Voigtlander Vitessa

[whitecat]

Anyone have one? I have the Contessa and want to compliment it. Which is the most sought after? I prefer one without the interchangable lenses. Do they have meters?

 

[Sonnar Brian]

The Vitessa L is the folder with barn doors, and has a meter. The Vitessa T is the non-folder with interchangeable lenses. The Vitessa's are VERY quirky. The RF is a nightmare to align. The Kodak Retina IIIc is a much better choice. Of course, it does not come with an Ultron or Skopar.

I have the Vitessa T and Vitessa N. The latter does not have a meter. These are big cameras- I use a Nikkorex Case for my Vitessa T. The L and N are the same sized body, have the barn doors.

 

[David Goldfarb]

I had a Vitessa L with the 50/2.0 Ultron for a few years--probably my favorite 50mm lens. It had a selenium meter that didn't work, as is usually the case. Better to use a handheld meter. Here's a favorite Vitessa-L shot--

 

[whitecat]

really nice shot.

 

[ErnestoJL]

If you want a companion for your Contessa why not a Voigtländer Vitomatic IIb (selenium meter) or better, a Cs (CdS cell) ? They both have the Color Skopar. If you want the Ultron take a look at a Vitomatic IIIb (also selenium meter) or III Cs (CdS cell).
All have fixed lens, and are very compact and dependable cameras.

Cheers

Ernesto

 

[134k]

I have a Vitessa 125 that was CLA'd by Wolf Umbach. I actually find it a joy to use, and with practice I've learned to shoot fairly quick.

 

[whitecat]

I'll look at the Vitomatics, thanks.

 

[nico]

Hi Whitecat,
I recently got mine (a Vitessa with fixed Ultron 50 and no meter and ears for straps).
I wrote a few lines about it here and posted some photos.
If you want you can see some more photos took with that camera here on my blog:
http://fotonico237.blogspot.com/2008/01/lucca-vitessa-1.html
http://fotonico237.blogspot.com/2008/02/nightbound-train-1.html (except the third one from above).
Maybe I'll be able to post something more later.
I always bring it with me, a little bit heavy but it's a nice pocketable camera with a very fast 50 mm lens.
Ciao

 

[Roger Hicks]

For a collector: 'Bomb Doors' f/2. I've had 'em, but they are extremely idiosyncratic and need servicing to maintain anything like smooth wind-on.

Otherwise: well, I'd go for a Retina...

Cheers,

R.