Voigtländer Perkeo I Analogue camera

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Description from the seller

Introduced by the esteemed German manufacturer Voigtländer in the early 1950s, the Perkeo I is a remarkably compact medium format folding camera. True to its name, which translates from German lore to mean pygmy or dwarf, the Perkeo I was engineered to deliver large 6x6cm negatives on 120 roll film while remaining small enough to slip effortlessly into a jacket pocket. Highly regarded for its exceptional mechanical build, elegant self-erecting bellows system, and classic post-war minimalism, this camera represents the pinnacle of compact German medium format design and remains a favorite among vintage analog enthusiasts.

KEY FEATURES

Exceptionally compact folding chassis designed for pocketable medium format photography

Self-erecting folding mechanism that deploys the lens barrel seamlessly when opened

Traditional red window frame-counting system on the back cover for manual film tracking

Premium all-metal construction with elegant black leatherette and chrome accents

Built-in multiple exposure prevention interlock system coupled with the top plate indicator

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Camera Type: Medium Format (120 Roll Film) Viewfinder Folding Camera

Lens: Voigtländer Vaskar 80mm f/4.5 coated triplet lens

Shutter Speeds: Pronto leaf shutter with speeds ranging from 1/25th to 1/200th second plus Bulb (B)

Serial Number: Lens and shutter unit markings visible on the front and side retaining collars

CONDITION REPORT

Cosmetic: Very good vintage condition with minor signs of prior use. The chrome finish and leatherette cladding are largely intact, displaying only light age-related patina. Bellows are structurally sound and appear light-tight upon visual inspection.

Optics: The Vaskar 80mm lens is clear with minimal internal dust and no major scratches or deep fungus, typical for a well-maintained camera of this vintage. Viewfinder shows standard age-related dust but remains fully usable.

Mechanics: The folding mechanism deploys smoothly and locks securely into place. The shutter cocks and fires on various settings, though exact speed accuracy has not been electronically timed.

Test status: This camera is being sold as a vintage collector's piece and has not been fully tested with film for precise mechanical calibration or chemical development.

WHATS INCLUDED

Voigtländer Perkeo I medium format folding camera

Internal take-up spool for 120 film

WHY BUY THIS ITEM

The Voigtländer Perkeo I is the ultimate pocket-sized entry into 6x6 medium format photography, offering classic German engineering and an incredibly satisfying, tactile shooting workflow.

KEYWORDS

Voigtlander, Perkeo I, Vaskar, Folding Camera, Medium Format, 120 Film, 6x6, Vintage Camera, German Engineering, Retro Photography, Analog Collector, Bellows Camera

Introduced by the esteemed German manufacturer Voigtländer in the early 1950s, the Perkeo I is a remarkably compact medium format folding camera. True to its name, which translates from German lore to mean pygmy or dwarf, the Perkeo I was engineered to deliver large 6x6cm negatives on 120 roll film while remaining small enough to slip effortlessly into a jacket pocket. Highly regarded for its exceptional mechanical build, elegant self-erecting bellows system, and classic post-war minimalism, this camera represents the pinnacle of compact German medium format design and remains a favorite among vintage analog enthusiasts.

KEY FEATURES

Exceptionally compact folding chassis designed for pocketable medium format photography

Self-erecting folding mechanism that deploys the lens barrel seamlessly when opened

Traditional red window frame-counting system on the back cover for manual film tracking

Premium all-metal construction with elegant black leatherette and chrome accents

Built-in multiple exposure prevention interlock system coupled with the top plate indicator

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Camera Type: Medium Format (120 Roll Film) Viewfinder Folding Camera

Lens: Voigtländer Vaskar 80mm f/4.5 coated triplet lens

Shutter Speeds: Pronto leaf shutter with speeds ranging from 1/25th to 1/200th second plus Bulb (B)

Serial Number: Lens and shutter unit markings visible on the front and side retaining collars

CONDITION REPORT

Cosmetic: Very good vintage condition with minor signs of prior use. The chrome finish and leatherette cladding are largely intact, displaying only light age-related patina. Bellows are structurally sound and appear light-tight upon visual inspection.

Optics: The Vaskar 80mm lens is clear with minimal internal dust and no major scratches or deep fungus, typical for a well-maintained camera of this vintage. Viewfinder shows standard age-related dust but remains fully usable.

Mechanics: The folding mechanism deploys smoothly and locks securely into place. The shutter cocks and fires on various settings, though exact speed accuracy has not been electronically timed.

Test status: This camera is being sold as a vintage collector's piece and has not been fully tested with film for precise mechanical calibration or chemical development.

WHATS INCLUDED

Voigtländer Perkeo I medium format folding camera

Internal take-up spool for 120 film

WHY BUY THIS ITEM

The Voigtländer Perkeo I is the ultimate pocket-sized entry into 6x6 medium format photography, offering classic German engineering and an incredibly satisfying, tactile shooting workflow.

KEYWORDS

Voigtlander, Perkeo I, Vaskar, Folding Camera, Medium Format, 120 Film, 6x6, Vintage Camera, German Engineering, Retro Photography, Analog Collector, Bellows Camera

Details

Era
1900-2000
Brand
Voigtländer
Model/type nr
Perkeo I
Physical condition
Very good
Functional condition
Tested and working
Film type
35mm
Estimated period
1950-1960
The NetherlandsVerified
278
Objects sold
95.95%
Private

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