Voigtlander Bessa II with 105 f/4.5 APO-Lanthar Medium Format Camera Review

The Voigtlander Bessa II with 105mm f/4.5 APO-Lanthar is a premium medium format film camera that combines classic rangefinder design with modern APO optics. This package pairs the folding Bessa II body with Voigtlander's highly regarded 105mm APO-Lanthar lens, known for its apochromatic correction and sharpness. The camera shoots 6x9cm on 120 film, offering large negatives ideal for high-resolution scans and contact prints. The folding design makes it more portable than most medium format systems, though it lacks the modularity of SLR platforms.

At $6,240 and offered in used bargain condition, this is a niche tool for film shooters who prioritize optical quality and portability over features like interchangeable backs or through-the-lens metering. The Bessa II's rangefinder focusing and manual controls demand a deliberate shooting style. It sits squarely in the boutique medium format space, appealing to photographers who value the ritual of film and the rendering characteristics of the APO-Lanthar lens. The bargain condition grade suggests cosmetic wear, so buyers should confirm functionality before purchase.