The camera I always promised myself

[Derek Smith]

I mentioned to my eldest that way back when I was a kid, I'd saved up for months to buy a particular camera, the one below, but when I actually had enough, my taste changed to a twin lens reflex, although I always wished I'd had the Vito B, if only for a while.

Fast forward to yesterday and my lad gave me not only a pristine Vito B, but one with the f2.8 lens and the enlarged viewfinder. On top of that, there was an ever-ready case - immaculate - and, the cherry on top, a rangefinder. Plus the box it came in, complete with printed, yes printed, manual.



My first thought was how small it was. Second, how heavy; really solidly built.

It took me right back to when I was a kid. It handled just as I expected it to, with a certain reassuring solid feel. The viewfinder was pleasantly light, although the rangefinder was remarkably dingy.

A real treat, all the better for being unexpected.

Now where can I find some of that new-fangled FP3.

[DibblyDobbler]

Nice! Be interested to see what you can get with it

[Derek Smith]

One of the advertised advantages of the BL (Mk II nowadays) viewfinder was 1:1, which means I can keep both eyes open.

I've got an exposure metre app on my phone but using it betrays the Vito. I'll buy the exposure metre I always promised myself - the Weston Master V. I helped a friend who was a wedding photographer and he looked the part with the Weston around his neck. But it was too pricey back then and I'd just invented sex. It took precedence.

I'm having fun with the camera. Nostalgia's great. I'll save up for a colour print film. The prices! No wonder digital caught on.

[DibblyDobbler]

Good to hear you have your priorities right

[Simpo Two]

Derek Smith said:

I'll save up for a colour print film. The prices! No wonder digital caught on.

To be fair, when everyone used film, film and processing was much cheaper because companies were geared up for it. Now it's a niche specialist thing.

[bristolracer]

Here is mine (It was my Dads)
He used to use slide film Kodak and then Agfa which he posted when we were on holiday from anywhere in Europe. Brilliant picture quality. I think he bought it second hand as they were expensive back in the day.

[numtumfutunch]

Disappointing

I had hoped this was a Capri appreciation thread

If you know, you know

[Zad]

Noice!

I learned photography on a Voigtlander Vito-B, which my dad had bought for himself back in the day. Normal size viewfinder though. Probably Ilford film, I remember us processing it and printing it. It was a fantastic way to learn about photography. REALLY satisfying.

Have fun!