An original pre-World War II German Voigtländer Bessa folding camera manufactured by Voigtländer A.G., Braunschweig, Germany, circa 1929–1934.
This early Bessa model is fitted with its original Voigtar f/7.7 lens and features the characteristic three-position focusing system marked “Landschaft” (Landscape), “Gruppe” (Group), and “Portrait”, a distinctive feature of early production examples. The shutter offers B, 25, 50, and 100 speed settings.
The camera retains its original folding bed, bellows, optical viewfinder, red exposure window, carrying handle, and embossed Voigtländer markings throughout. Designed for medium-format roll film producing large negatives, the Bessa became one of Voigtländer’s most popular folding camera models, appreciated for its practical folding design, compact size, and dependable construction.
This example presents very well with attractive original finish and honest age-related wear. The bellows appear complete without obvious tears, although they have not been tested for light-tightness. The camera opens and closes properly but has not been function tested and is therefore offered primarily as a collectible antique camera.
An excellent display piece for collectors of vintage German cameras, early photographic equipment, or pre-war industrial craftsmanship.
Condition
Very good original condition.
Normal age and handling wear with minor finish loss around the edges. Bellows appear complete without obvious tears. Lens remains present, and the camera opens and closes properly. Mechanical operation and photographic functionality have not been fully tested. Sold as a collectible antique camera.
Specifications
Manufacturer: Voigtländer A.G.
City: Braunschweig, Germany
Period: Circa 1929–1934
Model: Bessa Folding Camera
Lens: Original Voigtar f/7.7
Shutter: Bauschalter (B, 25, 50, 100)
Film Format: Medium-format roll film
Viewfinder: Optical viewfinder
Material: Metal, leatherette, glass, and fabric bellows
Originality: Guaranteed original vintage Voigtländer camera
Historical Note
Founded in 1756, Voigtländer is one of the oldest and most respected names in photographic history. Introduced during the late 1920s, the Bessa series became one of the company’s most successful folding camera lines, offering photographers a compact and portable design suitable for amateur and professional use alike. Today, original pre-war Voigtländer cameras remain highly sought after by collectors for their engineering quality, classic styling, and significance in the evolution of German photographic technology.
