Voigtlander Vitessa T

[astral]

<p>I have been given a very clean looking Voigtlander Vitessa T which I would like to try out. However, it will first need some attention. As seems usual, the plunger does not work correctly and slow shutter speeds are sticky - but the meter is functional and the camera has no other 'issues'. I'm not a fan of such 'klunkky' cameras, especially ones that use the linked EV system, so I need to decide whether to have it CLA'd or not. </p>

<p>My question is whether a good working Vitessa T (with Color 50/2.8 Skopar) delivers good results in practice, or are they simply average for a good quality camera of its era? I have no clue about the qualities (etc) of the camera - and photos on the web are few and far between . .</p>

<p>I am disinclined to spend much money on it, though a friend of mine is a Voigtlander specialist and he would undertake a thorough overhaul at a fair price. Any thoughts please?</p>

[paul_wheatland]

<p>The Color Skopar is a great lens, found on many far more conventional cameras by this venerable company. The Vitessa is extremely complex and IMHO not user friendly. I'd leave this type of Voigtlander to the collectors, nor would I spend money on a CLA unless the cost was very low(doubtful).</p>

[gabor_szabo3]

<p>These "clunky" Voigtlanders are an acquired taste for some. While a few dedicated shooters relish the feel of these marvelous cameras, others will find it less friendly. <br>

Figure sinking in a cool $200 for a competent CLA. I had a folding Vitessa L worked on a couple of years ago by Essex in NJ ; it had the 50/2 Ultron - very sharp IMHO. I'm very pleased with their service, especially with my recent Contax III overhaul.<br>

The 50/2.8 Color Skopar is a fine lens, too. They render that certain "pop" to well-lit scenes and corner sharpness is better than average. <br>

As with many "very clean looking" specimens, they've seen little use these many decades and might just get going with a little exercise. Have you tried to cock and fire the shutter repeatedly to make it spring back to life? Although, relube and adjustment is best measure.</p>

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[jodys]

<p>I've looked over a couple that were offered for sale at decent prices, I've always given them a pass. I figured my chances of getting it working properly were no better than 50/50, and I'm not by any means a 'collector' so I don't just have to have one.</p>

[leicaglow]

<p>Man, it's like you just called one of my kid ugly. Clunky? I happen to love the EV scale. But feelings aside, you need to load film (or open it up and turn the sprocket until it locks) to make it click... or clunk, in your case<g>.</p>

 

[james_kennedy9]

<p>My brother was stationed in the Army in Germany in the early 60s. While he was there he bought a vitessa-T with the gorgeous pigskin case with 3 lenses. I didn't know this until about 8 years ago when I was visiting him, and mentioned my interest in classic cameras. He brought his kit out from a closet and offered to give it to me. I said I would take it but only if I could give him a $500 check. In 2002, the bottom had not yet fallen out for film cameras, and he was my younger brother, and I knew that he kept his gear in immaculate condition. I have not yet taken a photo with this gear (same with about 100 cameras) but I will.</p>

<p>I also have about 4 of the vitessa folders.</p>

[jean_moxhet]

<p>The Vitessa L "Barn Doors" with 50/2 Ultron lens is a gem of camera. What a build quality. What a strange beast alone of its kind but so nice to use. And what a lens!<br>

I can't imagine not having my Vitessa anymore. That was my first camera received end of the 70's when I was around 10y/o as unbelievable gift from a friend of my father because I was starting to shot nice pics with my father's old camera (Adox Polo). I received the full kit (Vitessa, hood, Kontur finder, filters, focar macro add-on lenses, manuals, all with gorgeous leather case) and was so impressed by all these stuff that I treated it with full respect while shooting beautifull pics. Off course later on I had other cameras, but the "Barn Door" beauty remained my favorite... she will be my last camera ;-)<br>

Don't know what you have to d with your Vitessa (never found the "T" as appealling as the "L") but anyway it's a fabulous camera to have.</p>

 

[astral]

<p>Thanks folks. Well, having 'excercised' the 'clunky' mechanisim, read the manual and taken on board your comments the camera is still not winding properly, and the shutter remains indecisive. Pressing the red film release button helps, but on release the 'clunker' doesn't clunk and the 'clicker' doesn't click correcly.</p>

<p>The only reason for me to keep the camera and have it attended to is in order to use it. But I <em>am </em>surprised that the prices being asked for this model. I refrained from calling the camera 'goofy' only on account of the quality of materials being so good; but there a a few 'goofs' in the design - at least in my view. It's redeeming feature seems only to be the Skopar lens.</p>

<p>The upshot is that I'll enquire about the possibility of a very cheap fix from my friend - a three figure sum is out of the question ~ anything over £30 will seal its fate as an example of a well-made but 'goofy and clunky' glass cabinet camera.</p>

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[chuck_foreman1]

I think it's good that you know how much this camera is worth.....to you!! Others hold it awe and deep respect. Another has sentimental attachment another invested in long term value.. You know .. more than 30 pounds.. it's out of here! Respect!