Description

Rare VOIGTLANDER Vitessa with Captive Back, Compur-Rapid Shutter, + Ultron Lens Early VOIGTLANDER Vitessa N 35mm rangefinder camera with 1:2/50mm Ultron lens. This is the Model 125, the very first model in a long and successful series of cameras. Made from April 1953 to March 1954. The first model is characterized by the following features Compur-Rapid shutter (instead of the later Synchro-Compur) Rangefinder window has a rhombic shape (later models have a rectangular rangefinder window) Parallax correction has to be done by hand (automatic in later models) No accessory shoe No strap lugs Back cover can be lowered but not removed; it is captive. Here are the more standard features of the camera: Unique patented rapid film advance via a vertical plunger that is pushed down with the left hand while the shutter release is operated with the right hand. Automatic frame counting with unusual display on the front of the camera. Six-element Ultron 1:2 50mm lens with serial number 3 304 261 (made in 1952). Flash-synchronized Compur-Rapid leaf shutter (B, 1 - 1/500 sec). Shutter serial number 7 073 201 (made in 1950). Convenient display of exposure time and diaphragm setting on top of the lens. During transport, the lens is protected by two 'barn doors'. Convenient focusing wheel in the back of the camera . Display of the distance and the depth-of-field on top of the camera. Distance scale in feet. The camera comes with the original brown leather case the original instruction manual, code name 125 09 - 13A/452, made in 1952 a CD containing scanned high resolution post-WWII Voigtlander catalogs . The camera is in good condition and is fully functional. Shutter works at all speeds, flash contact functions, focusing action is smooth. The Ultron lens is fairly clean, there is no fungus, no cloudiness, nor scratches. The diaphragm moves smoothly. The coincidence rangefinder produces a clearly visible double image with good horizontal overlap at infinity (vertically, it is a little bit off). Metal and leather covering in good shape. Leather case is in good condition. The instruction manual shows its age, but is complete. Buyer to pay actual USPS shipping cost (no handling fee). Estimated shipping weight is 3 pounds. I would be happy to combine several items in one shipment to reduce shipping costs. Happy bidding!