Voigtlander& Sohn Bessa L (black)
The Voigtländer Bessa L is a 35mm film body introduced in the late 1990s as part of the Bessa line, supplied without a viewfinder so it is paired with accessory finders and wide-angle screw-mount lenses. It was positioned as an entry point into the Leica thread mount system for photographers wanting a low-cost, mechanically simple rangefinderless body.
At recent UK auction, hammer prices for the black Bessa L have sat in a narrow £110–£170 band across 2024–2025 sales, with a median around £130. As of 2026 the camera's value at saleroom level reflects its entry-level status in the Bessa range, and condition together with the presence of the original accessory shoe finder has the strongest bearing on what it sells for.
Variants
Select a variant to filter the sales history below.
| Variant | Years | Edition | Sales | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 Years Heliar | — | — | 1 | £550 – £550 |
| chrome finish | — | — | 2 | £112 – £600 |
Sales History
Prices shown are UK auction hammer results — the wholesale level achieved in the saleroom. Neither buyer’s nor seller’s commission is included. Dealer and retail asking prices are typically higher.
Prices updated: October 2025
| Date | Price | Source | Variant | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 2025 | £170 | 🇬🇧 Tennants Auctioneers | — | |
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Auction: Scientific & Musical Instruments, Cameras & Tools (Lot 270) Title: Voigtlander Bessa-L Camera
Description:
no.00011396 with Snapshot-Skopar f4 25mm lens, with leather case |
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| Apr 2025 | £112 | 🇬🇧 Flints Auctions | — | |
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Auction: Cameras & Scientific Instruments (Lot 175) Title: A Voigtlander Bessa L Camera Body
Description:
black, serial number 19730, body G, light usage marks to rear, shutter works. |
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| Apr 2024 | £130 | 🇬🇧 Special Auction Services | — | |
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Auction: Photographica & Cameras Auction (Lot 140) Title: A Voigtländer Bessa-L Camera
Description:
A Voigtländer Bessa-L Camera, serial no 00050533, shutter working, meter working, self timer working, body G-VG, with Jupiter 55mm f/2.8 lens, barrel |
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| Jan 2022 | £112 | 🇬🇧 Flints Auctions | chrome finish | |
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Auction: The Collectors Sale (Lot 175) Title: A Voigtlander Bessa-L 35mm Camera
Description:
chrome, bod VG, shutter working, meter untested, with a Jupiter-8 50mm f/2 lens, optics G-VG, in makers box with case and strap, (Qty: 1) |
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| Jun 2008 | EUR 550 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | 100 Years Heliar | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 13 (Lot AI_13_16915) Title: Voigtländer Bessa L '100 Years Heliar'
Description:
special edition Bessa L with Heliar 4.5/15mm Aspherical, both engraved: 100 Jahre, finder, caps, strap, wooden presentation box, maker's box Estimate: EUR 500 - EUR 600 |
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| Nov 2006 | EUR 300 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | — | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 10 (Lot AI_10_15411) Title: Voigtländer Bessa-L black
Description:
with Snapshot Skopar 4.5/25mm black no.9910023, 25mm finder, Bessa-L ever-ready case, all new with original maker's boxes Estimate: EUR 500 - EUR 600 |
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| Nov 2006 | EUR 600 | 🇦🇹 Leitz Auction | chrome finish | |
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Auction: Leitz Auction 10 (Lot AI_10_15412) Title: Voigtländer Bessa-L chrome outfit
Description:
with Super Wide Heliar 4.5/15mm chrome, 15mm finder, Ultron 1.7/35mm chrome, 35mm finder, Color-Heliar 2.5/75mm chrome, 50/75 finder, all new with original maker's boxes Estimate: EUR 1,100 - EUR 1,300 |
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Frequently asked questions
What is a Voigtländer Bessa L (black) worth today?
Recent UK auction hammer results place the black Bessa L between roughly £110 and £170, with a median near £130.
How much does a Bessa L sell for at auction?
Clean examples have sold for £112 to £170 in 2024–2025 UK salerooms, so the typical price for a working body falls in that range.
Does the Bessa L have a viewfinder?
No — the L body was sold without a built-in finder, which is why buyers usually budget for a separate accessory shoe-mounted viewfinder matched to the lens in use.
What affects the value of a Bessa L?
Working meter electronics, clean mount threads, and inclusion of the original accessory finder are the main factors; incomplete or non-working bodies sit at the lower end of the price range.