Voigtländer Bessamatic Analogue camera
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Voigtländer Bessamatic 35mm SLR camera, tested and working, dating to the 1950s.
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Description from the seller
The Voigtländer Bessamatic is an iconic 35mm single-lens reflex camera introduced in 1959 by Voigtländer in Braunschweig, West Germany. Renowned for its exceptional mechanical build quality and precision engineering, the Bessamatic was designed to compete directly against premium mechanical SLRs of its era. It features a coupled selenium light meter visible directly inside the bright pentaprism viewfinder, paired with the legendary Synchro-Compur leaf shutter and an interchangeable lens mount. Surviving examples in clean, functioning condition are celebrated by collectors of classic German camera manufacturing and enthusiasts of mid-century mechanical photography.
KEY FEATURES
Classic interchangeable lens 35mm leaf shutter SLR system
Integrated selenium light meter coupled to viewfinder matching needle
Bright pentaprism viewfinder featuring split-image rangefinder focusing
High precision Synchro-Compur behind the lens leaf shutter
Solid all-metal die-cast chassis finished in satin chrome and black leatherette
Smooth single-stroke advance lever and robust mechanical engineering
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Camera Type: 35mm Single-Lens Reflex Camera
Lens: Color-Skopar 50mm f/2.8 interchangeable prime lens
Shutter speeds: Synchro-Compur leaf shutter with B, 1 to 1/500s
Serial Number: Not visible or unassigned on exterior housing
CONDITION REPORT
Cosmetic: Very good vintage condition showing light traces of prior handling and minor cosmetic surface marks consistent with age. Metal surfaces are clean, chrome is bright, and the leatherette covering remains complete and intact.
Optics: Pentaprism viewfinder is clear and bright. The prime lens elements are clean and clear, free from fungus, heavy haze, separation, or deep scratching.
Mechanics: Shutter cocks and fires reliably across available speeds. Film advance cycles properly, aperture selector operates freely, and the mirror reflex mechanism functions as intended.
Test status: Fully inspected and dry-tested mechanically. Light meter responds to light levels, sold as a tested vintage collectible.
WHATS INCLUDED
Voigtländer Bessamatic 35mm SLR camera body
Voigtländer Color-Skopar 50mm f/2.8 prime lens
Original vintage leather carrying case with strap
WHY BUY THIS ITEM
A masterpiece of West German optical and mechanical engineering that delivers classic leaf-shutter SLR prestige and timeless mid-century elegance to any vintage collection.
The Voigtländer Bessamatic is an iconic 35mm single-lens reflex camera introduced in 1959 by Voigtländer in Braunschweig, West Germany. Renowned for its exceptional mechanical build quality and precision engineering, the Bessamatic was designed to compete directly against premium mechanical SLRs of its era. It features a coupled selenium light meter visible directly inside the bright pentaprism viewfinder, paired with the legendary Synchro-Compur leaf shutter and an interchangeable lens mount. Surviving examples in clean, functioning condition are celebrated by collectors of classic German camera manufacturing and enthusiasts of mid-century mechanical photography.
KEY FEATURES
Classic interchangeable lens 35mm leaf shutter SLR system
Integrated selenium light meter coupled to viewfinder matching needle
Bright pentaprism viewfinder featuring split-image rangefinder focusing
High precision Synchro-Compur behind the lens leaf shutter
Solid all-metal die-cast chassis finished in satin chrome and black leatherette
Smooth single-stroke advance lever and robust mechanical engineering
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Camera Type: 35mm Single-Lens Reflex Camera
Lens: Color-Skopar 50mm f/2.8 interchangeable prime lens
Shutter speeds: Synchro-Compur leaf shutter with B, 1 to 1/500s
Serial Number: Not visible or unassigned on exterior housing
CONDITION REPORT
Cosmetic: Very good vintage condition showing light traces of prior handling and minor cosmetic surface marks consistent with age. Metal surfaces are clean, chrome is bright, and the leatherette covering remains complete and intact.
Optics: Pentaprism viewfinder is clear and bright. The prime lens elements are clean and clear, free from fungus, heavy haze, separation, or deep scratching.
Mechanics: Shutter cocks and fires reliably across available speeds. Film advance cycles properly, aperture selector operates freely, and the mirror reflex mechanism functions as intended.
Test status: Fully inspected and dry-tested mechanically. Light meter responds to light levels, sold as a tested vintage collectible.
WHATS INCLUDED
Voigtländer Bessamatic 35mm SLR camera body
Voigtländer Color-Skopar 50mm f/2.8 prime lens
Original vintage leather carrying case with strap
WHY BUY THIS ITEM
A masterpiece of West German optical and mechanical engineering that delivers classic leaf-shutter SLR prestige and timeless mid-century elegance to any vintage collection.
Details
Era
1900-2000
Brand
Voigtländer
Model/type nr
Bessamatic
Physical condition
Good
Functional condition
Tested and working
Film type
35mm
Estimated period
1950-1960
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