Voigtlander Vitamtic iia

[yasminyana]

Got one of these in a box of junk bought at an auction last week and have no idea how to use it. I have put a film in it and have tried to read up a bit about it but not sure if it's working properly. The whole box cost me £20 and there were 6 cameras in the box but this one looks the most interesting. What should I be seeing through the viewfinder as I have no idea what a rangefinder is? Sorry it this is a dumb question!

 

[farlymac]

It's quite simple, really. You have a main image that you see through the viewfinder, which should be roughly the way the camera sees the subject.

Then you have a projected secondary image (sometimes of another color, and is the rangefinder image) that, as you focus the camera, when it becomes aligned with the main image, your lens should be in focus.

If when you get your photos back, they are all out of focus, then your rangefinder most likely needs to be adjusted. Or you didn't focus correctly, but that's rare, once you get the hang of it. Smaller apertures will correct some focusing problems, while larger apertures will enhance them.

Here's a nice site that explains some of the workings of your Vitomatic II.
http://photoethnography.com/ClassicCameras/index-frameset.html?VoigtlanderVitomatic.html~mainFrame

And another one where you can download an instruction manual.
http://www.butkus.org/chinon/

Welcome to RFf, and happy shooting with your new acquisitions.

PF

 

[yasminyana]

Thank you so much for the helpful reply and the links, I will check them out. I have just tried the camera outside and managed to see the second (slightly yellow) image so I now know that those photos will be in focus. It's been over 30 years since I have used 35mm film and I had almost forgotten everything as I now only use a DSLR. I intend to sell some of the other cameras I got but I quite liked the Voigtlander so will keep that one now I know it appears to be working ok.
Many thanks.

 

[Muggins]

I suspect you may find that the meter is a bit off when you get the first film developed - the curse of elderly selenium cells. However it's fun to use - and you can bang nails in with it as well!

Adrian

 

[farlymac]

If your model has the Color-Skopar lens, then you should get some nice results.

PF