1938 Voigtlander Brillant 6x6 TLR, CLA'd, Freshly Serviced!

Cleaned, Lubricated & Adjusted. Ready for immediate use!

This is a Voigtlander Brillant TLR is from circa 1938. This particular version is a follow up to the original Brillant which was introduced in 1932. The new model was introduced in 1938 featured a number of new features such as the gear driven lens focus and a viewing hood with an optical viewfinder built into it. 

Produced during the 1930’s Great Depression, it was a simpler camera that the higher end offerings from Voigtlander but despite that, the Brillant was an excellent design and had features that significantly increased its performance compared to other cameras in this segment. These features still apply today, making it a very enjoyable camera to use.

To make it easier and more convenient to use, the Brillant featured an auto-stop wind knob and a film frame counter on the side of the camera,  so no need use a red window to keep track of your exposures. In use just push a lever  turn the wind knob until it locks and you're on the next frame of film. To increase the performance of this camera it’s also equipped with a quality Compur shutter and an excellent lens.

Some 82 years after it was produced, this Voigtlander is in excellent condition. In case you’re wondering, it uses 120 roll film which is of course still widely available. So, if you’ve been looking for a reliable prewar camera to work with, without breaking the bank, you’ve just found it. It’s a lovely little camera and enjoyable to use.

This camera has been carefully cleaned, lubricated and adjusted. The quality Compur shutter works well and all speeds (T, B, & 1 Sec-1/300^th) are appropriate. The slow speeds buzz along nicely and the faster ones are clean and snappy.

The f3.5/75mm Voigtlander Voigtar lens is a classic three element design based on the classic Cooke triplet. A design that’s very popular lens because of the lovely sharpness, rendering and bokeh. The lens is very clean and clear. There are no scratches, just a couple of very minor cleaning wisps. No haze, crystallization, separated elements or other problems and it’s capable of producing lovely photos with modern color and B&W films.

All in all, an enjoyable classic camera. The perfect camera for photographers with a historical interest. (Also an excellent choice for WWII reenactors.) Load it with your favorite film and keep it handy for that perfect shot you’ve been looking for. You know the one... the one with the perfect Ansel Adams light breaking through the dark storm clouds that leaves you wishing you had a classic camera with you.

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