Voigtlander Bessa 1 REVIEW and SHOOT - 6x9 medium format folding camera, definitely one to try!

Well, what a cracking camera! Lovely sharp lens (once you've removed the thick layer of fungus and 70 years of dirt), and just look at those massive negatives! I do love a 6x9 camera.

This was another one of my lucky finds... buried in a pile of cameras in an auction lot, not even mentioned on the lot listing. After a good thorough clean it's really in great condition. The shutter is firing close to accurately on the faster speeds. Slower speeds are sticky, as you might expect, but that's ok, I don't mind working around that.

It's not a small camera, by any means. For a 120 folder it's positively massive. But still fits comfortably in your bag when folded. Definitely less cumbersome and easier to pack away than a TLR. And 100 times lighter than the Bronica.

I headed off to Chepstow for this shoot, was planning on getting some quaint town shots. But I had no idea where I was going... just started walking... and I found Chepstow Castle. I say "found"... it's not like it's hidden. But I didn't know it was so green along that side. I've only ever seen it from the river before, didn't know what was the far side of it.

Very happy with the results. I still think the focus could do with some fine tuning. I also used an accessory rangefinder in the cold shoe, and I think that could do with some fine tuning as well!

All in all though, I really like this one. It offers something I don't have in my collection - a sharp, focus-able 6x9 camera. All the other 6x9s I have are box cameras, so this one is quite exciting. I'll definitely be keeping it, and taking it out a few more times, see just how good I can get these images.

Drop me a message with any thoughts, questions etc.!