Voigtlander 35mm folder mystery

[BrunoK]

I uncovered a Voigtlander 35mm folder non-range finder camera.
[If this is posted in the wrong place please move or delete as necessary]

I need some help in identifying this one.

Odd little camera in many ways. The lens door has lost the leather covering but the Voigtlander script V enameled rondel remains, as does the Voigtlander imprint on the back leather.

On opening the door the oddities continue.

A horizontal bar pops up a the top edge of the lens door. Closer inspection shows that this is the shutter release. Looks rather fragile to me. Fastest shutter speed is 1/300 sec.

There is a flip out yellow filter mount in a black frame on the Compur shutter ring bezel. The filter is inscribed Voigtlander Moment 25-29

Flipping this open reveals the Voigtlander Skoppar 1:3,5 f=5cm lens.

The lens door has a small silver metal peg leg which helps open the case and supports the camera in a level position when open.

Oh, and one final thing. It has the absolutely smallest viewfinder I have ever seen. Measures 1/16" high [ plus or minus a metric hair ] and 3/16' wide [ with the same tolerance ] Which is surprisingly clear, bright, and easier to view through than seems possible

Any help in identifying this riddler camera would be greatly appreciated.

I hope to photograph it over the week-end.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Muggins]

I think I read the Vito was developed in the late 1930s and was designed for use with unperforated 35mm film. This was permanently shelved on the outbreak of WW2, but the basic design of the camera was re-used post-war.

A bit more googling throws up this: http://mitglied.lycos.de/tigin/cameras/Vito39.jpg

And a pic from the Amateur Photographer fourm of a Vito I - http://mitglied.lycos.de/tigin/cameras/Vito39.jpg

So I reckon it was the Vito 1, in the conservatory, with the lead piping.

Any help?

Adrian

 

[Solinar]

The actual camera back in the late 1930's looked more like http://www.collection-appareils.fr/album_notices_P_Z/Voigtlander_catalogue_1939/slides/flipfrancais005.jpg.

The idea behind the kleinbild miniature folding camera was to keep it small. It looks like the finder suffered as a consequence. Compared to an Agfa Karat or Kodak Retina of the late 1930's - the Vito was very stylish.

 

[BrunoK]

Both of you detectives solved the mystery in one step.

Muggins said;
So I reckon it was the Vito 1, in the conservatory, with the lead piping.

Any help?

Adrian

Yes, indeed. A closer look inside revealed the lack of sprocket wheels in this little confirming your identification.


And Solinar provides a link
http://www.collection-appareils.fr/...der_catalogue_1939/slides/flipfrancais005.jpg
of a photograph of the exact camera I found complete with the flip-out filter.

Thanks again,
Bruno

 

[BrunoK]

The actual camera back in the late 1930's looked more like http://www.collection-appareils.fr/album_notices_P_Z/Voigtlander_catalogue_1939/slides/flipfrancais005.jpg.

The idea behind the kleinbild miniature folding camera was to keep it small. It looks like the finder suffered as a consequence. Compared to an Agfa Karat or Kodak Retina of the late 1930's - the Vito was very stylish.

Yes, but the amazing thing is that the tiny viewfinder does provide a more than adequately bright and clear viewfinder image. It really has to been seen in person to be believed. It would be extremely interesting to uncover the optical specs. on this little item.

IMO, it compares favorably with the Leica IIIf viewfinder.

 

[Muggins]

Well, I'm delighted I could help. It sounded so nearly like my Vito II that my curiosity was piqued, and knowing that bit it was relatively simple. These things often are if you have an important clue! Thanks for posting the conundrum - I've learnt from it!

And yes, the viewfinder is so small it's amazing.

Adrian