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Post by GeneW on Oct 21, 2006 13:13:01 GMT -5
Oh dear. I've had another GAS attack. Despite getting some nice classic M42 SLR's recently, I had a yen for a modern Cosina-built Voigtlander Bessaflex. I ordered the silver body 'Topcon-style' one yesterday from Stephen Gandy. Do any of you shoot with a B'Flex? I looked around and Flickr didn't have a dedicated Bessaflex group so I created one: www.flickr.com/groups/bessaflex/When it arrives, I'll post some pix. Gene |
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Post by Rachel on Oct 22, 2006 7:07:24 GMT -5
Hi Gene, I have a Bessaflex   It's a nicely built camera which I should use more. I'm not too keen on the meter switch on the side of the mirror box but I can live with it. I'd have preferred half pressure on the shutter button as they've done with their R/F cameras. I'll have a look at your Flickr site. |
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Post by Randy on Oct 22, 2006 8:39:36 GMT -5
Wow! I want a black TM in the worst way, but it's a little out of my range money wise.  |
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Post by GeneW on Oct 22, 2006 11:31:30 GMT -5
Rachel, just looking at your beautiful Bessaflex makes me eager for mine to arrive. The side stop-down meter is parallel to the Pentax Spotmatic and it doesn't bother me much (on the Spotmatic). I tend to meter just once and not change it unless the lighting changes. Randy, I couldn't afford one either -- sold some gear to finance it. My wife says I can buy any camera I want as long as it doesn't cost me anything  Like you, I prefer a black body, but cameraquest is sold out of the black TM's so I ordered the silver Topcon-style one that Rachel has. Gene |
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Post by Randy on Oct 22, 2006 18:07:34 GMT -5
Sold out...guess that solves my problem. |
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Post by unclebill on Oct 22, 2006 19:55:03 GMT -5
Is the Bessaflex still being made? I dig the Topcon clone look. My dad had a real Topcon but my brother got that when we were given Dad's gear before he went.
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Post by herron on Oct 22, 2006 22:55:53 GMT -5
Sold out...guess that solves my problem. Stephen Gandy was out of the black Bessa L body, too. He had to refund the money I sent him...and my rabid "need" has had time to cool. Still looking, though.........  |
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Post by herron on Oct 22, 2006 23:06:39 GMT -5
Is the Bessaflex still being made? Cosina has been been making them...along with a host of other Voigtlander nameplates.....doing a nice job of it, too, IMHO. |
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Post by GeneW on Nov 9, 2006 16:04:46 GMT -5
The silver Bessaflex (just like Rachel's) arrived late this afternoon. First impressions are very favourable. Typical Cosina/Bessa feel (I consider that good). The body is smaller than it looked in the ads, which is nice. It's lightweight compared to the Pentax, Fujica and Mamiya bodies. For me that's also a bonus. With the heavier M42 lenses mounted, the weight feels good for steadiness without being too heavy to want to carry around.
I'll take it out for a shoot tomorrow (testing that Wards 28 Randy). It might be a week or so before I get film back from processing, but I'm excited to try it out.
Gene
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Post by Randy on Nov 9, 2006 19:43:45 GMT -5
That's great Gene!
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Post by GeneW on Nov 10, 2006 9:28:13 GMT -5
Thanks Randy, Brian. I'm about to set out with my kit: Bessaflex, Super Takumar 55/1.8, CZJ 135/3.5, and Wards 28/2.8. Like you, Brian, I don't mind the Spotmatic-style meter switch. My but this baby has a BRIGHT viewfinder. More, when I have some pics to show...
Gene
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Post by GeneW on Nov 13, 2006 11:57:50 GMT -5
Here's my new Bessaflex dressed in the 'new' Jupiter 9 85/2 lens I bought from a fellow photographer today, and a Bessa RF half-case. The 'Flex is accompanied by a Super-Takumar 55/1.8 and a fresh pot of green tea (China gunpowder). Gene  |
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Post by byuphoto on Nov 13, 2006 14:34:43 GMT -5
Gene, that is one fine looking camera. I feel a bad case of"GAS" coming on. I have the Yashica TL Electro X and have been acquiring some lenses. I have a 50 f1.7 Yashinon, 28mm Pentax and a 135. I would really be interested in your impressions of the Jupiter 9
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Post by GeneW on Nov 13, 2006 20:46:14 GMT -5
Thanks Rick. I've been out a couple of times with it now and it's a dandy. If you're used to a Spotmatic, you can go on autopilot with the Bessaflex.
I used the Jupiter 9 a bit today, though there was scarcely any light -- heavy overcast. It's a funky lens. Not too long, but fairly heavy. You set the aperture then have to rotate a ring at the front to stop it down. When it's stopped down you can't change the aperture -- I guess it serves as a lock so the aperture can't be accidentally moved. Turn the ring back and you can reset the aperture.
Not a fast lens to use, but it has a good rep. Another Sonnar clone, I believe. I should have some results back by end of the week.
Gene
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Post by doubs43 on Nov 14, 2006 0:46:21 GMT -5
Gene, I've watched this thread with a bit of envy because the Bessflex is such a beauty and I just can't justify one as I already have waaaaaaay too many cameras as it is. But your new camera is sure nice. I don't have a J-9 in M42 mount but I do have one in Leica mount and the following image was taken with a Leica IIIc, J-9 at f/4 and Agfa 200 film. I think you're going to like the J-9.  Walker |
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