cmedin
Well-known
I've recently discovered the existence of these cameras, and I'm tempted to pick one up for a carry-around pocketable 35mm. I told myself I would NOT be getting more gear, but we all know how well that works out. 
So, first off, those of you who have or have used one, is it truly reasonably as a carry-around camera? Dimension wise it seems fairly compact.
Second, what should I expect to pay for a good condition one?
Third, what should I watch out for when purchasing one? Any known trouble areas?
Fourth, does the 'plunger' always stick up? It seems that it would be pretty inconvenient so I'm guessing there's a way to keep it in...
Thanks all!
So, first off, those of you who have or have used one, is it truly reasonably as a carry-around camera? Dimension wise it seems fairly compact.
Second, what should I expect to pay for a good condition one?
Third, what should I watch out for when purchasing one? Any known trouble areas?
Fourth, does the 'plunger' always stick up? It seems that it would be pretty inconvenient so I'm guessing there's a way to keep it in...
Thanks all!
cmedin
Well-known
Well, question number four was answered after some more searching.
I still need help with the other three!
I still need help with the other three!
raid
Dad Photographer
I had my eyes on one of those, but I switched to Konica cameras instead. I wonder which cameras have the overall better lenses.
cmedin
Well-known
No idea, though I gather the Vitessas had pretty decent optics. They're just so damn pretty!
By the way, there's a 'mint' Konica IIIa buy-it-now $249 on that auction site. Not sure if that's a good deal, just noticed your sig.
By the way, there's a 'mint' Konica IIIa buy-it-now $249 on that auction site. Not sure if that's a good deal, just noticed your sig.
raid
Dad Photographer
cmedin said:
The market price of a Konica IIIa seems to be in the range $150-$300. I got instead a Konica IIIM for $185.
Thanks.
KoNickon
Nick Merritt
Yes, it's a reasonable size (collapsed) as a carry-around camera, no question.
You ought to be able to get one for $150 or less.
The plunger retracts -- takes a bit of practice but basically you just push it down not quite all the way and it should stay down.
You may find the selenium meter to be dead or inaccurate. Also, the viewfinder might be "still hazy after all these years." And similarly, the slow speeds may be inaccurate or inoperative. But these are all generally applicable to cameras that are 50+ years old.
You ought to be able to get one for $150 or less.
The plunger retracts -- takes a bit of practice but basically you just push it down not quite all the way and it should stay down.
You may find the selenium meter to be dead or inaccurate. Also, the viewfinder might be "still hazy after all these years." And similarly, the slow speeds may be inaccurate or inoperative. But these are all generally applicable to cameras that are 50+ years old.
steamer
Well-known
I've got a Vitessa A3 model I believe, no light meter and ultron 50mm f.2. Paid about $130, it is a very stylish camera. A little heavy for the pocket. All the speeds work well and the plunger is a pretty nifty way to advance the film and cock the shutter. The lens is very nice though I don't know if it's tessar, planar or what. I always feel like I ought to use it more often. Here is one shot from the Vitessa.
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KoNickon
Nick Merritt
steamer, I'm not too up on the various sub-models of Vitessa, but basically the lenses for these came in Tessar-type Color-Skopar f2.8 and f3.5, or an f2 Ultron like yours, which I think is a six element design more similar to Sonnars and Summicrons. It's an excellent lens.
raid
Dad Photographer
I have a Voighlaender Prominent with the Nokton 50/1.5 lens. It is a great lens as my 50mm lens test results showed when two people sent me their Nokton lenses in Contax mount and in LTM.
steamer
Well-known
Thanks KoNickon, I'd always wondered what the lens design was. It also handles color well.