Voigtlander Vitessa Exposure/Light Meter Issue

[Richdein]

Hi everyone, I want to start by saying I'm new here so if this post is not in the right forum I am sorry and will move the post. I was gifted a Voigtlander Vitessa L, the specific version is unknown, for Christmas this year. I have not used the camera yet because the exposure/light meter is broken. This seems to be a common issue with selenium celled light meters. I have read up a bit on the issues with selenium cells and how to, potentially, get them back into working order. That being said, I have never taken apart a camera and have read that the Voigtlander Vitessa is a rather complicated camera. My questions are as follows. 1. Is it possible for me to disassemble the camera and affect some sort of a repair to get the exposure/light meter back in working order? 2. If it is possible to do so, what would I need to do to actually "repair" the exposure/light meter? 3. If it is not possible and/or not advisable given that I am a novice, what would be a good exposure/light meter to use? I understand that the genius, and downfall, of the Voigtlander exposure/light meter is that you set the rotating drum based on the film you're using" read the adjustment factor based on the chart and position of the light meter; adjust the camera to match the value; and the camera will, for the most part, have its shutter speed and aperture size automatically determined. Thank you!

 

[Cascadilla]

I wouldn't attempt to repair this--new selenium cells are hard to find and getting the exact calibration is difficult, and this won't be an easy camera to disassemble. There are lots of light meters around, including period correct selenium meters from the 1950's. I have 2 selenium cell Zeiss Ikophots that work and there are lots of others. You can also download an app for a cell phone that works well and costs nothing if you already have even a basic smartphone. The EVS system from that period can be convenient but is also a pain once you know how to use the exposure controls

Have you tried winding and clicking the shutter? There may be many more issues with an old camera that hasn't been used for a long time.

 

[Jonathan R]

The ‘automatic’ bit is simply that the meter reads in Exposure Values (EV). Once you have set the EV on the scale on the lens, aperture and shutter speed remain coupled together, offering different combinations with the correct exposure . (I don’t know the L model, but it may also be possible to uncouple them?)

Lots of period and modern light meters can output in EVs, so I agree that attempting to repair the camera’s selenium meter is probably futile.

I’ve serviced the winder mechanism on a Vitessa, and cleaned its viewfinder/rangefinder. Those tasks were straightforward, but I was glad not to have to dismantle the Compur shutter.

 

[Richdein]

Hi, thank you for the replies. I will not proceed with attempting to fix the exposure/light meter. The advancement mechanism has been tested and does work. The camera was owned by my dad's friend and was cared for by him. Is there any light meter youse recommend for a film camera? I have read that some people in the photography community are wary of modern light meters because they feel they are not built with film photography in mind. Is that true? Thank you!

 

[Timmyjoe]

I've found most light meters work fine with film cameras. Very few digital cameras don't have built in light meters, so I'm not aware of any light meters build specifically for digital cameras.

Best,
-Tim

 

[Tim Murphy]

Hi, thank you for the replies. I will not proceed with attempting to fix the exposure/light meter. The advancement mechanism has been tested and does work. The camera was owned by my dad's friend and was cared for by him. Is there any light meter youse recommend for a film camera? I have read that some people in the photography community are wary of modern light meters because they feel they are not built with film photography in mind. Is that true? Thank you!

Dear Richdein,

If you buy from Ebay there are thousands of inexpensive hand-held light meters available for around $ 20.00 that will do the job. A Gossen Pilot will be more than adequate to use with Vitessa.

If you'd like a brand-new light meter that is well regarded, then I would recommend the Sekonic L-208. It can be mounted on the flash shoe of the Vitessa. There are also many other shoe mount light meter options if you chose to go with a new meter.

But before you spend any more money maybe you can put a roll of film in the camera and shoot it using Sunny F16 rules. Get it developed and see what you got. Then decide if the camera and the additional expense of light meter is worth it. If your photos turn out reasonably well exposed and in focus with no light leaks then maybe you might benefit from a more modern light meter.

Try it out and see!

Regards,

Tim Murphy

Harrisburg PA 🙂

 

[Jonathan R]

If you have a smartphone, the Lightme app is excellent, customisable, and does display EVs.

 

[Richdein]

Dear Richdein,

If you buy from Ebay there are thousands of inexpensive hand-held light meters available for around $ 20.00 that will do the job. A Gossen Pilot will be more than adequate to use with Vitessa.

If you'd like a brand-new light meter that is well regarded, then I would recommend the Sekonic L-208. It can be mounted on the flash shoe of the Vitessa. There are also many other shoe mount light meter options if you chose to go with a new meter.

But before you spend any more money maybe you can put a roll of film in the camera and shoot it using Sunny F16 rules. Get it developed and see what you got. Then decide if the camera and the additional expense of light meter is worth it. If your photos turn out reasonably well exposed and in focus with no light leaks then maybe you might benefit from a more modern light meter.

Try it out and see!

Regards,

Tim Murphy

Harrisburg PA 🙂

Hey Tim,

First of all, it's great to see someone from Northeast here lol. I am from Jersey originally and love Harrisburg. Second of all, thank you for the response. I think I will go ahead and shoot a roll first before buying anything. I would probably buy something used, I am not a fan of buying new things (it's wasteful). I have a Rollei 35 from, I think, the 60s or 70s that has a functioning light meter so I can use that as a reference.

 

[Tim Murphy]

Hey Tim,

First of all, it's great to see someone from Northeast here lol. I am from Jersey originally and love Harrisburg. Second of all, thank you for the response. I think I will go ahead and shoot a roll first before buying anything. I would probably buy something used, I am not a fan of buying new things (it's wasteful). I have a Rollei 35 from, I think, the 60s or 70s that has a functioning light meter so I can use that as a reference.

Dear Rich,

I think it's a great idea to test the camera out before you spend any more money. It may do fine, but you may discover that it needs some work. There is a camera repair shop in the Portland Oregon area that has been recommended here many times. Unfortunately, their name escapes me, but I think it may be Advanced Camera Repair.

So, you're from Joisey? What exit on the Turnpike! I'm a kid from the Philly area myself, but I spent a lot of time in NJ fishing and exploring when I was younger. Welcome aboard and I hope you enjoy the Rangefinder Forum. I've learned a great deal from the members here and they are all honest and forthcoming with their advice and suggestions.

Regards,

Tim Murphy

Harrisburg PA 🙂

 

[Godfrey]

Hallo,

Advance Camera Repair in Portland, OR ; (503) 292-6996 (Dave Sleeth) ... They've refurbished several Kodak Retina II/III cameras, my Voigtländer Vitessa, Vito II, and Perkeo II, and a few other things. Good folks.

The Vitessa is a lovely, interesting camera with a good lens (any of them!) that performs well. Mine has the Color-Skopar 50mm f/3.5 and it's a fine performer. The film advance mechanism is a little fragile, in my opinion, so try not to beat it up. Handled with respect, the Vitessa should last for years of use. Personally, I wouldn't spend money to repair any 1950s selenium meter. I recently bought a Gossen Luna Pro SBC for less than $100 which is at least 100x more useful/accurate/capable than any of these ancient in-camera meters.

Here's some of my Vitessa/Vito II stuff: Voigtländer Cameras and Photos (ongoing)

G

 

[santino]

A lightmeter is universal. No matter if your Voigtländer works or not, you can always use it with a different camera (we here at RFF like to buy nice things, and lightmeters are nice 😁).

Most modern lightmeters have intermediate stops and that can be off putting when you only shoot with full or half stops. I‘m with you on that, just get a nice, used and inexpensive lightmeter.