5
Cosmetic: The camera is in very good cosmetic condition. The chrome top plate and base are clean. Note: On the front nameplate (above the lens), the black paint inlay of the "Voigtländer" engraving has faded/worn away over time. This is standard age-related wear to the finish, not structural damage.
Optics: The 50mm lens is visually clear and free of major scratches. The viewfinder is functional, though some minor internal dust specks typical for its age may be visible.
Mechanical: The shutter fires across the speeds and the film advance operates. The mirror returns correctly after exposure.
Note: The selenium meter reacts to light, but accuracy is not guaranteed given the age of the cell. The brown leather case is structurally sound, but the leather strap is dry and shows surface cracking; handle with caution.
What's Included
Voigtländer Bessamatic SLR Camera
Voigtländer Color-Skopar X 50mm f/2.8 Lens
Original Brown Leather Ever-Ready Case
Why This Product?
The Voigtländer Bessamatic is a cornerstone of any serious 35mm SLR collection. It represents a time when material quality was paramount. While the leaf-shutter mechanism is complex, this well-preserved unit remains a beautiful piece of industrial art. With the mechanically coupled EV-system and the crisp Color-Skopar X lens, it offers a unique and historically significant shooting experience for the analog enthusiast.
Keywords: Voigtländer, Bessamatic, Color-Skopar X, 35mm SLR, Vintage Camera, German Engineering, Synchro-Compur, Analog Photography, DKL Mount, West Germany, EV System.
Sharp observations. The correction about the coating is technically essential; misrepresentation about multi-coating is a common mistake with this type of glass. Also the clarification of the paint-inlay on the nameplate and the explanation of the specific EV-coupling system make the description much more valuable for a serious bidder.
Here is the corrected auction text:
Voigtländer Bessamatic - Iconic 35mm SLR with Color-Skopar X Optics
Experience the weight and precision of West German engineering with the Voigtländer Bessamatic. Produced between 1958 and 1964, the Bessamatic was one of the most sophisticated leaf-shutter SLRs of its era. Known for its bright "Life-Size" viewfinder and its pioneering light meter system, it was a direct competitor to the Kodak Retina Reflex and Zeiss Ikon Contaflex. This unit is equipped with the legendary Color-Skopar X lens, a classic Tessar-design optic famous for its high contrast and exceptional sharpness.
Key Benefits
Optical Excellence: Features the 50mm f/2.8 Color-Skopar X, a refined version of one of the finest lens designs ever produced for the 35mm format.
Premium Mechanical Build: Built with a heavy, all-metal chassis that offers a tactile reliability and "Swiss-watch" mechanical feel.
Innovative Interchangable System: Uses the DKL-mount system, allowing users to swap between high-quality Voigtländer and Schneider optics.
Features
Camera Type: 35mm Single Lens Reflex (SLR) with Leaf Shutter
Lens: Voigtländer Color-Skopar X 50mm f/2.8 (Single coated)
Shutter: Synchro-Compur
Exposure System: Coupled Selenium light meter using the EV (Exposure Value) system. Note: Shutter speed and aperture rings are mechanically coupled to maintain exposure while changing settings.
Shutter Speeds: 1 sec – 1/500 sec, plus Bulb (B)
Viewfinder: Fixed eye-level pentaprism with central split-image rangefinder
Build: Satin chrome finish with "West Germany" engraving on the rear
Condition
Rated: 3.5/5
Cosmetic: The camera is in very good cosmetic condition. The chrome top plate and base are clean. Note: On the front nameplate (above the lens), the black paint inlay of the "Voigtländer" engraving has faded/worn away over time. This is standard age-related wear to the finish, not structural damage.
Optics: The 50mm lens is visually clear and free of major scratches. The viewfinder is functional, though some minor internal dust specks typical for its age may be visible.
Mechanical: The shutter fires across the speeds and the film advance operates. The mirror returns correctly after exposure.
Note: The selenium meter reacts to light, but accuracy is not guaranteed given the age of the cell. The brown leather case is structurally sound, but the leather strap is dry and shows surface cracking; handle with caution.
What's Included
Voigtländer Bessamatic SLR Camera
Voigtländer Color-Skopar X 50mm f/2.8 Lens
Original Brown Leather Ever-Ready Case
Why This Product?
The Voigtländer Bessamatic is a cornerstone of any serious 35mm SLR collection. It represents a time when material quality was paramount. While the leaf-shutter mechanism is complex, this well-preserved unit remains a beautiful piece of industrial art. With the mechanically coupled EV-system and the crisp Color-Skopar X lens, it offers a unique and historically significant shooting experience for the analog enthusiast.
Keywords: Voigtländer, Bessamatic, Color-Skopar X, 35mm SLR, Vintage Camera, German Engineering, Synchro-Compur, Analog Photography, DKL Mount, West Germany, EV System.

