Voigtlander Vitomatic II and Vitomatic IIa cameras.
- Kamera Ostalgie
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
Based on the very popular Voigtlander Vito B the Vitomatic II and IIa gave the Vito B an automatic exposure capability which was becoming popular at the time, plus a coupled rangefinder which was a big plus.
The Vitomatic II appeared on the market around 1958. The IIa a couple of years later in 1960. They are taller and heavier than the Vito B, the extra bulk spoiling the B's lines to a degree, but with that in mind you got automatic and rangefinder capabilities, so it was not all bad! It is still a nice looking, superbly made quality camera, but to my mind the original B had the better lines!
If you don't mind the extra bulk, then you get a great deal more in terms of specification for that little extra in bulk.
The finish, that lovely satin chrome, the quality feel the camera gives you is just as good as the original Vito B.
Of course all this comes in one of those superb Voigtlander leather cases the quality of which is second to none.
So then, what is the difference between the II and the IIa ? Very little really, you can see the light meter details through the viewfinder and on the camera top in the IIa as opposed to just on the top plate on the earlier II. The shutter speeds are slightly different, the II has speeds of B, 1, 2, 4, 8, 15, 30, 60, 125 and 300. While the IIa has speeds of B, 1, 2, 4, 8, 30, 60, 125, 250, 500. The II weighs in at 750g as does the IIa.
Just as a point of interest, the original B weighs in at 547g.
Lets compare the three!
So we can see that the Vitomatics gain a bit of height over the original Vito, but the viewfinder is bigger and brighter and you have a rangefinder and a lightmeter!
Lets have a look how the Vitomatics were advertised when they were new.
Maybe not the best place to put your new Vitomatic with all that sand and salt spray!
Just like the Vito B, film loading is very easy with the opening back and door. These Vito B based cameras must be one of the best cameras for ease of loading film.
So, there we have it, a quick run down on the Voigtlander Vitomatic II and IIa from 1958 to around 1964. Both well made quality cameras, great engineering, superb finish and a cracking lens, what more can you ask for in a vintage camera. Even today they are very useable and current prices won't break the bank either if you are fancying one.
Take care,
Phil
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