Voigtländer Bessa R2M/ Bessa R2A

Voigtlander Bessa R2M/ Bessa R2A

The Voigtlander Bessa R2A and Bessa R2M represent Cosina's matured vision for the modern, affordable Leica M-mount alternative. Introduced simultaneously in 2004, Cosina made the brilliant decision to offer the same camera chassis with two entirely different shutter mechanisms to cater to different types of photographers: the "A" (Auto) and the "M" (Mechanical).

The Bessa R2A uses an electronically controlled metal focal-plane shutter. Its standout feature is Aperture Priority Auto-Exposure (AE). The photographer sets the aperture on the lens, and the camera automatically selects the stepless shutter speed (up to 1/2000s), displaying it via red LEDs inside the viewfinder. It also features an AE-Lock button on the back. The trade-off is that if the batteries die, the camera cannot fire.

The Bessa R2M is designed for traditionalists. It utilizes a fully mechanical metal focal-plane shutter. It offers a pure manual exposure experience, using a simple LED (+ o -) readout in the viewfinder for its TTL light meter. Crucially, because the shutter is mechanical, the camera can shoot at all speeds (from 1s to 1/2000s) even if the batteries are completely dead, making it highly reliable for travel and harsh climates.

Both cameras share a brilliant, high-contrast viewfinder with a 0.70x magnification, which is widely considered the "sweet spot" for general photography. It natively accommodates 35mm lenses with comfortable eye relief, while also offering manually selectable framelines for 50mm, 75mm, and 90mm lenses.

History

The R2A and R2M were part of a massive, multi-tiered rangefinder lineup that Cosina launched in the mid-2000s, proving that film photography still had a dedicated market.

The Bessa Evolution (2004) The original Bessa R (2000) used a Leica Thread Mount (L39) and a plastic body. The Bessa R2 (2002) upgraded to an M-mount and a magnesium alloy body. In 2004, Cosina discontinued the R2 and replaced it with the R2A and R2M. This release was part of a broader strategy where Cosina also launched the R3A/R3M (featuring a 1.0x magnification viewfinder for 50mm shooters) and later the R4A/R4M (featuring a 0.52x viewfinder specifically for wide-angle lenses like 21mm and 28mm) [1].

Market Positioning During the 2000s, these cameras were the perfect entry point into the M-mount ecosystem. While Leica cameras (like the M7 or MP) cost thousands of dollars, a Bessa R2A/M could be purchased brand new for a fraction of the price, leaving photographers with more budget to invest in Voigtlander's excellent line of VM lenses [2].

Legacy Cosina officially discontinued the entire Bessa rangefinder camera line around 2015 as parts became scarce and digital completely overtook the market. Today, the R2A and R2M are highly coveted on the used market. The R2M often fetches slightly higher prices due to the long-term repairability of its mechanical shutter [3].

Sources

• [1] CameraQuest. Voigtlander Bessa R2A/R3A/R2M/R3M Profile. https://www.cameraquest.com
• [2] 35mmc. Voigtlander Bessa R2A Review - The Affordable M7. https://www.35mmc.com
• [3] Japan Camera Hunter. Camera Geekery: The Voigtlander Bessa Lineup. https://www.japancamerahunter.com
• [4] Ken Rockwell. Voigtlander Rangefinder Cameras. https://www.kenrockwell.com
• [5] Casual Photophile. Voigtlander Bessa R2M Camera Review. https://www.casualphotophile.com