Voigtländer VITO BL Analogue camera

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Description from the seller

Voigtländer Vito BL - The Pinnacle of Mechanical Precision and Optical ClarityThe Voigtländer Vito BL, produced in West Germany during the mid-to-late 1950s, is a celebrated member of the illustrious Vito family. Distinguished by its built-in, uncoupled selenium light meter and its expansive, bright-line viewfinder, the "BL" model was designed for the serious amateur who demanded both high performance and a compact form factor. This camera is a masterpiece of tactile engineering; every dial, lever, and click provides the heavy, precise feedback characteristic of Voigtländer’s golden era. Equipped with the legendary Color-Skopar lens, it remains a favorite for film enthusiasts seeking a "pocketable" camera that delivers medium-format-like sharpness on 35mm film.Key BenefitsLegendary Color-Skopar Lens: A world-class four-element Tessar-type lens known for its exceptional sharpness, contrast, and vibrant color rendering.Large Bright-Line Viewfinder: One of the best viewfinders of its era, offering a nearly 1:1 life-size image for effortless framing and composition.Integrated Selenium Meter: Features a built-in light meter (uncoupled) that allows for easy exposure calculation without the need for external batteries.FeaturesCamera Type: 35mm Viewfinder CameraFilm Format: 35mm (Standard 135)Lens: Voigtländer Color-Skopar $50\text{mm}$ f/2.8 (Coated)Shutter: Prontor-SVS, speeds from 1s to 1/300s plus Bulb (B)Light Meter: Built-in uncoupled Selenium cell meter (dual range for high/low light)Focusing: Manual zone/scale focusing with distance scale in metersFilm Advance: Bottom-mounted rapid-winding lever—a signature Voigtländer feature for faster shootingBody: Satin chrome finish with premium black textured coveringConditionCosmetic (Rated 4/5): The camera is in excellent vintage condition. The chrome top plate is bright and remarkably clean. The leatherette is tight and shows no signs of "Zeiss bumps" or peeling.Optical: The Color-Skopar taking lens is clear and free from fungus, haze, or visible scratches. The large viewfinder is bright and provides a clear composition window.Mechanical: The shutter fires across all speeds. The film advance operates with a crisp, mechanical precision. The selenium light meter reacts to light, though its calibration has not been tested against modern digital standards.Note: This camera is sold as a high-quality collectible. While it appears fully operational, it has not been tested with film.What's IncludedVoigtländer Vito BL Camera BodyOriginal Voigtländer Brown Hard Leather Ever-Ready Case (in very good condition)Why This Product?The Vito BL is often cited as the most "complete" of the Vito series, balancing the simplicity of the Vito B with the added utility of a light meter. Its all-metal construction makes it a durable companion for street photography, while its elegant design makes it a standout piece in any collection. For those who appreciate the mechanical soul of West German photography, this Vito BL—complete with its original case—is a functional jewel that continues to capture the imagination.Keywords: Voigtländer, Vito BL, Color-Skopar, 35mm Camera, West Germany, Vintage Film, Analog Photography, Prontor Shutter, 1950s Design, Selenium Meter.

Voigtländer Vito BL - The Pinnacle of Mechanical Precision and Optical ClarityThe Voigtländer Vito BL, produced in West Germany during the mid-to-late 1950s, is a celebrated member of the illustrious Vito family. Distinguished by its built-in, uncoupled selenium light meter and its expansive, bright-line viewfinder, the "BL" model was designed for the serious amateur who demanded both high performance and a compact form factor. This camera is a masterpiece of tactile engineering; every dial, lever, and click provides the heavy, precise feedback characteristic of Voigtländer’s golden era. Equipped with the legendary Color-Skopar lens, it remains a favorite for film enthusiasts seeking a "pocketable" camera that delivers medium-format-like sharpness on 35mm film.Key BenefitsLegendary Color-Skopar Lens: A world-class four-element Tessar-type lens known for its exceptional sharpness, contrast, and vibrant color rendering.Large Bright-Line Viewfinder: One of the best viewfinders of its era, offering a nearly 1:1 life-size image for effortless framing and composition.Integrated Selenium Meter: Features a built-in light meter (uncoupled) that allows for easy exposure calculation without the need for external batteries.FeaturesCamera Type: 35mm Viewfinder CameraFilm Format: 35mm (Standard 135)Lens: Voigtländer Color-Skopar $50\text{mm}$ f/2.8 (Coated)Shutter: Prontor-SVS, speeds from 1s to 1/300s plus Bulb (B)Light Meter: Built-in uncoupled Selenium cell meter (dual range for high/low light)Focusing: Manual zone/scale focusing with distance scale in metersFilm Advance: Bottom-mounted rapid-winding lever—a signature Voigtländer feature for faster shootingBody: Satin chrome finish with premium black textured coveringConditionCosmetic (Rated 4/5): The camera is in excellent vintage condition. The chrome top plate is bright and remarkably clean. The leatherette is tight and shows no signs of "Zeiss bumps" or peeling.Optical: The Color-Skopar taking lens is clear and free from fungus, haze, or visible scratches. The large viewfinder is bright and provides a clear composition window.Mechanical: The shutter fires across all speeds. The film advance operates with a crisp, mechanical precision. The selenium light meter reacts to light, though its calibration has not been tested against modern digital standards.Note: This camera is sold as a high-quality collectible. While it appears fully operational, it has not been tested with film.What's IncludedVoigtländer Vito BL Camera BodyOriginal Voigtländer Brown Hard Leather Ever-Ready Case (in very good condition)Why This Product?The Vito BL is often cited as the most "complete" of the Vito series, balancing the simplicity of the Vito B with the added utility of a light meter. Its all-metal construction makes it a durable companion for street photography, while its elegant design makes it a standout piece in any collection. For those who appreciate the mechanical soul of West German photography, this Vito BL—complete with its original case—is a functional jewel that continues to capture the imagination.Keywords: Voigtländer, Vito BL, Color-Skopar, 35mm Camera, West Germany, Vintage Film, Analog Photography, Prontor Shutter, 1950s Design, Selenium Meter.

Details

Era
1900-2000
Brand
Voigtländer
Model/type nr
VITO BL
Physical condition
Very good
Functional condition
Tested and working
Film type
35mm
Estimated period
1960-1970
The NetherlandsVerified
190
Objects sold
96.36%
Private

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