Voigtlander Bessa R2 and R3 series

For several years now we've been getting requests for leather kits to fit these Cosina-made rangefinders.  Our kit will fit the Bessa R2, R2a, R3, and R3a.

These cameras have one foot in the old world, and another in the new (or more recent past). This is also true of the factory body covering: Although it looks like a traditional textured covering, cut from a flat sheet and wrapped around the ends of the camera---the factory covering is actually made of molded "parts" that cannot be made to lie flat. Once you peel off the "parts" you will see the back sides are molded to match specific impressions, holes and other contours of the metal body shell.  In fact the top and bottom plates do not even occupy the same "footprint" as you can see where the bottom of the rubber covering sticks out a little at the bottom, and is flush at the top.  So, our aftermarket covering is asked to apply itself in a new way, but it does so quite successfully . . . .



This olive-body R2 has been recovered in Black Kid Skin. If you look closely you can see the subtle differences from the factory rubberized cover . . . the leather is now flush with the bottom plate, and the raised strip on the body shell (just below the top plate) is now barely visible.

The factory rubber shell is the one part that seems out of place on this retro-inspired metal body, and based on many emails, is also a major irritant to Bessa users.  While our kits enhance all cameras :) the transformation on the Bessas is especially satisfying to their owners, who tend to use them heavily.




We've been making leather for the front only, until recently when a photographer came forward who was willing to lose the molded rubber grip on the back. Michael William Clayton sent in the camera pictured here, so finally we were able to engineer a proper "nose job" for the Bessa back!

The factory molded grip is easy to remove.  There are no rivets or screws, and it's held on with an adhesive only. Is the real leather treatment an improvement over the rubber nose?  Take a look and decide for yourself.  All the Bessa leather kits include the piece for the back, and you can choose to install it, or not.

The Bessa kits are priced with the 35mm SLR's.

What goes well with green?  If you have an olive Bessa, you have some wardrobe issues . . .  we tried out a number of different leather colors, and most of them will not be shown here!  Specifically you should avoid green leather.  Black is nice, and grey is OK. 

The Bessa T series is not yet supported.  It takes a completely different kit, and the Bessa R2 / R3 kits will not fit them.
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