1935 Voigtlander Prominent

This is a rare, legendary camera and we’re pleased to be able to share it with you in our gallery. This is the prewar Voigtlander Prominent which was produced in Germany between 1932 thru 1935. Evidence indicates that only 4000 cameras were ever produced. The limited production run and low survival rate after more than 80 years makes this a very rare, very difficult camera to find in any condition. As a result, the odds of finding an excellent, fully functional example is low indeed. Which is a shame, because the Prominent represented a serious attempt to create the world’s finest folding camera utilizing the most advanced cutting edge techniques, materials and designs of the 1930’s. The result was magnificent. It featured a die cast alloy chassis, a coupled rangefinder, a built in optical light meter, top of the line shutter and a beautiful Voigtlander lens all wrapped up in a stunning design. The result was a landmark design of unrivaled proportions. It’s distinctive  Flash Gordon look captured an era and its love of science and its faith in precision mechanic. For this reason alone it deserves to be in  an art museum along with the other giant of the early 1930’s, the Zeiss Ikon Contax I.

These photos were taken with this 1935 Prominent which we had the pleasure of having in our shop. The owner hails from New York and it is part of his private collection. As is often the case, he was kind enough to share his photos with us.  These photos were taken in New York on grainy B&W film to emulate the look of 1930’s film. Copyright 2017 Ray Vickers. All rights reserved.