Voigtländer Bessa R / R2 / R3

• Budget entry to M-mount
• Using Leica lenses affordably
• Learning rangefinder photography

• Leica M mount (R2 onwards); original Bessa-R uses Leica screw mount
• Affordable rangefinder system
• Multiple viewfinder magnifications
• Aperture-priority auto (some models)
• TTL metering

• Not Leica build quality
• Rangefinder accuracy varies
• Polycarbonate top and base plates on the original Bessa-R
• Bessa line discontinued in 2015 (Voigtländer lenses still made by Cosina)

• Rangefinder alignment
• Shutter issues
• Meter drift
• Light seal deterioration
• Frame line selector problems

The Cosina Voigtländer Bessa line (made in Japan) includes the R (Leica screw mount), R2 (M mount), R2A/R3A (aperture-priority) and R2M/R3M/R4M (manual) bodies; the R4 models have wide-angle frame lines. All have a 1s-1/2000 shutter with 1/125 flash sync and TTL metering. Cosina ended the Bessa rangefinders in 2015.

Typical range

£300 - £600

Excellent condition

~£800

Indicative, no dated source.

Prices as of 2025-12. UK market, may vary.