Voigtlander Bessa-R4M Wide Angle 35mm Rangefinder Manual Focus Camera Body - Black
Voigtlander Bessa Series Cameras are light, unobtrusive cameras that are ideal for handheld lowlight conditions. These rangefinder cameras have a smaller distance between the film and the lens mount than SLRs, which makes for inherently sharper lenses. And above all else, they are small.
The Voigtlander Bessa R4M is a rangefinder camera designed with the wide-angle shooter specifically in mind. It has built-in parallax projected framelines for 21, 25, 28, 35, and 50mm lenses. As a result, you no longer need to use an external viewfinder mounted on top of the camera. This means that you can now both frame and focus directly from the built-in viewfinder, eliminating the need to having to move your eye to a separate viewfinder.
Besides for the wide-angle viewfinder of the R4A camera, all other features are identical to the Bessa R3A. Of course, all of the original Bessa R's outstanding features are retained; an exceptionally bright viewfinder, quiet shutter & simple LED metering system. Many internal parts of the R4 are made of metal instead of plastic (as on the Bessa R), resulting in a camera which feels more solid and durable in one's hands.
This camera features a mechanical shutter release. This makes it possible to use the camera even without batteries, albeit without metering.
Note! As a result of the wide-angle design of the viewfinder, this camera is not recommended for use with lenses longer than 50mm, used wide-open, at short distances.
- Viewfinder designed specifically for wide-angle lenses
- TTL Centerweighted light metering
- Clear LED Exposure scale with red for under/overexposure and green for correct exposure
- Vertical-travel electronic metal focal plane shutter
- Exceptionally bright viewfinder with split-image rangefinder patch & brightlines for 21/35, 28, and 25/50mm lenses
- Superior rubberized and anodized body covering materials
- Bayonet Leica M-type lens mount accepts all 39mm screw mount lenses(with the appropriate adapter) from Canon, Leica & Voigtlander, as well as M bayonet-type lenses from Leica, Minolta & Konica
- Compatibility with the Voigtlander Trigger Winder (originally introduced with the Bessa T) for speedy, battery-free film advance
- Compatibility with dioptric correction lenses from the Nikon FM3A camera
| Type | 35mm interchangeable lens rangefinder |
| Lens Mount | Voigtlander VM |
| Focus Modes | Manual |
| Exposure Modes | Manual |
| Exposure Metering | Centerweighted |
| Metering Range | EV 1-19 (at ISO 100 with 50mm f/1.5 lens) |
| ISO Range | 25-3200 (manually set) |
| Shutter Speed | Mechanical; 1/2000th to 1 Second + bulb, with flash sync at 1/125th second |
| PC Terminal | Yes |
| Flash Mounting | Hot flash shoe |
| Film Transport | Manual |
| Viewfinder | Split image & superimposed rangefinder with brightlines for 21, 25, 28, 35 & 50mm lenses, x.52 Magnification |
| Viewfinder Info | LED Shutter speed indication line lights up to indicate suggested speeds |
| Diopter Correction | No (accepts diopters for the Nikon FM3A) |
| Self Timer | No |
| Remote Control | Accepts standard mechanical cable release |
| Multiple Exposure | No |
| Power Source | Two 1.5-Volt LR44 alkaline batteries |
| Dimensions | 5.4 x 3.2 x 1.4" (136 x 81 x 35mm) WxHxD |
| Weight | 1 lb (430 g) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 6 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
100%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Comfortable design (4)
- Fast film loading (3)
- Strong construction (3)
Cons
Best Uses
- Travel (5)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Semi-pro photographer (3)
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 6 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-6
Pros
- Comfortable Design
- Fast Film Loading
- Fingertip Controls
- Reliable Operation
- Strong Construction
Cons
- None
Best Uses
- Home
- Landscapes
- Photojournalism
- Travel
Comments about Voigtlander Bessa R4M Camera:
This is a wonderful camera! Very light weight, discreet, dazzling bright viewfinder and frame lines for most of the wide angle lenses down to 21mm. The R4M is a wide angle lovers dream. Sure, it's not a Leica, but what a fine piece of kit nonetheless. I have mine in a half case from Mr Jhou with an Artist and Artisan wrist strap and it makes a wonderful second body to accompany my Leica MP. I'm so grateful that there are companies still making higher end film cameras these days and this is fine example of good design.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
- Travel
Comments about Voigtlander Bessa R4M Camera:
I recommend it to those who do not want of a big cumbersome reflex, but rather of a light device with good optics.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Comfortable Design
- Fast Film Loading
- Fingertip Controls
- Reliable Operation
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Action Shots
- Travel
Comments about Voigtlander Bessa R4M Camera:
I will use this for street photography. I wanted a fully manual camera. The optics are near Leica quality. The rangefinder focuses perfectly and is very large, a boon for contact lens wearers.
Pros
- Comfortable Design
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Home
- Photojournalism
- Travel
Comments about Voigtlander Bessa R4M Camera:
during longer exposures in outdoor daylight the light does not leak from the back but the viewfinder window. This requiers that the finder windows and focusing windows be covered.
Still love this camera.
Some times when winding the film the rewind lever gets jammed. It caused me to think that I had fininshed the roll of film once when I hadn't.
Pros
- Comfortable Design
- Fast Film Loading
Cons
Best Uses
- Travel
Comments about Voigtlander Bessa R4M Camera:
since my last review I have encontered some problems. The meter stops working when you get down to a 1/4 or 1/2 a second exposure depending on the ISO you are at. The camera back leaks light when your exposure gets to a second or more when shotting out doors in day light. You have to cover the camera or the film is fogged.
Comments about Voigtlander Bessa R4M Camera:
I just could not take the digital carousel any more. I switched to digital about three years ago with a 20D and then upgraded to a 5D. I was of course seduced by all I could do with these amazing digital cameras, by the resolution and image sharpness and quality. But there was something missing. It took three years to figure out why I wasn't satisfied. It's not image quality that counts the most, but the personality and character of an image. When it comes to character and personality digital can't hold a candle to film. I no longer do commercial work, I am only doing my fine art photography, so I don't have to shot digital. I have sold all my canon equipment and bought one of these with 2 Zeiss lenses, a 50 and a 21. The build quality is definitely better than the R2 I tried a few years ago.I also bought the winder grip with it, works very nicely. The view finder is very bright. Brighter than a Leica. It's a joy to use. I have gone back to my roots and I love it.
Expertise: Pro
Problems Encountered: No self timer
Previous Equivalent Item Owned: Fuji 6x9, Mamiya M7, Contax G2, Nikon FM3A and almost everything else
Displaying reviews 1-6
Film
Required item: Film is not included-be sure to load your camera with the best film for the shot you need.
Batteries & Power
Be sure to get batteries so you don't get caught without power.
- Price: $3.50
Bags & Cases
Carry, store, and protect all your equipment with a bag or case.
- Price: $21.99
What's in the Box
- 2 x A76 (LR44) 1.5v Alkaline Battery
- 1-Year Warranty
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