Classical Vitessa GAS

[HuubL]

I've recently developed a serious bout of Vitessa Gas. The beautiful chrome, the inviting barn doors with the popping folder and shining Ultron glass, even the ungainly plunger of the classic L make this a camera with character. I've decided I want one. Please tell me what I should check out, take care of... What are its weak points, strong points?

 

[KoNickon]

You have no doubt seen this: http://www.cameraquest.com/voitvitl.htm

I'm not sure what you mean by "the ungainly plunger of the classic L" -- I believe all the Vitessas have the plunger.

I understand the plunger mechanism can be very hard to repair, but it's a very effective and convenient (though unorthodox) way to wind film. Likewise, I recently read a discussion about adjusting the rangefinder on the camera, and it's a nightmare to work on. But if you find one in good working order, you will find it to be an extremely smooth-functioning camera. The selenium meter may be dead (and it only goes up to ISO 200), but of course you don't need to use it. The lenses on the cameras are of course as good as any of their contemporaries, though you probably will want to find the Ultron version.

I'd like to get a complete Vitessa T package someday, with all the lenses, though it's not nearly as elegant a camera (a bulge rather than the barndoors).