Mr Voigtlander Vito BL
I say Mr out of respect because he’s damn old.. Well compared to my other cameras anyway.
I have yet another camera, and yes its a rangefinder (well it technically isnt exactly a rangefinder, but close enough). My newest acquisition is a Voigtlander Vito BL which is a terrific little thing. They’re quite an underrated camera, but everyone who has owned/used one seems to speak very highly of them. I mean, by today’s standards their operation is quite archaic, and it isn’t packed with any fancy features, but it still has alot going for it. First of all it has a very capable 50mm f/2.8 lens that produces some very distinct and impressive results. Secondly it’s compact, smaller than most of my 70′s rangefinders. Then it has the bonus of not needing batteries as it comes with a selenium light meter. Oh and last but not least, its looks damn good, i’ve already got comments about it and i’ve owned it less than a week.
Its been hard finding specific information about this camera, but there were several models in the Vito series. The BL began construction in 1956 and was based of a previous B model but came with the addition of a Bewi-Automatic Light Meter. Operating the light meter definitely isn’t simple, you need to dial in certain settings then hold down the light meter button to take a reading. If you wanted to take pictures in a hurry using the onboard light meter you’d be in for bit of a challenge. Everything else operates quite simple though, loading film is done like normal, focusing and aperture/shutter speed selections are all on the lens barrel. The ergonomics of the camera just seem so good. Its compact in width, but relatively high which means your hands can grip the camera body easily and the shutter button seems to be perfectly under your index finger without having to search for it. The film advance lever is also great as its mostly recessed into the camera body except for the end which sticks out enough for your thumb to grip easily to advance the film. It all just look so neat and well designed and would put many modern cameras to shame.
I picked this camera up for literally pocket change and it came with the original leather case, instructions, and what i eventually discovered as a plastic incident light attachment cover for the light meter, i’m sure many have been lost over the years. I was surprised that the camera not only looked close to perfect, but appears to be working perfectly too. I was all prepared to go in and start taking apart the shutter etc but everything works wonderful.
I love cameras like this, small, unassuming, and still functional even after 50 years. I wonder how many consumer goods coming out now will be as useful in 50 years time as this little camera is.
Below are a few pictures of the little beast. I still havent cleaned it yet, but you can see the great conditon it’s in.
16 Responses to “Mr Voigtlander Vito BL”
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I am seriously thinking of buying one of these cameras, but I am puzzled by the wheel tucked under lens in the base of the body. Might inquire as to its function?
Hi Gene. If you like small, manual, quality cameras then you should definately check one of these little guys out. It’ll make you work a little harder for the photo than some other cameras, but they’re fun to operate in my opinion
That little “wheel” underneath is called a “film counter setting” according to the manual. What you do is set it when you put a roll of film in and it automatically counts down the number of shots left. For instance if you have a 24 roll in there you set it to 24, or if you have a 36 roll you set it to 36.
Pretty nifty
What a beauty! I love these cameras from the 1950s that look and function so well even after so many years. I have a Vito BL too, but I haven’t been able to put any film through it yet. I plan to do so soon.
Have you made any photographs with your camera? I would love to see them.
Hi Sanjay, glad you like these cameras, nice arent they.
I havent taken any photos with mine. I’ve actually loaded it with film twice though, ready to try it out, but have changed cameras at the last minute. So it just sits there, staring at me, asking when i’ll take it out to shoot.. One day.. One day
Hello Arran– I have a Vito B and a BL and I think they are great cameras, beautifully made. I am a long time 35mm user and can’t seem to put them down. They have a wonderful feel and weight in a compact package. Regarding the film counter wheel, it’s my understanding that when loading film the wheel should be set at two exposures beyond the film being used so that when the camera back is closed the film advance can be cranked two times, ensuring that your first shot will be on unexposed film.It’s worked for me so far. These cameras are fun to use and force you to think about composition and exposure, the way I learned in the old days.
I acquired this one at a garage sale. The lady told me that the shutter was stuck. Actually, the first thing I noticed was only one of the rivets on the back of the case was a snap, so I managed to damage the case right off. Oh, well. The little camera looks brand new. But like she said, the shutter is stuck and I’m having a little problem finding someone to work on it. I am president of the unofficial club “more cameras than I will use in 5 lifetimes”. Seriously, I do enjoy showing up at places with a camera that was manufactured before most of the people were born. I enjoy using the older cameras as they are our history. I seriously don’t think that a person can understand photography without first learning the basics of exposure and what better way than by a manual exposure camera? Any information would be appreciated, especially on how to use the light meter.
Boy, do I feel stupid? I put film in the camera and the shutter worked flawlessly. I took some shots this afternoon and will finish a roll tomorrow. I would like to experiment with the flash, too.
haha, well its good to hear that it works
Let us know how the photos come out.
Have fun!
Hello, i found this camera in my house and it used to be from my mother, but i dont really know how to use it, i dont even know if it works or how to put on the film right on so please any information will be good. How to take pictures, how to put the film on and everything, i really wanna know if it works and if it does how to use it, thanks!
the shutter on mine still doesnt work even with film in the camera!? what am i doing wrong?!
In reply to Chuck Moore–I am a fan and collector of these great cameras. I have two BL’s and depending on which meter you have the process is a little different. If you have the round dial Bewi meter ( top right), first set the ASA,DIN to match the red dot. Then aim the camera at the subject and remove the plastic meter cover, if present, and depress and hold the button behind the dial for about 2 secs. If working you will get a reading at the bottom of the dial for Aperture/Shutter speed and also EV scale reading ( in red number). Simply set your lens to the corresponding reading and fire away. If you have the model with the flat EV readout ( top right), turn the small knob behind the scale until it matches the ASA/DIN of the film you are using. Aim at the subject and the meter needle will stop at an EV number. Match this number on the lens with the red triangle and begin shooting.You still have to select a shutter speed but from this point the shutter and aperture are coupled. Of course these meters are 40+ years old and probably at least a little off but I have had very good results using a combination of meter reading and Sunny/16 method. Good luck.
i just bought that camera for a nice prize… i’m lerning who to use it.. take care
I am in the process of selling my house and am finding lots of things that I had forgotten about….. Am now sitting here with my Vito BL in its original box that has printed on it …Voightlander 1756 – l956… Included in the box is the ‘instructions for use’ manual. I purchased this camera in 1957 when I was in the Navy. Took lots of pictures (mostly slides) with it while in the navy but did not use it much after…Have not used it in at least 40 years.. In great shape (even better than I am) including the box…I have thought about getting some film and trying but probably won’t..Very intresting reading what you all have to say about it…
Hi Arran (is that Scottish?),
Better late than never.. I have one of these, still in near mint condition, with the brown leather case. The Color-Skopar lens is great (also have the 80mm C-S on a Perkeo III). Must put a film through it again – the colours were first class, particularly using Kodachrome (sadly gone) or Velvia. Must be equivalent to 30 Mp at least! Digital never quite makes the grade compared with the satin saturation of film..
Well photographed, too.
Thanks for allof your comments everyone. It’s nice to hear other people discovering the little Vito BL aswell.
barb, there should be instructions/users manual on the internet somewhere for this camera. I’ll also be uploading one soon hopefully (when I find some time). The manual should help you with all of your questions if you havent figured out the answers already.
kd, i’m not too sure what the problem could be, have you read Dan’s post? If all else fails, you should try and find a users manual to make sure you havent forgotten to do something.
Dan, thanks for the very usefull post there. You have far more experience with these cameras than I do. Your help is appreciated.
hans, hope you get some nice shots with it!
Glen, it’s good to hear about your experiences with your camera. I wonder what other little photographic gems do you have in your house. Promise me you wont sell it though!
Donald, yes my parents got the spelling for my first name from the Scottish Island. I’m impressed you picked that up! Hope you get some nice results with your Vito. I wish I could of experienced the era when Kodachrome was in it’s prime. There doesnt seem to be anything else like it. Have you thought of picking up some old rolls of it and shooting them? Cheers
Hi Arran,
Glad I did get it right! Afterwards, I noted your surname and thought I may have been off beam, lol. A fine island and a fine name.
Not sure if I could get any old Kodachrome in this part of the world now.
It has a very simple structure which ensures a long archival life after processing, unlike the E-6 Agfachrome etc.
I’m sure anyone used to looking through digicam viewfinders would get a huge surprise looking through the Vito viewfinder. Bright!
I’ll keep an eye on the site,
Cheers,
Donald.