VOIGTLÄNDER BESSAMATIC
The Voigtländer Bessamatic is a 35mm single-lens reflex (SLR) camera introduced in 1958, notable for its innovative leaf shutter design and through-the-lens (TTL) exposure metering system. Unlike conventional focal-plane shutter SLRs of the era, the Bessamatic utilized a behind-the-lens leaf shutter housed within interchangeable lenses, enabling flash synchronization at all shutter speeds.
Overview
The Voigtländer Bessamatic was launched during a pivotal period in 35mm camera development, as manufacturers transitioned from rangefinders to SLRs to address the growing demand for precise composition and through-the-lens viewing. Positioned as a high-end amateur and semi-professional SLR, the Bessamatic targeted photographers seeking SLR versatility and high-quality optics in a compact 35mm format. It was among the early SLRs to offer through-the-lens exposure metering, though not fully coupled in the modern sense, a significant technological leap that allowed accurate metering through the actual taking lens, compensating for filters and lens extensions.
The camera was part of Voigtländer’s broader strategy to compete with established names like Zeiss Ikon and newcomer Asahi Pentax in the burgeoning SLR market. It was succeeded by the Super Bessamatic (1960), followed by the Ultramatic (1965), which introduced open-aperture metering and other refinements.
The Bessamatic line stood out for its modular design: lenses included both the optical elements and the leaf shutter mechanism, which synchronized with the camera body’s exposure meter and aperture control. This allowed flash sync at all speeds—a major advantage over focal-plane shutter SLRs limited to 1/30s or 1/60s sync. However, the leaf shutter design limited maximum shutter speed to 1/500s and required precise mechanical coupling between lens and body, increasing complexity and cost.
Specifications
| Specification | Value |
| Type | Single-Lens Reflex (SLR) |
| Film Format | 35mm (135 cartridge) |
| Years Produced | 1958–1969 |
| Lens Mount | Voigtländer Deckel (Bessamatic bayonet) |
| Shutter | Leaf shutter (in lens), speeds 1s – 1/500s, B, X-sync |
| Metering | Through-the-lens (TTL) cadmium sulfide (CdS) meter, center-weighted |
| Exposure Modes | Manual exposure with stop-down metering |
| Viewfinder | Fixed pentaprism, eye-level, with central split-image focus aid and microprism collar |
| Dimensions | Approx. 140 × 90 × 95 mm; weight ~650 g (body only) |
Key Features
- Leaf shutter in interchangeable lenses: Enabled flash synchronization at all shutter speeds (X-sync at 1/500s), a rare capability in SLRs of the period.
- Through-the-lens (TTL) exposure metering: One of the first production SLRs with a coupled TTL CdS meter, improving exposure accuracy.
- Modular lens system: Each lens contained its own shutter and aperture mechanism, allowing independent operation but requiring precise mechanical alignment.
- Integrated hot shoe and sync terminal: Provided flexible flash connectivity with full sync compatibility across all speeds.
- Interchangeable focusing screens: Available in limited variants, though most models shipped with a standard split-image/microprism screen.
Historical Context
The Bessamatic was introduced in 1958 at a time when SLR technology was rapidly evolving. Competitors such as the Asahi Pentax (1957) had already demonstrated the viability of the pentaprism SLR with a focal-plane shutter, while Zeiss Ikon’s Contaflex line offered leaf shutter SLRs in the 35mm format. Voigtländer’s approach with the Bessamatic was a hybrid solution: combining the compactness and flash-sync advantages of a leaf shutter with the compositional accuracy of an SLR. This placed it in direct competition with the Contaflex Super series and the Kodak Retina Reflex.
Despite its advanced features, the Bessamatic faced challenges. The leaf shutter design limited maximum speed and required more complex, expensive lenses compared to focal-plane shutter systems. Additionally, the CdS meter required a 1.35V mercury battery (now obsolete), complicating modern use. While the camera was well-received for its build quality and optical performance—especially with lenses like the Color-Skopar and Apo-Lanthar—it struggled to gain widespread market dominance due to its higher price and mechanical complexity.
By the mid-1960s, the industry shifted decisively toward focal-plane shutters and open-aperture metering, rendering the Bessamatic’s design increasingly niche. Voigtländer introduced the Super Bessamatic in 1960, which improved viewfinder brightness and metering, followed by the Ultramatic in 1965, which added open-aperture metering. Production ceased in 1969 as Japanese manufacturers like Nikon and Canon solidified their dominance in the SLR market.
Collectibility & Value
The Voigtländer Bessamatic is a sought-after collectible among vintage camera enthusiasts, particularly those interested in the evolution of SLR technology and German engineering. In good working condition, prices typically range from $200 to $500, with rarer variants—such as the Bessamatic Super with the f/2 Ultron lens—commanding higher values. Fully functional metering and smooth shutter operation are key factors in valuation, though many units suffer from degraded CdS cells or sticky shutters due to dried lubricants.
Collectors should inspect the lens shutter blades for oil or corrosion, test all speeds (especially 1/500s), and verify meter responsiveness under varying light. The original battery compartment (designed for PX625 1.35V mercury cells) often requires modification to accept modern substitutes like WeinCells or zinc-air batteries, which can affect meter accuracy. Lenses should be free of haze, fungus, and separation, with smooth aperture and focusing rings. Original boxes, manuals, and accessories increase desirability, particularly for complete sets.
Similar Cameras
- Zeiss Ikon Contaflex Super B (1959–1965): German SLR with leaf shutter, TTL metering, and interchangeable lenses.
- Kodak Retina Reflex IV (1960–1963): High-quality leaf shutter SLR with Schneider and Rodenstock lenses.
- Rolleiflex SL35 (later models): Though focal-plane, shared Voigtländer’s reputation for precision.
- Praktica FX3 (1966): East German SLR with more conventional focal-plane shutter and M42 mount.
- Asahi Pentax Spotmatic (1964): Pioneered TTL metering with open-aperture design, becoming the benchmark for future SLRs.
Repair & Maintenance
The Bessamatic requires a 1.35V mercury battery (PX625) for its CdS meter, now obsolete; modern replacements include WeinCell 1.35V or adapters for 1.5V alkaline with voltage regulation. Shutter maintenance is critical—lubricants in the leaf shutters often degrade, causing slow speeds or misfires. Professional CLA (clean, lubricate, adjust) is recommended every 10–15 years. The Deckel mount’s mechanical linkage for aperture and shutter cocking is precise but prone to misalignment if lenses are swapped roughly. Viewfinder seals may degrade, causing internal fogging, and focusing screens can yellow over time. Due to the complexity of the shutter-lens-body integration, repairs should be handled by technicians experienced with vintage German SLRs.
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