Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1999/05/23
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Giorgio, The Bessa-L is indeed a trimmed down Cosina SLR. The skeleton of the camera is derived from the ancient but reliable Cosina CS-1, minus prism and mirror. This is also the same camera as the current Nikon FM-10, Olympus OM2002, as well as the long gone Canon T-60 and various inexpensive Vivitar models. The same metal vertical running shutter is used, but there is an extra metal blind in front of the original shutter. This blind has two functions: to prevent light leak (since there is no reflex mirror), and being painted in 18% grey (gray), it provides a suitable reflective surface for the TTL sensor to meter. There are three LEDs (red-green-red = under/correct/over) on the back of the camera, between the rewind know and the finder shoe. When using either the 15mm or 25mm finder, I can still see the LEDs without taking my eye off the finder. In theory, the Nikon FE-10 body can be used instead of the FM-10 to provide a aperture priority auto exposure electronic Bessa-L, but there would not be enough room to provide a range of shutter speed display associated with the AE metering. Of course, I have a Tom A Softrelease fitted to my Bessa-L and this does improve the release action significantly. A rangefinder equipped model is due later this year. Joseph Giorgio Ferrari wrote: > > Dear Luggers, > I've seen the new Voigtlander Bessa-L on site of Cosina and I would > know something about it. I've had the impression that the body has a > reflex one, without the finder! Is it so? > Do you know something about the shutter and the exposimeter (I must > see three LEDs on the top, on the left side)? Is it a Cosina reflex > adapted for LTM lenses? > > Thanks in advance. > > Giorgio Ferrari > "fergio@galactica.it"