Vito IIa Film Loading Question

[RayPA]

I have a Vito IIa that I picked up several years ago. It's pretty clean, and I'd like to shoot with it.

However, I noticed that the take up reel has a large diameter. It's so large that I would be surprised if I would be able to shoot a 24 or 36 exposure roll of film. I'd guess that it could probably shoot a 12 exp. roll (if that). I haven't yet been able to find anything on the 'net.

Anyone know if this is correct (or a possible alteration)?



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[sevo]

I don't remember ever having noticed that on a Vito, but I don't know whether I ever had a IIa. I've seen other cameras with oversize take-up spools and all of them took 36 frame film, so I don't suppose you'll run into a surprise.

 

[thomob]

i just checked my Vito II and the diameter of the take up spool isnt that large.. that seems oversized? someone might of put that spool in before u owned it.. you might be able to remove that spool and replace it?

hope you figure it out! I havent shot with mine yet either, but i might put a roll through it soon

 

[radiocemetery]

It looks right to me. I have a Vito B and a Vitomatic II that appear to have the same take up spool as your Vito IIa. I use 24 exp. rolls in the Vitomatic. No problems. Haven't shot with the Vito B yet but the spools are the same.

Steve

 

[Muggins]

It doesn't help you, but it might explain why my Vito1a has a Contax take up spool.

I briefly had a later Vito C and that had quite a big spool in it, but still took 36. If it hasn't been used for a while, it might be a good idea to run a scrap film through it a couple of times - the Vito C had terrible frame spacing problems with the first film, but after running a scrap film through a few times it loosened up nicely.

Adrian

 

[Mablo]

Gosh... I really like the looks of Vito IIa.

 

[RayPA]

Thanks for the replies. I'm going to go ahead and sacrifice some film for a test. I bulk load so I just loaded up a 36 exp. roll of TX.

@Mablo, It's a very nice, solidly built camera that folds down to a sturdy size. The only drawback (IMO) is that it's scale focus. Not a problem, really, if you are use to shooting hyperfocal. The camera has some helpful settings for shooting quickly at smaller apertures.

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[RayPA]

It Worked Fine

It Worked Fine

UPDATE:
The camera took a full roll (~39 frames) with no issues! 🙂



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[colourblind]

Good to hear! You had me wondering. I'm just running the first roll through an antique store Vitomatic ! that feels a little sticky. We'll see how it shoots. Played with an old family Vito B for the last few weeks and it was awesome.