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Why the Voigtlander Vito Line of Folders should be Treasured!
For decades, I have been a fan of Voigtlander’s styling, engineering, and glass. It is rare to get it all in one package, particularly when considering the meticulous attention to detail that these cameras exude from their original designs. The lightweight and compact size of the original pre-WWII Vito design is stunning, making it an ideal companion for both amateur and seasoned photographers who prefer to travel light without compromising on quality.
Whilst looking through charity eBay auctions one early morning, I happened across a well-worn but functional Pre-WWII VITO I. Though it had the original owner’s name inscribed on its top plate, as they used to do, it looked great and carried with it a sense of nostalgia that only an antique can offer. I put in a ridiculously small bid and won the camera, feeling a thrill of excitement about the history it held within its frame.
That little Vito I started a love affair with these little folders that has yet to fade. About a month after I purchased the first one, I picked up a Vito II for practically nothing at a charity shop, a lucky find that further fueled my passion for these intricate machines. The Vito I and II both have the same options in shutters, the Compur, which offers an incredible 1/500th of a second max shutter speed, and the Prontor, which offered a max shutter speed of 1/300th of a second, showcasing the impressive engineering of the era. The pre and post-war Vito I’s had a very large shutter bar button that stretched across the entire folding ledge, a distinctive feature that added to its unique aesthetics. With the Vito II, they changed this to a simple button, a design choice that echoed the innovations taking place in photography at the time.
The issue with the bar is that it can cause blur in your images at slower shutter speeds due to having to press down harder on the bar, a quirk that some users might find frustrating. Nevertheless, the lenses on the Vito I, pre and post WWII, were uncoated, which, while charming in its own right, means they can produce softer images compared to modern standards. The Vito II lens, on the other hand, is coated for color film and adds contrast to black and white film, enhancing the overall photographic experience and expanding creative possibilities.
Since I started my little collection, I have purchased the pre-WWII Vito, a mint Vito II, another Vito II with a cold shoe adapter on it, and a Vito IIa, each camera presenting its own story and character. Most people say the Vito III, with its larger f/2.8 lens, is the best out of this bunch, but that depends on your perspective, as each model offers different advantages that can appeal to various styles of photography.
I am loving the Vito IIa for its modern conveniences. It has an advance lever, instead of winding knobs, which adds a touch of ease to the shooting process. To rewind the film, you press a button and a winding knob pops up, an exciting little spring loaded mechanism that makes me smile every time I do that. The engineering in these little cameras is absolutely outstanding for its time; it reflects an era when craftsmanship took center stage, and each component felt lovingly crafted.
The original is still my favorite for walking around taking happy snappy pictures with. It doesn’t have the contrast and clarity of later Vito’s, but it has an enchanting finesse and an epic history that resonate with how photography was experienced back then. Each click of the shutter reminds me of the countless stories captured through its lens, collecting moments from a time long past.
My beautiful and loving wife endures my love of these old cameras and photography, never failing to support my passion even when it may seem excessive. I made a promise that if I didn’t use a camera regularly, I’d sell it, so I will be selling at least one of my Vito’s soon to make room for new acquisitions or to fund further photographic adventures. But, I will not be getting rid of the original or the IIa, as both hold a special place in my heart and represent more than just a piece of equipment; they are vessels of creativity and history. Of course, all of my cameras are for sale for the right price, though parting with them will always evoke a mix of nostalgia and respect for the legacy they embody.
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Windsor 35
This incredibly quirky little rangefinder camera is a lot of fun to shoot. The Windsor 35 was developed and manufactured by Tōkō Shashin K.K, a.k.a. TKC, in 1953. TKC made quite a few cameras in the 40’s and 50’s, showcasing their creativity and innovation in the rapidly advancing field of photography. After WWII, they designed the Mightyy, a 17.5 mm paperback film camera, which was indicative of their forward-thinking approach. By the early 1950s, they were building a name for themselves and establishing a reputation amongst photography enthusiasts.
There is not a lot of information on the company, which adds a layer of mystery to their products and makes them even more intriguing for collectors. If any of you have any additional info on TKC or their other models, please let me know, as I’m eager to learn more about this fascinating brand. The Windsor 35 is not just a well-designed piece of machinery; it is a compact rangefinder camera that blends aesthetics with functionality. It is quirky, especially the rewind mechanism, which adds a unique character. To rewind the film, a person has to hold down the rewind button and turn the knurled rewind knob, creating a tactile and engaging experience. This is not a bad thing, but after rewinding twenty or so frames, you might wish there was another alternative to streamline the process.
I genuinely enjoyed shooting with the Windsor 35. There is no light meter in a camera of this era, which can be a bit daunting for new users. A person can buy a cold shoe light meter that works great with it or use an app on a mobile device, bridging the gap between vintage charm and modern technology. I use the Pro Light Meter app most of the time, and it has never let me down; it is always accurate and reliable, making it an excellent companion for my shooting adventures.The shutter goes from Bulb mode to 1/200th of a second, offering a variety of options for exposure. The shutter is crisp and in time on my model, delivering results that inspire confidence. The lens is a sharp 50mm f/3.5 T.K.C Color Sygmar lens, which produces images with a pleasing depth and clarity. F/3.5 was standard for the time for any rangefinder, though it still provides excellent performance in various lighting conditions.
That may not be a big enough aperture for some people, especially those who prefer shooting in low-light situations, but really, are you going to be doing street shooting or portraits in the dark? I used a flash with mine at a vibrant Christmas party and got amazing results from this little camera, showcasing its potential to adapt and perform well even in challenging environments. The rangefinder is accurate and the focusing system is smooth, making it a joy to use for both seasoned photographers and beginners. Like all tools, each one takes a bit of time to get used to it, but especially with a camera as user-friendly as this, it doesn’t take long to master its quirks and features.
This little camera is sleek and a conversation piece, often attracting attention and compliments wherever I take it. It also is somewhat rare, with limited availability in today’s market. There is not much information on these cameras or their manufacturer, adding to their allure among enthusiasts and collectors. If I held onto this one, it would be worth a lot more one day, given its uniqueness and the nostalgia it carries. But, I have a rule about cameras: if I haven’t used it in a year, I have to sell it. I haven’t stuck to that rule of late, but I’m consciously reinitiating this guideline. I’m selling this one on to someone who will genuinely enjoy it, giving it a new life in the hands of another creative individual. Besides, I have my eye on another rangefinder that I will hopefully talk more about soon, which will bring fresh experiences and new stories to capture.
This camera is the later version and has a flash sync port, which is a valuable addition for creative photography. I tested this feature and it does work well, enhancing the versatility of the camera. The shutter is crisp, and the aperture blades are smooth as butter, allowing for seamless adjustments while shooting. I currently have it listed on eBay for those interested in adding this charming camera to their collection. Go check it out; you may be the winning bidder who gets to explore its creative possibilities. If you have any questions about it, or if you’re curious about my experience with it, feel free to leave your comment or question below. Thank you for your interest!
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Zeiss Ikon Contessa
If you know me at all, you probably know that I love old Zeiss Ikon cameras. They are a bear to work on and a bit fiddly at times, but all old cameras have their quirks that make them unique and endearing. The camera I am reviewing today is the later Contessa, the compact rangefinder that, although it is heavy by today’s standards, it is compact for its time, embodying a blend of innovation and classic design. These were developed in the early sixties with selenium light cells for light meters, a cutting-edge technology at the time that highlighted the ingenuity of camera engineering.
Over the years, I have acquired a few of these with working light meters and a few that didn’t work at all, and it’s fascinating to see how the functionality can vary so significantly across different models. It is very rare that they are accurate, as the passage of time often takes its toll on these delicate mechanisms. I would not recommend you rely on that alone, especially with a color film that requires accuracy; after all, achieving the perfect shot is often about timing. Black and white film, what I use the majority of the time, has a lot more exposure latitude, allowing for a bit more creative freedom in the developing process.
This particular model is accurate within a stop some days and not accurate at all on other outings, creating a sense of unpredictability reminiscent of film photography’s charm. You can sometimes revitalize these old light meters by cleaning the contacts, a rewarding endeavor for those who enjoy tinkering; each restoration feels like breathing new life into a forgotten piece of history. Cleaning these old cameras is good to do, regardless of the chance of rescuing the light meter or not, as it enhances their functionality and preserves their beauty. The main reason for this post is to talk about the amazing little lens they put in these little cameras. It has a Carl Zeiss Tessar 50mm f/2.8 lens that is sharp and takes stunning photographs, rendering details in a way that often surpasses modern lenses. As stated, I usually use black and white film, but due to the coatings on the lens, you can use any color film, allowing for vibrant and rich imagery that stands the test of time.
This particular model has accurate shutter times, smooth aperture operation, and buttery focus, creating an exhilarating shooting experience that brings joy to both seasoned photographers and novices alike. These cameras are at such a great price point, making them an accessible option for anyone interested in exploring the world of rangefinder photography. If you want to try a rangefinder before shelling out thousands of dollars on a Leica, buy one of these cameras; the value they offer is truly exceptional. You will not be disappointed in the quality of the lens and its sharpness, which can capture faint details even in less-than-ideal lighting conditions. Due to its coatings, it does provide a lot of contrast as well, delivering images with depth that draw the viewer in.
I am selling this one on eBay, but I would recommend it whether I am selling one or not; my admiration for these cameras goes beyond mere transactions. If you have any questions about the camera, leave me a comment. Or, maybe you have one handed down through the generations, each with its own stories and memories. Tell me your story, as I am always excited to hear about fellow enthusiasts who understand the passion that surrounds these wonderful machines.
