Curio collection
Voigtländer Bessa 6×9 Rollfilm Folding Camera
Germany, 1929
About the object
Introduced in 1929 as Voigtländer's first self-erecting rollfilm camera, this early Bessa model shoots 6×9 cm exposures on 120 roll film. The camera features a Voigtar anastigmat lens set in a rim-cocked leaf shutter, complemented by both a swiveling brilliant waist-level finder and a frame-mounted optical direct-vision finder. Its folding bed mechanism features integrated nickel-plated support struts and a fold-out kickstand for tabletop positioning.
About this object
Voigtländer's pioneering 1929 self-erecting medium format folder
Condition
The camera displays honest vintage wear consistent with age and regular handling. Metal scissor struts, the folding viewfinder frame, and edge rims show moderate paint chipping, oxidation, and surface corrosion. The black textured leatherette shows edge rubbing, dust accumulation in the crevices, and light surface scuffs, while the black bellows appear intact across all folds.
Provenance
Provenance documentation was not supplied for this specific Voigtländer Bessa 6×9 Rollfilm Folding Camera; this listing is based on the supplied photographs only.
Camera Type
Medium format self-erecting folding rollfilm camera
Film Format
120 roll film (6×9 cm negatives)
Lens
Voigtländer Voigtar Anastigmat
Shutter Type
Rim-set central leaf shutter (speeds include T, B, 25, 50, 100, 125)
Viewfinders
Dual system: swiveling brilliant waist-level finder and folding optical direct-vision frame finder
Body Construction
Metal chassis with textured black leatherette covering
Self-Erecting Strut Design
Opening the front bed automatically deploys and locks the lens standard into shooting position.
Voigtar Anastigmat Optics
Equipped with Voigtländer Braunschweig Voigtar optics optimized for large 6×9 cm negatives.
Dual Viewfinder Architecture
Features both a rotatable waist-level brilliant finder and a side-mounted folding optical direct-vision finder.
Central Red Film Window
Classic rear window with metal bezel provides visual frame-number tracking on 120 paper backing.
Script Lens Standard Emblem
Features the historic Voigtländer cursive branding in relief along the lower shutter mounting arc.
Dual Tabletop Kickstands
Equipped with a folding foot on the drop bed and a supplementary support leg on the rear door for stable placement.
Instant Action Mechanism
Shown deployed in the second photograph, the 1929 Bessa discarded cumbersome rail extension by linking the drop bed directly to the front standard via articulated struts, allowing photographers to spring into action instantly.
Dual Framing Traditions
Visible in profile in the third photograph, this transitional camera combined the 19th-century swiveling waist-level brilliant finder on the shutter block with a modern eye-level optical frame mounted along the body side.
1929 · Introduction of the Bessa
Voigtländer unveils the Bessa 6×9, its first self-erecting folding camera designed for accessible medium format photography.
1931 · Dual-Format Expansion
Voigtländer introduces dual 6×9 and 4.5×6 cm options and refreshed shutter selections across the Bessa line.
1935 · Baseboard Trigger Redesign
The Bessa series is revamped with a signature folding shutter release trigger integrated into the front drop bed.
1950 · Bessa II Culmination
Voigtländer refines the range into the premium coupled-rangefinder Bessa II before folding camera production ceases.
Metalwork & Struts
Surface patina, edge brassing, and scattered spots of oxidation visible on the folding struts and the optical finder frame.
Leatherette Covering
Intact across front and back panels with minor edge fraying, contact rubbing, and embedded surface dust.
Bellows Structure
Original black pleated bellows remain fully folded and seated, exhibiting surface dust without large visible tears.
Optics & Finders
Lenses and both finder elements display internal haze and dust specks consistent with unrestored original condition.
- Materials
- Not documented
- Place & period
- Germany, 1929
- Source collection
- Curio Gallery · Curio collection