Circa 1939 Voigtlander 6x9 Bessa, Skopar lens & Compur shutter, CLA’d, Freshly Serviced!

Cleaned, Lubricated & Adjusted. Ready for immediate use

This is a quality 6x9 Bessa camera was produced by Voigtlander in Germany from 1937 to 1942. The serial number on the shutter indicates that it was produced in 1939. This Bessa is an exceptionally fine example. So much so that it’s hard to believe that it survived WWII here in Europe and managed to look this nice. (Please see photos.) It’s well made and handles beautifully. The camera has a nice detail in that when it is opened, the viewfinder and its cover flips open automatically. This helps keep the finder clean, protected and additionally creates smooth lines so that it slides easily into a pocket or backpack. Add to this the excellent ergonomics, the very light shutter release and you’ll find it is very easy to use.

 This camera uses readily available 120 roll film. When it comes to film, bigger is better and this camera can create a 6x9 negative that’s about 6 times larger than the average 35mm snap shot. So whether you’re interested in big prints, fine grain, rich tonal gradations or lovely colors, this camera can do it all.  

 This Bessa is also capable of producing 6x4.5 negatives if you have a reductions mask in your collection. (Mask not included.)

 This camera has been carefully cleaned, lubricated and adjusted. The leather bellows are supple and light tight. The quality Compur-Rapid shutter works well and all the speeds (T,B & 1 sec – 1/400^th) are appropriate. The slow speeds buzz along smoothly and the fast speeds are clean and snappy. (I should mention that the self-timer doesn’t work, so if you’re interested in “selfies” you’ll want to look at one of our other cameras.)

 The sharp 4.5/105mm Skopar lens (a four element lens very similar in design and performance to the Zeiss Tessar) is exceptionally clean and looks virtually new. It was the top of the line option for this model. There are no scratches or polishing marks and it’s capable of producing excellent photos with modern color & B&W film.

 All in all, a wonderful vintage camera. The perfect camera for someone with a historical interest in photography. Load it with your favorite film and keep it handy for that perfect shot you’ve been looking for. You know the one... the one with the perfect Ansel Adams light breaking through the dark storm clouds that leaves you wishing you had a medium format camera with you.