History can be viewed as a number of specific events scattered along the timeline. At the same time, we can see history as a continuous flow of process in transition from one point to another, and so on. As for history of camera development, it is not different.
Cosina entered the 135 film format rangefinder market, previously dominated by Leica, very lately when the worldwide trend is transforming into digital, with a continuous release of film cameras :
- Bessa L in Jan 1999 (Screw Mount)
- Bessa R in Mar 2000 (Screw Mount)
- Bessa T in Mar 2001 (M Mount)
- Bessa R2 in Feb 2002 (M Mount)
- Bessa R2A/R3A in 2004 (M Mount)
- Bessa R3M in Sep 2004(M Mount)
- Bessa R4A/R4M in 2007 (M Mount)
From 1999 to 2002, it is a process of evolution. Until Bessa R2 is released, it should be a remarkable camera, a milestone in Cosina Bessa series. It is the first full featured Leica M baynoet mount Rangefinder camera body in Cosina Bessa series, which is a celebration of the maturity of its manufacturing standard and quality, but selling at a fraction of the price that is generally affordable.
Why R2, but not others ?
Actually, Bessa R is a step approaching that but still it is in a Screw Mount body, not M Bayonet Mount. For maximum compatibility, one should go for M Bayonet Mount body and Screw Mount lens. Or, it is simply like the lengendary Leica M.
- M Mount Body + M Mount Lens
- M Mount Body + adapter + Screw Mount Lens (but not the opposite way around)
- Screw Mount Body + Screw Mount Lens
After Bessa R2, later models R2* / R3* / R4* are derivatives, by introducing aperture priority shooting mode, adding different frame lines, and based on different magnification ratio for viewfinder.
There is another intersting but subtle design on Bessa R2. Look at the area with the film rewind crank, you can see a inclined plane
at the corner of the camera body. I believe it is like a homage to Leica M (See below, (Left) Bessa R2, (Right) Leica M4). In later Bessa models, this design is no longer used.
Creative Business
To many people, it looked like stupid investment in releasing the first ground breaking Leica compatible series in Cosina product line - Bessa L in 1999, but the whole world was going to the opposite direction, digital. Bessa L is based on a such an old lens mount (Screw Mount) that should go into history, but adding modern technology (not so modern actually), like TTL metering, easy film loading, film advance and rewind. Going on, it proved that this new Bessa series is evolving, but not diminishing.
Cosina is continuing the building up of its Bessa series, with newest cameras R4A/R4M released in 2007.
Creative Finder
The Voigtlander Kontur Finder attaching to the Bessa R2 as shown, is an interesting accessory from several decades ago. To the photographer touching this finder for the first time, he/she will propbably get lost in viewing through it in seeing total darkness. To be precise, that maybe 99% darkness, with a white wire frame.
In actual usage, to keep both eyes open. The eye watching the subject directly see it in life size magnification (1:1), while the other eye only seeing the darkness with white wire frame. The beauty of the design is here, where the image composition happens inside the brain when the visual image signals from both eyes coincides. Theoretically, there is no limit of the viewing space, which is the maximum angle of view your naked eye can perceive. It will be extremely useful in following fast moving shooting subject. Note that the wording showing '35mm' on the front side of the finder means 35mm film format (135 format), and the white wire frames represents viewing of a 50mm lens.
Same Logo
Voigtlander, the original brandname disappeared from market since 70's, and born of 135 Bessa series from Japanese manufacturer, Cosina just happened during the turning of 20th and 21st century. The Kontur finder and Bessa R2 belong to two different generations separated by several decades, although they carrying the same Voigtlander logo in German (the brandname 'COSINA CO., LTD' is at the bottom of R2). But I can see the similar underlying principle, to approach a problem in photography by using creative idea.
About The Camera
The camera shown in this webpage is Voigtlander Bessa R2, with Nokton Classic (40mm / F1.4) and Kontur Finder attached.
- The shutter speed supports 1/2000 - 1 sec & Bulb setting.
- PC-type sync socket provided for external flash connection.
- Cold shoe for attaching external finder or flash.
- For TTL light meter, it supports ISO film speed from 25 - 3200.
- Viewfinder with 0.68 magnification, frameline for 35mm, 50mm, 75mm, 90mm.
- Shutter release cable can be used
- Shutter release not locked even film advance lever is not in ready position.
Test shot taken by Voigtlander Bessa R2, with Jupiter 8, 50mm F1.4
More Information
- Reference : Photography is as rewarding an artform, and in some cases business as any. The opinions are limitless as to where the craft can take you. Equipment comes with a cost, however options are available to make it worth your while, from tax deductions, to prizes, to internal satisfaction. The joy of creating with amazing equipment like the Voigtlander Bessa can not be overstated. A company with roots, and a commitment to quality such as this is worth some saving and expense. The accessories and add-ons expand on the potnetial for great art.
