Rangefinder35mm
beginnerintermediate
Discontinued
Voigtländer Bessa R / R2 / R3
1999-2015
Budget entry to M-mount
Format
35mm
Shutter
1/2000
Max speed
Metering
TTL
Battery req.
Weight
430g
Best For
- Budget entry to M-mount
- Using Leica lenses affordably
- Learning rangefinder photography
- Wide-angle shooting (R4M)
Features
- M-mount compatible
- Affordable rangefinder system
- Multiple viewfinder magnifications
- Aperture-priority auto (some models)
- TTL metering
Limitations
- Not Leica build quality
- Rangefinder accuracy varies
- Plastic components
- Brand discontinued
Common Issues to Check
- Rangefinder alignment
- Shutter issues
- Meter drift
- Light seal deterioration
- Frame line selector problems
Buying Guide
The Bessa series includes many variants: R (no meter), R2 (metered), R3A (aperture-priority), R4M (ultra-wide lines), etc. Made by Cosina in Japan. Excellent budget way to use M-mount lenses. Quality is good but not Leica-grade. The R2A and R3A with aperture-priority are popular choices.
Pricing
Typical Range£300 - £600
Excellent Condition~£800
Budget M-mount option. Various models available
Prices as of 2025-12. UK market, may vary.
Last verified: Jan 2026Report an error