Voigtlander Bessaflex TM
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The Voigtländer Bessaflex TM (black body) is a 35mm SLR film camera that fuses classic design with modern practicality. It was released in 2003 by Cosina under the Voigtländer brand. While the "TM" in its name is sometimes interpreted as "Thread Mount" or even "T-Mount," it actually refers to the M42 mount, widely known as the Praktica screw mount, a system once used globally across a wide range of lenses.
This mount compatibility is a key feature of the Bessaflex TM, making it a particularly attractive option for vintage lens enthusiasts. Users can enjoy pairing the camera with a wide array of M42 lenses produced by various manufacturers, such as Carl Zeiss Jena, Pentax Super-Takumar, Fujinon, Helios, and Tomioka, to explore diverse optical characteristics and rendering styles.
The camera body is made of aluminum alloy with a classic black finish, evoking the charm of traditional film cameras. Its clean, minimalistic design and robust construction provide reliable performance, whether for everyday shooting or travel photography. The controls are intuitive and tactile, including a shutter speed dial, film advance lever, and exposure meter indicator—elements that capture the analog joy of shooting with film.
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At the heart of the Bessaflex TM is a vertically-traveling metal focal plane shutter, offering shutter speeds from 1/2000s down to 1 second, plus a Bulb (B) mode for long exposures. This level of performance is uncommon among classic cameras, reflecting its design focus on modern usability. The shutter produces a mechanical, subdued sound with a satisfying tactile response, adding to the camera’s charm.
The viewfinder features a fixed pentaprism with approximately 93% frame coverage and 0.8x magnification (with a 50mm lens). A split-image and microprism focusing aid are included at the center of the focusing screen, enabling fast and accurate manual focusing. An LED exposure indicator is built into the finder and uses TTL center-weighted metering for reliable exposure control. The meter runs on a single SR44 button cell, and importantly, the mechanical shutter continues to operate even if the battery runs out—an essential reliability point for serious film photographers.
The true appeal of the Bessaflex TM lies in the freedom of the M42 mount. From the 1950s to the 1980s, many manufacturers competed to produce innovative and expressive M42 lenses. The ability to mount and enjoy such lenses makes this camera an ideal platform for those who seek to bring out the unique character of vintage optics. For users focused on the art of manual photography, the Bessaflex TM delivers precise handling, stable exposure, and aesthetic appeal in one complete package.
Furthermore, with minimal electronic components, the risk of failure is greatly reduced, making it a long-lasting companion. Its fully mechanical body stays true to the fundamental principles of film photography, allowing users to focus on the act of creating images without depending on batteries. This encourages thoughtful engagement with settings like exposure, focus, and composition—rekindling the essence of photography itself.
In summary, the Voigtländer Bessaflex TM is a rare film camera that balances classic operation with modern performance. With its simple yet capable design, solid and reliable build, and extensive lens compatibility, it remains an ideal tool for film photography enthusiasts and a loyal partner for rediscovering the charm of M42 lenses.
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