Voigtlander Bessa II Value Guide

The Voigtlander Bessa II represents the pinnacle of 1950s German folding camera engineering, offering massive 6x9 negatives in a remarkably portable frame. It is highly collectible due to its integrated coupled rangefinder and the legendary optical quality of its Color-Heliar or Apo-Lanthar lenses.

What Is Voigtlander Bessa II Worth?

The typical price range for Voigtlander Bessa II is $450 - $500 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Lens type significantly impacts price, with the Apo-Lanthar version commanding a massive premium over the standard Color-Skopar.
• The mechanical condition of the Synchro-Compur shutter, specifically the accuracy of slow speeds, affects the $450-$500 baseline value.
• Physical condition of the leather bellows is critical, as light leaks or pinholes require expensive restoration.
• Cosmetic preservation of the chrome plating and leatherette covering determines if the item reaches the high end of the market range.

How to Identify Voigtlander Bessa II?

• Verify the presence of a coupled rangefinder integrated into the top housing, distinguishing it from earlier Bessa models.
• Check the lens bezel for specific 1950-1956 era glass, typically the Color-Skopar, Color-Heliar, or the rare Apo-Lanthar.
• Examine the folding struts and leather bellows for the high-quality steel and brass construction characteristic of German Voigtlander manufacturing.
• Confirm the film format is 120 roll film producing 6x9cm exposures, often indicated by the frame counter and internal mask.

History of Voigtlander Bessa II

Introduced in 1950, the Bessa II is the pinnacle of Voigtlander's folding camera line. It improved upon the original Bessa by adding a coupled rangefinder and superior optics. It was favored by professional photographers of the era for its compact folding design combined with a massive negative size, allowing for extreme detail in a portable package.