Can someone tell me a little more about my camera?

[LornaLoo]

I bought a camera today from a local market, purely because I love the look of old cameras, and am intrigued to find out a little more about it. I havn't a clue about cameras so any information would be appreciated. Photographs can be found at the link below. Its a Voigtlander Anastigmat Voigtar 1:7,7 F=10,5 cm
Id love to know what year its from too, but any information would be lovely!
Thank you

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150945373783798.439791.771453797&type=3&l=4074c3691e

 

[Frey]

Wow, I don't know anything about old cameras but it looks amazing.

 

[Morinaka]

After doing a little digging it's a Voigtländer Bessa made between 1935-1937, it uses standard 120 roll film and can take pictures in the 6x9 or 6x4.5cm formats, that's why it has two windows on the back. Though you need a mask for the 6x4.5cm option and it's probably missing like they always are from old models, easily lost over the years.

It's a pretty standard medium format folder, still perfectly usable if the shutter works, the Anastigmat lens is probably a simple three element triplet lens design so should take good pictures, shot plenty of triplet lenses and they all look good, though the lack of lens coatings will give you low contrast pictures.

Not sure how familiar you are with using film but if you need any more help ask on here or in the IRC channel.

 

[Andysnap]

Hi Lorna, welcome to TP.

Here you go, its this one I think.

http://voigtlander.pagesperso-orange.fr/cameras.htm

Voigtlander are one of the best known makes in early camera production and produced many stunningly good cameras, they had been making lenses since 12756 so pre-date photography by many years.

The Bessa range were probably their best selling cameras. If you want to use it 120 film is still readily available and there are many places which will develop, in fact there is a sticky in this section with a list of them.

You will need to check that the shutter works so open up the back and cock and fire the shutter whilst looking through the lens, it should open and close quickly. Probably not very accurate after all these years and may need a service. Next check the bellows for light leaks. Go to a dark place open the back and shine a torch in and see if there are any leaks.

I believe it produces 6 x 9 negatives which are as big as medium format gets and if it still works will produce lovely images which will knock your socks off.

Cheers

Andy

 

[NickT]

I have an identical camera which my cousin gave to me.

It's the bottom of the range of the Bessas, just two shutter speeds and very slow lens. I've run a roll though it and I reckon even by 1930s standards, this was one dog awful camera. Sorry to be so negative but you did ask. The lens isn't very sharp and if you put Tri-x in it and the sun comes out, you're stuffed as you haven't got a fast enough shutter speed. If you put a slow film in and it's a bit gloomy, you're stuffed the other way. One useful tip - that coin slot in the back between the red windows (if you have one) moves a metal blind over the window inside the camera. If it's in the wrong position when you wind on, then you won't see any frame numbers through the window. This has the advantage that you can use up a whole film before you realise and therefore spares you the disappointment of developing the film and having to look at the results.

P.S. You don't need to cock the shutter, it cocks as you press the spring loaded lever down. The shutter then opens and closes with a huge clang! The self timer probably won't work and if yours is anything like mine it probably smells disgusting.

 

[Joenail]

I have a similar camera, Kodak Kodex thing. I love it. Really nice, soft lens with hardly any contrast. The finder thing can be a pain to use, but it all adds to whatever that thing is that makes me use it!

The best cameras are the best ones

 

[LornaLoo]

Thanks guys! This is loads of help. I cant wait to try it out! I've never used a film camera but I've always wanted to. Might be back for some more help soon!