Voigtländer Perkeo 3x4 Analogue folding camera
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The Voigtländer Perkeo 3×4 is a tested and working folding camera for 127 film, fitted with an Anastigmat-Skopar 55 mm f/4.5 lens and a mechanical Embezet shutter.
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Voigtländer Perkeo 3×4 – Anastigmat-Skopar 55mm f/4.5 – Embezet shutter – Germany – circa 1930
Special and compact Voigtländer Perkeo 3×4 dialog camera from the early 1930s, equipped with a Voigtländer Anastigmat-Skopar 55mm f/4.5 lens and a mechanical Embezet shutter. A fine example of German precision engineering and innovative camera construction from the interwar period.
History
Voigtländer is among the oldest and most renowned names in the photographic industry. The company was founded in 1756 and developed in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries into an important producer of high-quality cameras and lenses.
The original Voigtländer Perkeo appeared around 1930 and was designed as a particularly compact 35mm-roll film camera. Thanks to the small 3×4 cm format, no fewer than 16 pictures could be taken on one roll of 127 film. This early Perkeo should not be confused with the later, better-known Perkeo I and II from the 1950s.
Technical features
- Manufacturer: Voigtländer, Braunschweig, Germany
- Model: Perkeo 3×4
- Production period: Circa 1930–1935
- Type: Foldable bellows camera
- Lens: Voigtländer Anastigmat-Skopar
- Focal length: 55 mm (5.5 cm)
- Maximum aperture: f/4.5
- Lens serial number: 800248
- Shutter: Mechanical Embezet shutter
- Shutter speeds: 1/25, 1/50 and 1/100 second, B and T
- Film type: 127 roll film
- Negative format: 3×4 cm
- Number of exposures: 16 per film
- Focusing: Mechanical distance setting
- Viewfinder: Built-in optical viewfinder
Special features
One of the most notable features of this Perkeo is the ingenious focus mechanism. The distance can be set while the camera is still closed. When opening, the lens stand is automatically moved to the corresponding position.
This was, for its time, a remarkable technical solution, significantly improving the ease of use of a compact bellows camera for Voigtländer.
The camera is equipped with a Voigtländer Anastigmat-Skopar f/4.5 lens, a solid four-element optical construction.
Also notable is the original brass depth-of-field table on the top of the camera. This beautifully engraved table helped the photographer determine depth of field for different distances and aperture settings.
The combination of the black covering, the chromed adjustment knobs, and the compact folding construction gives the camera its characteristic look.
Condition and operation
The camera is in authentic vintage condition with visible signs of use and aging appropriate for its approx. 90-year age.
The black covering shows localized wear and discoloration. Some oxidation and signs of use are visible on the metal parts. The original brass depth-of-field table is present and shows aging patina.
The bellows look complete and the camera can be opened and closed.
The mechanical Embezet shutter functions and the shutter speeds sound correct by ear. The accuracy of the shutter speeds has not been checked with measuring equipment.
The self-timer does not work.
The light-tightness of the bellows and the photographic performance with film have not been tested. For actual photographic use, maintenance or inspection may be necessary.
For collectors
This early Voigtländer Perkeo is an interesting collectible for enthusiasts of historical German cameras, compact bellows cameras, and classic fine mechanics.
In particular, the special focusing mechanism, the Anastigmat-Skopar lens, and the original brass depth-of-field table make this specimen appealing.
A camera from the early period of modern small-format photography, which makes a nice addition to a collection of historical photographic equipment.
Photos are part of this auction and provide a good impression of the camera's cosmetic condition and construction.
The camera will be carefully packaged and shipped.
Voigtländer Perkeo 3×4 – Anastigmat-Skopar 55mm f/4.5 – Embezet shutter – Germany – circa 1930
Special and compact Voigtländer Perkeo 3×4 dialog camera from the early 1930s, equipped with a Voigtländer Anastigmat-Skopar 55mm f/4.5 lens and a mechanical Embezet shutter. A fine example of German precision engineering and innovative camera construction from the interwar period.
History
Voigtländer is among the oldest and most renowned names in the photographic industry. The company was founded in 1756 and developed in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries into an important producer of high-quality cameras and lenses.
The original Voigtländer Perkeo appeared around 1930 and was designed as a particularly compact 35mm-roll film camera. Thanks to the small 3×4 cm format, no fewer than 16 pictures could be taken on one roll of 127 film. This early Perkeo should not be confused with the later, better-known Perkeo I and II from the 1950s.
Technical features
- Manufacturer: Voigtländer, Braunschweig, Germany
- Model: Perkeo 3×4
- Production period: Circa 1930–1935
- Type: Foldable bellows camera
- Lens: Voigtländer Anastigmat-Skopar
- Focal length: 55 mm (5.5 cm)
- Maximum aperture: f/4.5
- Lens serial number: 800248
- Shutter: Mechanical Embezet shutter
- Shutter speeds: 1/25, 1/50 and 1/100 second, B and T
- Film type: 127 roll film
- Negative format: 3×4 cm
- Number of exposures: 16 per film
- Focusing: Mechanical distance setting
- Viewfinder: Built-in optical viewfinder
Special features
One of the most notable features of this Perkeo is the ingenious focus mechanism. The distance can be set while the camera is still closed. When opening, the lens stand is automatically moved to the corresponding position.
This was, for its time, a remarkable technical solution, significantly improving the ease of use of a compact bellows camera for Voigtländer.
The camera is equipped with a Voigtländer Anastigmat-Skopar f/4.5 lens, a solid four-element optical construction.
Also notable is the original brass depth-of-field table on the top of the camera. This beautifully engraved table helped the photographer determine depth of field for different distances and aperture settings.
The combination of the black covering, the chromed adjustment knobs, and the compact folding construction gives the camera its characteristic look.
Condition and operation
The camera is in authentic vintage condition with visible signs of use and aging appropriate for its approx. 90-year age.
The black covering shows localized wear and discoloration. Some oxidation and signs of use are visible on the metal parts. The original brass depth-of-field table is present and shows aging patina.
The bellows look complete and the camera can be opened and closed.
The mechanical Embezet shutter functions and the shutter speeds sound correct by ear. The accuracy of the shutter speeds has not been checked with measuring equipment.
The self-timer does not work.
The light-tightness of the bellows and the photographic performance with film have not been tested. For actual photographic use, maintenance or inspection may be necessary.
For collectors
This early Voigtländer Perkeo is an interesting collectible for enthusiasts of historical German cameras, compact bellows cameras, and classic fine mechanics.
In particular, the special focusing mechanism, the Anastigmat-Skopar lens, and the original brass depth-of-field table make this specimen appealing.
A camera from the early period of modern small-format photography, which makes a nice addition to a collection of historical photographic equipment.
Photos are part of this auction and provide a good impression of the camera's cosmetic condition and construction.
The camera will be carefully packaged and shipped.
Details
Era
1900-2000
Brand
Voigtländer
Model/type nr
Perkeo 3x4
Physical condition
Fair
Functional condition
Tested and working
Film type
127
Estimated period
1930-1940
