Bessamatic
| Voigtlander Bessamatic | |
|
|
| Type: | 35mm - single lens reflex camera |
| Production period: | 1958-1969 |
| Lens connection : | Lid bayonet (DKL) |
| Film format : | 35 mm film |
| Recording format : | 24 mm × 36 mm |
| Viewfinder : | Prism viewfinder with cross section indicator |
| Operating modes: | Manually |
| Film transport: | Manually |
| Exposure metering : | Selenium - light meter |
| Correction : | adjustable filter correction factors |
| Closure : | Synchro-Compur central locking |
| Shutter speed : | 1 / 500-1s, B. |
| Synchronization : | X, M |
| Additions: | Self-timer , cable release connection |
The Voigtländer Bessamatic is a mechanical central locking - 35mm - single lens reflex camera, German post-war production. Due to its technical equipment, it can be counted among the better products of the phototechnology of that time.
casing
The Bessamatic consists of a metal housing with the usual prism boss and attachable hot shoe (without contact). One of the central control elements is like most small picture - SLR of the quick-release lever , clamped with the actuation of the closure, transported to the film, the mirror moves and film counter is advanced. It is also possible to reverse or prevent the film transport using a rewind lever. The film must be bent when it is inserted into the axle and the tractor at the end. The selenium cell of the integrated exposure meter can be seen above the lens, which can be used to set the film sensitivity (DIN and ASA) and filter correction factors using mechanical controls on the camera. On the side of the camera bayonet there is a lever for setting the self-timer and the desired flash synchronization (X and M). The flash unit is connected to the flash socket on the camera housing via an external cable.
Like most central locking cameras, the Bessamatic does not have a swing-back mirror. This means that after the camera is released, the viewfinder remains black and the mirror is only lowered back into the optical aisle after the shutter has been tightened again. In addition to the usual tripod thread on the housing, the camera has an attached small three-point support for a stable and balanced stand on a flat surface. Further features are a thread for a cable release, a counting down film counter and a film flap secured by a two-finger lock.
Around 1962/63 the original Bessamatic was replaced by the revised Bessamatic deLuxe model, which largely corresponded to the Bessamatic, but was improved in details. The shutter speed and aperture values have now been reflected in the viewfinder. A rotary knob for setting the film counter separately has also been added.
Shutter and interchangeable lenses
The camera has a Synchro-Compur central lock (1–1 / 500 s., Bulb) from the company Deckel , after whose manufacturer the bayonet connection of the Bessamatic is referred to as a lid bayonet (DKL) and also in a slightly modified form was used for the Kodak Retina Reflex . The aperture ring is an integral part of the shutter. The diaphragm is mechanically coupled to the shutter by two drivers on the rear of the lens, one of which is responsible for transmitting the set aperture value and the other for the diaphragm function . If the lens is not connected to the camera, the aperture closes to the smallest opening F22. The smallest focal length of the lens program was 35 mm, overall the Bessamatic had a number of different interchangeable lenses, particularly noteworthy is the Zoomar , the very first zoom lens for 35 mm cameras. The lenses, like the camera, were made of light metal. Like the Bessamatic m shown below, the last version of the Bessamatic deLuxe had a Syncro-Compur-X closure.
Lens program:
Wide angle:
- Skoparex 1: 3.4 / 35 mm
- Scopagon 1: 2/40 mm
Normal:
- Color-Skopar X 1: 2.8 / 50 mm
- Color-Lanthar 50 mm f / 2.8
- Septon 1: 2/50 mm
Tele:
- Dynarex 90 mm f / 3.4
- Dynarex 100 mm f / 4.8 (only produced in 1960 and 1964)
- Super-Dynarex 1: 4/135 mm
- Super-Dynarex 1: 4/200 mm
- Super-Dynarex 1: 5.6 / 350 mm
Zoom:
- Zoomar f / 2.8 / 36-82 mm
Exposure control
Compared to today's, largely automated SLR cameras, the Bessamatic requires a certain amount of adjustment work by the photographer, although this is largely supported by the camera. Thanks to the well thought-out structure and the technical aids, it will soon be intuitive to use.
The display, manual tracking and thus comparison of the set exposure and the exposure measurement value take place in the viewfinder using two pointers that must be brought into line. One pointer stands for the time and aperture coupled, the other for the measured value.
The aperture and the time are set using setting rings on the shutter with a counter-rotating, mechanically coupled aperture. An exact display of the respective depth of field is possible via two red pointers on the lens, the position of which is set together with the aperture and which indicate the limits of the depth of field range on the distance scale. The focusing of the lens is made easier with correction using the optical rangefinder in the viewfinder (prism ring and cutting edge line).
| Voigtlander Bessamatic m | |
|
|
| Type: | 35mm - single lens reflex camera |
| Production period: | 1964-1966 |
| Lens connection : | Lid bayonet (DKL) |
| Film format : | 35 mm film |
| Recording format : | 24 mm × 36 mm |
| Viewfinder : | Prism finder with simple ground glass |
| Operating modes: | Manually |
| Film transport: | Manually |
| Exposure metering : | - |
| Closure : | Synchro-Compur-X central locking |
| Shutter speed : | 1 / 500-1 s, B. |
| Synchronization : | X |
| Dimensions: | approx. 135 × 95 × 50 mm |
| Weight: | approx. 710 g |
| Additions: | Self-timer , cable release connection |
Bessamatic m
As a cheaper alternative to the Bessamatic, Voigtländer launched the Bessamatic m in 1964 as a fully manual and fully mechanical SLR camera. The case was based on the revised version of the deLuxe Bessamatic and differed from it by the absence of integrated selenium - exposure meter (.. D h of the adjustment aids and sectional image indicator ) on the screen of the viewfinder. In addition, the Synchro-Compur-X shutter, a slightly modified version of the Bessamatic shutter, was used in which the M flash synchronization was omitted. The entire lens program of the Bessamatic / Ultramatic system can be used on the Bessamatic m.
Due to its small number of approx. 9,300 cameras, the Bessamatic m is a sought-after collector's item.
Bessamatic CS
The last version of the Bessamatic before the Bessamatic / Ultramatic system was discontinued was the Bessamatic CS (manufactured approx. 1966–1969), which has even more similarities with the Bessamatic deLuxe than the Bessamatic m. It was a version of the Bessamatic deLuxe with cadmium sulfide (CdS) exposure meter , which was placed inside the camera housing and thus allowed TTL exposure measurement. Since a CdS cell, in contrast to a selenium cell, requires an external power source, a battery compartment for the mercury oxide-zinc button cells , which are no longer available, was installed at the front of the prism boss .