tgon
Member
Saw a mint condition, just CLA'd Voigtlander Vitomatic II. I'm thinking of getting it and use it for everyday shooting. I would appreciate your thoughts on this.
Thanks
Thanks
Voigtlander Vitomatic II
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philipb
Established
A mechanical work of art
That's actually my IIa, the 1960 upgrade of the II. It's a superbly simple and robust device for taking great photos. No batteries for the meter, but the selenium cell will be over 50 years old, although it should be OK if the camera has mostly been stored in the dark.
The handling is interesting as the camera is small but heavy. Quite nose-heavy. It works well in the half case.
The viewfinder is the best I have used, although my experience is limited. It's 1:1 so you can keep both eyes open when shooting.
The shutter is really quite. If you need to test it make sure a film is loaded otherwise it won't charge.
And the lens: a real gem. I'm referring to the 50/2.8 Color Skopar. I'm not too familiar with lens terminology but sharpness and contrast are all in the right places to me and I really like the look of the results.
The only limitation can be the 1/300 shutter speed, so don't use 400 ISO film on a bright day, otherwise you could be in trouble.
That's actually my IIa, the 1960 upgrade of the II. It's a superbly simple and robust device for taking great photos. No batteries for the meter, but the selenium cell will be over 50 years old, although it should be OK if the camera has mostly been stored in the dark.
The handling is interesting as the camera is small but heavy. Quite nose-heavy. It works well in the half case.
The viewfinder is the best I have used, although my experience is limited. It's 1:1 so you can keep both eyes open when shooting.
The shutter is really quite. If you need to test it make sure a film is loaded otherwise it won't charge.
And the lens: a real gem. I'm referring to the 50/2.8 Color Skopar. I'm not too familiar with lens terminology but sharpness and contrast are all in the right places to me and I really like the look of the results.
The only limitation can be the 1/300 shutter speed, so don't use 400 ISO film on a bright day, otherwise you could be in trouble.
tgon
Member
Thanks for your info Philip. The baby I saw the other day looks exactly like yours. So what film would you recommend that I use.
philipb
Established
ISO 100 is a good place to start. I've been meaning to try some Ektar 100 in mine to see what the old lens/new film combo gives. If you want a vintage look you really can't go wrong with Kodak Gold. It covers a good range and if you've got a steady hand (aided by the weight of the camera) you can go down to 1/8 on the shutter speed.
tgon
Member
Thanks again Philip! I'll check the Vito again today. Btw, the owner said it's a Vito IIa. So it should be like yours.
Ting
Ting
tgon
Member
Vito
Vito
Thanks again Philip! I'll check the Vito again today. Btw, the owner said it's a Vito IIa. So it should be like yours.
Ting
Vito
Thanks again Philip! I'll check the Vito again today. Btw, the owner said it's a Vito IIa. So it should be like yours.
Ting
marcus
Member
Go for it. Voigtlander glass does something special with color film. Great camera that is under the radar. I think my last post from years ago was about the same camera, too! I'm actually looking for that lens in an interchangeable mount to use on my m4/3 body.
radiocemetery
Well-known
Here is a link to a previous thread with some results from my Vitomatic II and those of others too.
http://rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=52186
i have noticed that the Vitomatic gets noticed, even by people without camera experience. The build quality is obvious when you hold and use it. I like mine very much.
Steve
http://rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=52186
i have noticed that the Vitomatic gets noticed, even by people without camera experience. The build quality is obvious when you hold and use it. I like mine very much.
Steve
tgon
Member
Thanks everyone for your help and feedback.
gilpen123
Gil
Hi Ting get a 100 Kodak Gold color film or Lucky 100 for trial.
Muggins
Junk magnet
I've got a IIa, and I'd strongly recommend that you find a manual and have a good read first. There's a "gotcha" somewhere - I think it's in the film loading and rewinding - that I missed, and it screwed me right up until I found the cause. Mike Butkus's site has a manual, as that's where I found mine.
It's quite complex for the period, as it's combining a lot of functions in a very small package, so it takes a bit of getting used to - no point-and-shoot stuff with it! Needing to have a film in to cock the shutter is a pain as it makes it harder to familiarise yourself with the workings first. However, it's a really top-notch lens for the period, and it's built like a tank. The viewfinder is big - apart from Brilliant finders, the only bigger one I've seen was on a Vito C - and easy to use, though my RF patch is a bit faint.
My verdict - a bit counter-intuitive, but persever and learn the quirks, because the quality is great.
Adrian
It's quite complex for the period, as it's combining a lot of functions in a very small package, so it takes a bit of getting used to - no point-and-shoot stuff with it! Needing to have a film in to cock the shutter is a pain as it makes it harder to familiarise yourself with the workings first. However, it's a really top-notch lens for the period, and it's built like a tank. The viewfinder is big - apart from Brilliant finders, the only bigger one I've seen was on a Vito C - and easy to use, though my RF patch is a bit faint.
My verdict - a bit counter-intuitive, but persever and learn the quirks, because the quality is great.
Adrian
tgon
Member
Thanks for the info Adrian.
Gil, yes I picked up a couple of rolls today of kodak pro image 100 and tmax 100. The used rolls is with Studio 58 already. I will pick it up Thurs.
Gil, yes I picked up a couple of rolls today of kodak pro image 100 and tmax 100. The used rolls is with Studio 58 already. I will pick it up Thurs.
gilpen123
Gil
Great Ting. Follow the advise of Adrian, check the recommended site and read the manual before you start wastinf film hehehe .....congrats on your new toy. Make sure you bring it on Friday and let's start pouring beer on it.
tgon
Member
Yes. Reading is always good. I will try to get a copy of the manual from ebay and probably a case.
tgon
Member
Yes Mike's site is a good one. That's were i read the primers on the IIIf.
Muggins
Junk magnet
Get the case qucikly - apparently the bottom half makes a perfect half-case for an Olympus Trip 35, and if the prices go the way Trip prices have... 😉
Adrian
Adrian
tgon
Member
LOL. I'll let you know as soon as it's here.
Ting
Ting
Keyne
Established
I love the Vitomatic II. I used my Dad's that he purchased new and its a great camera. Very easy to use and get great results. In fact that Vito was the reason I bought a Leica M8. I wanted to continue shooting with rangefinders but have digital. Be careful those little Vito's can cause GAS and other addiction issues.
tgon
Member
Feeling it now Keyne. 🙂
tgon
Member
WOW! You're really inspiring me guys. Nice babies!
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