How to Use a Voigtlander Camera
The German-made Voigtlander camera is the grandfather of most cameras on the market today. Founded by Johan Voigtlander as a lens company in Vienna in 1756, the first daguerreotype all-metal camera was introduced in 1841. From the mid 1920s to the mid 1950s, Voigtlander cameras were the market leader and still command high prices today, even for used models. The company sold the rights to the name Voigtlander in 1999 to a company named Cosina who now uses the name for their own products.
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Instructions
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Download the manual for the Voigtlander model that you have (see link in Resources). Once you have the manual, take a few moments to familiarize yourself with the various knobs, buttons and options on your Voigtlander. Older Voigtlander are not point-and-shoot cameras. F-stops, the aperture ring and focus all have to be set manually. On some models, the film has to be advanced and rewound manually, also.
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Purchase 35mm film. Some models made after WWII can utilize color as well as black and white film. While you can still find 35mm film at your local super center, unless you plan to develop this film yourself, you will need to locate a retailer that will develop the film for you. In many locations, photo development from film can only be found at camera shops. In some cases, the film may be sent out to labs in other cities and it may take a few days to receive your photograph prints.
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Load the film into the camera. This is accomplished by dropping the film cartridge into the empty cavity inside the camera and pulling the film to the other side. Fold over the edge of the film and hook it into the slot of the empty spool on the opposite side. Close the camera and use the film advance lever to advance the film to the first photo position.
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Set your shutter speed. Use "1/16" speed as a place to start. This can be set on the adjustable lens ring closest to the camera.
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Set the next ring, the aperture ring, to "4." This is the best setting for a beginner to start as it allows full use of natural daylight.
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Set the focus by looking through the viewfinder and turning the focus knob until the double lines of the rangefinder fuse together. You are now ready to take pictures.
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Tips & Warnings
The Voigtlander camera is heavy by today's standards. It is advisable to use both hands, one on each side of the camera, when taking pictures. To help steady the camera, press the top portion of the camera against your forehead as this will reduce any camera shake. As you gain experience with your Voigtlander, do not be afraid to experiment with shutter speeds, F-stops and other features of the camera. Be on the lookout for filters, extra lenses, light meters, flash shoes and other extra equipment designed and developed for your model of Voigtlander. Occasionally you can also find these items at garage sales, thrift shops and flea markets.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit KYares
