The Vitesse and folding 35 mm rangefinder camera produced by Voigtlaender between 1950 and 1956.
was built in four later:
- 1950: with a fixed lens Ultron 50 / 2;
- 1952: changed back with completely detachable, auto-correction parallax, Synchro Compur shutter, lens Ultron 50 / 2;
- 1954: adds a selenium meter reading is not coupled with EV, and optical accessories sled Color Skopar 50 / 2.8 or Ultron 50 / 2;
- 1954: no exposure of the previous version, with optical color Skopar 50 / 3.5 or Ultron 50 / 2;
The appeal of this camera system is given by the opening of the optical plate, closed by two doors that open by pressing the shutter button, and the genius of the mechanisms.
The feed system is unique: instead of a conventional button or an uncomfortable cocking lever is an original piston "plunger" which controls the progress of the film and reset the shutter.
This is most practical and surprisingly quickly, because it is operated with the left hand with his right hand while at the same time you can control the shot.
in 1956 to counter the success of the Kodak Retina, was equipped with interchangeable lenses, no longer available but only Skopar Ultron 50 / 2,8, and lost much of its charm.
Today is sought after by collectors especially in the version with the Ultron, who is considered one of the best goals ever produced for the 35mm format.
few "fanatics" dismantle and destroy these and other optical cameras Voigtlaender wonderful to apply them to their Leica as the surrender of this lens is superior to that of 50 mm of Wetzlar.
The name "Vitessa" was taken after a series of compact cameras, conventional and rather modest, with cartridge 126 produced in the late '60s.
features model Vitessa L "1954: Folding
35 mm rangefinder coupled
Galilean viewfinder with automatic parallax correction
film advance mechanism and resetting by piston
Lens: Ultron 50 / 2
Shutter: Synchro Compur
Times 1 "to 1 / 500 B + M
Synchro, Self Timer X
Aperture f / 2 f/22
coupling times / Baffles EV system from EV2 to EV18
Uncoupled selenium meter
sensitivity from 6 to 200 ASA
Frame counter reset to manual
Size:
Closed:
Length 142 mm, height 85.5 mm, 43 mm depth
Open:
Length 142 mm, height 111 mm, depth 74 mm
The camera that I received describe in disastrous conditions.
was for a long time in a humid place, had several rusted parts inside, the external layers partially detached and damaged, the meter was not working and the shutter was jammed.
But the goal, the renowned Ultron 50 / 2, was in excellent condition, no scratches nor mildew. Also
shutter mechanisms, jammed by the long inactivity, were fortunately free of rust.
The chrome was all in all in excellent condition, with only a few flowers on the top cap.
The rangefinder was shabby, with a mirror off.
currency that was worth the trouble to buy it anyway and proceed with a radical restoration.
The restoration had to pass through a total dismantling of the camera and a thorough cleaning, lubrication and adjustment mechanisms.
In a short time the camera is almost completely dismantled and the parts are aligned on the table.
Dismantling fortunately shows that the internal parts are only eroded by rust.
The pad is in poor condition.
The rust did not compromise the components and springs, but will require a painstaking cleanup.
The bent tube that is visible in the upper right corner contains the command transmission to unlock the doors.
To minimize the friction transmission is implemented by means of steel balls 1.58 mm in diameter that run inside the tube.
The rangefinder is pretty shabby.
The small mirror that opens the image to the viewfinder is off, you need to paste it again and proceed to complete realignment. The back is back again after the thorough cleaning.
tube is inserted in the piston controlled by the shutter button and on it is screwed to the rack that controls the shutter.
At the time of installation will also need to calibrate the position of the rack. The assembly of the doors, the optical plate and the pantograph is a mechanical masterpiece.
must perform several functions:
- keep the plane perfectly parallel with the lens focal plane;
- must move along the axis of the lens to allow focusing;
- must close to protect the optics.
E 'achieved without saving materials with high strength steel and chromed to perfection.
E 'mounted on three springs that guarantee the absence of games. 
The camera consists of four subsets:
- The cover, made from the shell and back, steel sheet assembled with extensive use of brazing with brass, chrome and satin
- The body of die aluminum;
- The group optical port;
- The Breech block - goal.
the loading mechanism is very complex. A long piston descends on a long-pitch propeller along and transforms the motion of rotating parts which, through appropriate gear is transmitted to the spool of film advance. The shutter
reset mechanism is actuated by a series of delays related to the piston.
The many parts that compose it are realized with extreme care, in particular the elements of the plunger are made of hardened steel and polished to minimize friction.
course it is necessary to lubricate everything carefully before proceeding with the installation.
The bottom is ready to be mounted on the body, and the group is in its optical port.
Once the assembly controlling the operation of the arrangements and you can proceed with the optical unit.
The bellows is visible all'interrno body will be set along the optic.
course, the bolt assembly - optics was carefully dismantled, the Compur degreased thoroughly, lubricated and calibrated, and Ultron clean from dust and dirt on the lens surface.
A detail of the optical unit. Note the socket for flash sync, whose contact is shown through the top plate of the lens holder.
After recording the reset mechanism and the shooting is also possible to fix the bellows.
Now you can proceed with the installation of the unit.
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