Superb! WWII camera, 1943 Voigtlander Bessa 66 with Heliar lens!, CLA's, Freshly Serviced

Cleaned, Lubricated & Adjusted. Ready for immediate use!

(Leica M3 not included)

This is an exceptionally fine Voigtlander 6x6 medium format camera which was produced in Braunschweig Germany. This camera was based on the ‘Klein-Bessa 66’. ‘Klein’ means small in German and with that in mind, Voigtlander designed one of the smallest medium format cameras ever produced. Just slightly wider than the roll of 120 film that fits into it, it produces a 6x6 a negative that will provide fine grain, great tonal values and lovely colors.

This version is popular with European collectors and photographers and it’s easy to see why. It is certainly one of the nicest, smallest and best handling 6x6 cameras ever built. I especially like the sculpted lines of the lens door, the scripted “V” for Voigtlander, the way the shutter release lever comes protrudes automatically whenever the camera’s opened and the way it easily slides in and out of a pocket. These cameras were popular with war correspondents because of their high performance and many were lost, damaged or destroyed during the hostilities.   

This particular Bessa 66 model was the most expensive offering and it’s fitted with the finest shutter and lens of its era. It’s been carefully cleaned, lubricated and adjusted. Everything works well and should continue to do so for many years to come. The leather bellows are completely light tight. The top of the line Compur-Rapid shutter works well and all speeds (B, 1 Sec – 1/500^th) speeds are appropriate.

The lens is the legendary f3.5/7.5cm (75mm) Voigtlander Heliar lens. (A legendary five element lens.) The lens’s serial number (272,1954) indicates that it was produced in late 1942 / early 1943. The lens is exceptionally clean and clear. There are no scratches and it’s capable of producing very lovely photos with modern color and black & white film!

All in all, a wonderful little camera equipped with a rare Heliar lens. Load it with your favorite film and take it with you on the hunt for that perfect photo. You know the one… the one with the Ansel Adams light breaking through the dark storm clouds that leaves you wishing had a medium format camera in your pocket.