- Focusing ring
- Push-pull zoom. Note focal lengths on top of the lens barrel.
- The aperture control on the leaf-shutter Bessamatic is built into the camera's lens mount. The Exakta version of the lens had a standard aperture ring at the base.
Voigtlander Zoomar and Bessamatic Deluxe (best viewed large)
The Voigtlander Zoomar 36-82mm / f2.8, introduced in 1959, was the world's first production zoom lens for a 35mm SLR. It was available in lensmounts for Voigtlander's own leaf-shutter SLRs, like this Bessamatic Deluxe, and for Exakta cameras. This lens is a serious chunk of glass -- the camera and lens together weigh about 3 pounds.
You control the zoom via a push-pull arrangement, with the focal lengths inscribed on the barrel. Focusing is done via the ribbed ring near the front of the lens. Like a lot of "two touch" zooms it's a little awkward to use without a tripod, but given that it was the only choice at the time I'm sure lots of photographers managed just fine.
Optically speaking it's not as good as the prime lenses of the day (which were very good) but it's not bad considering the design challenges involved. There's some edge distortion at certain focal lengths, especially wide open. The constant f2.8 aperture is a convenience that many later zooms would sacrifice.
Photo taken with a Pentax SMC Takumar 35/3.5 lens.
Comments and faves
Jim.jpg, potopoto53age, Jacques Billeaudeau, Geoff LMV, and Mathieu Struck added this photo to their favorites.
patrickjoust (39 months ago | reply)
Wow! That's a big lens.
bcostin (39 months ago | reply)
It sure is. Those photographers in the 50s must've developed some pretty impressive upper-body strength.
alexcheung79 added this photo to his favorites. (38 months ago)
Mike's_own_view (35 months ago | reply)
great stuff....
i'm an owner off a Bessamatic deluxe too...
but this lens i havn't
have fun...
Brisbane Media Map and mustainei added this photo to their favorites.
zekewhipper (31 months ago | reply)
Ooooo, a Zoomar! I wish I had one for my Exakta VX.
Mike's_own_view, Mikael Jeney, and supthugs added this photo to their favorites.
This photo was invited and added to the Camera-wiki.org group.
camerawiki (12 months ago | reply)
Thank you for adding this photo to the Camera-wiki.org pool; it appears here:
camera-wiki.org/wiki/Bessamatic
xxxandrewxxx, LeBleuBeau, and Gianteyes added this photo to their favorites.
HOUNDSON (3 weeks ago | reply)
nice kit.
hanan bercu added this photo to his favorites. (4 days ago)