Voigtländer Vito BL Type I Viewfinder camera

Offered from a private collection:
Voigtländer VITO BL camera, type I, with Color-Skopar 3.5/50 mm lens.
Production year: 1956.
This is a fully mechanical viewfinder camera with the accompanying accessory case.
The camera is in very good and beautiful condition.

Characteristic of the Voigtländer VITO BL is the overall quality, the compact and sturdy construction, and the high-quality Color-Skopar 3.5/50 lens.

Both the viewfinder and the taking lens are in optimal condition.
The shutter speed, the aperture and the (estimated) distance to the subject must be set with the respective rings around the lens. Everything works with play-free, smooth, and precise movement.
The camera is equipped with a Prontor-SVS central shutter, with shutter speeds from 1 to 1/300 second and B.
The shutter has been visually and audibly tested and operates as expected from 1/15 second. The longer shutter speeds do not seem reliable, which is not unusual for such old cameras.
Film speed is set with the adjustment dial on top of the camera around the lens. After pressing the button at the back of the camera, the light value registered by the light meter is readable.
The correct shutter speed / aperture combination can then be set, based on the light value indicated by the light meter, using the adjustment rings around the lens. (The red figures are the light values.)
Given the age of the camera and the light meter, accuracy must of course be determined experimentally (with film). The correct operation of a (selenium) light meter of this age is questionable. With some experience, however, this camera can still be used for good photography even without a working light meter.

The strobe release is linked to the film transport lever at the back of the camera but is not mechanical. In fact, the shutter is cocked as the sprocket wheel (photos 31/32) is moved along by the film during transport. Without film in the camera it is therefore not possible to cock the shutter with the film transport lever. To test the shutter operation, with the back open the sprocket wheel can be turned manually toward the spool (until a clear click is audible) to cock the shutter.

The shutter release button on top of the camera operates smoothly, has a distinct feel, and is fitted with threads for a cable release. Also on top of the camera are the Bewi exposure dial, the flash shoe, and the recessed rewind knob, which pops up when the side button is pressed (photos 32/33).

On the bottom of the camera is the tripod socket and the lock for the shared base plate and hinged back, and the control wheel for the frame counter (photos 37/38).

Manual: https://butkus.org/chinon/voigtlander_pdf/voigtlander_vito/voigtlander_vito.htm
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rbrhdi61DRk

Film format: 35 mm ("small image"); 36 negatives of 24 x 36 mm on a roll of 36 exposures.

Dimensions of the camera: 11.5 x 8 x 7.5 cm
Weight: 638 g.
The camera is supplied with the accompanying leather accessory case.

The camera will be carefully packed, sent by registered mail, insured and traceable."