Classic film cameras from a company founded in 1756 – 70 years before photography was even invented!
John Wade looks at a name from the past that is classic, collectable and still very usable The post Classic film cameras from a company founded in 1756 – 70 years before photography was even invented! appeared first on Amateur Photographer .
Voigtländer, a distinguished name in German camera manufacturing, traces its roots back to 1756 when it initially established itself as a manufacturer of scientific instruments. Transitioning to lens production for optical products, the company played a pivotal role in the history of photography.
In 1840, Voigtländer collaborated with mathematician Josef Petzal to create the first mathematically computed lens with an impressive f/3.7 aperture. This innovation led to the production of Voigtländer's first camera in 1841, specifically designed for the daguerreotype process. Over the subsequent years, the company produced hundreds of cameras, each presenting multiple variations, which continue to capture the interest of collectors and classic camera enthusiasts alike.
Among Voigtländer's impressive lineup of cameras, the Bijou stands out as one of the earliest miniature single-lens reflexes (SLRs). Developed in the 1900s when cameras were generally large, the Bijou's sleek design featured a box-like shape that tapered towards the front, and it housed a 6×4.5cm plate. Renowned for its 10cm f/4.5 Heliar lens, the Bijou revolutionized the SLR camera landscape.
The Stereflektascop, launched between 1914 and 1937, was a stereo camera that utilized twin Heliar taking lenses positioned on either side of a central Heliar viewing lens. The design enabled accurate focusing through a focusing knob, while the shutter speeds ranged from 1 to 1/250 seconds. With lenses ranging from 60mm to 75mm and f/4.5 apertures, this stereo camera came in two sizes – 45x107mm and 6x13cm – both equipped with a complex plate-changing magazine attached to the back of the body.
Another noteworthy model, the Bessa, introduced in 1929, marked a significant advancement in camera design with its self-erecting folding mechanism. The 1929 version featured an 11cm f/4.5 lens and a Compur shutter speeded at 1/250 seconds. A standout feature was its innovative shutter release, which unfolded from the camera's bed when unfolded, making it easier to operate from the rear.
The Bessa was further refined in 1935, becoming the Bessa II. Equipped with the Apo Lanthar lens, the Bessa II remained the most sought-after model, often fetching high prices at auctions due to its value and rarity.
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