Voigtlander
1938 Voigtlander Brillant 6x6 TLR, CLA'd, Freshly Serviced!
Cleaned, Lubricated & Adjusted. Ready for immediate use!
This is a prewar Voigtlander Brillant TLR. This original version was produced in Germany from 1932 to approximately 1938 during the 1930’s Great Depression. Compared to the higher end offerings from Voigtlander the Brillant was a modest camera intended for buyers on a budget. Despite that, the Brillant was an excellent design and had features that significantly increased its performance compared to other cameras in this segment.
To make it easier and more convenient to use, the Brillant features a special film frame counter on the side of the camera. (This eliminates the need to look at exposure numbers through a red counter window.) To increase the performance of the camera itself, it’s equipped with a high quality Compur shutter and an excellent 75mm Skopar lens which is nearly identical in design and performance to the Carl Zeiss Tessar. And because of this it can produce images that are very similar to the much more expensive Rolleiflex of the same era.
The lens serial number (which is visible inside the camera) indicates that it was produced in 1938. Some 82 years after it was produced, this Voigtlander is still in excellent condition and ready to be used. And in case you’re wondering, it uses 120 roll film which is of course still readily available. So, if you’ve been looking for a reliable vintage camera to work with, without breaking the bank, you’ve just found it. It’s a lovely little camera that’s very 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-1/300th) are appropriate. The slow speeds buzz along nicely and the faster ones are clean and snappy.
The Voigtlander Skopar 4.5/7,5 cm (75mm) lens is in exceptionally fine condition. The Skopar is a classic design with four elements in three groups. This lens looks virtually like new. It’s very clean and clear. There are no separated elements, crystallization or other defects. There are no scratches, no cleaning marks and it’s capable of producing lovely photos with modern color or 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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